Leo Jovanovic is a farmer from Three Oaks and he's got a theory about Skip's European Farmers Market held each week in Harbor Country. He can't exactly put his finger on it, because, as he says, “I don’t know what it is,” however, he contends that "What happens at that market is magic. It truly is a magical place.”
It’s Harbor Country’s and New Buffalo’s only European Farmers Market, featuring businesses with merchandise and amenities not readily found at any other farmer’s market in Southwest Michigan.
Skip’s European Farmers Market New Buffalo, planted and homegrown since 2009, is privately owned by the Sobecki Family, who also own the award-winning steakhouse, Skip’s Restaurant & Catering, now celebrating 42 years in New Buffalo.
Rhonda Sobecki is the Market Manager. she says, “Because our market is a privately owned business, we also can serve cocktails on our Market Day Café patio along with chef-created breakfast selections and sweets provided by our market vendors.” She also adds, “Lunch begins at 11am at the Market Day Grill Café, featuring Al Fresco dining in a grassy area with the subtle sound of cascading water from the market’s fountain. The market also has indoor bathrooms, an ATM on site and, most importantly, a free shuttle service.”
Skip’s free shuttle service will transport up to 11 people from the City of New Buffalo at its designated pick-up spot during market hours at New Buffalo Savings Bank, however, the shuttle service is also available for scheduled pick-ups at area hotels, the marinas and rental properties. The shuttle service also is available for dining service at the restaurant beginning daily at 5pm.
Rhonda tells us, “Since we opened our market in 2009, the changes we have made and the amenities we have added are incredible,” However, in the grand scheme of things, she adds, "We really owe it all to our vendors. Our vendors are our family. We are so fortunate to have such an amazing group of people, who have catapulted Skip’s Farmers Market to the level it has now become: Harbor Country’s number one farmers market weekend destination spot."
Rhonda says that every year, they invest their vendor fees to add some new and exciting things. By way of example, this year they have invested in the purchase of the shuttle and the ATM machine. Last year they created the Market Day Café. As she tells us, "We are always reinvesting in our market and reinvesting in our vendors, and because of that, we have a loyal base of more than 70 vendors, who set up shop throughout the summer and early fall.”
The scenery is always changing with Mother Nature providing the farmers with seasonal produce, herbs, greens, flowers and fruits of the season.
Skip’s Farmers Market New Buffalo also features honey, Michigan pure maple syrup, a Polish bakery, an Italian deli, breads and rolls, cheeses, jams, jellies, hot sauces, pickles, dip seasonings, teas, coffees, natural bug sprays, hand-crafted essential oil soaps and personal body-care products, meticulously handcrafted jewelry, art, home décor, hand-crafted furniture, a mobile pet salon twice a month, massages, clothing and so much more.
Every week Sobecki posts on the market’s Facebook page who will be at the market for the weekend and what will be offered. Visit Skip’s European Farmers Market New Buffalo Facebook page for weekly updates.
Skip’s European Farmers Market New Buffalo is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm through October 9th. For more information about the market, or to schedule a shuttle pick, up call 269-469-3341.
