A Brief History of Eastern Market: Detroit's Favorite Farmers' Market

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Eastern Market is one of Detroit's most beloved institutions. It has been around for more than 150 years, and in that time it has become a vital part of the city's culture. The market is open every Saturday, and it is a great place to buy fresh produce, meat, flowers, and other items. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the history of Eastern Market and learn why it is so important to the people of Detroit.

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What is Eastern Market and what makes it unique among Detroit's farmers' markets?

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Eastern Market is a farmers' market located in Detroit, Michigan. The market dates back to the 1840s, making it one of the oldest farmers' markets in the United States. Today, the market is open year-round and features over 225 vendors selling local produce, meat, flowers, and other items. What sets Eastern Market apart from other farmers' markets is its focus on fresh, local food.

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The market is home to many small businesses and family farms, and customers can buy directly from the growers. This connection to the local community is one of the things that makes Eastern Market unique. In addition, the market hosts a number of special events throughout the year, including a Flower Day festival and a holiday night market. These events attract people from all over Detroit and help to create a sense of community around the market.

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The History of Eastern Market

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Eastern Market has its roots in two historic markets. Firstly, a farmers market that began in the 1840s in Cadillac Square. Secondly, a hay and wood market that stood on the current site.  The farmers market was originally held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, but it eventually moved to Saturday only. In 1891, the hay and wood market moved to Eastern Market, and the two markets combined to form one of the largest open-air markets in the country.

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Over the years, Eastern Market has undergone several changes. In 1919,  the market was expanded and a new shed was built to house the growing number of vendors. In the 1950s, the market began to decline as customers turned to supermarkets for their groceries. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in local food and farmers' markets. This has led to a resurgence of the Eastern Market, which is now one of the most popular farmers' markets in the country.

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Some of the Best Vendors at Eastern Market

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Eastern Market is one of Detroit's most beloved landmarks, and for good reason. The market has been a staple of the city for over 150 years, and it is still going strong today. Every Saturday, the market is buzzing with activity as people from all over the city come to shop for fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and delicious food. There are dozens of vendors to choose from, but here are just a few of the best:

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Detroit City Distillery

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This distillery is located in the heart of Eastern Market, and it offers a variety of handcrafted spirits. The distillery also offers tours, tastings, and events.

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The Produce Stop

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Located in the heart of the market, The Produce Stop has been providing fresh fruits and vegetables to Detroiters since 1891. The vendor offers a wide variety of seasonal produce, so there is always something new to try.

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Eastern Market Flower Shop

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In addition to fresh flowers, the Eastern Market Flower Shop also sells plants and gardening supplies. This is the perfect place to pick up everything you need to start your own garden.

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These are just a few of the many great vendors at Eastern Market. Whether you're looking for fresh produce or unique gifts

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How to get to Eastern Market and Where to Park

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To get to Eastern Market, take I-75 to Exit 53 (Gratiot Avenue). Head east on Gratiot Avenue and turn left onto Russell Street. Eastern Market will be on your right. There are several parking options available, including on-street parking and paid public parking lots.

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For more information on public parking, visit the Detroit Parking Authority website. Whether you're looking for fresh produce or unique gifts, Eastern Market is the perfect place to shop. With its convenient location and ample parking, there's no excuse not to check it out!

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Tips for Enjoying Your Visit to Eastern Market

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First, be sure to arrive early. The market gets very crowded as the day goes on, so it’s best to get there before the crowds. Second, take some time to explore all the different stalls and vendors. There’s a lot to see, so you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to wander. Third, don’t be afraid to bargain with the vendors. It’s expected (and encouraged!) so you may be able to get a better price on some of the items. Finally, remember to enjoy yourself! Eastern Market is a great place to people-watch and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.