Central Market in Lancaster is the oldest continually operated farmers’ market in the United States. Walking through the lively and historic red brick building you will brush shoulders with locals and out-of-towners and get to speak directly with the growers, butchers, bakers and chefs.
This urban market thrives off of the community and tradition of the area while welcoming a new wave of conscious consumers. The more than 60 stands are home to long-standing vendors from local establishments as well as newcomers bringing fresh takes on eating local. We’ve rounded up a baker’s dozen of our favorites. Check ’em out, and be sure to tell us yours in the comment section below!
Drinks
The 6 a.m. market opening means coffee is a must for vendors and market goers alike. For 17 years, Mean Cup has been fueling regulars and first timers. “It’s cheap and its quality, so people keep coming back,” said manager Aaron Binder. A double Americano only costs $2.50.
If you are not a coffee person, check out rijuice cold-pressed juice. Each bottle contains about a pound of organic and local produce, much of which is sourced from vendors in the market. Rijuice has six standard blends and offers specials you can only pick up at market.
Also check out: Pureblend Tea Bar, Lancaster Juice Company, Havana Juice, Lancaster Coffee Roasters, The Herb Shop
Produce
Rich agricultural soil earned Lancaster County the title of “Garden Spot” of America. Stoner’s Home Grown Vegetables has held a stand at the Lancaster Central Market for almost 120 years through multiple generations. Current owners Ethel and John Stoner are known for having fresh homegrown fruits and vegetables. Their “famous arugula” often runs out before the day is over.
SweetHearts of Lancaster has expanded upon PA Dutch methods to ripen celery hearts to their best flavor, drawing out a sweetness through a blanching process.The SweetHearts six pack contains three pounds of celery with a shelf life of about two weeks refrigerated.
Also check out: Green Circle Organics, Kauffman’s Fruit Farm, Groff’s Vegetables, Thomas Produce Meck’s Produce, Barr’s Farm Produce, Tulip Tree Hill Farm
Bakery
Donuts, cinnamon buns, baguettes and focaccias—the market offers freshly baked goods from sweet to savory. Head to Shady Maple or Stoltzfus Homestyle Bakery to try a Long John. The rectangular yeast donut found randomly across the United States is frosted on top and often filled with cream. Shady Maple, known best throughout the state for its smorgasbord, does its own version—the maple bar, a Long John with maple-flavored icing and garnished with a whole slice of bacon.
Also check out: Thom’s Bread, Wendy Jo’s Homemade, Ric’s Bread, Zig’s Bakery, Kom-Essa
Jars
Pennsylvania Dutch recipes fill jars with jams, salsas, pickled veggies and mustards. Although Long’s Horseradish is one of the smaller stands at the market it is still hard to miss. With the smell of freshly grated horseradish traveling through the nearby aisles, follow your nose and you’ll catch a glimpse of them jarring their famous condiment.
Also check out: Oasis at Bird-in-Hand, Amish Family Recipe, The Herb Shop, Stoltzfus Homestyle Bakery
Meats and Dairy
Rooster Street Provisions is embracing nose-to-tail eating, a trending culinary concept that uses the whole animal to minimize waste. You can pick up unique items like duck proscuitto or pork pate.
The Turkey Lady specializes in, you guessed it, turkey. The stand offers market favorites like scrapple, bacon, jerky and sausage in a lean turkey version.
Also check out: Mr. Bill’s Seafood, Shenk’s Poultry, Country Meadow Farms, Riverbound Deli, Carr’s at Central Market, Stoltzfus Meats, S.Clyde Weaver, German Deli, Linden Dale Farm, Oasis at Bird-in-Hand, Maplehofe Dairy
Prepared Foods
Spring Glen Fresh Foods offers homestyle Pennsylvania Dutch dishes like potato salad, chicken stew and baked macaroni and cheese.
Also check out: Goodie Shoppe, Lancaster Salad Company (both great for something lighter)
International Eats
These vendors serve international market fare using local ingredients. From Buona Tavola’s fresh Italian pastas and sauces to Catering by Christina’s sofrito, you can sample international flavors from the friendly faces of the community.
Rafiki’s Deli saw a need for authentic African cuisine in Lancaster. With roots in Uganda and Kenya, they are creating their own recipes from traditional flavors. Rafiki’s donates 100% of their profits at the market to local and African charities.
Also check out: Saif’s Middle Eastern Food, Havana Juice, Stella’s Authentic Greek Cuisine, Narai Exotic Thai Cuisine, Yasou! Greek Pastries, Delgiorno’s Italian Specialities, NY Pickles
Sweets and Snacks
The third-generation candy makers of Sweet Legacy Gourmet are a newer addition to the stands at the market. This little stand gives the feel of being in a gourmet candy shop, right in the heart of market. The fudge is hand-crafted using a recipe that dates back to the 1830s.
Also check out: Ebenezer Wholistic Food, The Candy Stand, Miesse Candies, Pretzels on Market, The German Deli
If You Visit
Parking meters are enforced every day the market is in operation. Although some street parking is free on Saturdays, all meters within a few blocks of the market (the city center) are active. Parking lots on Prince Street and King Street put you just a few steps out of the market— ideal if you plan to make a few trips to the car! Park at the city-operated Prince Street garage to get cheaper rates and a $2 dollar parking voucher after you spend $10 at the market. Visit the information stand for your voucher and information about the market and the city.
The market is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 6 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturdays from 6 a.m.–2 p.m.
Find Central Market at 23 N. Market St. in Lancaster.
Photography: Morgan Paese
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