Root's Country Market and Auction
A vibrant Pennsylvania Dutch market and auction with over 200 vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and unique finds every Tuesday.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest goods, fewer crowds
Root's Country Market and Auction
Best Time
Freshest goods, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Pennsylvania Dutch market and auction with over 200 vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and unique finds every Tuesday.
"It's another awesome Amish Market/Flea market. A vast array of foods to choose from to eat there or take home."
💰 Bring Plenty of Cash
Most vendors are cash-only. ATMs are available but may have fees.
⏰ Go Early!
Popular items sell out fast. Arrive early for the best selection of produce and baked goods.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Amish Baked Goods & Treats
Various vendor stalls
Indulge in delicious Amish pretzels, whoopie pies, shoefly pies, and other homemade delights.

Diverse Vendor Offerings
Throughout the market
Discover everything from fresh produce and meats to crafts, furniture, jewelry, and pet treats.

Live Auctions
Auction building
Experience the excitement of plant, poultry, livestock, and general item auctions.

Food Truck Competition
Market grounds
Enjoy a variety of culinary creations from numerous food trucks during special events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King!
Arrive Early for the Best Selection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Bring Plenty of Cash
Most vendors are cash-only. ATMs are available but may have fees.
⏰ Go Early!
Popular items sell out fast. Arrive early for the best selection of produce and baked goods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the market has to offer.
🛍️ Bring Reusable Bags
Help the environment and carry your purchases easily.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Bring Plenty of Cash
Most vendors are cash-only. ATMs are available but may have fees.
⏰ Go Early!
Popular items sell out fast. Arrive early for the best selection of produce and baked goods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the market has to offer.
🛍️ Bring Reusable Bags
Help the environment and carry your purchases easily.
🐶 Check for Pet-Friendly Days
While not always advertised, some visitors report seeing dogs. Confirm policies for specific events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Root's Country Market and Auction is a beloved, bustling Tuesday market offering a vast array of local produce, baked goods, crafts, and more, with exciting auctions adding to the experience. While many praise the quality and variety, visitors should be prepared for crowds and the prevalence of cash-only vendors.
"It's a big farmer's market with some stores and businesses, too. There are a lot of Amish sellers there and a lot of them do not take cards. So, if you go there, be prepared to have cash. I bought two belts from one of the Amish booths and had to go to an ATM and pay extra fee for the withdrawal. I was particularly surprised to see that Amish do not call their produce organic. I intentionally asked a few of them about it and none of them gave a positive reply. To end on a good note, at the entrance, they sell varieties of ice-cream of a very good quality. I was attracted to a beer ice-cream but decided not have it before a long drive :)"
Aleksei Kudriashov
"I mean what is there to say? It another awesome Amish Market/Flea market. A vast array of foods to choose from to eat there or take home. It's very much like Green Dragon in, Ephrata but slightly smaller. Same kind of set of stalls wise. Always great to get Amish pretzels. Looking for soap that's cheap and also smells great? Go here. They have it all."
Luke Nixon
"One of the best Farmers Markets in Lancaster County! Only happens on Tuesdays but has so many options to choose from. If you’re hungry in between shopping for produce, meats, cheeses or desserts there are numerous food stands: Hoagies, Seafood/ Fish sandwiches, sit down Amish home cooked meal or a sit down place called Farmers Table. There are Whoopie Pies, Shoefly Pies, funnel cakes, pit barbecued pork, ice cream and more!!! Kettle style popcorn, a huge candy selection as well. There are plant auctions, poultry/livestock auctions.
Parking is free but it gets busy but always a parking spot somewhere!"
Cynthia Thomasson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Root's Country Market and Auction is located in Manheim, PA. It's easily accessible by car, with ample free parking available. Many visitors drive from surrounding areas in Lancaster County.
Yes, there is free parking available at Root's Country Market and Auction. It can get busy, but visitors generally find a spot.
The market is primarily open on Tuesdays. Specific hours can vary, but it's generally a full-day affair. Special events, like the food truck competition, may have different hours on Sundays.
The market is a large, open space with paved areas, making it generally accessible. However, some stalls might be on uneven ground.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Root's Country Market and Auction, as it's a more rural destination. Driving is the most common and convenient method.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Root's Country Market and Auction. You can browse freely without purchasing a ticket.
Typically, there are no separate entrance fees for the auctions themselves. You can observe or participate as a bidder.
Root's Country Market and Auction is primarily open every Tuesday. Special events, like food truck competitions, may occur on Sundays.
It's highly recommended to arrive early, especially on Tuesdays, to get the best selection of goods before they sell out.
