Farm Fresh & Fabulous: Farmers Markets in Delco

One of the many (many, many) awesome things about Delco is its prime location: We’re so close to Philly and all it has to offer and we’re just a stone’s throw from the countryside offering bountiful natural wonders, like bucolic parks and trails, stunning gardens and all sorts of outdoor recreation.

There are also a number of farms, orchards and vineyards, right here in our humble county! In nearby Chester, Bucks, and Lancaster counties, you’ll find even more agriculture, which is good news for us — it means that Delco farmers markets are positively overflowing with Pennsylvania produce and products.

 

All around the county, there are both seasonal and year-round markets where locals can load up on staples and specialty goods. Farmers markets offer so much more than veggies; you’ll find stalls piled high with baked goods; meat and dairy products; small-batch oils; locally roasted coffee; wildflower honey; bouquets of flowers, artisan wares, and even local beer, wine, cider and spirits!

 

Whether you make a weekly routine of hitting the farmers market, or just stop by once in a while, you’ll love the satisfaction of supporting local farmers and makers, and you’ll be bringing home the best-quality goods around. Here are some top-notch farmers markets to explore in Delco:

 

 

Lansdowne Farmers Market

Head to the heart of Lansdowne’s charming main street, Lansdowne Avenue, every Saturday for a wonderful community experience. Each week, vendors set up in the municipal parking lot across from the (soon-to-be-restored) Historic Lansdowne Theater and the neighbors come out to shop and socialize. In addition to local produce, find grab-and-go meals, cakes and sweets, fresh juices, dumplings and more! There’s even weekly live music to add to the great vibes.

Seasonal schedule: Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from May through Halloween; Thanksgiving Bonus Market (Saturday before Thanksgiving), 9 a.m to 1 p.m.; the Winter Market takes place every third Saturday from 10 a.m to 12 p.m, December through April.

30 N. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne; (610) 220-1385.

 

Booths Corner Farmers Market

For over 50 years, this large indoor market has supplied the area with baked goods, fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses and more, many of which are brought in by Amish merchants. But that is not all! Booths Corner also includes clothing and accessories, jewelry, home decor, toys, games and videos, plus specialty food vendors, including soft pretzels, ice cream, donuts, pizza, antipasto, and so, so much more.

Open Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., year-round.

1362 Naamans Creek Rd., Garnet Valley; (610) 485-0775.

 

Swarthmore Farmers Market

It’s hard to imagine a nicer Saturday morning than strolling through lovely Swarthmore, perhaps starting with a latte from Hobbs, a pastry from Pastry Pants, and a leisurely loop through the farmers market in the Swarthmore Borough parking lot. There’s everything, from pierogies to exotic plants to fancy pickles to handmade soap to barrel-aged whiskey! Of course, you’ll also find gorgeous products from local growers, like Kneehigh Farm and Berry Patch Produce. Keep an eye on the schedule for special events, including featured artists, musicians, kids’ events, community events and food trucks.

Open Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m, from May 10 through November 22..

121 Park Ave., Swarthmore; (610) 299-0904.

 

Head here for more suggestions on where to dine and drink in Swarthmore, PA.

 

Lancaster County Farmers Market

Here is another bustling indoor market, offering everything you can imagine to stock your kitchen with local produce and high-quality goods. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our 8 Must-Try Buys at the Lancaster County Farmers Market, including fresh pasta, tender lettuces, heavenly cheeses and perfect whoopie pies. There’s so much more to try, like barbecue, soft pretzels, gourmet quiches, fine chocolate and so on.

Open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., year-round. 

389 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610) 688-9856.

 

 

Oakmont Farmers Market

This market in the Grace Chapel parking lot in Havertown is run by the all-volunteer Haverford Township Farmers Market Association, a not-for-profit educational organization designed to encourage healthy eating, provide education for all ages about healthy living, and support local farm, food and township businesses. In addition to organic produce from Full Table Farm in Kennett Square, all-natural, grass-fed meats from Lindehof Farm in Kirkwood, PA, and the most luscious apples, plums and peaches from North Star Orchard in Cochranville, PA, you’ll find plant-based goods, handmade dog treats, desserts and prepared foods.

