July 30, 2020
Something for certain about Lancaster County is that “it’s ALL about the food” here!!!!. Some of the best produce, fruits, canned goods and baked goods can be found here, and the best way to try them all is to embark on a tour of the farmers markets and roadside stands!! In addition to terrific culinary treats, you’ll enjoy some great scenery and people watching as well.
Here are our picks for the top places to shop, located all across the county:
Location: 23 N Market St, Lancaster
Open: Tuesday, Friday & Saturday from 7 am – 2 pm
A visit to Lancaster wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Central Market in downtown Lancaster. It’s the oldest INDOOR central market in the country, but updates including central heat and air make it a comfortable place to shop and eat no matter what the temperature is outside. There are all kinds of vendors: Amish, “English”, food, gifts, flowers & plants.
Location: 955 N State St, Ephrata
Open: Friday ONLY, from 9 am – 9 pm
The Green Dragon is an iconic fixture in the county and situated on 60 acres (30 of which is parking!), and one of the largest Amish markets on the East Coast. This place is part farmers market, part flea market & part food court. You can buy everything from bunny rabbits & chickens to Amish jams, baked goods & crafts, furniture & cell phone accessories! If you’re hungry, we HIGHLY recommend trying the stuffed pretzel sandwiches from Roseannes (Building 1 – just look for the line of customers!)
Location: 705 Graystone Rd, Manheim
Open: Tuesday ONLY, from 9 am – 8 pm
Roots is similar to Green Dragon, but rather than being the largest, Roots is the OLDEST single family owned market in the county, dating back to 1925! The market definitely has something for everyone, including a produce auction, fresh meats, deli, bakery items, flowers, handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles and household items from over 200 standholders.
Location: 30 Erb's Bridge Road, Lititz
Open: Monday - Friday 8 am - 8 pm, Saturday 8 am - 5 pm, Closed Sunday
What’s special about Hoover’s is that much of what they’re selling (in season) has been grown right there on the farm. In addition, they have partnerships with other local small businesses for prepared or canned foods including pretzels, smoked meats and jarred goods. Some local favorite things to buy at Hoovers include strawberries, honey, eggs, asparagus, tomatoes and of course, CORN!
Location: 2902 Rothsville Road, Ephrata
Open: Monday - Friday 8 am - 7 pm, Saturday 8 am - 4 pm, Closed Sunday
Reiff’s is an Amish-owned farm and farm market. They’ve grown from a small farm stand along Rothsville Road to a pretty substantial market building with refrigeration for items like cheese & milk. Like Hoovers, Reiff’s is a working farm so in season, much of what they’re selling was grown and harvested on-site. Another treat at this farm stand is that they’re only about a block away from the Warwick to Ephrata Rail Trail, so you can easily add in a walk or bike ride along the trail & finish up with some great shopping!
2710 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird in Hand
Open: Wednesday – Saturday 9 am – 5:30 pm
The Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market is a favorite destination for locals, as well as out-of-town visitors. It features tons of delicious offerings, including fresh meats, cheese and produce, a wide variety of baked goods, chocolates and candies, bulk foods, spices, coffee and loose leaf tea, locally made chips and hard pretzels, hand-rolled soft pretzels, fresh-squeezed lemonade, apple cider, made-to-order subs, fried chicken and rows of homemade canned goods.
Location: 1520 Division Hwy, Ephrata
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 6 am – 6:30 pm, Wednesday & Saturday 6 am- 5 pm,
Located in an historic stone barn along Rt. 322 (Division Highway along this stretch), the Village Market is super-small but super-fantastic. They have an assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables, a deli where you can get a fresh made sandwich, and refrigerators and freezers offering an assortment of traditional prepared Lancaster County mainstays like ham loaf, chicken pot pie, shoefly pie and strawberry pie. They also have other bulk foods, jams, Emma’s popcorn, Wilbur chocolate and more!
Location: 1955 Beaver Valley Pike, Strasburg
Open: Monday – Friday 8 am – 6 pm, Saturday 8 am – 4 pm
Meck’s has a stand in Lancaster Central Market, but if you want to go straight to the source, this is where their farm and original farm stand are located. These guys have been voted one of the top-5 farm stands in Lancaster County in an LNP online poll. They grow an assortment of fruits and vegetables on their 60 acre “preserved farm” and are known for selling some of the freshest and tastiest fruits and vegetables year-round.
Location: 2325 Lititz Pike, Lancaster
Open: Monday – Friday 10 am – 5:30 pm, Saturday 9 am – 3 pm
In business for 80 years, Brook Lawn is a 3rd generation farm and road side market in the heart of Lancaster County. You should definitely visit this 100 acre farm. Brook Lawn grows fantastic strawberries, sweet corn, peaches, heirloom tomatoes, and pumpkins, right there on-site. Additionally, they have relationships with other local growers for favorites like green beans, squash, melons & cucumbers. For anyone who wants the FULL experience, Brook Lawn also has “pick your own” strawberries in the spring and pumpkins in the fall, check out their website for timing!!
Once you’ve loaded up on all these fantastic local foods, it’s time to return to the Historic Smithton Inn for a refreshing adult beverage and to snack on some of your finds like a local smoked meats, Amish cheese, hard pretzels & PA Dutch dipping mustard! Be sure to let us know what you thought of our picks & your tour around the county!
Visiting Lancaster County this summer? Book a stay at the Historic Smithton Inn, a historic-hip bed and breakfast in Ephrata, PA.
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