I've been strawberry picking locally for decades at another farm nearby. However, this year they…read moreweren't open for picking so, craving the best part of a Michigan summer, I went to Yelp and searched and found Honey Bee. AND it was SO close to my house! I immediately went to their website and was thrilled to find out that they were currently offering picking from 10-7pm pretty much every day of the week. Hooray! So, this past weekend, I made my way over there. Long story short, I had a great experience! They have 12 varieties of strawberries that vary in size, ripening rates, and levels of sweetness. U-pick stretches out in rows over 3 acres so they've got alotta strawberries, my friends! The person running the u-pick explained that the strawberries in the rows next to the barn were bigger but more tart and the rows further from the barn were smaller but sweeter. I picked a little from both and in the end wish I had stuck to the smaller but sweeter, though they were all delicious! I just happen to have more of a sweet tooth. Despite the heat I managed to pick a full bucket, just under 6lbs. Berries are priced at $6lb and they do not take credit but you can pay via mobile with their venmo or paypal. They also take cash and checks. A few logistical things: the u-pick farm is owned and operated by local farmer's market mainstay, Tantre Farms. It's a no spray/pesticide free farm which means there are some weeds and tall grasses around. Some of the weeds are spikey thistle. They're easy to avoid but, because most people avoid them, I found a plethora of beautiful ripe berries around them. So it might not hurt to bring some gloves if you're like me and don't mind working a little harder for the good stuff. And because it can get muddy and there are other weeds and things in the rows wearing comfortable, close-toed shoes (that you don't mind getting dirty) are recommended. My only quibble is that I wish the containers for picking were the cardboard flats and not the plastic buckets with bags.The plastic bags don't allow for the air circulation you need to keep them fresher longer and in transferring them to another container I found I had smushed more than a few. Also, piling them all into the bucket puts weight on the ones at the bottom of the bucket/bag so they're smushed there, too. A small quibble but one they'll consider having the flats as an option. But of course if you're buying a large volume for jam making they're all gonna get smushed anyway sooooo.... Anyway, I'm not sure how much longer they have left in the season so if you're reading this around the time that it was posted I'd check their website for picking updates. They also offer raspberry picking so if you miss your strawberry window you might be able to scoop some of those up instead!

In strawberry season there's no better way to spend a weekend morning than picking berries at the…read morepatch. The whole family headed down that way recently to take advantage of the in-season fruit. It was our first time visiting Honey Bee, and we can't wait to return. After grabbing a bucket, we sauntered through the small bushes and picking ripe red berries. After we had picked everything that we could fit into the bucket, we headed back to the barn and grabbed some pre-picked vegetables to go with everything. Finn the dog welcomed us and let us pat his belly before we headed out. The berries were wonderful - so sweet and unlike anything you'll find in a store. Definitely worth a trip!

White Lotus Farms is an amazing place to bring the kids on Wednesday and Saturday mornings to go…read morefeed the goats grass and just enjoy a low-key fun morning with a friend. I don't love that. They have extremely deep pond very close to the area where lots of children are. It doesn't feel very safe. I find that their bakery items are delicious and they have good coffee too . You can definitely feel religious undertones and not feel slightly strange to me, but I do enjoy the products that they make, and everybody is very kind . There are lots of fun places to take pictures in the flowers into tour the religious grounds.

I've wanted to try White Lotus Farms and I was able to get a few things when they were set up at…read moreEastern Market. I got an olive levain loaf of bread and a morning bun. The bread was very good, filled with Kalamata olives. The morning bun sort of reminded me of a croissant with cinnamon sugar in a spiral shape, it was decent, but I wouldn't get it again. The stand was very busy, they had a large variety of things, I wasn't able to check out anything besides the baked goods. Ok get bread again, next time I go to Eastern Market.

DIVINE! If you like your smoothie with ice chips in it, this is perfect for you. The chocolate…read morechips really add such a great texture. The ice cream is definitely on the creamier and less sweet side, but it makes it feel so good to eat! Guilt free. The store is also a small business so it feels good to support. Definitely check it out.

Fantastic cafe! We stopped in for a pastry and some coffee. We got an iced Lavender Latte, hot…read morespiced oatmilk latte and a pecan sticky bun- everything was delicious! The staff were very friendly and helpful and the service was quick. The prices were standard for A2. Very cute interior with plenty of study spots, as well as areas to chat- both indoor and outdoor seating. They have some fresh food options too. Would highly recommend checking this spot out!

