Lancaster Central Market

Lancaster Central Market is Lancaster's downtown farmers market and, by 1730 charter, the oldest continuously operated public market in the United States. The current brick Romanesque Revival market house has anchored Penn Square since 1889.

About 60 standholders sell directly to the public Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. Produce from Lancaster County growers, pasture-raised meats from Plain-sect butchers, hand-pulled mozzarella, fresh-baked shoo-fly and whoopie pies, raw honey, cut flowers, and prepared foods spanning Pennsylvania Dutch, Lebanese, West African, Caribbean, and Vietnamese kitchens.

A working farmers market, not a tourist attraction. Locals still do their weekly shopping here. Arriving early on Saturday is the move; the strongest produce and meat stalls sell out by mid-morning. Two-hour parking in the Penn Square Garage is validated at the market office.