The Dirt: What To Get At The Farmers Markets On Pope Weekend



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Clark Park is one of very few farmers’ markets that will be #openinPHL this weekend, so if you’re in town you should definitely plan to stop by for apples, mushrooms, fresh vegetables, and cut flowers. But if you, like me, have decamped for the weekend, you might need to find sustenance elsewhere. This week, instead of featuring the goodies you’ll find at your local markets, we’re devoting The Dirt to markets that would make excellent additions to any day trip, or pope-cation, outside of our fair city.

Phoenixville Farmer’s Market – Get out of town before 76 closes on Friday and you can make it to the legendary Phoenixville Market. There, you’ll find vendors who sell at lots of Philly’s big markets, including Shellback Hollow, North Star Orchards, and Birchrun Hills Farm. In addition, you can pick up some grass-fed goodness from Backyard Bison, fresh pasta from Vera, and something sweet from Nomadic Pies, featured by Craig LaBan in his recent round-up of the region’s pie shops.

Lancaster Central Market – Reading Terminal is already overrun with the faithful, and while plenty of sandwich-makers will be bussing into town to accommodate them, some vendors of raw ingredients are simply taking advantage of the lunch-seeking crowds to close up for the weekend. If you still need access to Amish goodies, your best bet is Lancaster’s Central Market. The longest continuously operating farmer’s market in the country, it’s worth the drive, but get started early, weekend hours are Saturday 9:00 to 2:00.

Collingswood Farmer’s Market – A South Jersey Favorite, the Collongswood market is loaded with vendors who will be familiar to Philly shoppers. Savoie Organic Farm, AT Buzby Farm, Wild Flour Bakery, and Hillacres Pride are just a few Headhouse vendors who also appear at Collingwood, but in addition you’ll find Collingswood’s own allergen free bakery, Sweet Freedom, orchard fruits and jam from Fruitwood Farms, and lots and lots of Jersey-grown produce.

Linvilla Orchards – Isn’t a farmer’s market, it’s an actual farm, and both days this weekend they’re full on embracing the official arrival of autumn with their annual Apple Festival. You get the idea: music, games for your kiddos, pick-your-own apples, face painting, candy and caramel apples, and even a pie eating contest. Their on-site market means that you can pick up some other locally grown produce as well while making a day of it in Media.