There’s nothing better than a fresh strawberry, or the tanginess the fruit adds to a dessert. And like a lot of other produce, you can find tasty strawberries across Michigan at farmer’s markets, roadside stands, and u-pick farms during the summer. Some towns go the extra mile and celebrate with a festival, such as the ones noted below, which you may want to incorporate into your summer travel plans:

The Belleville National Strawberry Festival: Father’s Day weekend, favorite strawberry desserts and treats, craft show, jams, breads, delicious smoothies to add some refreshment to a warm summer day, parade (150 entries), midway, and a car show.

Copper Country Strawberry Festival: This festival began in 1949 as a way to recognize the Copper Country Strawberry Growers Association, as strawberries had become – over the last decade – a very important part of the local economy. Today, though it still stands true to tradition, it helps to fund local, state, and international charitable and civic projects through the Chassell Lions Club. Festival goers will enjoy plenty of strawberry shortcake, parades, live music and entertainment, and Arts and Crafts in the Park.

Annual Leonard Strawberry Festival: A one-day event began as a simple community event of the volunteer fire department serving out strawberry sundaes. Now the festival has a parade, rides, car show, craft show, and fire truck rides. It’s a great event to enjoy with the family!

Coldwater Strawberry Festival: Another one-day event held in downtown Coldwater, enjoy the bounty and variety of Michigan-grown strawberries at this favorite festival. Local farmers sell fresh strawberries and homemade strawberry products, and crafters sell their wares. Take the kids along, too!

When strawberries are in season, there’s no better time to take the kids or a group of friends who like to make jam to a u-pick farm and spend an afternoon hand selecting fruit. There are so many in Michigan that the best resource is to visit www.pickyourown.org/mi.htm for a complete list in each region. Make sure to visit the farm’s website, if available, to make sure they are still in operation and that the crop is in!

And once you have Michigan strawberries in hand, it’s time to make something delicious. Try one of these recipes at the campsite. They won’t require too many ingredients… and there certainly won’t be anything to clean up.

 

Easy and Quick Strawberry Summer Salad (from Allrecipes.com)

Take advantage of fresh farm produce with this refreshing, easy salad – with homemade dressing.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • ½ shallot, diced
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Mixed greens
  • 2 cucumbers, sliced
  • 2 cups strawberries, hulled
  • Sea salt

Directions

  • Stir red wine vinegar and shallot together in a bowl; season with salt and black pepper. Stream olive oil into the mixture while whisking to form a dressing.
  • Toss mixed greens and cucumbers in a large bowl; pour dressing over the mixture and toss to coat. Add strawberries and toss lightly. Season with sea salt to serve.

 

Campfire Strawberry Shortcake (from Chowhound.com)

This simple recipe is perfect for the campsite – and it takes only 30 minutes to make.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/3 cups Original Bisquick mix
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for coating the tins
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries
  • Whipped cream

Directions

  • Smear the pie tins with butter and set them aside. Stir together the Bisquick, milk, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Spoon the batter evenly into the buttered tins.
  • Cover the pie tins tightly with foil and place them directly onto glowing coals, avoiding any intense flames.
  • Cook until the shortcake has risen and is golden around the edges, about 25 minutes, moving the tins a few times for even baking. Remove the foil and cover the shortcakes with fresh strawberries and cream.

 

Campfire Strawberries (from momables.com)

You’ll need skewers for roasting these delicious treats over the fire.

Ingredients

  • Strawberries (whole)
  • Marshmallow fluff
  • Melted chocolate

Directions

  • Wash and dry the strawberries.
  • Dip or spread marshmallow fluff on the strawberry.
  • Place the strawberry over the fire and roast until the fluff is golden brown. Drizzle with melted chocolate for a little extra sweetness!