Editor's note: This story originally ran May 30. It was updated June 30 with additional farm stands.
Two years ago this very weekend, my husband and I were in Lancaster city looking for a place to live. In mere weeks, we would be moving here from Seattle. In preparation for our new life and new town, I took to the internet, searching for farm markets and other ways to access seasonal produce. After all, Lancaster was farm country, right?
As I have shared in these pages over the past 18 months, I knew very little about Lancaster County other than the requisite tourist attractions. What I did learn is that basic info on local agriculture was difficult to come by, at least on a consumer/eater level. Lists were fragmented, outdated and read more like promotional copy. I hopped from site to site with little to show for my efforts. Determined to understand the terroir upon which we landed, I started from scratch by driving around, getting lost and going straight to the source of the corn, tomatoes, blueberries and squash.
Since then, I have been on a personal mission to deepen my knowledge and understanding of this place so many of you call home. And because food is my compass, I took my quest on the road, from East Earl to Elizabethtown, Bainbridge to Bird-in-Hand, Reinholds to Ronks, with many spots in between. The result is what follows: A guide to Lancaster’s extraordinary farm stands in one place. I personally visited every stand on this list, verifying that it was in fact open for business, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Because the county is so vast, we organized the guide by geography with six designated sections: east, north, northeast, south, west and Lancaster city suburbs. The hope is that it will inspire you (like it did me) to get out of your comfort zone and see another part of the county. To take in a new-to-you vista. To bite into a peach from Peach Bottom or a cucumber from Kirkwood. To make a new farmer friend or a friend, period, in this county that often feels like a state (and to this newbie, a country).
The list is far from comprehensive, but that’s where you come in. If you don’t see your favorite listed, send me a note and we will update the list online, and hopefully begin what is an annual tradition. On this first weekend of summer, here’s to this great land of farm stands.
Things to know before you go:
— None of these stands are open on Sunday. As in zero. If a phone number is not listed, that's because there is none.
— Even for those businesses with a listed phone number, your chances are about 50-50 that someone will answer the phone. (This reporter knows firsthand.)
— Websites and social media accounts are included as available.
— Assume that payment by cash or check is the rule and credit cards the exception.
— Months of operation vary from year to year, depending on the weather. Hours and days of operation also may vary in spring and fall.
East
Seasonal
Busy Bee's Farm Market
3378 Old Philadelphia Pike, Ronks; 717-768-7934
Open: March through December; Friday and Saturday only in March, April and after Columbus Day.
Notes: The family's seasonal produce is available until mid-October; after growing season, the emphasis is on preserved goods, crafts, homemade salty snacks such as soft pretzels and potato chips and the Fisher family’s recipe book.
Calamus Run Farm Market
72 Georgetown Road, Ronks
Open: Late April/early May (“or when the asparagus comes in”) to early October.
Notes: Self-serve honor system when the family is out in the fields. Farmstead eggs and cheese in the refrigerator. On recent visit, homemade shortcake was on display next to pints of strawberries.
Fisher's Produce & Roadside Market
859 Strasburg Road, Paradise; 717-442-3078
Open: Mid-March through December, with a reduced schedule in early spring and late fall.
Notes: Memorable display of preserved goods inside the shop that is worth a visit alone. More quilts, crafts and baked goods than produce (versus the other way around) but solid seasonal lineup during growing season. Shopkeeper Lydia is a font of information.
Year-round
A.B. Orchards
5754 White Oak Road, Paradise; 610-593-8610
Notes: Impressive selection of orchard fruit (including three varieties of cherries on a recent visit), along with a good variety of homegrown vegetables, including head cabbage and cauliflower. Homemade root beer in the refrigerator; preserved jams and pickles on the shelves.
Gap View Farm Market
5230 Newport Road, Gap; 484-667-1382
Notes: Outside of growing season, the King family's pastured chicken and beef, raw milk and honey, plus cheese and chicken and duck eggs from neighboring farms. On a recent visit, farmer Mervin was just coming in from the fields with a wooden basket of strawberries.
