Kenosha Harbor MarketPlace

I was very surprised at the size of the market and variety of items being sold. There are of course tons of fresh fruits & veggies, but also a lot of prepared foods being sold.
I ate at an African food vendor, which I cannot remember the name of unfortunately. I got the goat curry and fresh juice — it was delicious. I was so glad that they accepted credit cards through Square, because I dropped by this market on a whim and didn’t have any cash with me. Unfortunately a lot of other vendors only accepted cash so I didn’t get to buy much else.
I was also very surprised at how busy the market was. I dropped by around noon on a Saturday, and it was bustling. There was barely any room to walk.
One plus is a lot of vendors give samples, so you can try a lot of stuff in case you forgot your cash (like me). Overall I’m pretty impressed that this market is so thriving in Kenosha. Oh, and it is walking distance to Lake Michigan, so I just walked down to a picnic table by the Lake to eat my food. It was a really great way to spend an afternoon.

My wife and I go each weekend during the summer. Love all the fresh food and the fenders. Everyone is friendly and helpful. The continue to grow, and for the last year or so have been on both sides of the street. Go and experience one of the good things that Kenosha has done.

Best rated market in Wisconsin and #7 in the country… need I say more! The best local fresh produce and lots of great crafts and other homemade food items as well. Even the indoor market during winter has a great selection.

For a small area, this market is great! The veggies are fresh and the African cuisine stand is amazing! The flowers are fresh and the crafts are original. What a wonderful place to go for an afternoon.

Love this place! Kenosha HarborMarket is beyond a habit in our household. It is a ritual, and a place that we go to enjoy sunny, breezy harbor-​side surroundings where we can buy top quality locally grown and produced (a requirement for vendor participation), fruit, vegetables, flowers, plants, baked goods, cheese and meats. It also is a place where one may purchase artisan-​produced goods; hand crafted scarves, jewelry, soaps, lotions, candles, even fine, master-​craftsman hewn wooden bowls, pet accessories, whimsical birdhouses, bird feeders and garden ornamentation to name just a few; all very reasonably priced, and in some cases, negotiable.
HarborMarket also is a place where one may have something to eat, wander about and linger to listen to live musicians or take a few moments to visit with vendors to talk about their crops and products, about what they believe is of exceptional quality that day, what could stand to be better, and what you can expect over the upcoming weeks. Some vendors have sold at the HarborMarket for years, so they subsequently have developed a loyal customer following, and they care about the quality they offer to their loyal customers. This is not a flea market type farmer’s market manned by transient vendors, who sell overstock items, cheaply made single use junk, and out-​of-​state produce that chain stores passed over a few days earlier. Product quality and vendor adherence to HarborMarket guidelines and quality standards are key here.
We have farmer markets in communities closer to our home. They are very nice, very convenient, but truth be told, none appear to be as well regulated, nor feature the number of vendors, nor variety and quality as HarborMarket does. None of them have comparable surroundings on a public square next to a scenic harbor on Lake Michigan that features old-​fashioned, circa 1940 – 1950 streetcars, brightly colored lighthouses, beautifully planted and manicured garden beds, a teeming cooling fountain, benches and picnic tables, also where, just a few feet away, one may visit Kenosha’s Natural History or Civil War Museum. That combination, fellow Unilocalsters, cannot be rivaled.
Suggestion: Make an effort to visit your local cash station before hitting the HarborMarket, since some vendors may not accept plastic or personal checks for for items that cost, $ 1, $ 2, $ 3, under $ 10 or so dollars.
Keep in mind that a term of vendor participation is that produce must be locally grown. So, if you note that tomatoes and sweet corn are not offered, know it is because it still is too early in the season for their harvest. As a result, the only produce that will be offered is at its height of freshness.

This is awesome and has a festival feel to it when outdoors. There is live music and tastings of various foods, drinks and sauces. Lots of amazing, delicious fresh local produce. Some of the shops take cards but most of the farmers and bakeries take cash only so don’t forget that. Just had some of the tomatoes and they were AWESOME. My husband and I are definitely planning on becoming regulars.

Major highlights:
TASTING: My mom and I tasted several herbal teas, sweet buns, cheeses, organic salsas, apple butter, parmesan garlic crispy bread, kettle corn. I’m sure there was more but it’s
EDUCATIONAL: After speaking with many of the friendly vendors I left much more knowledgeable about types of garlic, how paper beads are made, dying German glass, what happens to the market in the winter (it moves to a downtown theatre and only about 15 vendors can fit.)
VARIETY PACK: There were many different artists with their work for sale. Many families selling fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs. A man playing acoustic guitar. Farm raised meats, jerky, and free range chicken. Coffee, teas, hot dogs, snacks, dog treats, herbs and spices, even egg rolls.
We left with cilantro, Mexican bread, organic salsa, sticky bun, molasses cookies, and an ice coffee — I’d say a morning well spent. Next time I’m in town it won’t be so warm, but I’m interested to check out the winter indoor version as well — I bet they’ll have some great locally grown and crafted holiday treats.

I finally made it to the market. after many failed attempts. I only wish I would have brought more money! I walked out with a beautiful loaf of sourdough with asiago and peppercorns, some incredible croissants and a jar of raspberry jam. I was disappointed I wasn’t able to take home some of the great cheeses or fresh eggs. I can’t wait till it all moves outside and the fresh produce starts rolling in. During the winter the market is inside the Rhodes theater downtown.

I have not been yet but hope to attend the market in these upcoming weekends. To check out the businesses and vendors visit their website.
The market runs every Saturday from 9 am until 2 pm, rain or shine. It’s located behind the Kenosha History Museum & Civil War museum (this is temporary until 2009, then it will return to the Place de Douai once the plaza reconstruction is complete).
A perfect way to enjoy the weather while it’s nice out!