Did you know Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is home to over 5,000 farms? Its market value for agricultural crops totals a whopping $1.5 billion!
Lancaster is widely known for its rich history, beautiful farmlands, and America’s largest and oldest Amish community. The Amish are prized for their locally grown food and hearty, family-style meals. Their gardens are bursting with traditional ingredients like sweetcorn, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and more, making for some delicious comfort dishes.
Naturally, Lancaster boasts some of the state’s best farmers markets. People from all over the country visit its markets to snag a taste of these delicious local ingredients. Unlike conventional supermarkets — which often have weeks-old produce sitting on shelves — you can find fresher, consistently stocked goods by strolling through a farmers market.
Locally grown foods are harvested at peak ripeness, ensuring the highest-quality produce and shopping experience. If that sounds good to you, explore some of Lancaster’s best farmers markets below!
Get your dose of everything Lancaster County has to offer — community, culture and delicious locally grown ingredients — by visiting one of the area’s many farmers markets! We’ve crafted this list of must-visit spots to add to your itinerary.
Nestled in Penn Square in the heart of downtown Lancaster, Lancaster Central Market is rich with history and locally grown foods — both of which will have you returning for another taste! Founded in 1730, this is the country’s oldest-running public farmers market.
Farmers have been delighting local residents with fresh meat and produce for centuries, and the farm’s welcoming atmosphere and wholesome charm are as strong as ever. Enjoy an array of locally sourced cheeses, poultry, meat, fresh baked bread and desserts, flowers and crafts — not to mention the always pleasant conversations — from over 60 local vendors. Be prepared to leave with a full basket and heart!
Lancaster Central Market is open year-round on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. (excluding holidays).
Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market is a staple for locals and tourists alike, and it’s not hard to see why. This indoor, air-conditioned farmers market provides a comfortable stroll, tons of local vendors and delicious offerings. Browse a huge selection of fresh homemade treats, including:
Whether you opt for a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired lunch or a small snack for the road, the gorgeous displays paired with locally made appetizers will have you back for another bite. The free parking and easy access are also a plus!
Want something to remember your visit by? Swing by the gift shop for some locally made souvenirs, including quilts, toys, dried and silk flower arrangements, dolls and doll clothes, t-shirts, leather goods and more.
Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the following windows:
Since 1932, the Green Dragon Farmers Market has flourished into one of the East Coast’s largest flea markets. Millions of shoppers have visited this timeless favorite for a one-of-a-kind Lancaster County experience.
Sitting humbly on a peaceful, handicap-accessible 60-acre site in the heart of Amish Country, Green Dragon has no shortage of locally made goodies and collectibles to enjoy. Treat yourself to some mouth-watering baked goods, candy, crafts, apparel, flowers, fabrics, home furnishings, sporting goods and much more.
With more than 30 acres of free parking, indoor and outdoor shopping, and over a hundred local specialty vendors, your visit will be one for the books! The Green Dragon Market is open year-round, every Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Whether you’re looking to sample some delectable homemade baked goods or find the perfect gift for a loved one, the Village Farm Market has just what you need. The market bakes a myriad of treats on-site daily, providing some of the freshest homemade tidbits in Lancaster County.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a variety of freshly baked pies, cakes, bread, cookies and other specialty bakery items. You’ll also find a vast selection of deli items, frozen meals and locally grown produce. Its gift baskets are the perfect way to surprise a friend or family member for the holidays or other special occasions.
To add some flavor to your next party or event, you can pick up a meat, vegetable or baked goods tray. The market offers curbside pickup and local delivery, making it easy to get your baked goods whenever and wherever you need them.
You can stop by the Village Farm Market during any of these hours:
If you value healthy and sustainable living, we encourage you to check out Lemon Street Market in downtown Lancaster. This independently owned grocery store offers plenty of local, organic, gluten-free and vegan options.
Lemon Street Market strives to offer locally and regionally produced goods whenever possible. Many factors play into its stocking decisions, including biodegradable and BPA-free packaging, non-GMO ingredients, and organic and fair trade products.
Savor a hot bowl of seasonal soup or some GMO-free takeout items. You can also grab a fresh coffee, espresso, tea, fruit smoothie or juice from the market’s extensive beverage menu. You’ll also find the following products:
Lemon Street Market is passionate about supporting its local community and cultivating long-term relationships with producers in Lancaster and the surrounding region. You can also enjoy amenities like on-site parking, Wi-Fi and delivery. Lemon Street Market is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lancaster is a fantastic place to live at any stage of your life. If you are looking for your next chapter, see if Garden Spot is the right fit. We are a faith-based, nonprofit housing and lifestyle services provider.
We are committed to bringing people together and making our community a better place to live. That’s why we offer a variety of on-campus activities and amenities, including:
Enjoy resort-style living and countless opportunities to get involved in the community. If you’d like to learn more about life at Garden Spot Village, send us a message or call 717-355-6000 today!