CENTRE COUNTY — Centre County is home to over 1,215 farms, according to the Centre County Farmland Trust. These farms produce a wide range of fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products and flowers and encompass more than 163,000 acres in Centre County.
Some of these farms, alongside other local businesses, will be selling their products at the many farmers markets that can be found weekly in Centre County. If you’re looking for a spot to grab your weekly vegetables or a fresh loaf of sourdough bread, the following farmers markets are the perfect stop this summer.
Bellefonte Farmers Market
The Bellefonte Farmers Market is Centre County’s oldest market. Located at 2767 Benner Pike, the market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday from May to November. The market is known for its locally raised meats, fresh produce, flowers, houseplants and baked goods.
For more information, visit the Bellefonte Farmers Market Facebook page.
Boalsburg Farmers Market
Every Tuesday from the beginning of May through the first week of November, the Boalsburg Outdoor Farmers Market opens from 2 to 6 p.m. at the PA Military Museum. During the winter, this market moves indoors at the Boalsburg Fire Hall.
The Boalsburg Farmers Market has around 25 permanent vendors and sends out a weekly email with an updated vendor and produce list. For more information, visit boalsburgfarmersmarket.com.
Downtown State College Outdoor Market
Located right in the heart of State College, this market features a wide variety of produce from small local farms, flowers, baked goods and homemade hygiene products. The market opens from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the 100 block of Locust Lane. The market runs every Friday, from the last Friday in April through November.
Visit facebook.com/statecollegefarmers for more information.
Hillside Amish Farmers Market
This farmers market is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It can be found in the State College Assembly of God parking lot, located at 2201 University Drive, State College.
In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, this farmers market has an array of homemade Amish baked goods, like whoopie pies, sweet and savory pies, breads and more. It also has a variety of jams, jellies and canned goods.
North Atherton Farmers Market
The North Atherton Farmers Market opens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays in the Home Depot parking lot at 2615 Greentech Drive, State College. The market requires vendors to sell only what they produce, grow or make, and in addition to the small-farm operators that sell their produce at the market, bakeries and food vendors also sell at the market. The market is opened and closed with a ringing of a bell to signal when producers can begin selling.
For a map of the vendors or more information, visit northathertonfarmersmarket.com.
Pine Grove Mills Farmers Market
From June through September, the Pine Grove Mills Farmers Market opens in the parking lot of St. Paul Lutheran Church at 277 West Pine Grove Road. The market, which is opened with a ringing of a market bell to signal that consumers can start shopping, is open every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m.
The market aims to “provide access to fresh, healthy foods, support growers and producers and serve as a community gathering place,” according to its website. The farmer’s market is held rain or shine; however, in the event of extreme weather, vendors make a group decision as to whether or not they will close for the day. Parking is available in the church parking lot or at the Ferguson Township Elementary School. Dogs are allowed but must remain on leash.
For more information, visit pgmfarmersmarket.com.
