Living in West Michigan offers its residents gorgeous lake views, miles of forest, and the finest crops of fruits and vegetables you'll find anywhere.

When spring arrives and the tulips and daffodils poke their colorful heads up through the soil, farmers in this region are busy cultivating their land for the summer season. One of the first vegetables to appear in farm markets is asparagus, and not only is it tasty, it has numerous health benefits. It's a natural diuretic and helps detoxify your body. Asparagus is rich in Vitamin K and folate, is heart-healthy, and contains antioxidants to help fight disease. Oceana County is the largest producer of asparagus in Michigan, and ranks just 3rd after California and Washington in production.

Mid to late summer, fresh sweet corn on the cob makes its way onto picnic tables everywhere. It's inexpensive, tasty, easy to prepare, and just about everyone likes it (except for those with braces!) Cover those plump yellow kernels with butter and salt, and you've got a meal within itself. It's simply the best. Summer also yields favorites like beans, radishes, lettuce, tomatoes, and mushrooms.

Nature's sweetness comes to life in the form of Michigan fruits. Many varieties of apples are grown here, and if the saying holds true, you really should have your "apple a day." Blueberries, known for their high antioxidant value, are in plentiful supply, as are strawberries (the prettiest fruit!) and cherries.

It's time to get back to basics and enjoy the freshness and goodness of West Michigan fruits and vegetables.

Also See...

Area Farm Markets and U-Picks
Locally Sourced Foods

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Current West Michigan Events...

Upcoming West Michigan Events...

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For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:

Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.