Despite incredibly strong counter-efforts by some of our esteemed area politicians and a few of their constituents who have “made” the news of late, it’s time to release another chapter in our never-ending tome, “Detroit…It’s Not What You Think.”
A little over a week ago, Detroit’s Eastern Market held its 43rd annual Flower Day. Attended by more than 150,000 persons, this single-day event is one of the largest flower shows in the country.
Not into flowers? There’s lots of other stuff to see and shop for year-around…
Founded in 1841, Detroit’s Eastern Market is the largest open-air market of its kind in the United States. Fresh grown vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices, as well as meats, poultry, nuts, candies and countless other items are sold to the public, as well as to other businesses.
The market’s wholesale and retail businesses are open six days a week (M – Sat), with its Farmers Market open to the public every Saturday, where an estimated 40,000 shoppers gather each week. The market’s patrons and vendors represent a wide range of backgrounds and cultures – a reflection of the metropolitan area’s extremely diverse population. If you’re looking for variety, as well as visual stimulation, this is definitely the place to go.
It’s even got a pretty impressive history:
- Built on the site of an early wood and hay market, the 43-acre area was declared an historic site in 1977 by the State of Michigan Historical Commission.
- Part of the Underground Railroad was located under the Eastern Market, where numerous slaves passed through to get to freedom in Canada.
- Generals Ulysses S. Grant, George Custer and John Pershing set up camps near the site, and marched troops through the area.
Saturdays in the spring and summer are the quintessential time to shop for the widest selection of fresh produce, as well as do a ton of people-watching. Many come down just for the food, drinks and music at several of the ethnically-rich eateries.
If you like saving money, most items in the farmers market are negotiable (it’s almost expected by the merchants). Generally, the later in the day – nearing closing time – the better the deals are. But if you wait too long, your choices will be limited.
If you haven’t been there lately, or have never visited, now’s a great time to go. It’s way better than you think.
MB 05/24/2010
Plus you can get some fantastic Bloody Marys at Vivio’s! If you’re into that sort of thing.
Sandra 05/24/2010
When I Ivied in Michigan–Eastern Market is where my Dad (Norm), my sisters (Sue & Pam) and I would go every year to get our garden goodies… having traveled a bit around the world… there is nothing like it… not even here in the Chicagoland.
Just coming back from SanFran a few weeks ago and did some landscaping, you would think the Garden Center would be haven for flower freaks like me… nope! The Midwest spends more and plays more in their yard than any other state and it has more Garden Centers and WAY more flowers to choose from!
I was in Michigan this past weekend doing yard/gardening with my nephew Eric and we did some major plantings… now he’s got the bug!