Posted on May 11, 2012 by Indiana's Cool North
Foodies get ready! This weekend marks the opening of several Northern Indiana farmers markets. From the Riverside Market in Michigan City to the Culver and Plymouth markets in Marshall County, fresh produce is on the menu this spring. Check out these markets and other recommendations below.
Where: Hwy 49 S, right Indian Boundary Road, left onto Calumet, right on Broadway
Chesterton
888.926.5513
When: Open Saturdays through October
Open: 8 am-2 pm (CST)
Chesterton’s European market is a French-inspired artisans and farmers market located in historic downtown Chesterton. Vendors are brought together from all over the Midwest to create a high quality eclectic marketplace. The European Market creates a shopping experience with handmade art, fresh artisan pastries, fresh prepared foods, farm grown produce, jewelry, accessories, clothing, fresh soap and much more.
Where: Corner of Ohio and Jefferson streets
Culver
574.842.5253
When: Open Saturdays through October
Open: 8 a.m. to noon (EST)
The quaint little town of Culver along Lake Maxinkuckee always puts out the welcome mat for visitors. You can find loads of goodies to take home when you stop in at the Saturday Farmers Market. There’s local produce galore with freshly picked fruits and vegetables, local pork products, preserves, fresh herbs and flowers, honey and sorghum. Crafters display their stained glass and other creations for you to browse and buy.
Where: 19498 County Road 38
Goshen
574.533.6311
When: Open year-round
Open: Monday-Saturday, 8:30 am-5:30 pm; Sunday, noon-5 pm (EST)
For 89 years, the Kercher family has farmed here and there’s a good chance you’ll meet one of them when you stop to shop for locally grown and locally produced products such as fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, maple syrup, noodles, tempting baked goods, popcorn, flowers and morel mushrooms. In the fall, enjoy a free hayride and fresh pressed cider. You can pick your own apples in the orchard or choose the perfect pumpkin right off the vine.
Where: Corner of Eighth and Washington streets
Michigan City
When: Open Saturdays through October
Open: 8 am-noon (CST)
Located one block east of Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets, this market offers gorgeous hanging baskets of brightly colored flowers, pots of aromatic herbs for your kitchen, fresh “home-grown” fruits and vegetables, honey and butters you can’t find in any store.
Where: E Garro and River streets
Plymouth
When: Open Saturdays through mid October
Open: 7:30-11:30 am (EST)
You can put a fabulous dinner together, buy cut flowers for your centerpiece, browse locally made crafts and pick out perennial and bedding plants for your garden all in one stop. The vendors here raise their own vegetables, fruits, pork, bison, beef and eggs, plus herbs to season it all. Take your time and enjoy the local entertainment and other activities that add to the homegrown festivities.
Where: 234 E Second St.
Michigan City
219.508.5650
When: Open Saturday & Sunday through October 20
Open: 10 am-3 pm (CST)
An eclectic indoor marketplace featuring local artisans, vendors and farmers. Enjoy live entertainment and demonstrations. Visit the popular consignment area for great deals on gently used merchandise.
Where: 1105 E Northside Boulevard
South Bend
574.282.1259
When: Open year-round
Open: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, 7 am-2 pm; Saturday, 7 am-3 pm (EST)
It’s been 85 years since local farmers started bringing their goods to town for this longtime farmers market. Residents rave that you can get the best breakfast in the city here before you start perusing all the vendors have to offer. Depending on the season, you’ll find everything from beans, corn and squash to sweet blueberries, a Northern Indiana staple. Also stock up on fresh meats and poultry and shop for handmade jewelry that local artisans create.