2010 Area Farmer's Markets

Ludington: Fridays 3-8pm, James Street Plaza, May 7-Oct. 1.
Scottville: Saturdays 9am-1pm, West Shore Bank parking lot. May 8-Oct. 9.
Pentwater: Mondays & Thursdays, 10am-2pm, Village Green. June 7-Sept. 30.
Hart: Tuesdays, 10am-2pm, Oceana County Council on Aging. June 8-Sept. 28.

One of the best things about West Michigan is the fresh goodness of locally grown fruits and vegetables. Various farm markets around the region offer a bounty of the best-tasting produce around.

Asparagus starts the season in the spring, with Michigan being the third largest producer in the nation. Oceana County is actually known as the "Asparagus Capital of the World," due to its high production of this healthy crop.

Also in the spring comes the maple syrup, a true American sweetener. Here in Mason County, Kistlercrest Farm on Old PM Highway produces about 1,200 gallons of syrup every year. The real thing is thinner than the brands of syrup you buy in the supermarket, but the taste is far superior. The Kistlers also make maple sugar candy, granulated maple sugar, and at Christmas, maple cream candies.

As summer arrives, so does the fresh bounty of fruits and vegetables, including apples, cherries, lettuce, sweet corn, and strawberries. Local farm markets and even roadside stands sell the freshest produce, picked daily. Near the end of summer, it's blueberry time. Michigan tops the list for the most blueberries grown in the nation. Various U-picks in the area let you grab a basket and choose your own blueberries.

Autumn is a wonderful time in West Michigan, with cool temperatures, trees sprouting gorgeous colors of reds, yellows, and oranges, and best of all...pumpkins! Driving through the countryside in search of the perfect pumpkin is enjoyable in itself, but once you arrive at your destination, you're in for a treat. Many farms offer corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin decorating, just in time for Halloween.

Local Farm Markets:

Brubaker Farm Market, 432 N. York Rd., Hart, (231) 873-3303.
Couturier Blueberry Farm, 2687 N. Jebavy Drive, Ludington, (231) 845-5664.
Grassa Farm Market, 2442 W. US-10, Ludington, (231) 843-8020.
Hayes Farms, LLC, Corner of Marrison and Brye Roads, Ludington, (231) 869-5606.
Lewis Farm Market, 4180 W. M-20, New Era, (231) 861-5730.
Major Produce & Pumpkin Patch, 9476 W. 120th Ave., Hart, (231) 873-5281.
Orchard Market, 212 S. PM Hwy, Ludington, (231) 843-4603.
Orchard Market, 8400 N. US-31, Freesoil, (231) 464-5534.
Rennhack Orchard Market, 3731 W. Polk Rd., Hart, (231) 873-4582.
Skyview Orchards, 5996 W. Meisenheimer Road, Ludington, (231) 843-2042.
The Cabin Market, 9326 W. Shelby Rd., Shelby, (231) 861-4153.
The Fox Barn, 500 S. 18th Ave., Shelby, (231) 861-8050.
Woodland Farm Market, 5193 W. Shelby Rd., Shelby, (231) 861-5380.