While not explicitly stated as a dog-friendly venue, some visitors have reported seeing dogs. It's best to check their official policies or inquire upon arrival, especially for specific events.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Vendors
You'll find over 200 vendors selling a wide variety of items, including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, crafts, furniture, jewelry, household items, and pet treats.
Many vendors, particularly Amish sellers, are cash-only. It's essential to bring plenty of cash, as not all vendors accept cards.
Amish vendors are a significant presence at Root's, offering a wide array of products from baked goods and produce to handmade crafts. Look for their distinctive stalls throughout the market.
Visitors often rave about the Amish pretzels, homemade pies, and unique crafts. Keep an eye out for seasonal produce and artisanal goods.
Some vendors, like standholders, may offer discounts. For example, one vendor mentioned 20% off selected items in the first two months of the year.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Root's offers a vast array of food choices, including hoagies, seafood sandwiches, sit-down Amish home-cooked meals, and options like whoopie pies, shoefly pies, funnel cakes, pit barbecued pork, and ice cream.
Yes, Root's Country Market and Auction hosts food trucks, especially during special events like their Food Truck Competition.
Absolutely! You can find varieties of ice cream, including unique flavors like beer ice-cream, and other sweet treats.
Yes, there are sit-down options available, including a place called 'Farmers Table' and opportunities for Amish home-cooked meals.
Visitors frequently recommend the Amish pretzels, whoopie pies, shoefly pies, and kettle-style popcorn. Don't miss the fresh produce and meats.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Root's offers a vibrant and authentic setting for photography, with colorful produce, diverse vendors, and the unique atmosphere of the auctions.
Capture shots of the abundant fresh produce, the bustling market stalls, the unique items for sale, and the action at the live auctions.
Generally, photography is welcomed, but it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their products or them.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the freshness of produce, while the afternoon offers a lively market atmosphere. Consider the auction times for dynamic shots.
While many Amish vendors are open to being photographed, it's respectful to ask permission before taking close-up shots. Some may prefer not to be photographed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Bring cash: Essential for purchasing treats and small items.
* Go early: Beat the crowds and ensure access to popular items before they sell out.
* Pack snacks and drinks: While there are many food options, having your own can be helpful.
* Explore the auctions: Kids often find the animal auctions particularly fascinating.
* Look for kid-friendly treats: Whoopie pies, funnel cakes, and ice cream are always a hit.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget tips:
* Focus on produce and baked goods: These are often the best deals.
* Bring your own bags: Avoid paying for bags and carry your purchases easily.
* Set a cash limit: Decide how much you're willing to spend before you go to avoid overspending.
* Explore the auctions: You might snag a great deal on unique items.
* Enjoy the atmosphere: Even without buying much, the experience itself is free and rich with local culture.
foodie Explorers
Foodie recommendations:
* Sample the Amish baked goods: They are a local specialty and incredibly delicious.
* Try the diverse food stands: Explore options from hoagies and seafood to pit barbecued pork.
* Don't miss the ice cream: Especially unique flavors if available.
* Look for seasonal produce: Taste the best of what Lancaster County has to offer.
* Check for special food events: Like the food truck competitions for a wider culinary experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Root's Experience: More Than Just a Market
Beyond the shopping, the auction aspect of Root's is a major draw. Visitors can witness live auctions for plants, poultry, livestock, and general merchandise, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability to the visit. This blend of a traditional farmer's market with active auctions creates a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Special events, like the food truck competitions, further enhance the market's appeal, drawing crowds with diverse culinary offerings. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the local way of life, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Pennsylvania experience.
Key takeaway: Root's is a multi-faceted destination offering shopping, dining, and entertainment, with a strong emphasis on local culture and community interaction. Be prepared for a bustling environment, especially on Tuesdays, and remember to bring cash for many of the vendors.
Navigating the Auctions at Root's
Visitors interested in participating in the auctions should arrive with cash, as is common practice for many transactions at Root's. It's advisable to observe a few auction rounds to understand the process and bidding increments before jumping in. The types of items auctioned can vary, so checking schedules or inquiring on-site might be helpful if you have specific interests. Even if you don't bid, the auctions provide a unique cultural experience and excellent photo opportunities, capturing the essence of rural Pennsylvania life.
Pro-tip: Arrive a bit before an auction starts to get a good vantage point and understand the flow. Be ready to bid decisively if you see something you like, as auctions move quickly!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit