Muskegon Farmers Market

If you have never shopped a farmer’s market before, here is some helpful advice.

It Pays To Get Up Early. Get to the Market when it opens to find the best selection and the freshest produce.

Dress Comfortably. Wear walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The Muskegon Farmer’s Market is open rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

Always bring cash. It will help if you bring small bills and change. You will be paying at each individual farmer’s stand and they usually do not accept checks or credit cards.

Bring large cloth or net shopping bags to consolidate purchases. Old baby and toddler carts make good shopping carts. When selecting one for use, keep in mind that the market can get crowded and you want something easy to maneuver. If you use a wire folding cart, place a cardboard box with a liner in the bottom of the cart to keep your purchases from pushing through the wire squares.

Try not to carry a purse. Fanny packs and pockets are the best way to carry money and keys.

Dogs are prohibited in the Muskegon Farmer’s Market.

When you first arrive at the market, take a few minutes to walk around, see what is available and what the prices are. Usually there is more than one vendor selling a product and prices can vary.

If you decide to try to bargain on price, you may have a better chance with larger quantities. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Try Something New. Buy something you haven’t tried before. The Muskegon Farmer’s Market is the perfect place to get educated about food, if you make the effort. Never tried kohlrabi? A vendor can advise you on how to select and prepare it.

Bring a Cooler. Put a cooler in your car to keep food items cool when you buy at the market but won’t be going home until later on in the day.

Ask Questions. Make sure to ask questions of the vendors when you see unfamiliar produce. Vendors and farmers love to share their knowledge and can even give you recipes and cooking tips.