Farmers Markets in Schuylkill County

As we head into May and the weather turns warmer, my favorite places to shop becomes the farmers markets. Over the past few years, we've seen more roadside stands and weekly community farmer's markets pop up in Schuylkill County. Local growers turn out on a regular circuit from May through October in many towns. Here's a list of what you can find on most weeks during "the season."

Hometown Farmer's Market: The granddaddy of all farmer's markets, this is a carnival of smells, tastes and, well, sometimes the strange. You'll find food vendors, farmers selling produce, and lots more. Crafts, overstock items, and an abundance of tchotkes can be found every Wednesday at the Hometown Market. Located on Route 54, you cannot miss it. Drive there any Wednesday, year round, from 8 am to 8 pm, and I guarantee you won't be bored.

Shenandoah Farmer's Market: One of the area's newest markets, this operates every Thursday starting in spring. They advertise "food, collectibles, antiques, jewelry, vegetables, fruits, baked goods, crafts, meats, flowers, plants, clothing, coin collection, body jewelry, sites for demonstrations, tattoos, wine vendor, preserves, perennials and annual plants, herbs, arcade games, food stands, musical instruments and more..." Drive north on Route 61 and when you hit 924, continue north into Shenandoah.

Frackville Farmer's Market: I hadn't heard of this one until recently, and from what I've read it won't open until June, but stop by the corner of Frack and Lehigh Streets from 8 am till noon on a Thursday and you'll find fresh fruits and vegetables, canned and jellied foods and baked goods.

Schuylkill Haven Farmer's Market: Also on a Thursday, this smaller market operates out of the Boro lot next to the Post Office (on Main Street/Route 443).

Pottsville Farmer's Market: The vendors arrive early Saturday morning in the Arch Street parking lot, and most are gone by noon, because they regularly sell out! So get there early and you'll find produce, flowers, and anything in season.

If you don't make a market day, look to the roadside stands many of our farmers put up seasonally. There's a new one, Konkus Produce, opening in May as you turn onto Sweet Arrow Lake Road from Route 183. Jersey Acres is just a few miles west of that, on Panther Valley Road. You'll find dozens others running from the Hegins Valley in the west, to the other side of the county, in southern Schuylkill Routes 443 and 895.

Healthy Habits Natural Market on Route 61 in Orwigsburg stocks organic and locally produced meats and produce, as they are available throughout the year. Whether you shop at a farmer's market in town, or stop by a roadside stand, you'll find buying local produce fresh from the farm a great way to shop.