One of the Nation’s Best Public Markets is in Michigan

Public markets provide an opportunity for social interaction and community bonding. As people gather to explore the stalls and make their purchases, they engage in friendly banter with vendors, fellow shoppers, and even strangers. It fosters a sense of belonging, turning a routine shopping trip into a social event. Additionally, the appeal of public markets lies in their support for local economies and sustainable practices. By purchasing directly from local vendors, consumers contribute to the growth of small businesses.

Recently, USA Today's 10Best compiled a list of the best public markets in the U.S. They had a group of experts put forward the nominees, and then their editors narrowed it down to the final ones. From there, readers got to have their say and vote on the ultimate winners.

Other Michigan destinations that have been named to 10Best lists in the past include Mackinac Island and the Detroit Riverwalk. But this year, another public market scored a spot in the top 10 best. Eastern Market, Detroit’s large weekly market, landed in second.

The website gave a big shoutout to the market because it has over 225 independent merchants and vendors selling a variety of stuff, from fresh produce and flowers to antiques and home goods.

The Eastern Market Historic District sits about one-mile northeast of downtown Detroit. Back in the day, it started in Cadillac Square, mainly for hay and wood sales. But things changed in 1891 when they built sales sheds and moved it to its current spot, Russell Street between Mack Avenue and Gratiot Avenue, 2934 Russell St., giving it the new name – Eastern Market. Then, to keep up with the demand, they added more sheds in 1922 and 1929.

Detroit's Eastern Market made it to the list alongside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's historic Reading Terminal Market, and our neighbor, Findlay Market in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Check out the rest of the public markets that made it to the list in the U.S. here.

According to USA Today's 10 Best, two car shows in Michigan are among the best in the nation. Amongst cities like Los Angeles, California, Louisville, Kentucky, and others, Detroit and Pontiac made the list.

The Woodward Dream Cruise took the number 6 spot for the best car show. Currently, it's the world's biggest cruise drawing in over one million people and over 40,000 classic cars each year. It started as a small fundraiser for a soccer field in Ferndale in 1995.

Nelson House and a group of volunteers looked to relive and recreate the nostalgic times of the '50s and '60s on Woodward Avenue. Annually, the Woodward Dream Cruise takes place in August on the third Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm.

Ahead of the Woodward Dream Cruise, the site listed Pontiac’s Cars & Coffee event. On the first Saturday of each month, car enthusiasts gather to showcase their cars at M1 Concourse. Each event has a unique car theme, with selected cars matching the theme displayed in the arena parking area. Members of the M1 Concourse Car Club will have their vehicles on display as well.

While all other vehicles are welcome to park at the trackside, some of their upcoming events include GM brands, antique, vintage, and classics, and Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury. See their complete list of shows here.

They said that the best car show in the nation is on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Cruisin' the Coast. It’s considered "America’s largest block party," with more than 7,000 cars in a large show along the beachside highway on the Mississippi Coast. Happening since 1996, the annual event has live music, food, merchandise, a car auction, a swap meet, and a parade.

Though not just a Michigan auto show, it highlights the latest concept cars, car releases, and more around the world. Located in Detroit, the show also has industry tech days, a charity preview, and a public show.

The annual Frankenmuth Auto Fest is a 3-day event full of food, fun, music, and cars. It started years ago in the St. Lorenz parking lot. Over the years, it grew into an event with over 150,000 people visiting.

This American classic car event takes place in Flint. Annually more than 500,000 car show enthusiasts visit Genesee County to celebrate their love of motor vehicles, and the area's historic role in the automotive industry.

They call themselves one of the largest all-make, all-model, car shows in the country. Held in St. Ignace since 1976. Over the years, the St. Ignace Car Show has brought hundreds of antique, custom, and celebrity cars to the area.