Kauffman's Fruit Farm & Market
3097 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand; 717-768-7112
kauffmansfruitfarm.com; facebook.com/KauffmansFruitFarm
Notes: The Kauffman family is celebrating its centennial anniversary; on their 100-acre orchard, they grow stone fruit (cherries, peaches, plums), apples and pears. Apples are available for purchase in bulk (bushel, peck) and typically in stock until the following spring. Cider, fruit butter, plus a full suite of grocery items. Credit cards accepted.
Peach Lane Farm Market
85 Peach Lane, Ronks
Open: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
Notes: Self-serve honor system on a recent visit. Indoor seasonal produce stand on a country road, about 4 miles from Route 896, with a greenhouse across the road. A neighbor of Calamus Run Farm Market.
Meadow View Heirloom Greenhouse
2931 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand; 717-768-0553
Notes: In the months before and after growing season, owner Lillian Riehl keeps her herb shop open with a variety of lotions, salves, tinctures and teas from the herbs grown on the farmette. Picked produce available for purchase in the shop during spring and summer, along with an extensive variety of heat-loving plants, including tomatoes, peppers and zucchini. One of my favorite new discoveries this spring.
North
Seasonal
Breneman's Farm Market
811 W. Lexington Road, Lititz; 717-626-1246
Open: May through Labor Day weekend, Wednesday through Saturday.
Notes: Seasonal produce includes the family’s own asparagus, peas, corn and peaches sold in an indoor store attached to a barn. Credit cards accepted.
Dogwood Farm Market
1124 Dogwood Drive, Reinholds; 717-336-1661
Open: Late March through Oct. 31.
Notes: A mix of potted and hanging plants, seasonal produce from the Yoder family's land as well as neighboring farms. Self-serve payment on a recent visit.
Evergreen Acres
745 N. Reading Road, Ephrata; 717-738-3963
Open: Mid-May to Nov. 24 (day before Thanksgiving).
Notes: A mix of seasonal produce from neighboring farms and the Weaver family's farm, which is visible from the southeast side of the airy and pristine shed. The first corn of the season, says Dorothy Weaver, will be ready by mid-June. Eye-catching displays of preserved goods and hanging baskets.
Hoover’s Farm Market
30 Erbs Bridge Road, Lititz; 717- 733-1048
Open: April through December.
Notes: Homegrown strawberries and black raspberries and the Hoover’s own honey are among the many seasonal farmstead goods on offer. A magnificent vista, impressive greenhouses with an extensive variety of vegetable plants and a pasture across the road where you can feed chickens. Credit cards accepted.
Kissel Hill Fruit Farm
2101 Kissel Hill Road, Lititz; 717-626-7115
kisselhillfruitfarm.com; facebook.com/Kissel-Hill-Fruit-Farm
Open: Mid-April to late December.
Notes: Strawberries, corn and a variety of stone fruit, including cherries (pick your own), peaches and plums, plus apples. Weekly chicken BBQ and an extensive variety of preserved and baked goods.
Reiff's Farm Market
2902 Rothsville Road, Ephrata; 717-859-6655
Open: March through December.
Notes: Greenhouse and newly renovated indoor market that sells seasonal produce, including their own sweet corn plus local baked goods, meat and dairy.
Spooky Nook Produce & Greenhouse
821 Landisville Road, Manheim; 717-898-3990
Open: Hours not available at press time.
Notes: A mix of the Stoltzfus family’s produce and from neighboring farms. Extensive nursery of flowers and garden plants that could entertain for hours. Chicken barbecue, milkshakes and root beer floats on Saturdays. A stellar pastoral vista just off Route 283.
Northeast
Seasonal
Bubbling Springs Produce
165 N. Hershey Ave., Leola; 717-656-0495
Open: April to November.
Notes: Many thanks to reader J. Harold Leaman, who tipped us off to this sweet little shed on a country road. On a recent visit, a young man named Richard was manning his family’s stand, letting us know that corn should be ready by July 4. We will be back.
Everfresh Produce
3145 Division Highway., New Holland, 717- 354-3922
Open: May through November.
Notes: In addition to seasonal produce, hanging baskets, cut-your-own flowers, local raw honey.
Farm Wagon Produce
1061 Weaverland Road, East Earl; 717-354-2041
Open: April through November.
Notes: I had my first field strawberry of 2021 at this charming tent stand. For plants and flowers, there’s a greenhouse just down the gravel road. Cut-your-own flowers starting in June. Homegrown produce includes a variety of peppers, sweet melon and winter squash.
Garden Spot Farm Market
524 New Holland Road, New Holland; 717-354-5944
Open: April through November.
Notes: On an April visit, I picked up two heads of homegrown romaine lettuce bigger than my head. I’m looking forward to returning for the farm’s homegrown sweet melon.
Glenbrook Farm Market
338 Glenbrook Road, Leola; 717-656-0523
Open: April until the week of Thanksgiving
Notes: In addition to homegrown produce, an extensive selection of garden plants. Local raised meat and eggs. On a recent visit, a soft serve ice cream stand was being installed. Credit cards accepted.
Horst Farm Market
640 Reading Road, East Earl; 717-445-9514
Open: Early March to “the week after Thanksgiving.”
Notes: More of a convenience store feel with plants and seasonal produce mixed in, a good portion grown further afield. Baked goods, a deli counter and other grocery items make this popular for nearby campgrounds.
Melvin Nolt Produce
130 Glenbrook Road, Leola; 717-656-2615
Open: May to November.
Notes: You might miss this stand on the side of Route 772, as the sign is not visible from the road. The family specializes in corn and sells a variety of crops from neighboring farms. Credit cards accepted.
Summerset Farm Market
542 N. Railroad Ave., New Holland; 717- 354-6512
Open: May through October.
Notes: On our early May visit, it was a self-serve situation on a folding table in the breezeway. But with growing season in full season, the stand is now being managed, said Farmer Phil Weaver. Expect a mix of his seasonal produce and that from neighboring farms.
Sensenig Produce & Flowers
1636 E. Main St., East Earl; 717- 445-7278
Open: April to mid-November.
Notes: A mix of garden supplies, plants, preserved goods and a full suite of homegrown produce.
Stoltzfus Produce & Market Fare
96 S. Groffdale Road, Leola; 717-656-1933
Open: April through November; Saturdays only in April and November.
Notes: Spring plants and flowers, a mix of local and homegrown produce. Weekly chicken BBQ.
Wayside Produce
900 Reading Road, East Earl; 717-445-7769
Open: April to late October.
Notes: Peaches from their orchard, a mix of on-property produce with fruit and vegetables from neighboring farms and a worthwhile pit stop for plants. Beautiful vista.
Year-round
Beiler's Fruit Farm
383 Springville Road, New Holland; 717-354-7228
Open: Year-round.
Notes: The family’s homegrown cherries were the headliner on a recent visit. A nice view of the fields from the parking lot on a country road. In addition to stone fruit and apples, the stand sells homespun crafts (potholders, kitchen towels) and wooden baskets. Honey from Stockin’s Apiaries in Strasburg.
Cedar Lane Produce
5171 Division Highway, East Earl
Open: Year-round, starting this summer; the outdoor stand is moving into a building in an adjacent parking lot.
Notes: A mix of homegrown produce and from neighboring farms. The indoor building will include local cheese, meat and a deli case.
Hammond School Farm Market
661 Ranck Road, New Holland; 717-354-8114
Notes: Cut flowers and a full suite of homegrown produce. Beautiful display of hanging baskets on side of building with stellar view of surrounding farms. Before and after growing season, emphasis on baked and preserved goods, local honey and dairy. Accepts credit cards.
King's Produce
224 S. State St., Leola; 717-656-4798
Open: Year-round.
Notes: A mix of homegrown produce and from neighboring farms. Baked goods such as “Hot milk cake” available on Fridays and Saturday. Homemade root beer in the refrigerator. An extensive selection of garden plants, cut flower bouquets and a very happy vibe.
South
Seasonal
Big Pine Farms
731 Village Road, Strasburg; 717-575-8455
Open: April to Halloween.
