Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market
A vibrant community hub offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local flavors in downtown Traverse City.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak selection of goods
Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market
Best Time
Peak selection of goods
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant community hub offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local flavors in downtown Traverse City.
"Discover the best of Northern Michigan's bounty at this beloved downtown farmers market."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Popular items sell out quickly, especially on Saturdays. Get there at opening for the widest variety! :moneybag:
📅 Check Hours Before You Go
Market days and times can vary by season. Confirm schedules online or on social media. :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh Produce Galore
Market Stalls
Discover a vibrant array of seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, often locally and organically grown.
Artisanal Baked Goods
Market Stalls
Indulge in delicious pastries, breads, and other baked treats from talented local bakers.
+1Local Honey & Maple Syrup
Market Stalls
Sample and purchase sweet, locally sourced honey and rich maple syrup from dedicated producers.
Unique Handcrafted Items
Market Stalls
Find handcrafted goods, from artisanal cheeses and meats to unique lavender products and books.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for the Best Finds
Check Operating Days & Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Popular items sell out quickly, especially on Saturdays. Get there at opening for the widest variety! +1 :moneybag:
📅 Check Hours Before You Go
Market days and times can vary by season. Confirm schedules online or on social media.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Produce
Don't miss artisanal cheeses, baked goods, local honey, and unique handcrafted items.
🚫 Not Dog Friendly
Leave your furry friends at home, as the market is not dog-friendly. :noentrysign:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Selection
Popular items sell out quickly, especially on Saturdays. Get there at opening for the widest variety! +1 :moneybag:
📅 Check Hours Before You Go
Market days and times can vary by season. Confirm schedules online or on social media.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Produce
Don't miss artisanal cheeses, baked goods, local honey, and unique handcrafted items.
🚫 Not Dog Friendly
Leave your furry friends at home, as the market is not dog-friendly. :noentrysign:
☕ Grab a Coffee
Many visitors enjoy starting their market visit with a coffee from a local vendor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse selection of fresh produce, and delicious artisanal goods. Many highlight the friendly vendors and the opportunity to support local businesses. However, some note that the market can get crowded, especially on Saturdays, and that popular items sell out quickly. A few reviews mention a desire for more variety in certain categories.
"My wife and I stopped here late on a Saturday morning. The parking area was pretty full, but we were able to find a place to park easily. We had arrived less than an hour before they closed for the day.
There were two aisles of tents set up with a variety of goods, including cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, maple syrup and so forth.
Unfortunately, due to our late arrival, many places were already low on items, so we just looked around. We did a few samples from a couple booths.
Since we went on a Saturday, we were able to park in an area that normally requires permits. Then we did some exploring around the area while we left our car there.
I’d recommend a visit to this farmers market, but if you’re going on a Saturday, I’d suggest getting there a bit earlier than we did."
Brent Hochstetler
"At this market, you can discover a diverse range of agricultural products, including organic produce, an array of bakery items (including gluten-free options), and an abundance of fresh flowers. It’s a stunning market located near the Boardman River."
Su N
"The vendors are so great!! Meats , cheeses, herbs, and plants. Maple syrup, veggies, eggs. The vendors love to show their products. Usually, they even have breakfast sweets and breads with coffee to sell as well. Make sure to get there early!! It all goes fast!!"
Darcy Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is located in downtown Traverse City, specifically at Rotary Square (State St & Union) or Lot B off Grandview Parkway, across from Clinch Park.
Parking can be busy, especially on Saturdays. Some areas normally require permits but are accessible during market hours. Consider arriving early or exploring nearby streets.
The market is centrally located in downtown Traverse City, making it accessible by walking or biking if you're staying nearby.
Yes, biking is a great option! There are often bike racks available, and it's a pleasant ride through downtown.
While specific routes vary, checking local Traverse City transit information might reveal bus routes that stop near the downtown area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market is free. You only pay for the goods you purchase from vendors.
