Eastern Market

Vivio's Bloody Mary? Yes, please

I used to have a recurring nightmare when I was young: I'm standing in the middle of a field of pig's heads. Apparently, when I was snot nosed rug rat, my parents would shop here often. I wandered off and ended up in the care of a kindly butcher until my Dad caught up with me. I had to walk through the pig heads to get back to my parents. This might explain why I've always avoided Eastern Market. So, not only did I Explore Detroit but I also revisited some childhood trauma. Nice.

Eastern Market changes with the seasons. I happened to visit during flower time. While I did still see stands offering vegetables and some finished goods (beeswax candles, drinking vinegar, and some insanely tasty hot mustard that came home with me), most of the vendors were selling flats of flowers or hanging baskets. I have to make a point to visit again during the fall months.

I did pick up a few tricks while wandering around the market. While the vendors selling finished goods had Square or other forms of credit card payments, most of the growers worked mainly in cash. I only had a few bucks to my name which meant I had to pass up some nice flowers. Next time, I'll be sure to take a bunch of $1 and $5 bills. The second tip I have to share is to wear comfortable shoes. Eastern Market is expansive! I traveled from shed to shed, building to building, across an overpass, through a large meat market, and back around to take a look at more finished goods booths.  I didn't realize just how much I would be walking. You are welcome to move your car around, that is if you're lucky enough to find a parking spot in the first place. I also suggest bringing some water along with you, as well as a shopping bag for all your purchases. If you want to try a nice place for breakfast or lunch, I'd recommend you try the Russell Street Deli. I didn't eat breakfast but did like their Carrot Ginger soup. The restaurant was small but the servers were attentive and knowledgeable about the menu (and other places to check out in the immediate area). There were food trucks parked away from the sheds, but I really just wanted to sit down!

I had arrived later in the day. Most farmers keep much earlier hours than myself. My final tip is to get there early! You'll have more room to move about, have the first choice of whatever it is you're trying to find, and maybe even snag a nearby parking spot. If you check out the above picture, there are a lot of empty boxes behind the vendors. Eastern Market was filled with people looking to buy locally grown produce and artisan food products. If you want to turn your delicious salsa into a small business, Eastern Market would be an excellent launching point. The vendor I purchased the mustard from started in his kitchen and now has his product available for sale each weekend at his booth and specialty grocers. He's made valuable connections with chefs and grocery buyers while turning his secret family recipe into a family business.

With that, it's time to say good bye to Eastern Market. It's back to the drawing board for me as I decide just where I'll Explore Detroit next. Thanks so much for reading. I'll leave you with a picture of a few cute cacti I saw available for sale.

Cacti: the only Tommy proof houseplant known