Finding healthy, locally-grown food—a practice touted for its nutritional benefits, better flavor payoff, and cost efficiency—can feel next to impossible once the open-air stalls have shuttered their tents and the ground is covered in snow.

But never fear: NoMi farmers are still hard at work, offering fresh options all through the year. Per Jim Lively, co-owner of The Lively NeighborFood Market in Empire, northern Michigan’s burgeoning winter market scene is a veggie good place to start. The Indoor Farmers Market in the Mercato at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons has been operating for about 15 years, while The Lively NeighborFood Market, which opened in 2024, operates on the consignment model.

When you do head out for a winter market run, what local goodies might you expect? Find out in this week's Northern Express, sister publication of The Ticker, which has features on this and several other wellness-related topics to kick off 2026 on a healthy, feel-good note. 

The Northern Express is available to read online, or pick up a free copy on newsstands at more than 650 locations in 13 counties across northern Michigan.