By Alyssa Landis ‘26, Sadie Avery ‘26, Amara Perez ‘27, and Ava Swinton ‘27
The aroma of freshly-made food, coffee, and homegrown flowers invites you in as you pull open the door of Lancaster Central Market. With so many cultures all in one place, which vendor to stop by first?
Lancaster Central Market provides a welcoming atmosphee. The vendors and customers build relationships through weekly interactions. Britney from a market bread stand describes the market as “a place that brings the community together.” The market is open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 6am for the early risers and then closes at 3pm.
Lancaster Central Market was established in 1730, but the iconic brick building wasn’t built until 1889. The community has been running ever since. The market is well known for being the oldest continuous operating public market in America. With over 60 vendors, the stands are a blend of old world traditions and innovative new offerings.
Locally grown produce is a popular purchase at Lancaster Central Market. Whether it’s seeing, smelling, or tasting, there are many ways to enjoy the market’s goods at every corner. Market is a huge tourist attraction with people coming from all over the US for Lancaster’s locally grown produce.
People travel to Lancaster Central Market from all different areas for the homegrown and homemade items. Central Market is family oriented and welcoming to everyone. A customer explained, “There is always something for everyone!” Happy memories are always in the making at the Central Market.
As many people as there are in the Market, there is still a sense of comfort that comes with it. Seeing all the people and vendors may look overwhelming at first glance, but as you roam around the Market you see the smiles on everyone’s faces. It makes others realize they’re part of a family at Lancaster Central Market.
Market mornings are always better with four paws beside you. At Lancaster Central Market there is something for everyone, even our friends with tails. Lancaster Central Market includes outdoor seating and baked dog treats to enjoy with your furry friends.
So many options are available at the market such as dairy products, fresh produce, and baked goods. A customer exclaimed, “I love all of the diversity of the stands, there’s just beautiful flowers and baked goods and the smell is fabulous!” The diverse levels can change with just a turn of a corner. You can see the Amish selling their homemade soft pretzels and produce while the next stand over empanadas are being made.
Lancaster Central Market is known for the friendliness and good customer service of its vendors. A customer explained, “All the people are very friendly at the stands.” The welcoming vendors make the Central Market experience an enjoyable outing.
Vendors and customers love and look forward to their day when visiting Central Market. For the last 39 years Central Market Flowers have provided the market with a variety of beautiful flowers. You never know what they may find! Central Market offers designers choice arrangements, potted plants, and bouquets.
People of all ages find joy in experiencing all the different options presented in Central Market such as Middle Eastern, West African, Korean, Trinidadian, and Puerto Rican food venders. From colorful produce to handcrafted items, there is something for everyone.
