Farmers Markets-Lancaster, PA

Farmers Markets: a Staple of Lancaster County

As the first day of spring approaches, most of the seasonal farmers markets in Lancaster County are starting to do business again and the ones open year-round are becoming more inviting.  The warmer weather and the sunny skies make a trip to the markets an excursion both visitors and locals look forward to.

The produce, baked goods, handcrafts and other products, characteristic of Lancaster County, make these markets special. Some are small enough to work into a crowded itinerary, some large enough to turn into a day trip, but all of them have something in common—they are the places to shop from early spring through fall.Ø  Central Market is the country’s oldest continuously operating farmers market, having been open for 275 years. Year-round, the market is held in an old building at 23 Market Street, Lancaster, every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. The stands offer everything from fresh food and produce to textiles and knick-knacks. For more information on this cornerstone of Lancaster County society, visit their website.
Ø  Green Dragon, located in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, sits on thirty acres of land. Every Friday morning, the market and auction come alive with activity. The vendors are as varied as the many visitors who stop by each week, ranging from local growers to craftsmen to merchants. Their hours are 9:00am- 9:00pm every Friday except during the months of January and February, when the gates close at 8:00pm. Enjoy easy access to Green Dragon from the Kimmel House Bed and Breakfast.
Ø  Roots Market and Auction is located just outside of Manheim, Pennsylvania and has been operating for nearly 90 years. With both indoor and outdoor stands, Roots is a Lancaster County destination in all weather. Roots Market is open only on Tuesdays. From April to October the doors are open 9:00am-9:00pm and from November to March, 9:00am-8:00pm. Roots is near several bed and breakfasts, including Rose Manor in Manheim, and the Alden House and Swiss Woods in Lititz.Ø  Lititz Farmers Market is a small farmers market consisting of vendors from the Lititz area who bring and set up their own stands. The market is held 8:00am-12:00pm every Saturday from the end of May to September in a parking lot on Water Street in downtown Lititz. The location is half a block off Main Street and within easy walking distance of the Alden House Bed and Breakfast.

Ø  The New Holland Farmers Market is an open-air market on the corner of Main St. and South Robert’s St. in New Holland. It takes place every Saturday from May to September from 8:00am-1:00pm. This market brings fresh produce, cheese, dairy, baked goods and handcrafts to the people of Lancaster County.

With the 3rd Annual American Quilter’s Society Quilt Show coming up this month on March 14-17, I was interested in learning more about the history of the Amish Quilt. Amish homes are abundant in Lancaster County, and one of their traditions they’ve shared with the surrounding communities is their beautiful craft of quilt making. Art, in the traditional sense, is not accepted by the Amish because it serves no real purpose. Fortunately, quilts were used to keep people warm, and given as dowries and gifts. Dating back to the 1800’s, the first quilts were simple, yet elegant in their own way.

Over time, their style has changed by incorporating more colors and patterns into the designs. So the older the quilt is, the less color and embellishments it has. By the 1970’s, their quilts caught the eye of local folks, who would even steal them off their wash lines. This led to the decision to start selling the quilts at local markets, but did challenge the Amish to keep their life separate from the modern world. Over the years, Amish quilts continued to evolve and use updated styles that appealed to their customers.

To learn even more about quilting and its history, I encourage you to spend a day or two at the AQS Quilt show. Held at the Lancaster County Convention Center, this international quilting event will display hundreds of quilts, host many workshops and lectures, and give you the opportunity to connect with other avid quilters.

Some classes and lectures that you can attend include: machine applique technique, beading and embellishment, successful needle turn, caring for and repairing quilts, and ideas for using fabric scraps. There will also be a few special events such as a class on how to get the best experience while at the quilt show, techniques and demonstrations from instructors, a trunk show from a husband and wife team, and brunch with a presentation of Amish quilts and history.

If you’re still wanting to see more quilts and learn more history, make sure to visit the Lancaster Quilt & Textile Museum! And since you’ve chosen the best lodging in the county, ask your innkeepers if they have any quilts around the inn.

What Can You Do In Lancaster County In March

      Even though March typically blows in like a lion in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the great events taking place throughout the month are innumerable. From cozy shows to events taking place outdoors in the unseasonably warm weather, there is something happening in Lancaster County for everyone.

First Fridays
These events are free and open to the public!

• The first Friday of every month, the city of Lancaster holds an event known as First Friday in the downtown area that is attended by thousands of people. The merchants stay open later, the streets are filled with performers and vendors, and fun activities abound during this celebration of the arts. The event takes place in Downtown Lancaster from 5-9 pm, and it will be held on March 2nd.

• Second Friday, a smaller, more intimate version of Lancaster City’s First Friday, is held on the second Friday of every month in the small town of Lititz, a few miles north of the city. This event, intended for the entire family to enjoy, is a celebration of the town and everyone has a wonderful time. The restaurants and merchants along Main Street are open late, vendors set up stands along the sidewalk and performers are prevalent. Second Friday is on March 9th, 2012.

Shows and Museums
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• The Lancaster County Gun Show is coming in March. Open to the public, this event will take place at the Lancaster Convention Center with an admittance fee of $8.00 per person over the age of 12. The weekend of March 3rd and 4th, the show is open 9am-5pm on Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday.

• Sight and Sound Theatre is opening a new show in March. Starting on March 10th, 2012 they are proud to introduce “Jonah!” a spectacular show that is sure to amaze. From the breath taking sight of a whale swimming overhead to the effects of a great storm, “Jonah!” should be on any itinerary.

• The North Museum of Natural History & Science, a children’s museum located in Downtown Lancaster, is the perfect destination for children of all ages. During the month of March, the museum is hosting several different activities. Through the entire month, the museum is hosting a special exhibit of bugs, featuring sculptures of many unusual bugs. Also, for homeschoolers who need a science credit, Home Schoolers Day at the North Museum (March 2nd) is the perfect way to earn credit and have fun. Check their website for more exciting events.

Dates to Remember

• Charter Day is a very important day in Pennsylvania and is celebrated on March 11. This is the approximate day that William Penn was granted the charter for Pennsylvania in 1681. That act led to our state becoming what it is today. To celebrate this day, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will be offering free admission to its historical sites including the Cornwall Iron Furnace, the Landis Valley Farm Museum and Village, the Ephrata Cloister and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

• The first day of spring will be on March 20th, 2012. Celebrate by taking a trip outdoors into the serene Lancaster County countryside!

Lancaster, PA Food

Ever stop to think about all the food that is native to your area, but half the people in the country have no idea what it is, or know it by a different name? It becomes more apparent when you move to a different state, or when you’re on vacation and suddenly hit with culture shock. Granted, Lancaster County isn’t going to put you over the edge with the cultural differences, but they are proud to share their local foods and recipes that have originated from their Pennsylvania German or Amish roots. Traveling throughout Lancaster County will allow you to taste different foods, and you could even see some made during factory tours.

Have you ever eaten a whoopie pie, or drank birch beer from a keg? Perhaps you’ve never heard of eating pork and sauerkraut on New Years, or tried teaberry ice cream. (I’ll save you from that second one, and just let you know it is bright pink and tastes similar to pepto bismol!) Other tasty snacks include apple butter, shoo fly pies, scrapple, and lebanon bologna. Not sure where to try all these delectable treats? Try visiting Kitchen Kettle Village, the Lancaster Central Market, or any Amish store.

Do you think your town has the best chips and pretzels? Sorry to burst your bubble, but Pennsylvania also holds the award for best snack foods. If you don’t believe me, then make sure to visit the Intercourse Pretzel Factory, or the Julius Sturgis Pretzel factory. Herr’s has a local snack factory, but I’ll recommend Utz or Diefenbachs while you’re in the area. The secret ingredient that inhibits you from putting the bag down, is what the chips are cooked in, lard! And don’t forget what chips are the perfect sides to... Hoagies! (No, not subs, or grinders...)

If you’re ready to move onto heavier fare, stop by a traditional dutch restaurant for hot turkey sandwiches, kielbasa and pierogies, chicken pot pie, or green beans with ham and potatoes. Oh and don’t forget to start your meal with a salad consisting of lettuce and hot bacon dressing, and wash it down with a beer from America’s oldest brewery, Yuengling.

And because every meal needs to end with something a little sweet, Lancaster definitely has you covered. For chocoholics, visit Hershey Park for a tour and many sweet activities. The Cafe Chocolate of Lititz and the Wilbur Chocolate Company are also great places to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you’re more of an ice cream lover, no worries, as Turkey Hill is native to the area and recently opened their Turkey Hill Experience.
After eating your way through Lancaster County, you’ll definitely be ready for some relaxation and a long nap. Conveniently for you, you’ll be near one of the 14 Inns of the Lancaster County Bed and Breakfast Association. The innkeepers will continue your journey with gourmet breakfasts, and give you more tips on where to go for the local fare. Make your reservations today, because I know you’re too anxious to wait any longer for your first taste of scrapple (don’t ask what it is).