Guide to Farm-to-Table Dining in Lancaster, PA
Farm-to-Table cuisine is a way of life here, with homemade and hand-crafted delights filling tables and tummies.
Pick up Amish goods and local delicacies like homemade jellies, relishes, and chow-chow, or grab a bouquet of fresh flowers, many of which are grown right here in Lancaster County. Wander the aisles, ask questions, and enjoy the community vibes that fill the atmosphere.
Grab a basket or a reusable tote bag to carry your market finds in, and head off to one of Lancaster, PA’s fantastic roadside stands and farmer's markets. Be sure to keep the day of the week and time in mind, as markets are open select hours on select days. Use the Lancaster Farmer's Markets directory below for a run down of the freshest places to shop.
Open Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays
In the heart of Downtown Lancaster, Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the United States and was honored by CNN on their “10 of the world’s best fresh markets” list. With a spectacular array of fresh local produce, specialty foods, beautiful flowers, and responsibly sourced meats and seafood, Lancaster Central Market is a “must-visit” while in the area. Experience the culture and community vibes while you grab lunch and coffee – a great way to enjoy the market. Don’t forget to look up! The market building, built in 1889, features beautiful wooden beams that are a reminder of the architecture of the past.
Open Tuesdays
If you find yourself in Lancaster on a Tuesday, make Root’s Country Market & Auction your first spot. Root’s (pronounced with an “o” sound like “look”) has over 200 stand holders with goods ranging from antiques, collectables and sports memorabilia, to local produce, meats and cheeses, and ready-to-eat foods. Be sure to give yourself enough time to explore – Root’s is made up of nine buildings, plus some outdoor stands, when weather permits. Craving pizza? Believe it or not – Root’s is home to the 2016 USA Caputo Cup New York Style Pizza Champion, Norma Knepp, who is serving up tasty pizza pies in building number four.
Open Wednesdays (April-November), Thursdays (July-October), Fridays & Saturdays (year round)
A popular stop in Bird-in-Hand, PA is the farmers market, which has been family owned and operated for more than 30 years. Wander the aisles in this indoor, air-conditioned market to find local produce, fresh meats, cheeses, tasty baked goods, plenty of locally made items, and ready-to-eat delights. If you’re browsing for something to remember your trip by, handmade crafts and quilts, quality leather goods, and Lancaster-centric souvenirs are plentiful.
Open Fridays
On Fridays, find your way to Green Dragon – a robust farmers market in Ephrata. Browse the offerings of over 400 local growers, merchants, and craftsmen while enjoying tasty food offerings, including some classic PA Dutch cuisine. Located on 30 acres, Green Dragon is one of the largest farmers markets in the area, so much like Root’s, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore. Locals know this market to sell everything – from “soup to nuts.”
Open Saturdays
Columbia Historic Market House is the Riverland's center for fresh produce, specialty foods, and Saturday market traditions. The Historic Market was first established in 1869 to connect locals and farmers and it has since been restored to bring that Lancaster County tradition back to its community.
Open Mondays - Saturdays
Six days a week, the Village Farm Market is offering up homemade freshly baked pies, cookies, bread, and more specialty bakery items. There are dozens of local produce and seasonal items to choose from, in addition to homemade deli selections. Items are made on-site each day to provide the freshest items possible.
Open Monday - Saturday
Hidden out in the fields of Columbia, this tiny little farmers market is open from April to October. They offer farm-to-table selections, baked goodies, and fresh flowers. Open until October makes it a great place to pick up your pumpkins and mums for October's harvest!
Open Thursdays
Nestled in downtown Lititz, this charming farmers market features a variety of organic produce, homeware, and more. The inviting atmosphere is cultivated by friendly local vendors, who will have you coming back for more. From mouthwatering food trucks to upbeat live music, there is something for everyone at this neighborhood market.
Various operating schedules, many are not open on Sundays
As you drive around the county, you’re bound to stumble upon some fantastic roadside stands, offering a bounty of local produce, canned goods, bouquets of fresh-picked flowers, and baked treats. As the weather gets warmer, stands begin to open with offerings that change with the harvest. Be sure to keep cash handy if you plan to stop. Many stands only accept cash, or even work on the honor system, where exact change should be placed in a box on the stand.
Guide to Farm-to-Table Dining in Lancaster, PA
Farm-to-Table cuisine is a way of life here, with homemade and hand-crafted delights filling tables and tummies.
Market Towns in Lancaster, PA
Where you can buy fresh, buy local.
Roadside Stand Round-Up in Lancaster, PA
Lancaster County is known for its locally owned roadside stands. Stop by to pick up the freshest, seasonal produce.
Sustainable Businesses in Lancaster, PA
Check out some great sustainable places to stay, eat, and things to do in Lancaster County, PA
Lancaster County’s Seasonal Produce Guide
You must know the optimal times and locations to acquire the freshest produce.
Local Must-Eats in Lancaster, PA
How many of these must-eats have you tried?
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more
Things To Do
Find things to do in Lancaster County, PA!
Events Calendar
Find special events and one-of-a-kind things to do in Lancaster County all-year long. Search for seasonal festivals, wine and food events, local music, cultural happenings and more.
Regions & Towns
Let the discovery begin. Lancaster County will delight you with the things you always knew were here. And surprise you with a slew of things you didn't.