Some Pennsylvania traditions refuse to fade away—and Root’s Country Market & Auction is one of them.
Every Tuesday in Manheim, more than 200 vendors turn this historic market into a whirlwind of fresh produce, baked goods, local foods, handmade crafts, antiques, and one-of-a-kind finds.
What began in 1925 as A.W. Root’s small poultry auction has grown into a Lancaster County favorite that still carries plenty of old-fashioned charm.
Five generations of the Root family have helped keep the weekly tradition going.
Come hungry, bring your shopping bags, and leave room for surprises. You might discover farm-fresh ingredients, stumble across a vintage treasure, or catch the lively action of an auction.
Root’s is the kind of place where every Tuesday brings something new to uncover.
A Pennsylvania Market With Nearly a Century of History
Back in 1925, A.W. Root had a straightforward vision when he opened a poultry auction in Manheim.
He wanted local farmers to have a reliable place to sell their birds and connect with buyers. That modest start turned into something far bigger than anyone imagined.
Fast forward nearly 100 years, and Root’s Country Market stands as one of Pennsylvania’s most cherished market destinations. The original auction concept remains, but now it shares space with a sprawling Tuesday marketplace that draws thousands of visitors.
What makes Root’s truly special is that it never left the family.
Five generations of Roots have guided the market through changing times while holding onto its core mission. Each generation added their own touches without losing the authentic country-market feel that made the place famous.
When you walk through Root’s today, you are experiencing living history that connects modern shoppers to Lancaster County’s agricultural traditions.
The family’s commitment shows in every corner of the operation, from vendor relationships to customer service.
The 200+ Vendors That Keep Root’s Buzzing
Imagine walking into a market where more than 200 individual vendors have set up shop, each offering something different. That is exactly what greets you every Tuesday at Root’s.
The variety is almost overwhelming in the best possible way.
You will find vendors specializing in farm-fresh produce sitting alongside craftspeople displaying handmade jewelry. Butchers offer locally raised meats while bakers tempt you with pies and breads.
Antique dealers spread out their treasures next to vendors selling household goods and hardware.
This incredible mix means no two visits ever feel the same. One week you might focus on stocking your pantry with preserves and pickled vegetables.
The next visit could turn into a treasure hunt for vintage collectibles or handcrafted furniture.
The sheer number of vendors also means better prices through friendly competition. Sellers know shoppers can compare offerings just a few stalls away, which keeps quality high and prices fair.
Plan to spend several hours if you want to see everything.
Shop for Fresh Produce From Lancaster County
Lancaster County’s rich farmland produces some of the finest fruits and vegetables you will ever taste. Root’s brings that bounty directly to shoppers through vendors who often picked their produce the same morning.
Sweet corn still in its husk, juicy tomatoes that smell like summer, and crisp apples are just the beginning.
Seasonal shopping takes on real meaning here. Spring brings asparagus and strawberries, summer offers endless tomato varieties and sweet peppers, fall delivers pumpkins and winter squash.
Unlike supermarket produce that travels hundreds of miles, these items come from nearby farms.
Many vendors also stock pantry staples like locally milled flour, fresh eggs, raw honey, and maple syrup. You can build an entire week’s worth of meals from ingredients found at the market.
The quality difference is noticeable, especially if you are used to chain-store produce.
Farmers often share cooking tips and recipe ideas, turning a simple shopping trip into an educational experience about seasonal eating and food preparation.
Come Hungry for Homemade Foods and Local Favorites
Your stomach will thank you for visiting Root’s on an empty stomach. The food vendors alone could fill an entire day with delicious discoveries.
Bakeries sell still-warm whoopie pies, shoofly pies, and dinner rolls that disappear within hours of opening.
Butcher stalls offer locally raised beef, pork, chicken, and specialty items like scrapple and Lebanon bologna. Many shoppers stock their freezers here because the quality and prices beat typical grocery stores.
Prepared food vendors serve everything from fresh-made sandwiches to hot soups and international dishes.
Pennsylvania Dutch specialties shine particularly bright at Root’s. You will find homemade noodles, fresh sausages, pickled eggs, and other traditional foods that connect to the region’s heritage.
