Nov 7, 2024Farm Market Bus Tour reveals 2024 stops
Set to take place on Dec. 9, the Farm Market Bus Tour 2024 will provide an in-depth experience that takes growers to five West Michigan farm markets to learn more about each location’s business operations and agritourism features.
Fruit Growers News and Vegetable Growers News will once again host the annual Farm Market Bus Tour the day prior to the launch of the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Maret EXPO in collaboration with Michigan State University.
Farm Market Bus Tour 2024 locations
Ed Dunnebeck and Girls Farm
This fifth-generation family farm features seasonal pick-your-own crops, a bakery, a lunch cafe and a gift shop. Rooted in tradition, the farm offers visitors a chance to enjoy fresh produce and homemade treats, creating a welcoming, community-focused experience.
Millies Farm Market
Millie’s Farms, a family-run farm and market in Western Michigan, is dedicated to producing high-quality, locally sourced goods. Millie, her husband Trevor, and their four children opened the farm in 2015. They raise a variety of animals and operate a fully licensed farm market with a butcher shop and retail kitchen. Millie’s Farms strives to offer visitors a genuine connection to local farming and small-town community support.
Schwallier’s Country Basket
Schwallier’s Country Basket, a family-run market in Sparta, Michigan, has been serving the community since 1989. Located on “The Ridge,” known as Michigan’s apple capital, the market offers fresh produce, treats and family activities, including a corn maze, petting farm, pumpkin patch, cow train and wagon rides. Starting as a roadside stand, it has grown into a popular farm destination that provides new family-friendly attractions annually.
Stoney Ridge Vineyards
Stoney Ridge Vineyards, founded in 2012, is located in northern Kent County on “The Ridge.” Its welcoming vineyard and tasting room opened in 2020. With wines made onsite from Michigan-grown grapes, Stoney Ridge aims to create a memorable experience for visitors, which include both locals and tourists. This region is celebrated for its top-quality fruit and vegetable production because of its glacial soil and climate.
Event registration and details
The cost of the tour is $185 per person, which includes the full-day tour, lunch and snacks. Registration is available online but space is limited. The tour has sold out the past several years.
Tickets can be purchased in conjunction with registration to Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Maret EXPO or as a standalone purchase.
Michigan State University Extension educators will travel and the buses and moderate interactive discussions geared to help spark dialogue between participants.
