Farmers Markets
Montgomery County
It's rather interesting to see the farm-to-table concept take hold as a major culinary trend; Montgomery County has eaten that way for centuries.
From late spring to early autumn, local farmers, florists, dairymen and crafters spread their wares in quaint settings and offer the fruits of their labors - as well as a host of other tempting goods.
Here are the best of the best:
AMBLER FARMERS MARKET
Ambler
Hours: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Reason to Go: The selections here are extensive, with Alice Bakery as a do-not-miss for anyone with a sweet tooth. Be sure to bring your dull kitchen carving knives. A local craftsman can get them gleaming and sharp in no time.
ARDMORE FARMERS MARKET
Ardmore
Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. || Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reason to Go: If you've cultivated taste buds yearn for food prepared in the European style, Ardmore's got it. Stoltzfus Bakery makes homemade pretzels in the true Bavarian tradition. It's bakery has even been featured as the "Best Bakery" in Main Line News. DiBruno's offers meats and cheeses that are delizioso.
BALA CYNWYD FARMERS MARKET
Bala Cynwyd
Hours: Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Reason to Go: Stop by for a selection of local and seasonal fruits and vegetables straight from the farm, rustic breads and baked goods, sustainably raised meats, fresh cheese, and local artisan foods and fare.
BRYN MAWR FARMERS MARKET
Bryn Mawr
Hours: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Reason to Go: This thriving market offered artisan foods and local produce to its patrons looking to support local food growers. Find everything from fruits and vegetables to fresh breads and desserts.
CONSHOHOCKEN FARMERS MARKET
Conshohoken
Hours: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Reason to Go: Offers fresh, local produce, unique artisanal goods, and a vibrant community atmosphere, making it the perfect weekend destination.
DEKALB PRODUCE
Blue Bell
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. || Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Reason to Go: There are two reasons to stop at Dekalb Produce on your commute home from work on those golden summer evenings: One, it's open every day. Two, it's got basketsful of the sweetest, juiciest and freshest ears of white and yellow corn around.
FLOURTOWN FARMERS MARKET
Flourtown
Hours: Thursday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. || Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. || Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Reason to Go: Ali Rashidian, who runs a local Middle Eastern restaurant in Lafayette Hill, is one of many reasons to seek out this market - and seek you must because it is hidden in a small nook near the local CVS. But Rashidian's products are off-the-charts good, especially the hummus. -- currently undergoing renovations.
GLENSIDE FARMERS MARKET
Glenside
Hours: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Reason to Go: Amid the first-rate meats, produce and dairy, it's possible here to buy a skein of yarn spun from baby-soft alpaca fur. On the culinary side, try one of Humpty's Dumplings, which come in flavors such as cheesesteak, BBQ chicken and even sweet apple pie.
HATBORO COMMUNITY MARKET
Hatboro
Hours: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Reason to Go: Supports local artisan food entrepreneurs, farmers' fresh produce, skilled craftsmen and women, health and wellness entrepreneurs, pet nutrition, family-fun activities, live music entertainment, and more!
HORSHAM FARMERS MARKET
Horsham
Hours: Sundays from June 9 - October 27: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Reason to Go: There's something for everyone, from farm fresh eggs to specialty nut butters. After you stock up on some of the juiciest local produce, enjoy a delicious French toast casserole egg roll from Madi's on a Roll.
JENKINTOWN NIGHT MARKET
Jenkintown
Hours: May 28th - September 24th Tuesdays, 4pm to 8pm.
Reason to Go: Find an exciting lineup of local food artisans and fresh produce. Indulge in delicious treats and unique flavors while discovering new and exciting local businesses around Jenkintown Town Square
LANSDALE FARMERS MARKET
Lansdale
Hours: Saturdays from May 11 - December 21 (Closed November 30) || 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Reason to Go: Joining the meats, cheeses, wine, baked goods, olive oil, maple syrup, spices, fair trade coffee, prepared foods and nursery stock is the Mushroom Guy, your go-to resource for fresh Shitakes, Chanterelles and Portobellos. A rotation of performers regularly presents live entertainment.
LEE'S PRODUCE MARKET
Conshohocken
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reason to Go: Open year-round, Lee's Produce offers more than just local produce. In addition to the fresh fruit cut daily, you'll find locally made juice, sauces and prepared meals that will be a perfect addition to your next cookout.
MAPLE ACRES FARM AND MARKET
Plymouth Meeting
Hours: Monday - Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Reason to Go: Wander the property for farm-fresh produce and meat, but be prepared to be entranced by the unique pottery, outdoor furniture, statues, hummingbird feeders, and a huge selection of garden decorations. In the fall, as our blog reported, Maple Acres supplies live turkeys for Thanksgiving.
MERRYMEAD FARM
Lansdale
Hours: Milk & Ice Cream Store: Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. || Friday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. || Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Reason to Go: Home-made specialties at Merrymead include some harder-to-find specialties like cheese curds and shoo-fly pie. While browsing the farm-fresh produce, grab a freshly dipped ice cream cone. The flavors are plentiful and, as we reported in a blog, the production starts with the cows that live just behind the store.
NARBERTH FARMERS MARKET
Narberth
Hours: Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Reason to Go: Great selection of organically and locally grown produce, baked goods, and flowers.
POTTSTOWN FARM
Pottstown
Hours: Every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Reason to Go: Enjoy freshly picked produce, unique items such as artisan vinegar, sauces and more, and the work of local artists.
REDEEMER VALLEY FARM
Huntingdon Valley
Hours: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Reason to Go: Purchase freshly harvested seasonal produce, as well as goat milk, lotion, soaps, local honey, and handmade and creative items.
ROYERSFORD FARMERS MARKET
Royersford
Hours: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Reason to Go: Offering locally sourced and crafted goods by farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs from the greater Royersford area.
SUNNYBROOK FARMERS MARKET
Pottstown
Hours: Fridays from 4 to 7 PM. May 10th to September 27th.
Reason to Go: Each week will bring a variety of different local farmers and businesses that benefit the body and your health. Several local artisans join weekly.
TELFORD NIGHT MARKET
Telford
Hours: Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Reason to Go: Vendors, food trucks, and musicians...every Wednesday night!
UPPER MERION FARMERS MARKET
King of Prussia
Hours: Saturdays from May 18th through September 28th and November 2nd through 23rd: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. || Friday Evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
Reason to Go: The meats sold here by Livengood Family Farm in Lancaster include ground sirloin made only from grass-fed cattle. The resulting burgers are outstanding. Upper Merion Farmers Market often features pets for adoption from local animal shelters, lending an "aww" factor that is popular with kids.
WEST NORRITON FARMERS MARKET
Norristown
Hours: Monday-Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. || Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Reason to Go: One of the best kept secrets in Norristown. Home chefs looking for unusual cuts of meat can find whatever specialty items they may need here, including tongue, tripe, heart, ear and even a whole pig head. Known for its international and ethnic variety including unique pastries, Jamaican spice rubs, wasabi seaweed snacks and Jarritos (a jazzy Mexican fruit soda).
*Ardmore Farmers Market photos credit B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia