Skip’s European Farmer’s Market… No Other Open-Air Market Like It

ZZZIPPY BUSINESS ZIPS

Skip’s Open-Air European Farmers Market

New Buffalo’s Magical Market Delivers Something New and Exciting in Harbor Country!
Skip’s Restaurant has been a stable of the southern Michigan, northern Indiana community for several decades now. Respected as an outstanding, quality restaurant, the Sobecki family continues their entrepreneurial spirit with yet another venture, Skip’s European Farmers Market.
While the award-winning Skip’s Restaurant & Catering is popular throughout the entire region, don’t be surprised to see the Sobecki’s new enterprise become equally
(or even more) successful.
So what is it that makes this outdoor, open-air, market such a potentially lucrative enterprise?
It’s like a great recipe; it’s all about bringing together the right ingredients. That is exactly what Sobecki, her family and her staff have accomplished.
They’ve combined the right ingredients, the right attitude and the right atmosphere; to create something quite magical.Once you visit this jazzy market you would agree, there’s nothing like it, anywhere in our region. You have to experience it to understand it.
Actually, it’s not so much understanding as it is the feeling you get when you are there.It’s a little mystifying but in a very positive way.

Rhonda Sobecki the Market Manager at this fabulous outdoor venue explains, “Our market is a privately owned business. We do a lot of very unique things here; for instance we serve cocktails on our Market Day Grill Café patio along with very special chef-created breakfast selections (and amazing sweets) all which of course are provided by our market vendors. Everything is fresh, different and delicious!” Sobecki insists.

SKIP'S FARMERS MARKET IS A ONE OF A KIND EXPERIENCE. THE FACT IS THERE'S NOTHING QUITE LIKE IT IN THE REGION. FRANKLY IT'S AS GOOD OR BETTER THAN ANYTHING WE SEE IN LARGE MARKETS LIKE CHICAGO

If you can’t make breakfast, you can always enjoy a fabulous lunch at the café, where guests dine comfortably alfresco, in a lush grassy garden-like area, while cascading waters spill from the market’s fountain. These serene elements culminate and lull diners, with an almost hypnotizing effect; and ultimately create a wonderful, tranquil and calming ambiance.

According to Rhonda the market opened in 2009 and the Sobecki’s have made (and continue to make) ongoing and unique improvements. “Every year we reinvest vendor fees back into the property. Our goal is to continually offer new and exciting things and experiences to our visitors.” Sobecki says. “In the grand scheme of things, we really owe our success to our vendors and our shoppers. Our vendors are our family… and our shoppers are like guests visiting our home.”

Sobecki is adamant it’s those relationships which have catapulted Skip’s European Farmers Market to the success it now enjoys. The fact is this friendly, lively and extremely diverse market continues to grow and innovate. The company has even introduced a free shuttle service which transports about a dozen visitors at a time to and from the City of New Buffalo. The service is even available for scheduled pick-ups at area hotels, the marinas and rental properties; and at 5pm it’s offered for dining service at Skip’s Restaurant.

So the BIG question; what is the market itself like? To sum it up in one word, fabulous! With over 70 vendors displaying their goodies (starting in early summer and continuing thru early October) this market is hopping. Skip’s is a growing, changing (and very lively) creature of sorts. The scenery transforms throughout the year as local farmers display produce, herbs, greens, flowers and fruits that represent that season.

This nifty market also features meat, honey, Michigan pure maple syrup, breads, cheeses, jams and jellies; and a great selection of hot sauces (which you will appreciate if you’re at all like me). But wait, that’s just the Skip of the iceberg; Skip’s vendors also offer a variety of fresh pickles, dips, and seasonings; as well as teas and coffees. And within the market there are both a Polish bakery and an Italian deli.

Aside from the edible items the market vendors also offer natural bug sprays, hand-crafted essential oil soaps and personal body-care products; as well as meticulously handcrafted jewelry, clothing, art, home décor and even hand-crafted furniture. To ensure pet owners aren’t left out a mobile pet salon visits twice a month.

Finally, if you’ve overexerted yourself during your Skip's adventure, you can get a nice, relaxing massage to make your day, well, pretty darn close to perfect!

Skip’s European Farmer’s Market… a wonderful little gem in our community.