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Roots

http://www.rootsmarket.com/

Growing up in Lancaster County, my first experience of the farmer’s markets was Roots.  The first, and most important thing you need to know is how to say the name.  Do not speak the Queen’s English–this is English corrupted by German and the name is “Rutz”.  Say the name this way and you will be halfway to being a local of this Lancaster County farmer’s market.  The second important fact is that Roots is open for business on Tuesdays.  Search the outside stands and the buildings for anything from produce to fried seafood sandwiches.  If you are at the market near closing time, you can often get loads of left-over produce for a steal!

Green Dragon

http://www.greendragonmarket.com/

This Friday market is between Ephrata and Reamstown on what is called State Street in Ephrata, but which morphs into Reamstown Road somewhere on the way to Reamstown.  If you approach the Green Dragon from route 272, you will see the locally iconic fiberglass dragon sculpture who signals the turn to the market.  Green Dragon has much of the same as Roots.  Much of the growth in stands in the last 20 years at Green Dragon has been from the travelling sellers from as far away as NC and NYC with dubious goods.  The heart of the market is Amish.  A truly mesmerizing experience is to find the building where the live animal auction takes place.  All sorts of small animals–ducks, rabbits, chickens, etc.–are dealt, as pets and as food.   Sit and take in the ambience.  This is a forgotten world.  Enjoy fresh cut fries, a funnel cake, specialty popcorn, or freshly roasted nuts as you browse. 

Central Market

http://www.centralmarketcampaign.org/

Lancaster Central Market hearkens back to an era when the farmers from surrounding rural areas would transport their goods to the center of Lancaster to supply the urban populace.  Here is the strange mix of Amish and hip: shoofly pie, fresh meat, organic produce, coffee and tea booths, and stands that promote the old Dutch superstitions.  Prices at Central Market tend to be higher than those at the rural markets, but its location, in the center of historic Lancaster on cobbled alleys, is worth the trip.  Lunch at the Dispensing Company or stop into the various trinket and art stores that ring the market.  It is open on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays.  The earlier in the morning you arrive, the more pleasant the experience.  Central Market can get crowded.