Nothing says summer like pints of sweet local strawberries or bushels of juicy, just-plucked-from-the-vine tomatoes. And thanks to the surplus of farmers’ markets in our region, we all have access to the season’s freshest at our fingertips almost every day of the week. Here’s a guide to shopping—and eating—your way through the area’s most mouth-watering spots. PLUS: Off-the-Line but worth-the-drive hot (and green!) spots.
Ardmore Farmers’ Market
This tried-and-true, year-round market is on many folks’ biweekly shopping rotations for a reason. And with the recent addition of Di Bruno Bros., it’s easier than ever to grab fresh pasta, bread and cheese for dinner, sandwich fixings for lunch during the week, or a loaded Italian sandwich to enjoy on the patio right then and there. Lancaster County’s Stoltzfus’ Produce has amazing fresh-squeezed orange and grapefruit juices (but be prepared to pay for it), and their baby watermelons are a summer treat. Hit Ardmore Seafood for some of the freshest fish around, or Pallante’s Pasta Co. for great pizza right out of the oven.
Open year-round. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Coulter Avenue, Suburban Square, suburbansquare.com.
Bala Cynwyd Farmers’ Market
This small but well-stocked Thursday-afternoon market is conveniently located right off of City Line Avenue. Jimmies Cupcake truck is a sweet staple, Blue Mountain Vineyards offers locally produced wine, Green Zebra Farm is known for its juicy heirloom tomatoes, and Livengood Family Farm’s grass-fed, pasture-raised beef makes the most delicious burgers.
Open 2:30-6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Nov. 30. GSB Building Parking Lot, Belmont Avenue and St. Asaphs Road, balacynwydfarmersmarket.weebly.com.
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Bryn Mawr Farmers’ Market
Where to start? Grab a cup of coffee at Philly Fair Trade Roasters and a signature French pastry from Market Day Canelé. Browse the gluten-free baked goods from Amaranth or stock up on overflowing pints of Kennett Square’s finest from Davidson’s Exotic Mushrooms. Count on Shellbark Hollow Farm for some of the best artisan cheese in the area (just ask for a taste). Also available: organic veggies, grass-fed meat and the best eggs you’ll find.
Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays in summer; 10 a.m.-noon every first and third Saturday in winter. Bryn Mawr Municipal Lot, Lancaster and Morris avenues, brynmawrfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.
Lancaster County Farmers Market
The only drawback to this year-round Main Line institution: It’s open just three days a week. It’s hard to miss the hot, hand-rolled pretzels from Country Twist, or the dumplings from Susanna Foo’s small stand. If you’re in the mood for something a little more substantial, grab a counter seat at The Luncheonette at the Market and scarf down an order of cinnamon-swirl French toast or a stack of buttery pancakes. Or try a bowl of delicious homemade soup with one of the Luncheonette’s grilled sandwiches. And don’t leave without something from the fully loaded cheese case at S. Clyde Weaver, or one of the famous tomato pies from The Ultimate Bake Shoppe.
Open year-round. 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. 389 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, lancastercountyfarmersmarket.com.
Oakmont Farmers’ Market
Perfect for busy folks who still want farm-fresh meat, produce and local goods during the week. Part of the Havertown Farmers’ Market Association, Oakmont hosts some of the region’s most reputable farmers, offering everything from bison, lamb, cheese and chocolate to handmade soaps, quiche and pure maple syrup. The apples from North Star Orchard are as heavenly as the gourmet chocolate from Éclat is decadent. And the market hosts several wine-and-cheese events throughout the year.
Open 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 29; 2-6 p.m. Sept. 5-Nov. 21. Grace Chapel Parking Lot, 1 W. Eagle Road, Havertown, oakmontfarmersmarket.org.
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Phoenixville Farmers’ Market
On a typical seasonal Saturday, more than 30 vendors set up tables under the Gay Street Bridge. It’s never too early for a carrot-cake cupcake from ICED by Betsy, especially when paired with a cup of locally roasted coffee from Artisan’s Gallery and Café. Sample cheese from Birchrun Hills Farm, or cool off with a gelato or sorbet while perusing tables overflowing with organic fruits, veggies, locally raised meat, soaps, all-natural dog food and more. This summer also marks the debut of the Sunflower Truckstop, a mobile café serving on-the-spot dishes prepared with ingredients from the market.
Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 17. 200 Mill St., Phoenixville, phoenixvillefarmersmarket.org.
West Chester Growers’ Market
The Saturday Growers’ Market is as much a weekend hangout as it is a bustling local market. Kids can green their thumbs by planting seeds with Blueberry Hill Farm, and chatting up the local farmers is also a popular pastime. Pureblend Tea is a favorite for healthy summer combos like Egyptian Lime Hibiscus—or try an iced honey-ginseng matcha latte with almond milk. Any of the homemade hot sauces, pepper jams and relishes from Downingtown’s Chile Spot are delicious with some Yellow Springs Farm goat cheese atop a sliced baguette from Big Sky Bread. Don’t miss the beautiful mixed bouquets of local flowers from Schaeffer’s. And while you’re at it, grab some herb or vegetable plants for the garden.
Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 30; 10 a.m.-noon every first and third Saturday Dec. 1-April 30. Church and Chestnut streets, westchestergrowersmarket.com.
And Coming Soon …
Rosemont Farmers’ Market
St. Davids-based real estate development and management company S.W. Bajus is taking over the former Borders Bookstore location in Rosemont Square and turning it into a year-round farmers’ market similar to the one in Wayne. Expect all of the usual staples, plus ethnic and specialty foods. Look for it in the fall.
Click here for off-the-Line but worth-the-drive farmers’ markets.
Beyond the Main Line (but worth the trip)
Chestnut Hill Growers’ Market
Sustainably caught fish is a big draw here, as is the local honey, raw-milk cheese and grass-fed, hormone- and antibiotic-free smoked meats. Peach season is especially yummy.
Open 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday through Nov. 30; check online for winter hours. Winston Road between Germantown Avenue and Mermaid Lane, farmtocity.org.
Headhouse Farmers’ Market
Eat yourself silly and take in what may be the city’s most unusual and diverse selection of goods—from the grass-fed burgers at the Lucky Old Souls truck to the highly addictive tacos from Los Taquitos de Puebla. Talk up Aimee Olexy at a Talula’s Table stand loaded with house-made sausages and gourmet dips and spreads, or check in with the crew from Blooming Glen Farm for recipe ideas using those gorgeous tomatoes and green beans.
Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday year-round. Second and Lombard streets, Philadelphia, thefoodtrust.org.
Rittenhouse Square Farmers Market
Take a nice lunch break and head over to this convenient Tuesday market lining the south sidewalk of Walnut Street. Vendors vary from week to week, but you can count on lots of produce, beef and eggs from pasture-fed animals, bakery items,
chocolates, and freshly squeezed lemonade.
Open 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday; check online for closing date. 18th and Walnut streets, Philadelphia, farmtocity.org.
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