Nov 7, 2024

Tour stops revealed for Farm Market Bus Tour 2024

Set to take place on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, the Farm Market Bus Tour 2024 provides 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 café and a unique gift shop. Rooted in tradition, the farm offers visitors a chance to enjoy fresh produce and homemade treats, creating a welcoming, community-focused experience.

Heritage Farm Market

Organized in White River, Michigan (now Hesperia), the farm originated when Henry Becker, a Civil War veteran who lost his leg at Gettysburg, was compensated with 80 acres. This land has remained in the family ever since. In the late 1960s, Dave and Mary Zeerip began a roadside market stand on the property, which has since evolved into today’s farm market. The market stands at the heart of the original parcel, honoring a family legacy that dates back to the post-Civil War era.

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, which raises a variety of animals and operates a fully licensed farm market with a butcher shop and retail kitchen. Committed to a true “farm-to-table” experience, 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 simple 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 due to its unique 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. Pricing will increase after Nov. 15, 2024. Registration is available online but space is limited and has been 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.

The Farm Market Bus Tour features networking and learning opportunities, specifically on to uncover innovative methods of reaching customers with creative, unique marketing strategies. 

Michigan State University Extension educators will moderate Interactive discussions while traveling on the buses geared to help spark robust dialogue between participants that will lead to generating business operations, marketing and customer satisfaction ideas.