If you’re looking for fresh local food in the mountains, the Poconos farmers market options are the best places to start. You can find farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, local meats, baked treats, and unique handmade crafts every week at these markets. It’s a simple way to support small growers and try tasty foods that you can’t get anywhere else.
You’ll get to meet local farmers and artisans, sample seasonal produce, and discover everything from jams to cheeses. Each market has its own personality, with friendly faces and a welcoming vibe. If you want to know where to find these markets or what makes them special, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, checking out a farmers market in the Poconos is a fun experience. You never know what you’ll find, and there’s always something new each season. Get ready to fill your basket and spend a great day in the mountains.
What to Expect at Poconos Farmers Market
You’ll find fresh foods, homemade goods, and a laid-back vibe when you visit a farmers market in the Poconos. These markets are all about connecting you with local farm products and giving you a taste of the area’s friendly community.
Local Produce and Artisanal Goods
At most Poconos farmers markets, you can shop for a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that come straight from local farms. The stands usually have seasonal favorites like corn, tomatoes, apples, and more. The produce is picked at its peak for the best taste.
You’ll also spot homemade jams, baked goods, eggs, and dairy products. Cheeses, milk, and even fresh kill chickens are often available. Meat lovers will be happy with the selection of grass-fed meats and fresh kielbasa. There are also specialty choices like local honey and sauces.
Besides food, some markets feature homemade crafts and unique gifts made by local artists. This makes it a great spot for souvenirs and supporting small businesses.
Seasonal Events and Activities
The Poconos farmers markets often hold special events to celebrate the seasons. In summer and fall, you might see harvest festivals, pumpkin picking, or live music. Some markets offer cooking demonstrations or tastings, so you can try new foods and learn recipes.
Kids can take part in scavenger hunts or candy hunts during certain holidays. Around the holidays, you might find markets with craft fairs or chances to meet Santa. These events are fun ways for families to spend time together and connect with the community.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Poconos farmers markets have a relaxed, welcoming feel. Most are outdoors in parks or near hilly, scenic spots, so you get to enjoy the view while you shop. It’s normal to see families with dogs, strollers, or kids picking out fresh fruit together.
There’s usually easy parking and space to walk around. Many markets are also friendly to pets, so you can bring your dog along. Local musicians or small bands sometimes play, giving the market a lively but laid-back feel.
You’ll meet local farmers and vendors who are happy to answer your questions. It’s a good place to teach your kids about where their food comes from and let them try new things.
Best Farmers Markets in the Poconos
Farmers markets in the Poconos offer homegrown foods, handmade products, and friendly local vendors. You’ll find seasonal produce, baked goods, crafts, and sometimes even live music or fun events.
Pocono Bazaar Flea Market
At the Pocono Bazaar Flea Market, you get way more than just fruits and veggies. This place is huge, with hundreds of indoor and outdoor vendors spread out across 100,000 square feet. You’ll see fresh produce stands alongside booths selling crafts, clothes, electronics, and antiques.
There’s a mix of local farmers selling honey, eggs, and homemade jams. You can also grab a snack from the food trucks or try foods from other cultures, such as gyros and tacos. Rain or shine, the market is open year-round on weekends. This makes it a popular spot for families and groups looking for a fun place to browse and shop.
Plenty of free parking is available, and the relaxed vibe means you can walk around, see what catches your eye, and maybe discover a new favorite local vendor. It’s one of the best places to visit if you want variety and a lively atmosphere.
Barrett Paradise Friendly Library Farmers Market
The Barrett Paradise Friendly Library Farmers Market is small, but it has a lot of heart. Every summer, local farmers and artisans gather on library grounds to sell what’s fresh and in season. You’ll find organic vegetables, fruits, baked goods, flowers, and even handmade soaps or crafts.
This market is known for a friendly, neighborly feel. If you like talking to the people who grow your food, you’ll enjoy the open, welcoming setup. It’s a good spot to pick up ingredients for dinner, grab a coffee, and chat with someone from town. Families often bring kids, since the library has books and story times running at the same time.
You get more than just food here—you get a slice of small-town life and a real sense of community. Different vendors may rotate in, so there’s always something new to try through the season.
East Stroudsburg Farmers Market
The East Stroudsburg Farmers Market is convenient and packed with local finds. Located in the heart of East Stroudsburg, right near shops and downtown streets, it’s easy to stop by while running errands or heading to lunch.
You’ll find tables of fresh fruit, veggies, herbs, and plants from nearby farms. There are also baked treats, eggs, local honey, meats, preserves, and more. Some weekends, local musicians play or there’s a mini fair set up for kids.
This market is great if you want to meet local growers and support small producers without leaving town. Shopping here means picking up food that’s in season and often harvested just a day or two before. It’s a simple way to eat fresh, shop local, and enjoy the buzz of a small-town farmers market.
Supporting Local Farmers and Businesses
When you visit a Poconos farmers market, you get more than fresh food. You’re also making a real difference for families and small businesses in your community.
Meet the Growers and Makers
You can shake hands with the people who grew your berries, raised your eggs, or baked your bread. Local farmers and small food makers often run their own booths, so you get to ask about how your produce was grown or where the honey comes from. Most vendors are happy to share their stories.
Many markets feature a mix of producers: fruit and vegetable farmers, bakers, cheese makers, florists, and more. For example, at spots like the Monroe Farmers Market, you’ll find everything from grass-fed meats to homemade pies.
It’s easier to trust your food when you can talk with the person who made it. They’re proud to show off their work, and they often have tips for storing or preparing what you buy.
Why Shopping Local Matters
When you buy from a farmers market, your money goes straight to the people who live and work in your area. This helps small businesses stay open and supports local families. It also keeps your dollars nearby, which helps your community grow stronger.
Shopping local also means fresher food for you. Many veggies and fruits are picked the same day or just before market. You’ll taste that difference right away, and you can ask growers how your food was handled or if it’s organic.
Local markets are also good for the environment since food doesn’t have to travel as far to reach your table. Less transportation means less fuel is used. If you want to try new things, local vendors often sell unique or seasonal items you might not find in a store. You get to explore new flavors while making a positive impact.
Tips for Visiting Poconos Farmers Markets
You’ll have the best experience at Poconos farmers markets if you plan ahead. Knowing when to go and what to bring can help you shop more comfortably and find the freshest local products.
Best Times to Visit
Getting to the market early in the day is smart. Vendors usually put out their best fruits, veggies, flowers, and baked goods first, so you’ll have more choices. Many local spots, like the Pocono Farmers Market in Blakeslee, open by 7am on Fridays and Saturdays and can get busy later in the morning.
Some markets are open only on certain days, and most run from spring through late fall. Always check the schedule before visiting since some locations operate up to November while others may start closing as early as October.
Weekends are popular, so crowds may be bigger if you go mid-morning or after noon. Rain or shine, markets are often open but some stands might not set up during heavy storms. It’s a good idea to dress for the weather and bring a small umbrella, just in case.
What to Bring
Bring reusable shopping bags or even a small basket to carry your finds. Vendors may have plastic bags, but sturdy bags help avoid squished produce. Some shoppers bring a cooler in their car to keep meats, cheese, or dairy cold during the ride home.
Don’t forget cash. While more stalls are starting to accept cards or mobile pay, small farm stands sometimes only take cash for faster transactions. A small amount of change (like quarters or dollar bills) can be handy, especially for items sold by weight.
Dress in comfy clothes and shoes since you might be walking on grass or gravel. If you plan on trying samples or buying baked goods from Amish stands, wipes or napkins can be useful. Sunscreen and a hat are smart if you’ll be browsing during sunny mornings.
Nearby Attractions and Things to Do
There’s a lot more to check out around the Pocono farmers markets. You can spend a whole day exploring, eating, and getting outdoors.
Outdoor Fun:
- Take a hike at Bushkill Falls—people call it the “Niagara of Pennsylvania” because of its cool waterfalls.
- Try whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River if you want some excitement.
- If it’s winter, Blue Mountain is a popular spot for snow sports.
You can also visit small towns nearby. Stroudsburg has a busy downtown with a farmers market and the Sherman Theater for live shows.
Here’s a quick table of local things to do:
| Attraction | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| Hannah’s Farm Market | Shop for fresh produce |
| 940 Golf n’ Fun | Play mini golf or arcade |
| Delaware Water Gap | Go hiking or take photos |
With so many activities close by, you won’t run out of things to enjoy during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll find farmers markets all over the Poconos, each with their own vibe and set of vendors. Hours, locations, and what’s sold can change with each spot.
What days are the Poconos farmers markets open?
Different markets have different schedules. For example, the Pocono Bazaar is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. It’s also open on select holidays like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Columbus Day. You can check their full schedule at the Pocono Bazaar FAQ page.
Monroe Farmers Market has seasonal hours, usually Saturday mornings, but always double check before you go.
Are there any Amish markets in the Poconos?
There isn’t a large, dedicated Amish market in the area. Sometimes, you might spot Amish vendors or homemade Amish products at certain markets. Common Amish goods include baked items, jams, and homemade crafts.
Where is the Monroe Farmers Market located?
Monroe Farmers Market is right in downtown Stroudsburg at Courthouse Square. It’s a central location, so it’s pretty easy to get to if you’re in town.
Can I find local goods at Stroudsburg Farmers Market?
Yes, you can find plenty of local products at Stroudsburg’s farmers markets. You’ll see fresh produce, meats, dairy, and handmade baked goods, many of which come straight from local farms. These markets focus on food grown or made nearby.
What can I expect to find at a farmers market in the Poconos?
You’ll see stalls with fresh fruits and veggies, baked treats, dairy, meat, plants, and sometimes crafts. A lot of what you’ll find comes from area farms, so it’s fresh and in season. Some spots even have holiday-themed items and activities, especially in winter or fall.
Is it common to negotiate prices at the farmers markets in the Poconos?
Negotiating prices isn’t a big thing at most Poconos farmers markets. Vendors usually set fair prices for their goods. It’s fine to ask about special deals or bulk discounts, but most shoppers just pay the price marked.
