Outdoor farmers markets return to Centre County this spring. Here’s when, where to shop
Spring has finally arrived in Centre County with plenty of blooming flowers and chirping birds in tow. However, there’s much more cropping up in the region as the weather gets warmer.
As April turns to May, outdoor farmers markets are slowly but surely opening for the season. By June, markets from Bellefonte to Boalsburg and beyond will regularly set up shop and welcome buyers back for a few months of warm-weather shopping.
Here’s what you can expect to find at several farmers markets in Centre County:
Downtown State College Farmers Market (Locust Lane between College Avenue and Beaver Avenue) — Open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every Friday, starting April 21 — At least eight local food and produce vendors will sell goods at this State College market, including Moser’s Garden Produce, Inside Out Cookie and Stem to Stable Farm. Other vendors will sell plants and flowers while the market remains open through mid-November.
Bellefonte Farmers Market (Gamble Mill parking lot) — Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays starting April 29 — This farmers market plans to offer flowers, plants, soaps, vegetables, pastured meats, kombucha, pastries, cheese and more through late October.
North Atherton Farmers Market (Home Depot parking lot, 2615 Green Tech Drive) — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays starting May 13 — There’s something for everyone at this State College market, according to its organizers. The North Atherton market vendors will offer a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, flowers, dairy products, locally grown fish, cultured beverages, honey, wine and baked goods. Some food trucks will stop by to serve up some grub, too. The producer-only market, meaning vendors must grow or produce what they sell, is expected to remain open each week through Nov. 18.
Boalsburg Farmers Market (Pennsylvania Military Museum, 51 Boalsburg Ave.) — Open from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays starting May 2 — At least 35 nearby vendors will sell fresh produce, meats, dairy products, baked goods, cultured beverages and more once this farmers market opens for the spring season.
For now, you can visit the community’s indoor farmers market at the Boalsburg Fire Hall at 113 E. Pine St., where you’ll find fresh pasta, Alaskan salmon, take-and-bake pizza, produce, potted plants and more before the winter market closes for the season April 25.
Millheim Farmers Market (Patio behind Meandering Mallard Coffee House, 106 E. Main St.) — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays starting May 13 — Millheim’s farmers market will feature organically grown vegetables, greens and in-season strawberries, according to its organizers. Vendors will also offer hand-dyed yarns and fresh meat, including pasteurized lamb and pork. The market is expected to remain open each week throughout May and June, but operations later in the summer depend on vendor availability, organizers said.
Pine Grove Mills Farmers Market (St. Paul Lutheran Church parking lot, 277 W. Pine Grove Road) — Open from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays starting June 8 — This producer-only market will feature fresh produce, meats, baked goods, beer, coffee and more until it closes in late September. The market, recognized as the lone community-run market in the area, also plans to offer food trucks and entertainment throughout the summer. The Pine Grove Mills Farmers Market accepts SNAP benefits and EBT card swipes for produce purchases and is accessible by car, bike or foot.
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