CENTRAL MARKET
The farmers who maintain stands at the markets travel in from the countryside surrounding Lancaster early in the day. They park their cars outside the buildings, and carry in all their offerings to start each market day afresh.
In days gone by, when horses and wagons were the main means for travel, the farmers would drive to town the night before and put up at a downtown inn, stabling their horses in buildings connected with the hotels. But by 4 A.M. the farmers were up for the day, preparing their stands for customers.
Modern-day descendants of these earlier generations of farmers carry on the tradition of early rising. You can be sure that when you talk to a farmer at 8 A.M., his cows have been milked, eggs have been gathered, and many other farm chores completed before he drove to town with his fruits and vegetables.
Out-of-town visitors are often disappointed when they come to Lancaster and find that no market is being held that day. Market days for the Central and Southern follow:
Central is open on Tuesdays and Fridays. 6 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Best visiting hours: 6 A.M. to 2 P.M.
Southern is open Saturdays, 5:30 A.M. to 3 P.M.
Best visiting hours: 6 A.M. to 12 Noon.
Shopping bags to carry home your purchases are available at the markets. If you plan to become a “regular,” however, we suggest you buy a stout basket.