Where to buy local Michigan goods?

Whenever possible I like to buy local items whether it is food, gifts, clothes, etc. I’m always on the look out for local Michigan treats! I have done the grunt work so you just need to go out and enjoy it! Beyond the local farmers markets (which are fantastic of course) there are a few other little hidden gems in which to shop. Here are a few of my favorites …

Mert’s Meats

I’m super excited that there is now an honest to goodness butcher in Okemos! Not only do they have beautiful cuts of meat, this family owned establishment is super friendly and helpful! It was also a delightful surprise to find that they carry a good-sized selection of Michigan foods! Pastas, chips, McClure’s Pickles, etc.

www.mertsspecialtymeats.com/

Tallulah’s Folly

Tallulah’s Folly is a charming shop in Old Town, Lansing.  This great little space sells gifts, crafts, vintage items, coffee and great local foods! I love any excuse to stop into Old Town but now that grocery shopping is added to the list I can go more often!

www.facebook.com/tallulahsfolly

Lansing City Market

Over the last few years the Lansing City Market has become, dare I say, hip? There are so many great reasons to stop by, local produce, a fromagerie, a bakery, and the Waterfront Bar and Grill   (which is another post all together but needless to say it’s fantastic!). Trust me, it’s worth the time to swing by, shop and shmooze with the locals!

www.lansingcitymarket.com/

Farmers Markets

There are several great farmers markets in the area I love to frequent. Here are a list not to miss:

East Lansing Farmers Market, this lovely market is located in Valley Court Park just behind Bigby Coffee Shop. It is open on Sunday’s from 10am to 2pm.

http://www.cityofeastlansing.com/farmersmarket

Meridian Township Farmers Market, this market has a diverse range of vendors offering everything from fresh produce to olive oil and fresh-baked goods. Something to note: Vendors are often willing to give you a deal at the end of the day to unload their unsold goods!

This market is open (May-October) Saturdays 8am – 2pm May-October & Wednesdays 8am – 2pm July-October. It is located at 5151 Marsh Rd Okemos, MI 48864-1198.

http://www.localharvest.org/meridian-township-farmers-market-M13548

Michigan State University Student Organic Farm, this student run organization gives student an opportunity to see the full process from farm to consumer. The farm stand can be found in front of the Auditorium on MSU’s campus every Thursday from 11:00am to 5:30pm from the first week of April through the end of October.

http://www.msuorganicfarm.com/farm-stand

Brunch: More than just eggs.

Brunch is more than just eggs to me-it is an institution!  Why you ask?  What is better than sitting down with family or friends on a lazy weekend  morning (okay-afternoon) and enjoying a lazy meal of all the great components of breakfast and lunch?!  Not to mention that fact that drinking a bloody mary in the morning is not only accepted, it’s expected!

• Golden Harvest

The Golden Harvest is a small local diner in Old Town Lansing.  Think small tables, huge plates of eggs and hash browns, and endless cups of diner coffee.  The food is homey, comforting and perfect for nursing a hangover (or not).  The prices are great (under $10 a dish), however this popular local spot is well-loved so prepare yourself for a wait!

1625 Turner St.  Lansing, MI 48906    517.485.3663

• Beggars Banquet

Beggars Banquet is a wine bar and restaurant (with a great beer selection as well but that’s another post), and they serve brunch until 2pm.  The menu is a little more sophisticated, think Eggs Benedict and dishes with seasonal ingredients, still under $10 a dish though!  This is a great place for a brunch date, or a spot to take your parents when they come to visit.

218 Abbott Rd  East Lansing, MI 48823    517.351.4540

Cup of Joe

Coffee, java, mud, cafe … whatever you want to call it-I love it!  A morning coffee isn’t just about caffeine (although it is an essential ingredient), it’s also about the experience.  The cup that in which it is served, the staff that serves it to you, the music that is played all add up to that essential vibe!  Of course I have been known to frequent those big corporate coffee shops on occasion – no judgment I saw you there too – I really prefer the little independents! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Espresso Royal
  

Espresso Royal is one of my absolute favorite places to hang out!  This bohemian coffee shop boasts free wi-fi, indoor and outdoor seating, yummy baked goods made on-site, plus a great cafe style menu with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options!  The walls are filled with art from local artists, a variety of used books and board games are available for patrons, and a mix of music ranging from indie rock to top forties plays through the speakers.

527 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823  517.332.5224  (original location)

1500 West Lake Lansing Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823  517.203.4313 (newest location)

• Biggby Coffee

Biggby is a local franchise that was started right here in East Lansing, MI and is growing rapidly throughout the Mid-West.  Although there are now a number of locations, Biggby is still known for an incredibly friendly staff and devoted patrons!  They have many creative drinks, especially if you like your coffee a little sweet, my personal favorite is there carmel apple cider available in the fall-yum!  The original location has free parking and a large indoor and outdoor space, great for studying,visiting, or just hanging out!

270 West Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823  517.332.1471 (original location)

• Gone Wired Cafe

Gone Wired Cafe is an independent coffee shop and cafe in the east side of Lansing, MI-a true neighborhood spot!  This large and open space has free wi-fi, art from local artists on the walls, and a laid back vibe that brings in the locals day after day.  They serve fair trade and organic coffee and have a great menu serving breakfast, lunch, and yummy baked goods!

2021 East Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912  517-853-0550

• Sir Pizza Grand Cafe

I know what you are thinking, we are talking about coffee shops, so why did you bring up Sir Pizza?  This isn’t just any Sir Pizza, this is Sir Pizza Grand Cafe! This little gem is located in the Old Town neighborhood in Lansing.  This eclectic cafe serves as you might guess, pizza, but also coffee, tea, baked goods, and even alcohol-yep, this little cafe has a tavern license so it also serves beer and wine!  This cafe/coffee shop has a great view of the Grand River rushing past, as well as the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood.

201 East Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906  517-484-9197

Have I missed any neighborhood gems?  What are your favorites?  Let me know, I would love to hear all about them!