Meghan F.
Yelp
Hands down Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market is one of the most charming, idyllic, very Pennsylvanian culture centerpieces that Allentown has to offer. Situated between the west end and center city it is a several blocks long indoor market that has nearly anything and everything you need for your fridge and table. In a world of so much change this Farmers Market is a mainstay and is filled with vendors who have occupied stands for decades delivering their home made, farm grown, or custom crafted foods, produce, meats, seafood, goods, or services. You can easily meet all your shopping needs for the week here. I came here nearly weekly as a college student nearby and had the rare gift of recently visiting on my way to a family reunion. The best part is not much has changed, but only improved.
Reasons I simply adore the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market
- It's an incredible way to support the local economy, farmers, craftspeople, restaurants
- It is ALWAYS meticulously clean
- A great way to meet people and learn about others (i.e. speaking with vendors and talking with fellow customers) in a way we no longer connect due to the rise of social media and changing means of how people gather
- There is literally something here for everyone (learn more in a minute)
- Prices are overall reasonable...but shop around to see who may have a better deal. That's part of the fun!
- You will never go hungry
- There are areas to sit and eat
- There are free samples :-)
Highlights inside the markets with some of my favorites that have been here forever:
- Charlie Ks pizza...has been here for years. Simple cheese pizza for an incredible choice that you can enjoy right at the counter
- Ample produce stands filled with local bounty, You won't find fresher finds...(Red Barn Produce and Bedway's Fresh Fruits come to mind)
- Amish goods (ex. Stolzfus Amish Deli and Amish Village Bake Shop) including baked goods, meats, cheeses, etc.
- Quality meats = Mr. Bill's, S. Clyde Weaver, Clover Farms
- Seafood offerings = Heckenberger's Seafood and a sushi place
- Delicious hot food/sandwiches = Southern Delights, Dan's BBQ, Loan's Vietnamese Bistro, Gdynia Polish Market
- Loads of specialty made snacks including nuts, popcorn, candies, not to mention baked goods, bagels, pasta, salads, etc.
- Specialty food offerings and bakeries including Mary Ann Donut, The Nut Hut, New York Pickle, Mink's Candies, Egypt Star Bakery, Emmaus Bakery, Country Pantry, and more!
- Probably THE BEST coffee place I have ever been to for small roast batch as well as for incredible caffeinated drinks...Heffelfingers' Coffee and Tea (I am literally sipping some of their small batch bean coffee as I write this)
- There are also alcoholic libations including Clover Farms Winery and more recently Eight Oaks Craft Distillery with authentic and unique products
- There is an actual grocery and dollar store inside
- Rare vendors to find include Dave's Vacuum and Old Watch & Clock Shop
- Lena's Skin Care and a barber shop
- Little kid rides for fifty cents
Of note the market is open Thursday - Saturday and while many places offer Saturday afternoon discounts before close I would definitely recommend getting here earlier in the week if you don't want to run the chance of not finding a particular item. Otherwise it's fun to play roulette later Saturday at 3:30 PM and see what deals are available.
Obviously I could go on forever and I only scratched the surface of what you can find here. Bottom line you don't need to consider coming, just go to the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmer's Market. I am already extremely hungry and nostalgic writing this review, yearning for when I can return!