New Amish Market Brings Authentic Charm to Central Pennsylvania
Central Pennsylvania is set to welcome a new gem in its cultural crown with the grand opening of the Heartland Amish Market in Ephrata. Located just outside the borough, this 50,000-square-foot marketplace is poised to become a premier destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a rich tapestry of traditional Amish goods and experiences.
Drawing inspiration from the successful Green Dragon Farmers Market & Auction, which has been a local institution since 1932[7], the Heartland Amish Market will feature over 40 vendors, each specializing in different aspects of Amish goods and services.
Jacob Stoltzfus, the market’s founder, shared his vision. “We’re creating a space that captures the spirit of markets like Green Dragon, where over 400 merchants come together to showcase the best of our community,” he explained[7].
The market will offer a diverse range of products, from fresh produce to handcrafted furniture. Visitors can expect to find everything from hand-rolled Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels to local crafts and colorful jams and jellies[7].
One of the most anticipated sections is the food court, which will offer traditional Amish dishes. Sarah Yoder, who will be running a bakery stand, is excited about sharing her family recipes. “Our shoofly pies and whoopie pies have been passed down through generations,” she said, drawing inspiration from nearby Bird-in-Hand’s famous bakeries[4].
Popular Items to Look Out For
- Fresh Produce from Local Farms
- Handcrafted Furniture
- Homemade Baked Goods
- Pennsylvania Dutch Pretzels
- Local Jams and Jellies
- Handmade Quilts
- Smoked Meats
- Seasonal Funnel Cakes
The market will be open year-round, operating Thursday through Saturday, mirroring the successful model of other local Amish markets in Lancaster County[3][7].
Local resident Emily Thompson expressed her enthusiasm. “It’s wonderful to have such a large collection of authentic Amish goods right in our backyard,” she said, echoing the sentiments of many in the community.
Citations:
[1] https://www.marketsatshrewsbury.com
[2] https://www.amishviewinn.com/blog/discover-traditional-amish-food-lancaster-pennsylvania/
[3] https://www.travelawaits.com/2478141/best-amish-markets-in-lancaster-pennsylvania/
[4] https://bird-in-hand.com/shop/
[5] https://westchesteramishmarket.com
[6] https://www.discoverlancaster.com/blog/shopping-in-amish-country-pa/
[7] https://www.discoverlancaster.com/blog/market-towns-lancaster-pa/
[8] https://lancasterpa.com/amish-products/