By Leslie Weinberg
While most people are excited over the start of the Phils’ season, I cannot wait until the start of another – the spring farmers market opening day and spring growing season!
Farmers markets aren’t just a place to pick up local produce, but a place to connect with the community and more importantly, the people who grow your food. Vendors are friendly, knowledgeable and are always encouraging customers to discover new foods.
Not sure what’s in season or need tips for what to do with your delicious purchases? Buy Fresh, Buy Local is a your one stop online resource.
Chester County is very fortunate to have access to an abundance of farmers markets with huge varieties of fresh produce, fruit, and delicious goods. With these great prices, flavors and varieties, foods that are better for the environment and the local economy, who really needs a supermarket?
Anselma Farmers and Artisans Market
The Mill at Anselma, Chester Springs
Wednesdays, 2 – 6 p.m. (Opens May 25)
The historic Mill at Anselma is the perfect setting for agricultural exchanges. This beautiful setting is a great way to pick up unique hand-crafted goods along with your locally grown and organic food. Afterward, stop by the Mill’s gift shop to purchase their flour, cornmeal, and baking mixes that are made on site.
Ardmore Farmers Market
Suburban Square, 610-896-7560
Tues.- Fri., 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Looking for a large selection of fresh produce and fruit, homemade pasta, finest meats and seafood, sushi and baked goods? The market’s 14 vendors have you covered. Their newest vendor, regional culinary pioneers Di Bruno Brothers, specialize in Italian gourmet items. The Ardmore Farmers Market was named Best of the Main Line: Best Farmers Market of 2009.
Bryn Mawr Farmers Market
Municipal Lot 7, Lancaster Ave at Morris Ave (Between Ludington Library and train station)
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Opens May 7)
The market’s 14 vendors sell a wide variety of goods: award winning cheeses, a variety of baked goods, milk, yogurt, humanely-raised meats, organic vegetables, chocolates, herbs, vinegars and more. On May 7th, The Lower Merion Conservancy will be at the market selling native plants to beautify your backyard and attract butterflies, birds, and pollinating bugs. Whatever you do, make sure you don’t shop hungry here.
Farmers Market at Great Valley
Lower parking lot at Penn State Great Valley
Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (May 12 through October)
This market has something for everyone, including natural dog treats for Fido. Great Valley has a bounty of 31 vendors including Jack’s Jam’s and Jellies with 25 varieties, MacDougalls’ legendary Irish Victory Cakes, gluten-free baked goods, beautiful handmade aprons and oh so much more.
Kennett Square Farmers Market
State and Union Streets
Fridays, 2 – 6 p.m. (May 14 through October 29)
While Kennett Square is known for the beloved mushroom, their farmers market has a fantastic selection of over 20 wonderful vendors. It was named best farmers market during the 2010 Chester County Choice Awards and its pretty easy to see why. Like gluten-free baked goods, lasagna, sustainable produce and vegetables or an entire vendor dedicated to guacamole? Kennett Square farmer’s market is the place for you!
Phoenixville Farmers Market
Under the Gay Street Bridge (accessed from Taylor Alley)
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (May 7 through November 19)
The market will kick off its season honoring some busy bees that pollinates our fruits and vegetables during the Festival of the Honey Bee. There will be a live puppet show, children’s crafts, live music, story telling, and environmentally products and presentations from local beekeepers, bakers, gardeners, artists and educators. With over 40 vendors with that range from bison meat to homemade chipwiches, it’s hard to know how to fit this buzzing market into one day!
Upper Merion Farmers Market
175 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia.
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (May 21 through November 19)
The market’s second season opening day will be celebrated with live music and a BBQ rib contest (other special events throughout the season include Artisans Day, Zucchini 500 Race, Fiber Arts Day and a Harvest Festival). This 18 vendor market was in the top 10 in a national Top 20 Favorite Farmers Markets in the United States competition. Throughout the season, there are demonstrations, live music, children’s activities and lectures to entertain you while you shop.
West Chester Growers Market
Corner of Church and Chestnut
Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (May through November)
For the past 16 years, the West Chester Growers Market has been feeding residents with some of the finest produce, foods, and products in the region. Aside from being able to get local meats, fresh produce, herb plants, gourmet cheeses and homemade bread from their 22 vendors; market-goers can also pick up chile pepper products, beautiful flowers, wine and organic and fair trade teas.
Photos include scenes from Phoenixville Farmers’ Market and Bryn Mawr Farmers’ Market.
