Eastern Market

Detroit’s Eastern Market has been a rich cultural mainstay for the Detroit area since the mid-nineteenth century. Michigan made a name for itself in the early nineteenth century for it’s a fur and lumber trade. Northern Michigan’s abundant forests and massive demand for industrial materials put the timber trade in the spotlight for an emerging industry. Eastern Market began as a site for lumber and hay sales, but quickly became very popular and sales sheds were developed. The Farmer’s Market became integrated into the Eastern Market’s identity and remains the largest urban market in the United States. After World War II, the Market expanded to include many wholesale food providers which is still a large component of the success of Detroit’s Eastern Market.   

Today, the Eastern Market is still an exciting market to visit and shop at. Saturday is the main day for the market, with about forty-five thousand patrons attending each week. The sheds at the Eastern Market become invigorated with people, filling up the stands with fresh fruits and vegetables. The farmers come from all sorts of places near the Metropolitan Detroit area. There are farmers from St. Clair County, Ohio, inner suburbs, and the urban gardens of Detroit. Intermixed within the fresh produce are beautiful bouquets of flowers and other sorts of floral arrangements. Stands of sweet corn, peaches, asparagus, nectarines, tomatoes, kale, and other greens were sprawled out among the tents.

Eastern Market’s sheds also show a variety of entrepreneurs from all walks of life and all ages. You can find gourmet organic granola made in Michigan, or specialty dog treats. Local schools that have embraced a model of teaching their youth a variety of vocational opportunities showcase their hard work and green thumbs with fresh produce they have grown. Many of the school based food stands had a banner that displayed “Detroit Youth Food Brigade”. The energy and excitement displayed by the youth promoting their wares was refreshing. Detroit’s urban gardening scene is emerging as a great potential option for redevelopment and repurposing of the vast empty lots within the city of Detroit. Youth training for agriculture and nutrition is paramount to transforming the subcultures within Detroit, providing residents with valuable knowledge and skills to carry with them in their future endeavors. 

Eastern Market is also renowned for its selection of meats, fish, poultry, and spices. The shops surrounding the tents offer great foods at a decent price. There are some stellar restaurants near the Eastern Market. I have eaten at Vivio's a few times and it has always been spectacular. The jerk chicken salad was absolutely delicious. The atmosphere in Vivio's is great. With its proximity to downtown, it has been a popular destination to grab a beer and some food before a sporting event.