I feel like this place is a hidden gem! Or did everyone else know about it, except me? I love…read moreseasonal activities in general, but especially love the fall. I found this pumpkin picking spot somewhat randomly, but like that it's really close to where I live (convenient!). It's just outside of town such that it feels like a rural/farm area and experience, but convenient to get to. It's relatively no frills - a great option if you're really just looking to buy pumpkins at a good price without much additional fanfare. They have them organized by price/size so it's easy to browse and find what you're looking for. The selection is really broad, both in terms of size and look! They also have a cute little photo spot. The overall size of the place is pretty small, lends for an efficient pumpkin selection process. (No walking through big patches trying to find the perfect pick.) Not a lot of parking, but guessing this place isn't as busy as some of the other pumpkin picking spots where there are a million other activities too. I was one of two people there when I went. There's an attendant for purchasing. One thing that intrigued me when I visited - they had a small plot with a bunch of sunflowers (at/past season end). I wonder if they sell sunflowers when they're in season. Something to check out next year!

Take the kids...no kids?...take yourself and your friends for a beautiful autumn ride to Wells…read morePumpkin Farm (a real farm), just outside of Ann Arbor. Easy, beautiful drive, lots of pumpkins, all separated by price, lots of price points from $.50 on up for every budget. You'll have a ball! Easy in and out parking, convenient shopping. I haven't had this much fun at Halloween since I was a kid. You gotta go there for the peaceful ride, the autumn leaves, great prices, great selections, lots of fun and excellent service. Take cash!

A group from my cohousing community trekked out for a U-pick of their apples today - I wasn't able…read moreto make it on the trip myself, but I did get two of their delightful tiny samosas (donut-hole sized) with tamarind and coriander (I think) chutney, and they were *amazing.* I'm definitely going there myself when I can. I just love the idea of apples, cider, and samosas, even more than cider donuts.

Meet the people who grow your food for you! There are really THREE farmer's markets in Saline:…read more 1) Saturdays 8~noon May~October -- outdoors, municipal parking lot on west side of S. Ann Arbor St. 2) Tuesdays 3~7pm June~September -- outdoors at the Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Rd. 3) Saturdays 9~noon November~April -- indoors at Liberty School, 7265 Saline Ann Arbor Rd. What they have: * Locally grown produce and other foods (bread, cheese, pesto) * Locally produced honey * Craft items produced by local artists * Plants for your garden: annuals, perennials, veggie plants, fruit plants * A chance to get out and socialize Find them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saline-Farmers-Market/199592293395735 They have a blog: http://salinefarmersmarket.blogspot.com/ The only way you can get fresher produce is to grow it at your own house. You can ask the growers about their farming practices. We bring the dog. She pulls our purchases in her cart. People love to see her working.

Wow - visited the Saline Winter Farmer's Market this morning and what a treat!! While first week…read morepost-New Year means fewer vendors, there is still a lovely array of produce and locally sourced goods with friendly and helpful merchants. The array of beautiful fruit and vegetables was such a welcome sight on this frigid day! Walked away with Dave's delicious honey and imported cinnamon (a staple in our household! None better!), micro greens from Garden Party for my Big Salad tonight, a rich and lush chocolate tart, and Brussels sprouts, fresh off the vine... Can't wait til next week - more vendors show up each week as the season advances! Liberty School, Saturdays from 8:00 AM - Noon!

I love this apple orchard. It is a hidden gem tucked away on a side road near saline. A lot of…read moreapple orchards are overly commercial, overly crowded and overly manicured (paved roads, neat signs, orderly rows etc). If you want a silly theme park feeling (hay rides and cider and all that) this will not be the orchard for you. If you prefer something a little closer to what a Michigan Orchard is and was, you will love it here. This place is a little older, a little wilder and far less crowded than most UPick Orchards, giving is a "secret garden" kind of feel. I love that you can wander through the orchard without tripping over people and that you can experiment with an assortment of apples of all shapes sizes and flavors (who cares what it is called, take a bite, find out and if you are curious ask Bill and he will tell you all about it). This orchard has more varieties of apples than I have ever seen before including rare heritage breeds (Wolf River, and Snow Apple for example) and some of the newer apples that we are all familiar with (no Gala yet, but I think they are coming), he also has a few Quince and Asian Pear trees. Upick apples are $8 a half peck. They keep the spray to a minimum, so these apples look a little less pretty than normal, but are probably better for you. He also has honey and will sell apples by the tree - you buy the rights to an entire apple tree at the beginning of the year and reap the rewards come fall (great for gifts!). Also, for people interested in picking apples this year - they have arrived early this year all across MI and Ontario, so you better get out there soon, or there may be none left!

When we first arrived at the barn on Macon Road, I stepped out of the car to ask for instructions…read more The woman tending the barn was engaged in a personal conversation, and I politely interrupted to ask if this is the location where we would be picking. She seemed slightly annoyed, and said yes, and that she would be with us "shortly." After another two minutes had passed and we had already gotten my 18 month old daughter out of her car seat, we were eventually told that we needed to drive another mile down the road to pick. Not off to a great start... Upon arriving in the orchard, there were no employees or signs to guide us or explain any of the available apple varieties. I found it interesting that the few other customers we saw already had standard orchard bags, which apparently had not been offered to us at the barn. The actual picking was not good either, as many of the apples were very high up and out of reach. After some time we were able to accumulate a fair amount of apples, however, and drove back to the barn to pay. The woman who had so pleasantly greeted us earlier then seemed confused as to why we did not have one of the proprietary half-bushel bags, When I calmly said I didn't think a bag had been offered, she not only criticized me for not listening, but raised her voice and demanded that we pay $20 for an entire bushel. When I suggested we transfer the apples from my bag to one of her standard bags, she was resistant and outright disrespectful. I have never witnessed such poor customer service at another apple orchard, or any self-respecting business for that matter. All of these problems could likely have been avoided with a few simple signs to provide direction, which would be much more efficient than relying on verbal communication. That being said, my family will never return to this orchard due to the blatant lack of respect with which we were treated.

I love the vibe here! This is a cute local grocer that has prepared, local, fruits, veggies, and a…read moresmall selection of cheeses/meat/ spices/ dry goods. They carry some zingermans products and their catering is very convenient around the holidays. They carry Christmas trees in the winter and lots of herbs, flowers, etc outside in the warmer months. I *love* their quiches. They have become a holiday staple in our family on Christmas and Thanksgiving morning. Lately I've been coming for postpartum prepared meals because I know their ingredients are decent. Everything is a bit pricey, but I know the stuff is quality and we've had such a good experience with their catering department. That we will be shopping here for a long time.

Fun specialty grocery store! They live up to their namesake of Produce Station with a beautiful…read moreselection of fresh fruits and veggies, with a lot of local sourcing. Only place in town I could find rhubarb the last week of March - Michigan grown! I was surprised but delighted to browse their extensive selection of craft beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages. This is definitely a good place to go if you're looking for something fun to try, or to bring something unique to a dinner party etc. They also have meat, dairy, a lot of ready-mades, and a nice looking salad bar. It is overall more expensive than other grocery stories, but presumably shopping here is supporting a local business and local farmers.

A diamond in the rough…read more Meat, smoked meat, accoutrements to go with said meat. Beer, cider. Fire. Smoked wood scents. Blankets. Cozy. Feels like a took a step off the road and into Narnia.

I had a bit of a break in between shifts so I was looking for a place to grab a quick lunch while…read morein town, and Biercamp came up on Yelp. This is a super cute spot that specializes in smoked meat and sausages... yes please. We ordered at the counter and the employees were very friendly and helpful with great suggestions. I got the Michigan asparagus, onion, and cheddar brat, and Nate got the currywurst. We also got a cup of chili to share. We got a buzzer for our order and then sat down in the heated outdoor space. They have a lot of outdoor seating and some firepits, so I really want to come back in the fall or summer. Our food was done quickly and we had fun picking stuff from the toppings bar. They had chopped onions, jalapenos, banana peppers, sauerkraut etc. and lots of sauces. I LOVED the brat. It was easy to bite and not super snappy which I didn't mind. The bun was perfectly toasted and the flavor combination was delicious. Kind of like a broccoli cheddar vibe. I had some of the currywurst which was also delicious! The chili was packed with brisket and pulled pork, and was really tasty. There is a bar so you can enjoy a beer with your sausage, but we just grabbed some cold drinks from the cooler. They even have ice cream and floats!! There are lots of great items for sale as well, including lots of pickled things, frozen pierogi, meat sticks and jerky, and they even have Trenary Toast (#iykyk). I am already planning my next visit to try more brats and the brisket sandwich. This is such a great concept and I really wish we had a place like this in Grand Rapids.

This farmers market is open as an indoor market once per month in the off-season. I visited this…read moresmall but mighty market for the first time in March, and I was impressed by the variety of vendors and products. The indoor market is also at Pittsfield Township Hall, but the indoor market is set up inside, in Morris Hall. There was a chef demonstration giving away samples (apple pancakes and kale/blueberry smoothies) in the lobby when I entered. In the actual market, there were about a dozen vendors offering fresh produce and prepared goods. Especially since it was early March, I was impressed with the variety of fresh fruits and veggies - including beets, carrots, swiss chard, garlic, spinach, apples, onions, frozen blueberries. Eggs, honey, cupcakes, kettle corn, bread, and pie were also available. There was even a vendor selling fresh pasta. Two vendors also sold homemade products - cutting boards and organic lotion and bath bombs, etc. Many offered yummy samples- including cheese and kettle corn. In addition to the vendors, there was a craft table and an entertainer making balloon animals. A number of kids were singing with a guitarist as well. The market felt lively and active, but not overcrowded, and it was not difficult to shop even with all this happening. I can't wait to come back for the outdoor markets!

I really enjoyed my visit to this farmers market. There was a lot of fresh produce, honey…read more(including local honey from someone's backyard), scented soy vegan candles, an instrument "petting zoo" (you could try out instruments yourself), and nut butters. One or two of the vendors didn't take cards, but the rest of them did. I don't carry cash, so I couldn't buy anything from the ones who didn't accept cards. I would recommend they get SquareSpace and set a minimum amount for people to be able to charge. I hope to come back to this market again!