One thing I’m always sure to do when traveling is visit food markets. It’s a delicious way to get a taste of the regional flavor and to mingle with the locals. Some of the best meals I’ve had while traveling were either at food markets, or I bought ingredients at the market and prepared the meals myself. Meals as simple as fresh meats, cheeses, and bread from an outdoor market in Orvieto, Italy; to “Greek pizza” and baklava at Kenosha HarborMarket in Kenosha, Wisconsin. So when I was planning to visit Grand Rapids, Michigan, last fall, I knew I needed to visit the Downtown Market.
Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a year-round, 24-vendor indoor hall. During the warmer months, there is an outdoor market, as well, featuring local farmers and artisans. I visited in October and only the indoor market hall was open; it was fine with me. I was there on a weekday, right after the lunchtime rush, and I practically had the entire place to myself. ArtPrize had just ended the day before but many pieces were still on display throughout the city; some were at Downtown Market, so I felt like I didn’t really miss out on ArtPrize.
The merchants I encountered were eager to talk with me about their products. I spent a great deal of time speaking with a young lady from Montello Meat Market. She explained that their meats are all-natural and all from local pastures. On certain days of the week, they conduct whole-animal butchery on-site and shoppers can watch the butchers in action (I’m really not into that sort of thing but I know others are). I was just amazed by the variety of meats available in their display cases. I spied everything from cubed goat to linguiça. There were so many things I wanted to buy at the market but it was the beginning of my trip. Instead, I just hung out in a comfy chair at Simpatico Coffee, enjoying my mocha and the complimentary wifi. I did make another stop at Downtown Market on my last day in Grand Rapids to pick up goodies for home, namely caramel corn from Dorothy & Tony’s Gourmet Popcorn; pecorino from Aperitivo; and cupcakes from Sweetie-licious Bake Shoppe.
As they say at Downtown Market, the “produce isn’t the only green thing” about the place. You see, Grand Rapids Downtown Market is the first LEED-certified market in the U.S. It was built using all recycled, repurposed, and reused materials; and built upon geothermal wells, which provide heating and cooling for the building, thereby conserving energy. It’s all quite fascinating.
Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a destination all on its own. It will become a regular stop for me on my future trips to Grand Rapids, and I’m especially excited to check out the outdoor market this summer.
Wow, this looks amazing – and very organised too, which is always great to see! I’m now feeling ridiculously hungry….
Ha ha! Yes, Downtown Market is all of the above. And it’s such a welcoming, comfortable place. I could just sit in there for hours!
I love great markets. if you ever come to Los Angeles don’t miss the Grand Central Market and come hungry.
I cannot wait for the Drinkin Grand Rapids downtown market media party. #drinkinGRdwntnmkt
love food markets! i could spend hours wandering around reading terminal in philly (and eating all the cheesesteaks and pretzels). bonus for the eco-friendly design too!
I love the name Sweetie-licious! So cute. Food Markets are so great. Perfect place to pick up gifts too.
This market sounds great. Can always find a good meal in a market. Maybe next time I head up to Traverse City (there must be a next time) I can combine it with a visit to Grand Rapids and all that beer … and this market.
I want ALL the foods. I’m with you. One of my favorite ways to explore a place is through its markets and local delicacies.
Such a fan of food markets too, i never consider it in the states as a must visit, so thanks for reminding me, yes we have great markets in the states too and also, the midwest.
stay loving food, Craig