A Guide to Farmers' Markets in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

Farmers' markets have been a tradition in cities and towns around the world for centuries, and today, they're once again gaining popularity as more and more people wish to buy fresh, local, sustainable, and natural & organic foods and other goods. Here in the Lehigh Valley, comprised of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the surrounding areas, we have many local farms and artisans, many who gather at these weekly markets so you can conveniently shop for their goods. Whether you're looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and cheeses, meats and dairy products, or locally-made specialty items to keep or give as gifts, they can all be found at these three local farmers' markets in the Lehigh Valley's Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. So pack a cooler in your car to keep your goods fresh and bring your cash and reusable bags as you prepare to enjoy yourself in a centuries-old tradition of the local farmers' market.

Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market
17th & Chew Streets
Allentown, PA 18104
610-432-8425
Thursdays 9am to 8pm
Fridays 8am to 8pm
Saturdays 8am to 6pm

The Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market is the premier spot in the Lehigh Valley for shopping for fresh and local foods. Because this market is indoors, it is open year-round and easy to shop in no matter the weather. This also means that a variety of merchants can sell their goods, ranging from fresh produce and flowers to cheeses, meats, seafood, baked goods, candy, and other specialty items. You can even eat at several restaurants inside the building when you're ready to take a break from shopping. Many of the vendors at the Allentown Farmer's Market come from the Pennsylvania countryside and Amish country, located out near Lancaster. It's a convenient and fun place to shop with the whole family, and you can get fresh foods without making the trip to the Lancaster area, which is nice. It's also a refreshing change from the local supermarket, since you can many times meet the people who grew and made the food. Make sure you check the site before you go to see what's available; also, the market closes every year for the Allentown Fair, which is held on the grounds from late August through early September.

Bethlehem Farmers Market at Campus Square
New & Morton Streets
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Thursdays (June through September) 12noon to 4pm

The Bethlehem Farmers Market is located at Lehigh University's Campus Square, at the edge of campus in Bethlehem's Southside neighborhood. This market is only eight years old and has changed times and locations over the years, making it sometimes hard to find and follow. However, it is becoming more established in its mission to provide local and sustainable foods and other products to the surrounding community. The location is convenient and in walking distance to many of Bethlehem's urban neighborhoods, which is nice. It's also adjacent to the Southside shopping district with its unique shops and restaurants, so plan on making a day of it for more fun. There are not too many vendors, but shoppers will be able to find standard farmers market fare, such as fruits and vegetables and baked goods, and some more novelty items like soaps, stationary, and alpaca yarn. Since this open-air market is not as established, check the website before you go to see what vendors are selling, and also check for the operating dates, as they change slightly from year to year, usually starting in mid-June and running through mid- to late-September. Parking is on the surrounding streets, so if you're unfamiliar with Bethlehem's Southside neighborhood, consult an online map before you go to get a general idea of the neighborhood. The good thing is, the streets are laid out in an easy-to-navigate grid pattern, and the location is easy to find. Enjoy all this neighborhood has to offer, and don't forget your cash and reusable bags before you go.

Easton Farmers' Market
Centre Square
Easton, PA 18042
610-330-9942
Saturdays (May through October) 9am to 1pm

The Easton Farmers' Market is "The Oldest Continuous Open-Air Farmers' Market in the United States," established in 1752. This farmers' market is also unique because it has the feeling of a weekly festival in addition to all the market has for sale. Cooking demonstrations, live music, family & kids' activities, demonstrations, and more are commonplace at this open-air community gathering. There's a new theme almost every week, so make sure you check the website's calendar before you go to get all of the details for what's going on. The website also features weekly recipes under their "What's Cooking" section that can be made all with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients found at the market that week. All sorts of good are sold at the market, from fresh and organic fruits and vegetables to meats, dairy products, baked goods, specialty foods, and even arts and crafts like pottery, soaps, and alpaca yarn. The vendors are local, and the market is a fun gathering place for the whole family. Adjacent to the square is the Crayola Factory, where your family can have an entire day of fun. There are also many shops and restaurants located within walking distance from the market, so you can make a day of supporting the local businesses in Easton.