The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is a vibrant port of call for community members near Ann Arbor, offering delicious, locally-sourced produce, stunning flowers, home goods, and baked goods weekly – just a stepping stone away from the bustling University of Michigan campus. As an esteemed staple haunting the charming Kerrytown neighborhood, you are enveloped by the comfort and coziness that chief visitor Abby Johnson speaks to in her admiration for the farmers market and its variety of products that demonstrate the sweet city’s character.

The University of Michigan’s campus is a reflection of the college town vibrancy that it is, boasting iconic landmarks. However, there are also areas around Ann Arbor that embody the cozy and comfortable character of the city – all within 10 minutes away from campus! These charming spots are ideal for first-year students to enjoy an afternoon retreat from the hustle and bustle of university life.

Gracias’ Greenhouse: A Family-Run Business at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is an esteemed staple of the Kerrytown neighborhood, open all year long for community members to purchase locally-sourced produce, pastries, flowers, jams, and more. With Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea and Kerrytown Market & Shops nearby, it has become popular for leisurely Saturday afternoons. Among its many vendors, Gracias’ Greenhouse stands out as a family-run business that has been part of the market since the 1950s. They proudly offer their florals at several other markets across Michigan including Royal Oak, Northville, and Eastern Market.

Bessie Newbery, daughter of Gracias’ Greenhouse founder Doloris Gracias, spoke with The Michigan Daily about her experience selling flowers at the market. She expressed her love for seeing regulars come in and continued to express how there is such a variety of different foods to get, encouraging everyone to visit the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Public Policy graduate student Abby Johnson agreed, saying that she is a regular at the market because of its abundance of products.

“You can get anything here,” Johnson said. “It’s hard to pick my favorite spot, but if I had to, it would be Gracias’ Greenhouse. Their flowers are so beautiful and make a great home decor piece year-round, but especially in the fall when they come into full bloom.”

Shinola Detroit: A Charming Cafe with a Speakeasy Vibe

Shinola Detroit, located on Main Street near the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, has become an increasingly popular spot for students and locals alike. With its charming cafe in the basement featuring dim lighting, a black interior, and a speakeasy vibe, Shinola is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and catch up with friends. In 2016, the cafe moved to the basement to provide customers with more seating areas and expand the menu.

Faerber, one of the employees at the cafe, loves working there and noted that it has a great atmosphere. He appreciates getting to know the regulars and his coworkers and especially enjoys how relaxed and chill the cafe is.

When asked about what makes the cafe stand out from other places, Faerber was especially proud to talk about Katerina Garcia-Chope, a sophomore at LSA. She came in one Sunday in March with her friend and enjoyed the atmosphere so much that they returned the next day to continue studying. “She loved the lighting and music here,” Faerber said. “And she was impressed with the coffee. I would recommend this cafe to anyone looking for a great place to read, study, or just hang out.”

Amenities

Gallup Park, located in Ann Arbor along the Huron River and Geddes Pond, is a premier recreational destination for visitors. With its winding walkways, connecting pedestrian bridges, and small islands, it offers an enchanting loop to explore. The park also provides a variety of amenities, such as a boat rental office with food, drinks, outdoor seating, and complimentary wireless internet, as well as playgrounds, water activity rentals, grills for picnics, and over three miles of smooth trails suitable for cyclists, rollerbladers, walkers, and runners.

Engineering sophomore Sandy Chang shared her experience kayaking at Gallup Park last summer with enthusiasm. She was amazed by the beauty of the river, which was wide and well-preserved, while the water was clean enough to spot ducks, butterflies, and other natural creatures. Chang also noted that the rates for kayaking were quite reasonable, making it a great activity to do with friends or even just visit for an afternoon stroll.

The Ann Arbor Farmers Market has become a beloved destination for students and community members alike. Whether it be budding entrepreneurs from Kerrytown Market & Shops or regular figureheads like the Gracias’ Greenhouse family, the lively atmosphere certainly shines through. Undoubtedly, the charm of the Ann Arbor Farmers Market will continue to bring in vast numbers of people with its selection of homegrown delicacies and sweet nostalgia. The spot clearly shows off all of what makes Ann Arbor so dearly special.