You have probably heard of "Flint, Michigan" and it did not most likely have a positive spin with it. The truth is Flint is making a comeback.
One of the best parts of the city is the Flint Farmer's Market.
Along with I'm sure serveral vendors/visitors...our ancestors actually sold produce and flowers there as well.
The Market is located at
300 East First St
Flint, MI 48502
810-232-1399
Flint Farmers' Market Hours
Tuesdays & Thursdays - 9am to 5pm
Saturdays - 9am to 5pm
Curbside Pick Up Only Times
3-5 pm on Tues and Thurs
A year round public market with approx 50 vendors.
"We’re neat and clean and feature several produce vendors, a great meat market, poultry, breads and baked goods, cheese, a wine shop, an art gallery, a cafe, middle-eastern and Mexican groceries, and many unique gifts. You can stop in any Saturday and “Ask the Chefs.”
On the outside from May through October, we have twenty five produce and flower vendors in our pavilion, and on Saturdays we add fifteen to twenty art and craft vendors to that list.
The above is cited from their website and I believe it to be true.
There is a bathroom on the left hand side, around the corner after walking in that is conveniently placed next to the cafeteria like room.
There was also ample enough space all the way around to bring a stroller or wagon and be able to make a wide turn.
The goodies presented by the vendors whether homade or home grown were very resonably priced. The vendors did well by providing a sample if they offered a bottled drink you had never tried before. Or a little plate of pieces from a loaf of bread you may never of had before.
Farmer's Market History
Cited from planning.org
From 1920 to 1940, the original Flint Market was operated in downtown Flint at the corner of Harrison and Union. Congestion created by the market became a nuisance to merchants so it was moved out of downtown to sit on the banks of the Flint River. For many years, the market flourished, but by the 1980s the quality of the market saw a decline in tandem with the automotive industry and the City of Flint in general. In the late 1990s, the market had become the home of a predominantly flea market-type business.
Beginning in the early 2000s, the revitalization of downtown Flint became the project of the nonprofit organization, the Uptown Reinvestment Corporation (URC). Over the course of 10 years, the URC worked to repair the reputation of the market. The success of the market is in part due to the confidence that was rebuilt in the community. This outpouring of confidence and support was the missing piece that helped to make the Flint Market an integral aspect of downtown Flint's revitalization and a centerpiece of the Flint community.
After 70 years, the Flint Farmers' Market relocated to the former Flint Journal printing facility, returning to its birthplace in the heart of downtown. This new building offered the revitalized market a new beginning in a space that is more than double the footprint of the old market. The 50 vendors inside the building sell a variety of products. From fruits and vegetables, to meat and poultry, to breads and baked goods, and cheeses, the market has the capacity to service a customer's grocery store needs (as well as an indulgence or two.) From May through October, the outdoor pavilion provides space for 25 produce and flower vendors, and on Saturdays art and craft vendors also inhabit the space.
The Flint Farmers' Market has also provided many people in Genesee County unprecedented access to fresh and locally grown foods. Twenty-five businesses at the market accept the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Bridge Card, and the Double Up Food Bucks program allows patrons to double the value of their purchases (up to $20 per market visit).
The Flint Farmers' Market represents the importance of planning in community building. This landmark market has had a home in Flint for many years, and provides local businesses, farmers, and vendors the space to share their products and their work with their neighbors, friends, and visitors.
We believe in and continue to advocate for…
Local Food, Locally GrownSmall Farmers, Both Urban And RuralElectronic Purchasing Incentives For Food AssistanceStudent Farming And Farm To School ProgramsSustainable Urban And Rural Land UseNutrition Education And Obesity PreventionNeighborhood Markets And GardensNew Business Incubation And EntrepreneurshipCommunity KitchensFarm To Convenience Store InitiativesGreen Building And Landscaping Practices
Overall all we had a great visit with friends and ate some delicious goodies. I also had my first macaroons which were pretty delicious as well.
If you happen to be near Flint, stop by say" hi" and support your local businesses.
What could you buy locally that you usually go to a big box store for? -Wilson Wonders