Lancaster Central Market

Lancaster Central Market.

Meet me at the market!

This Farmer's Market in Lancaster, Pa is a foodie's dream!

My little family and I decided to take a quick road trip to the Central Market in Lancaster. It is the nation's oldest, continuously running Farmer's market in America and CNN GO just raked it 8th among the world's best Farmer's markets. Not too shabby for central Pa!

You can read the full PennLive article.

Also, read the full CNN GO article.

The market is located in downtown Lancaster and public parking is readily available in several locations only a block or two away from the market. There are a lot of art and specialty shops surrounding the market and you could easily spend an entire afternoon browsing the cobblestone and brick lined streets, weaving in and out of the various and sundry unique shops lining he streets. There are also plenty of local restaurants to grab a quick lunch at while browsing the shops, but who was I kidding? I was saving up for the delectable treats awaiting me inside Central Market!

Handmade Italian Pastas at The Herb Shop.

The market itself contains almost 75 vendors from all walks of life- literally. The vendors range from authentic African cuisine at Rafiki's to Amish meats at S. Clyde Weaver to hand rolled pastas and dried herbs at The Herb Shop. There are also several fresh flower vendors and a large variety of organic, grass fed, and natural vendors- ranging from meats, coffee, vegetables, goat cheeses and more! In other words, a foodie's dream!! See the complete directory of shops on the Central Market website!

Lancaster Central Market includes a variety of food and floral vendors.

The market is only open on Tuesdays and Fridays 6-4, and Saturdays 6-2. There are additional days around Thanksgiving and Christmas, so check the schedule.

You can read more about the market and it's history on the official website.

Shrip Wrap from Mr. Bill's Seafood

To satisfy my foodie's dream, I picked up a shrimp wrap, made with cilantro, celery, lettuce, and rice, along with a special fresh herb blended dip, and it was fabulous, all for $8.50!!  It was the perfect little lunch wrap, so I can see why so many visitors wait in lines during their lunch hour to feast at the Central Market!
 
For anyone traveling to the area or through central Pa, I would recommend the visit! It has a lot of history that most Americans don't know (outside of central Pa), great healthy food choices and fabulous atmosphere. There has to be a reason why so many business people in suits and ties, dresses and heels, choose to frequent the market and stand in lines for Lobster Wraps and Rolls, S. Clyde Weaver sandwiches and subs in Tuesdays and Fridays year after year. Come see why for yourself.

Note:  All photos are IPhone photos.  Where can you travel with your IPhone?