Notes: The family’s homegrown produce is sold on a covered wagon in the driveway of their property. Crops include sweet melons, chile peppers, green beans, tomatoes and winter squash, plus cut flowers.
For produce updates: facebook.com/bigpinefarmsproduce.
Eldora Farm Market
1920 Lancaster Pike, Peach Bottom; 717-205-9315
Open: Late May through end of October.
Notes: Recently remodeled. Full suite of homegrown produce. Weekly chicken BBQ.
Riverview Roadside Stand
111 Linde Camp Lane, Peach Bottom; 717-548-2607
Open: April through December (Saturday only mid-November thru December).
Notes: Two adjoining open-air sheds located on a country road just off route 272. Self-serve on recent visit. Eye-catching display of hanging baskets, cut flowers and preserved goods. Baked goods on Friday and Saturday.
Red Barn Market
1402 Georgetown Road, Quarryville; 717-529-6040
Open: April through November.
Notes: Seasonal produce (some not local) and plants, along with weekly chicken BBQ and cider donuts. When checkout lines are long, they spill into aisles, making for some shopping congestion.
Year-round
Meadow Brook Farmers Market
1919 Kirkwood Pike, Kirkwood; 717-529-3988
facebook.com/Meadow-Brook-Farmers-Market-112401127181386
Open: Monday through Saturday April through December. Friday and Saturday only January through March.
Notes: An oasis from the truck-heavy traffic of route 472 offering mix of garden supplies, plants, crafts, baked goods and homegrown produce. A pint-sized helper with a face covered in chocolate presented this shopper with a hand-crafted bouquet. The season’s first corn will be available June 20, said Sadie Fisher, who runs the farm with husband David.
White Oak Nursery
2507 White Oak Road, Strasburg; 717-687-8884
Notes: An extensive variety of homegrown vegetables and fruit, most notably peaches, apples, strawberries, blueberries and tomatoes. In the fall, you might see persimmons and most certainly an impressive lineup of winter squash. During the offseason, the emphasis is on baked and preserved goods and local dairy.
Lancaster City Suburbs
Seasonal
Brook Lawn Farm Market
2325 Lititz Pike, Neffsville; 717-569-4748
brooklawnfarmmarket.com; facebook.com/BrookLawnFarmMarket
Open: Mid-April to late October.
Notes: The Erb family operation is probably best known for its sweet corn, which is picked several times a day during the season. But this shopper is anticipating the arrival of their selection of heirloom chile peppers, tomatoes and winter squash, all equally impressive. Their stand was my entryway into farm stand shopping when I first moved to Lancaster and two years later, it remains one of my go-to spots. Credit cards accepted.
The Corn Wagon
2100 block of Millersville Road, New Danville
thecornwagon.com; facebook.com/TheBrennemanFarm
Open: As of press time, opening day is TBD. Last year, the stand was open for business from July to early December.
Notes: In addition to sweet corn, the Brenneman family grows several crops, including peaches, tomatoes, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.
Lapp's Farm Market
1406 Lampeter Road, Lampeter; 717-823-7078
Open: Mid-April to late December.
Notes: Charming produce stand with a greenhouse on one side and a milkshake stand on the other side. (What could be bad?) Extensive variety of their own produce (in fact, they have a CSA subscription program). The ever-changing weekly lineup is usually posted on a board and stuff tends to go quickly.
Musser Family Farming
547 Donerville Road, Manor Township 717-872-0984
facebook.com/Musser-Family-Farming-1386183481661457
Open: Late March through November.
Notes: Ruth Musser was bunching asparagus as I pulled up to their roadside stand and her husband Bob threw in one of his “high house” grown tomatoes as a parting gift. (He’s right; it’s pretty darn good.) They’re just a few miles south of the seasonal attraction Field of Screams.
Smucker's Farm Market
2110 Rockvale Road, West Lampeter Township; 717-687-8747
facebook.com/Smuckers-Farm-Market-2061985844101959/
Open: May to Nov. 1.
Notes: A mix of plants and seasonal produce in a sweet little cottage on a quiet stretch of Rockvale Road about a mile south of Route 30.