Open every Wednesday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., May 7 to November 26.

1 W. Eagle Rd., Havertown.

 

Tinicum Farm Market

A true family-centric market, the Tinicum Farm Market offers live entertainment, two playgrounds, a splash pad, a moon bounce, crafts and games, all in Governor Printz Park. Make a whole evening of it; once you’ve shopped for groceries, pick up some prepared foods and baked goods to enjoy an outdoor picnic, accompanied by live music from local artists.

Open every other Wednesday, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., from mid-June to early October.

101 Taylor Ave., Essington; (484) 436-1229.

 

 

Linvilla Orchards Farm Market

Taking a spin through the Linvilla Orchards Farm Market is a Delco rite of passage! Of course, you must grab a dozen cider donuts (available all year long) and some fresh-pressed cider, as well as Linvilla’s own-grown produce, like apricots, garlic, squash and snap peas. There are other kinds of local produce from nearby farms, including tomatoes, carrots, kale and other greens. And there’s more: The market also offers firewood and smoking wood; gourmet items, like jams, honey, candy and maple syrup; homemade soups, salads and salsa; so many baked goods; and gift baskets, too!

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., year-round.

137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media, (610) 876-7116.

 

Media Farmers Market

This wonderful farmers market takes place every Sunday, May through November — rain, shine or even snow! There are convenient winter hours, as well (see below). Since 2009, Media Farmers Market has brought an amazing curated line-up of local farmers, bakers and food artisans to residents and neighbors in support of the “Eat Fresh, Buy Local” movement. This is a producer-only market, which means everything for sale is grown or made by the vendors. It’s a great place to meet and chat with the passionate people who harvest and prepare your food! A few highlights include Taproot Farm, Wild Yeast Bakehouse, Sharrah Orchards and Milk Jawn Ice Cream. 

Open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., May through November.

Winter schedule: first and third Sundays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., December through April.

Edgmont St. between Front & State Sts., in between Barrall Community Park and Media Elementary School; Media.

 

Wolff’s Apple House

This expansive indoor/outdoor market and garden center boasts a wide array of local produce (yes, including a great selection of apples!), prepared foods, baked goods and specialty items sourced from farms and small businesses within a 50-mile radius. It’s also a great place to buy plants, flowers and vegetable starts for your home garden! Bring the little ones, who will enjoy the kid-friendly gift shop filled with toys, kitchen items, cards, candles, soaps and garden accessories.

Open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

81 S. Pennell Rd., Media; (610) 566-1680.

 

Indian Orchards Farm

Although some of the above farmers markets include organic — which we love — we’d also like to give a shout-out to this farm stand that brings all-organic, non-GMO and pesticide-free options to Delco in one spot: Indian Orchards Farm! Stop at this family-owned farm stand, or pick-your-own seasonal fruits and veggies. They also offer pick-your-own apples and hayrides in autumn, and Christmas trees in December.

Open every day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from mid-June to late October or early November.

29 Copes Ln., Media, (610) 564-0794 or (610) 888-6969.

 

 

Woodside Farm Farm Market

Tucked into a residential neighborhood not far from the Rachel Kohl Community Library, this small farm stand is a true hidden gem! The produce is all locally grown, for a true farm-to-table experience. Everything is seasonal (you won’t find strawberries in the fall) and so fresh, and the prices are very affordable — think: heads of cabbage for a dollar each, 50-cent zucchini and sweet white corn, a dozen ears for $6.

Open every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

4 Woodside Farm Rd., Garnet Valley; (484) 571-8014.

 

•   •   •

 

Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA. They say we’re A LOT…and they’re right! Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email or online.

– Emily Kovach

 

Featured photo: Wolff’s Apple House