Pursuing your happiness applies to all aspects in life – even to finding the freshest produce to satisfy your appetite. That’s why the Happy Traveler keeps a cooler in the trunk, just in case they stop at one of Pennsylvania’s many outstanding farmers markets. Autumn brings the spectacular harvest season in Pennsylvania, when local farmers fill markets and roadside stands with brilliantly colored produce and other goods fresh from the fields. Many Pennsylvania farmers markets are teeming with tasty goods – and history – all year long!
For a complete list of Pennsylvania farmers markets or to locate the market closest to you, please visit www.papreferred.com.
Reading Terminal Market
Philadelphia and the Countryside
Philadelphia
www.readingterminalmarket.org
This historic farmers market in downtown Philadelphia opened in 1893 and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, foodies can choose from homemade Amish specialties, fresh produce, seafood, and tasty meats. Explore everything from ethnic restaurants to the Food Network-famed pork and roast beef at DiNic's. Be sure to stop at Hunger Burger as it serves up mouthwatering burgers and donates a portion of each sale to hunger relief in the U.S. and abroad. Visitors can also enjoy live music, market tours and cooking classes.
The Strip District
Pittsburgh and its Countryside
Pittsburgh
www.stripdistrictneighbors.com
Dripping with character, the Strip District is one of Pittsburgh’s most fascinating experiences. Restaurants abound the area and shops sell everything from bread and coffee beans to prosciutto and popcorn. Sidewalk vendors sell their wares from around the world alongside one-of-a-kind boutiques. Cookware and demonstrations by local chefs are available, as well as cooking classes and tours.
Lancaster Central Market
Dutch Country Roads
Lancaster
www.centralmarketlancaster.com/
Voted the fourth-best market in the nation by USA Today, Lancaster Central Market has been recognized as the oldest farmers market in the country, beginning in 1730. Located in the heart of Amish Country, Central Market occupies a 120-square-foot, red brick building in downtown Lancaster, and this National Historic Landmark is the best place to find Pennsylvania Dutch traditions. Guests can sample farm produce, a specialty grocery store and ethnic delicacies all year round.
Miller’s Orchard Farm Market
Upstate PA
Clark’s Summit
www.millersorchard.com
This year-round, food-producing farm, greenhouse, market and bakery opens its gates to visitors to enjoy the adventures of farm life. Guests can explore fall attractions and taste farm-fresh goodies all while getting a peek into authentic farm operations.
West Shore Farmers Market
Dutch Country Roads
Lemoyne
www.westshorefarmersmarket.com/
The West Shore Farmers Market offers the freshest meats, produce, cheeses and baked goods in the area. Started in the late 1940s, the property was constructed by Ray Garver, Sr., with only 26 vendors, but now features more than 50 vendors. The Upstairs Specialty Shoppes include fine gifts, jewelry, antiques and more.
Downtown State College Farmers Market
The Alleghenies
State College
https://www.facebook.com/statecollegefarmers/
This charming market, located in downtown State College directly across from Penn State’s campus, is held every Friday from May through November. All vendors produce or grow what they sell, offering freshness, high quality, reasonable prices and convenience.
Warren Farmers Market
Pennsylvania Wilds
Warren
www.facebook.com/WarrenPaFarmersMarket/
For the past 43 years, local gardeners, bakers, horticulturalists, bee keepers, meat suppliers and home preservers have been offering their wares at the Warren Farmers Market. This historic market runs on Saturdays from June through October and is bigger and better each year with local vegetables, fruits, baked goods, canned goods, bison meat, pork, beef, goat, chicken, eggs and flowers.
The Broad Street Market
Dutch Country Roads
Harrisburg
www.broadstreetmarket.org
With nearly 40 vendors and a variety of locally grown and organic produce, meats, baked goods and freshly prepared meals, The Broad Street Market has made a name for itself in the Capital Region. Founded in 1860, this market has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operated market house in the United States. Today, it continues to thrive featuring new businesses, food trucks and live music Thursday through Saturday.
Meadville Market House
Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Region
Meadville
www.meadvillemarkethouse.org/
Built in 1870 and renovated almost 100 years later, the Market House still serves as a city market and meeting place in downtown Meadville, offering a variety of products including fresh baked goods, candies, homemade pasta, coffees, maple sugar products and crafts – to name a few. The Meadville Council for Arts is located on the second floor, housing an art gallery, a dance studio and a small theater.
The Green Dragon Farmers Market
Dutch Country Roads
Ephrata
www.greendragonmarket.com/
Every Friday morning since 1932, The Green Dragon has brought the ultimate farmers market experience to the small country town of Ephrata in Lancaster County. Today, with more than 400 local growers, merchants and craftsmen, it is known as one of the largest farmers markets in the area. The Green Dragon offers both indoor and outdoor shopping and is located on a 30- acre site in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
Somerset County Farmers’ Market
Laurel Highlands
Somerset
www.somersetcountyfarmersmarket.com/
Now in its 13th year of operation, the Somerset County Farmers’ Market is the place for produce in Somerset. The market is a producer-only tailgate market offering the freshest goods from nearby farmers. Open Saturdays from May to November, market-goers can find vegetables, fruit, flowers, eggs, meats, wines and delicious baked goods like pies, cinnamon rolls and cookies. Come with an empty stomach and be sure to speak with the farmers about how to prepare some dishes with their produce!