Year-round
Cherry Hill Orchards
100 Long Lane, New Danville; 717-872-9311
Cherryhillorchards.com; facebook.com/CherryHillOrchards
Notes: A combination garden center, grocery store, and 150-acre orchard, Cherry Hill is a well-known destination for pick-your-own cherries, peaches and apples (and this year, strawberries). The orchard is home to more than 25 varieties of apples, many of which are available for purchase until the next spring. Credit cards accepted.
Harvest Lane Farm
854 E. Oregon Road, Lititz; 717-560-6219
harvestlanefarmmarket.com; facebook.com/harvestlanefarm
Notes: From April to November, the farm harvests about 12 different crops, supplementing with produce from Lancaster and regional farms. The indoor market operates like a grocery store, with an inventory that includes locally pastured meat, dairy and eggs, housemade bread and baked goods and pantry items. Credit cards accepted.
West
Seasonal
Barnett's Farm Market & Greenhouses (formerly The Tomato Barn)
65 Penn St., Washington Boro
Open: June 5 to Nov. 1; self-service in May and October.
Notes: Fans of the Tomato Barn may know that the home of the beloved Jet Star tomato is now under new ownership. The Barnett family has added a few greenhouses into the mix for early spring plants and through its Facebook page is updating the community on its rollout for the tomato season. As of press time, self-serve only.
Benny's Produce
Intersection of Penn Street and River Road, Washington Boro; 717-449-6445
Open: April to early December.
Notes: Self-serve roadside stand with regular updates on its Facebook page. Tomato, eggplant and pepper plants from the greenhouse early in the season, followed by a steady stream of field produce through the fall.
Campus Ridge Farm Market
1241 Campus Road, Elizabethtown, 717-361-2398
Open: April through October
Notes: Located on a country road with a beautiful vista less than a mile from Elizabethtown College. Homegrown produce sold in the barn, along with weekly baked goods.
Neff's Produce
100 Sheep Lane, Millersville; 717-475-4130
facebook.com/NEFFS-PRODUCE-108254782552656
Open: May through October.
Notes: Self-serve stand on a country road about 2 1/2 miles from Route 999. After the strawberry harvest, farmer Gary Neff says to expect blueberries, eggplant and melons, to name a few.
Rolling Gardens Farm Market
4527 Marietta Ave., Columbia, 717-684-7221
Open: April through October.
Notes: This quaint spot with a dreamy view offers a mix of early season plants and flowers, extensive selection of preserved goods and homegrown produce. The hand-written signs for each produce item, sometimes written like poetry, are especially endearing.
Weaver Family Farm & Orchard
3959 Bossler Road, Bainbridge; 717-808-7319
facebook.com/WeaverFamilyFarmandOrchard
Open: May through November.
Notes: Pastured beef, chicken and eggs. Homegrown blueberries (mid-June) and garlic (August). Local raw honey.
Year-round
Funk's Riverview Greenhouse and Produce
Greenhouse: 2277 River Road, Washington Boro; 717-872-4842
Produce stand: 2329 River Road, 717-490-1209
Open: Greenhouse is open March through July. Produce available nearly year round.
Notes: This is a Funk family operation, with Dan Funk’s daughter Breanne growing all the produce nearly year-round. When the growing season gets into full gear, she operates a roadside stand 500 feet down the road. While the greenhouse remains open, you will likely find her goodies outside the little checkout shack. On a recent visit, I learned of a local insider secret: Throughout the month of May, any purchase is rewarded with a free hand-dipped ice cream cone.
Masonic Village Farm Market
310 Eden View Road, Elizabethtown, 717-361-4520
mvfarmmarket.com; facebook.com/masonicfarmmarket
Open: Friday through Sunday, for the general public.
Notes: Located on the massive Masonic Village campus, the farm market doubles as a café and grocery store before and after growing season. It’s also home to a 100-acre orchard, with pick-your-own peaches in July, followed by pears and dozens of apple varieties. Off-season goodies include cider, fruit butter, baked goods, ice cream from Windy Knoll creamery and homemade butter. The stellar view is available all year long.