Seven Reasons to Visit the Hillsdale Farmers’ Market
Written by Elizabeth Vietor
Picture a dining room table. A round loaf of bread rests on a cutting board, almost half gone but still showcasing the rustic cross in its center. Two mismatched plates hold slices, and a mason jar of homemade apple butter stands by. A knobby, orange tomato, a jug of maple syrup, and a carton of green beans crowd the center of the table, which, festooned with white and golden roses, commands the scene of the still life.
If I ever buy everything that tempts me at the Hillsdale Farmers’ Market, my table would resemble the spread I just described.
I’ve visited the market fairly often since freshman year, when I happened upon it accidentally during a bike ride with friends. It has since been the source of many pleasant Saturday mornings (open till around noon)—and often with the same friends! If my still-life did not convince you, here are seven reasons you should attend the Farmers’ Market:
Fancy flowers. Last summer, my roommate would bring home new arrangements almost every week and distribute them through our kitchen and living room. I was amazed by the variety of blooms available during those months.
Coffee. Lately, the local coffee shops Rough Draft, Jilly Beans, and Checker Records have had booths at the market, so you don’t even have to leave to get your fix. Or, since you’re already downtown, you can study at one of the shops and swing by the market for a break.
Familiar faces. I don’t think there’s been a time that I haven’t run into someone I know at the farmers’ market. It’s a great place to spot friends, professors, and even alumni who are visiting or working in Hillsdale.
Bread. My personal favorite is the coffee-infused Early Riser Bun at Loaves and Sprouts, but options abound every day. I’ve also gotten zucchini bread and homemade cinnamon rolls from other vendors.
Fresh fruit. As in, fruit the dining hall doesn’t serve often, like strawberries and raspberries. Buying it from the market is so much more fun than the grocery store!
Fall spirit. Autumn is the best time to visit, because the colder weather means that the produce vendors sell pumpkins and apples. I’m planning to carve a pumpkin for Halloween this year, which I will definitely buy here.
Limited time. The market only lasts April through October, so if you’d like to catch it before the end of this season, go soon. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Elizabeth Vietor is a senior Latin major with an affinity for thrift shops, butter, and scrunchies. She hails from Phoenix, Arizona, originally, but now that she’s here, doesn’t know how she existed for so long without seeing the leaves change every fall.
Published in October 2019