Detroit's Eastern Market is so large that it is more of a neighborhood than just an actual market. The huge complex of sheds and warehouses located close to downtown dates from the 1850s and covers around 43 acres. In fact, it is the largest historic public market district in the United States. The Eastern Market is a big attraction for both residents and visitors and is home to about 175 vendors.
The city's first farmer's market was opened in Cadillac Square Detroit in 1841 and it initially sold mostly wood and hay; it was moved to its present location in 1891. As the market grew in popularity, additional sheds were built to accommodate vendors. After WWII, more food processors and wholesalers began to move in and the market became a major hub for wholesale food distribution.
Overseeing the huge complex is the Eastern Market Corporation (EMC), whose goal is to ensure that the market is the major center for fresh food in southeast Michigan. The corporation does this in several ways: maintaining the market's unique identity, taking advantage of any economic incentives that might be available, and ensuring that streets, buildings, and open spaces are appealing and user-friendly. Over 100 people live in the Eastern Market; future plans call for up to 600 residents.
The place to go for meat of all kinds is Gratiot Central Market. This building was built in 1915, but almost completely rebuilt in 1995, following a major fire. In addition to the usual poultry, pork, and beef, more unusual meats can be found here, including rabbit, goat, homemade sausage, and even Amish chicken. The market's bakery serves over 20 different varieties of pie.
Although fresh produce and meats are perhaps the main attractions at eastern Market, there are other reasons to visit. The Artisan Village was created as a showcase for local artists and craftsmen to display and sell their work, and there are also several antique shops, art galleries, and hardware stores. Visitors can also learn something of the history of the market by taking a walking tour; these are held every Saturday morning during the summer months.
The market has a program of events throughout the year, but one of the most popular is Flower Day, held every May. Flower Day features hundreds of vendors from Michigan and surrounding states exhibiting and selling flowers, trees, shrubs, and tropical plants. The festival is attended by an estimated 150,000 people every year and is one of the largest flower shows anywhere in the country; it's also the unofficial start of Detroit's summer season.
The Eastern Market area is every day except Sunday, although Saturday tends to be the busiest day. It's estimated that around 45,000 people visit on a typical Saturday. In addition to the many shops, there are restaurants serving everything from fast food to Ethiopian cuisine. It is located about a mile northeast of downtown and is within easy reach of other neighborhoods such as the Riverfront and Lafayette Park. In 1978 the entire area was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