The market is typically open on Wednesdays from 8:00 AM to Noon (June-Oct) and Saturdays from 7:30 AM to Noon (May-Oct). Always verify current hours.
For the widest selection, aim for Saturday mornings right at opening. Wednesday mornings offer a less crowded experience. +1
No, the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market operates seasonally, typically from May through October.
The market often coincides with local festivals and events, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
🎫 🛍️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse range of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal cheeses, meats, herbs, plants, local honey, maple syrup, and handcrafted items.
Many vendors offer samples of their products, allowing you to taste before you buy.
No, the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market is not dog-friendly. Please leave your pets at home.
Visitors often rave about 9 Bean Rows books for pastries and @buchansblueberryhill for blueberries. Merlyn's Pâtisserie is also a hit for unique pastries.
Yes, some vendors offer gluten-free baked goods and other items. It's always best to ask the vendor directly.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Absolutely! Many vendors sell delicious breakfast sweets, breads, and fresh coffee to start your day.
Beyond baked goods, you might find other prepared foods like kombucha, and sometimes food trucks offering coffee and other treats.
The market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, herbs, and plants, which are great for vegetarian and vegan diets. Some baked goods may also be suitable.
Yes, the market is an excellent place to buy fresh ingredients like vegetables, fruits, meats, and cheeses for a home-cooked meal.
Occasionally, food trucks set up shop, offering additional food and beverage options like coffee.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the vibrant colors of produce, flowers, and artisanal goods make it a very photogenic location.
Early morning light offers beautiful, soft lighting for photos. The bustling atmosphere also provides great candid shots.
Look for colorful displays of fruits and vegetables, unique handcrafted items, and interactions between vendors and customers.
It's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their products or them. Most are happy to oblige.
A smartphone with a good camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the market's charm. A DSLR can offer more control over lighting and depth of field.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider arriving earlier on Saturdays to avoid the biggest crowds, which can make navigating with little ones easier. Some vendors may offer samples, which can be a fun way for kids to try new things. The market's location in downtown Traverse City also means you can easily combine your visit with a stroll through nearby parks or along the waterfront.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond produce, you can find delicious baked goods and artisanal items that offer great value. While some specialty items might be pricier, the overall experience of supporting local producers and enjoying high-quality goods is well worth it. Bringing your own reusable bags also helps save a few cents and is environmentally friendly.
couples
The lively atmosphere and the chance to support local businesses create a memorable shared experience. Grab a coffee from a local vendor and enjoy it while browsing. You might find a special artisanal cheese, a bottle of local wine, or a beautiful bouquet of flowers to enhance your day.
The market is also a great place to find unique gifts for each other or for friends back home. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Community Hub Since 1984
It's more than just a place to buy groceries; it's a vibrant community hub where locals and visitors connect with the bounty of Northern Michigan. The market's longevity speaks to its importance in supporting local agriculture and small businesses. The market's location in downtown Traverse City makes it easily accessible and a perfect addition to a day of exploring the city. Whether you're strolling along the Boardman River or enjoying the nearby waterfront, the market offers a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and flavors.
From fresh, seasonal produce to handcrafted artisanal products, the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market offers a diverse and delightful shopping experience. It's a place where you can taste the difference that local sourcing makes and feel good about supporting the community.
The friendly vendors are often eager to share their stories and knowledge, making each visit a personal and enriching experience. Discovering Local Flavors and Artisanal Treasures
For those with a sweet tooth, the market is a paradise. Local bakers showcase their talents with everything from rustic breads and pies to exquisite pastries. TikTok and Instagram feeds are often filled with hauls featuring unique treats like ube cakes, macarons, and croissants from vendors like Merlyn's Pâtisserie.
+1 Don't miss out on sampling these delightful creations – they're a testament to the culinary creativity within the community. Beyond edible delights, the market also features a range of handcrafted goods. You might find unique lavender products, handmade soaps, or even books from local authors.
These artisanal items make for wonderful souvenirs or gifts, offering a tangible piece of Traverse City's local spirit. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit