A Taste of Tradition: New Amish Market Brings Old-World Charm to Harrisburg
In the heart of Pennsylvania’s capital city, a new Amish market is breathing fresh life into the local food scene. The Susquehanna Valley Amish Market, which opened its doors in January 2025, has quickly become a bustling hub of activity, drawing both curious locals and out-of-town visitors eager to experience a slice of Amish culture and cuisine.
Located at the corner of North 3rd and Reily Streets, the market occupies a newly renovated 30,000-square-foot building that was once a defunct warehouse. Now, it’s a vibrant marketplace filled with the aromas of freshly baked goods, the colorful displays of farm-fresh produce, and the gentle hum of conversation between vendors and customers.
John Stoltzfus, one of the market’s founding members, explains the vision behind Susquehanna Valley Amish Market: “We wanted to create a place where our Amish community could share our traditions and craftsmanship with our English neighbors. It’s about building bridges and preserving our way of life while adapting to the needs of an urban setting.”
The market features over 40 vendors, each offering a unique taste of Amish culture and cuisine. One of the most popular stops is Sarah’s Bakery, where the aroma of freshly baked shoofly pies and whoopie pies fills the air.
“I never expected such enthusiasm for our traditional recipes,” says Sarah Miller, the bakery’s owner. “On weekends, we often have lines out the door for our shoofly pie and whoopie pies. It’s a blessing to share our food with so many people.”
Another crowd favorite is Yoder’s Preserves, where master craftsman Eli Yoder creates an array of homemade jams, jellies, and pickled vegetables. “Each jar tells a story of our harvest,” Yoder says. “We use locally sourced produce and methods passed down through generations. It’s gratifying to see how much our English customers appreciate the flavors of our tradition.”
The market’s produce section, run by the Lapp family, has become a go-to spot for local chefs and home cooks alike. “We’re bringing fresh, seasonal produce to the heart of Harrisburg,” explains Rebecca Lapp. “People appreciate knowing where their food comes from and how it’s produced.”
One of the biggest draws to the Susquehanna Valley Amish Market is the Saturday chicken barbecue, which runs from 10 am until sold out. “Our chicken barbecue has become quite the event,” says Jacob Fisher, who oversees the operation. “Folks come from all over the city for a taste. It’s not uncommon for us to sell out before noon.”
The market also boasts a variety of other businesses, including Plain & Simple Home, offering rustic home decor, and Dunkle Leather, showcasing handcrafted leather goods. The Amish Country Soap Company provides natural skincare products, while Miller’s Quilts attracts textile enthusiasts from across the state.
For many visitors, the market offers more than just shopping – it’s an experience. Emily Thompson, a Harrisburg resident and regular customer, shares her thoughts: “Coming here is like stepping back in time. The quality of the products is outstanding, and there’s something special about buying directly from the people who made or grew what you’re purchasing.”
The market has also become a popular destination for tourists. Tom Jenkins, visiting from Philadelphia, was impressed by his first visit: “I’ve never seen anything quite like this in the middle of a city. The attention to detail in everything from the hand-stitched quilts to the homemade root beer is remarkable. It’s well worth the trip to Harrisburg.”
However, the market’s success hasn’t come without challenges. The influx of visitors has led to increased traffic in the area, and local officials have had to work closely with the Amish community to ensure smooth operations and address parking concerns.
City Councilman Mark Thompson acknowledges the adjustments: “It’s been a learning process for everyone, but the Amish have been great partners in finding solutions. Their presence has added a unique character to our community and has been a significant boost to our local economy.”
The Amish vendors have also had to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining their traditional lifestyle and meeting the demands of an urban marketplace. Many have embraced solar power for refrigeration and wind energy for cash registers, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to technology.
Samuel Lapp, who runs a small engine repair shop in the market, explains: “We’re not against all technology. We simply try to use it in ways that don’t disrupt our family and community life. It’s about being intentional with our choices.”
As the market continues to grow in popularity, there are plans for expansion. Bishop Amos Stoltzfus, a community leader, reflects on the future: “Our goal is to create a sustainable marketplace that stays true to our faith and values while contributing positively to the wider Harrisburg community.”
The Susquehanna Valley Amish Market represents more than just a new shopping destination – it’s a bridge between cultures, a celebration of traditional craftsmanship, and a reminder of the enduring appeal of simple, authentic experiences in our fast-paced world.
The market is open Thursday through Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM, offering ample opportunity for both locals and tourists to experience the best of Amish country in an urban setting. With its wide variety of homemade preserves, pickled vegetables, canned fruits, and fresh baked goods, including whoopie pies, brownies, cookies, shoofly pies, and assorted fruit pies, the Susquehanna Valley Amish Market has quickly become a must-visit destination in Harrisburg.
Local resident Mary Johnson sums up the sentiment of many: “Having the Amish market here has been a real blessing. They’ve brought new life to our downtown, and their work ethic and sense of community are truly admirable. It’s like stepping into Lancaster County, but right here in the heart of our city.”
As the sun sets over the Susquehanna River, the bustling activity in the market serves as a reminder that sometimes, moving forward means embracing the timeless values of community, craftsmanship, and connection – values that resonate deeply in our modern world.
Citations:
- https://www.marketsatshrewsbury.com
- https://www.discoverlancaster.com/blog/amish-owned-businesses/
- https://www.broadstreetmarket.org
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- https://www.reddit.com/r/lancaster/comments/1704vzs/whats_the_best_amish_attraction_in_the_lancaster/
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