Rachel O.
Yelp
Based in the Headhouse Shambles, I'm doubly lucky and grateful to have this wonderful market a couple blocks from home!
Open Sundays 10A-2P ~May to Oct/Nov, this market draws the early-rising residents of nearby Society Hill/Queen Village - the market is packed by 10A. The crowds start to thin out by 1P, but alas - so does the selection!
Great selection of items in one market:
* Bread, Cheese, Jams, Honey, Syrups, Spreads and Dips
* Produce: Vegetables and Fruit - amazing seasonal selections
* Meats/Dairy: Poultry, Seafood, Beef, Pork, Charcuterie, Eggs, Milk
* Plants: Shrubs, Flower/Herb Baskets, Seedlings (tomato, hot/sweet peppers, lettuces, herbs)
* Sweets: Chocolates, Pastries, Pie, Ice Cream
* Liquids: Fresh Juices, Wine, Coffee, Soup (prepared)
* Food Trucks: Poi Dog, Mom Mom's, Philly Tacos (so far)
* For a full list of awesome vendors and (rotating) food trucks, go here:
http://thefoodtrust.org/farmers-markets/market/headhouse
Side Notes:
* Kid friendly (though it can get tricky with strollers during peak times).
* Dog friendly (some vendors has treats - dog knows EXACTLY who)
* Pro tip: D'OH! Forgot something on the other end of the market? The easy side of the Shambles is closed to traffic. Bypass the busy center path, fast track to your stand ... then jump back into the fray!
Market vs Market:
* Pricier than the Italian Market (Tues-Sun?, year round), but delicate produce lasts longer.
* Friendlier atmosphere than ritzy Rittenhouse (Sat 9A-3P - but year round!!!)
* Bigger selection/more vendors than relaxing Christ Church (Wed 2-7P), but quite crowded.
* Reading Terminal ... tough to beat the awesome RTM with their vast selection and pricing! However, the produce quality is a bit better at Headhouse - most gorgeous apples I've seen.
Sure, there are other markets in the metro area with more reasonable prices - but not needing to take the car/mass transit coupled with the friendly neighborhood vibe? Worth it!
http://www.farmtocity.org/farmersmarkets.asp
http://thefoodtrust.org/farmers-markets
https://italianmarketphilly.org/