July 26, 2012 at 9:00 am

Cherry Street Market

Photo Courtesy of Cherry Street Market

The small town of Kalkaska boasts an abundance of local businesses, indicative of the loyal community that resides there. One business that patrons all over Michigan have remained loyal to is Cherry Street Market.

This spin on a roadside fruit stand blends greenhouse annuals and perennials, garden decor, fresh local fruits and vegetables, deli meats, cheeses, salads, fresh baked pies and cookies, locally baked bread, jams and jellies in a way that draws clientele from all over our great state and beyond.

Purchased and opened in 1993 by owner Randy Ryan, Cherry Street Market has flourished in its dedication and pursuit of accessible fresh Michigan produce.

Throughout the course of a Michigan summer, one can find Bay City melons, South Haven blueberries, Elk Rapids cherries and freshly made in-house salsa to take home.

Photo Courtesy of Cherry Street Market

The intimidating selection of jams and jellies, as well as boxes of locally dried fruit, are bought by the dozen to last through the long Michigan winters. That being said, Cherry Street Market has recently announced an expansion project that will allow them to be open year-round, an announcement locals have been eagerly awaiting since 1993!

Sarah Ryan, the store’s general manager, is looking forward to being able to offer “local goods at a decent price” year-round starting in May 2013.

With so much produce being seasonal, Cherry Street Market has developed the deli, bakery and greenhouse departments to impress a variety of customers.

The greenhouse offers a staggering variety of annuals, perennials, herbs, fruit trees, shrubs, vegetable plants and seeds. The greenhouses have all been landscaped with a colorful array of gardening decor and fountains for sale, with a merchandise greenhouse full of gift ideas, flower pots galore and a helpful, knowledgeable staff.

After you’ve spent your outdoor budget, it’s always worth a trip inside for a freshly baked cherry pie, a sandwich made right in front of you and a pint of chocolate milk from Shetler’s Dairy Farm.

Cherry Street proudly serves Winter’s meats and cheeses in the deli, as well as an assortment of salads and dips. Local bread companies Stone House and Bay Bread make daily deliveries of their freshest bread; a hot seller early in the morning!

Photo Courtesy of Cherry Street Market

The outdoor displays of fruit and vegetables reach impressive heights as they are put out each morning. If the assortment of jams and jellies inside doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can always buy a half bushel of Michigan tomatoes, peaches and apples or a flat of freshly picked Michigan strawberries to make your own.

The moral of this market’s story? It’s worth the drive to stop into Cherry Street Market. Shop locally, eat healthy (until you see the pies) and leave happy. Can’t wait to enjoy the remodel in May 2013!

~ Lyndsay Israel, Feature Writer