Don’t you just love this time of year, when many of the outdoor farmers’ markets come alive from their winter hibernation? Tables, tents and booths of meats, fruit, vegetables, baked goods, cheeses, artisan breads, local wines and just about anything else that is locally and organically grown, produced, eaten and sipped begin to crop up along the Main Line.
Some of the markets we’re highlighting are year round, a few are entirely indoors and still others set up seasonally in parking lots or gorgeous parks. One thing they all have in common: shoppers like you, who are keen on buying fresh and buying local when possible—and this is the time of year to take advantage of getting the best that the Main Line and Mother Nature have to offer.
Oakmont Farmers Market
Located within the Oakmont Village business district, the Oakmont Farmers Market of artisan producers includes everything from Backyard Bison to Blue Mountain Wines to Butterfly Farm Pet Treats for Fido. Artisan breads, authentic fruit butters and seasonal produce are displayed on folding tables, under tents and even out of the backs of SUVs. Check out the market’s Facebook page for events and new products. Get the full list of producers on the market’s website. Open Wednesdays only from May 20 through September 2, 3–7 p.m. Grace Chapel Parking Lot, 1 W. Eagle Rd., Havertown
Malvern Farmers Market
Touting the slogan “growing roots” within the quaint borough of Malvern, this friendly group of producers sets up under the shadow of Saint Patrick’s Church. Meats, bakeries, crafts, dairy products and a full list of vendors are well represented here, with the likes of Kimberton CSA, Malvern Buttery, Nomadic Pies and Black Walnut Winery. Sign up for the market newsletter and be sure to follow on Facebook and Instagram for the latest, greatest up-to-date information. Saturdays from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Burke Park, Malvern, (610) 836-1391
Bryn Mawr Farmers Market
“Real farmers. Real food” is the slogan for this year-round market held in the Amtrak parking lot in Bryn Mawr. With over 25 vendors this year, Jon Glyn, farmers’ market program manager of the Farm To City program, announced, “We have our biggest lineup of new farms and local food producers ever this year.” Local farms include Two Gander, which will kick off the spring season with ramps, microgreens, red and green butterhead lettuce, baby Swiss chard, bok choi, hakurei turnips, the last of the sweet winter carrots, honey and heirloom tomato sauce. Canter Hill opens the season with discounted prices on whole chickens, pork tenderloins and chops, lamb shoulder chops, scrapple and eggs. Other producers include Tooth of the Lion Apothecary, Amaranth Bakery (gluten-free) and Hazel & Ash Organics. Check out the full list of producers and keep posted with Facebook updates. May to end of December, every Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Lancaster and Bryn Mawr Aves., Bryn Mawr, (215) 733-9599
Ardmore Farmers Market
Located within Suburban Square, this year-round upscale market is a one-stop shop. Anchored next to Trader Joe’s is the expansive DiBruno Bros. cheese mecca; Capital Teas; a Stoltzfus lineup of poultry, meats and produce; Sushi Sei; and a new gluten-free stall this year with CakeFace Pastry. A great place to spend an hour grabbing a few extra goodies for your next spring fling. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday to 6 p.m.; Sunday to 4 p.m. Anderson & Coulter Aves., Ardmore, (610) 896-7560
Rosemont Farmers Market
A fairly new kid on the block, this year-round indoor market is loaded with places to grab a bite while checking out the selections of meats, sausages and produce at Farmers Butcher and Produce. Enjoy authentic Caribbean cuisine at The Jerk Pit, Middle Eastern grub at Tabouli, Margaret Kuo’s fine Asian fare, daily made sushi from Lafayette Sushi and Thai Kitchen. Don’t forget to throw in some kosher-certified chocolates from The Sweet Trading Company to complete your visit. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. 1149 W. Lancaster Ave., Rosemont, (610) 527-4800
East Goshen Farmer’s Market
On the western fringe of the Main Line and set up in the beautiful East Goshen Park, this township sponsored farmers’ market starts up full blast on Thursday May 12. Touting a “30 Vendors in 30 Days” promise this year, some of the incredible vendors include Big Sky Bread and Taste of Puebla, farmers such as Thornbury Farms and M&M Creek, food artisans including Firehouse Donuts and Freeland Market. Live music and entertainment for the wee ones are scheduled. Find the entire list of vendors on the market website or on Facebook. Open Thursdays, 3 p.m.–7 p.m., weather permitting. 1661 Paoli Pike, West Chester, (610) 692-7171
Lancaster County Farmers Market
In its current location since 1977, this long-time Main Line market consistently doles out the goods with pretzels, chocolates, ice cream, doughnuts, fresh locally grown veggies, turkey, gourmet meats & cheeses, delicious coffees, teas, specialty hot and cold drinks—and let’s not forget the scrumptious baked goods. Highlighted producers include Sassano’s Fresh Pasta, Herrcastle Farm and S. Clyde Weaver for those smoked meats and cheeses. Go for a farm-fresh breakfast or lunch at Nudy’s Market Cafe. Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 389 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 688-9856
Feel like taking a ride further out in the ‘burbs or possibly spending a day in the city of Philadelphia? Give these great farmers’ markets a try, too: Downingtown Farmers Market, Eagleview Farmers Market, Kennett Square Farmers Market, West Chester Growers Market, The Artisan Exchange, Headhouse Farmers Market and Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market.
Don’t forget to bring along a recyclable tote bag or two for your farmers’ market bounty, and be sure to thank the farmers for providing these wholesome, quality products!
- Photos: Bryn Mawr Farmers Market
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