Delis prepare sandwiches piled high with meats and cheeses, perfect for lunch while you shop.
Do not overlook the candy vendors and snack stands either. Freshly made fudge, roasted nuts, and kettle corn make great treats to enjoy while browsing or to take home as gifts for friends and family.
Browse Crafts, Antiques, Collectibles, and Unexpected Finds
Half the fun of Root’s comes from never knowing what treasure you might stumble across. Beyond the food and farm goods, vendors bring an astonishing array of handcrafted items, vintage pieces, and quirky merchandise.
One stall might display hand-poured candles while the next offers Depression-era glassware.
Jewelry makers sell everything from simple beaded bracelets to intricate metalwork. Woodworkers bring cutting boards, furniture, and decorative items.
You will spot vendors with vintage tools, old advertising signs, antique toys, and collectibles spanning decades of American culture.
Serious antique hunters often arrive early to grab the best finds before crowds build. But casual browsers enjoy the hunt just as much, picking through boxes of old books, vinyl records, or household items with history.
Prices tend to be negotiable, especially later in the day.
The mix of old and new creates a unique shopping atmosphere. You might buy a handmade quilt from one vendor, then find vintage kitchen gadgets at the next stall.
This variety keeps every visit feeling fresh and full of possibility.
Experience the Tuesday Auction Tradition
Remember, Root’s started as a poultry auction nearly 100 years ago, and that tradition continues every single Tuesday. Multiple auctions run throughout the day, giving visitors a chance to watch or participate in a piece of living agricultural history.
The atmosphere is electric when the auctioneer starts calling bids.
The produce auction kicks off at 1 p.m., where farmers sell everything from bushel baskets of vegetables to flats of berries. Flower auctions begin at 4 p.m., perfect for gardeners and landscapers looking for deals on annuals and perennials.
Shrub sales start at 6 p.m.
The poultry auction remains the heart of the operation for many longtime visitors. Equipment goes up for bid at 3 p.m., followed by live animals at 4:30 p.m.
Watching experienced buyers signal bids with subtle nods and hand gestures is entertainment in itself.
Even if you are not buying, the auctions provide fascinating insight into how farmers and buyers conduct business. The fast-paced calling and competitive bidding create genuine excitement you cannot find at regular retail stores.
Don’t Miss Root’s Old Mill Flea Market
Just when you think Root’s could not possibly offer more, the Old Mill Flea Market proves otherwise. This neighboring attraction adds another major layer to your shopping adventure with more than 175 additional vendors.
Serious bargain hunters block out entire Tuesdays to tackle both the main market and the flea market.
Antique furniture fills entire sections, from refinished pieces to rough diamonds waiting for restoration. Tool collectors find vintage hand tools, power equipment, and specialized items rarely seen in modern stores.
Household goods range from everyday dishes to vintage linens and decorative items.
Jewelry vendors at the flea market often specialize in estate pieces and vintage costume jewelry. You might discover a genuine treasure mixed in with more common items.
Collectible dealers bring sports memorabilia, comic books, old magazines, and nostalgic items from past decades.
The flea market operates on the same Tuesday schedule as the main market, making it easy to move between both areas. Many shoppers start at one location, break for lunch at the food vendors, then continue exploring the other market section.
Make a Full Day of This Lancaster County Tradition
Quick shopping trips do not really work at Root’s. With multiple indoor and outdoor market areas, hundreds of vendors, ongoing auctions, and the neighboring flea market, you need several hours to properly explore everything.
Smart visitors treat Tuesday at Root’s as a full-day outing rather than a quick errand.
Start early if you want first pick of fresh produce and baked goods. Mid-morning brings lighter crowds, making it easier to chat with vendors and examine merchandise carefully.
Break for lunch at one of the prepared food stalls, giving your feet a rest before continuing.
Time your visit around auction schedules if you want to watch or bid. The produce auction at 1 p.m. makes a good midday break, while the later flower and animal auctions provide afternoon entertainment.
Between auction times, continue browsing the main market or head to the flea market.
Many families make Root’s a weekly tradition, arriving with coolers to store perishable purchases and wagons to haul their finds. The relaxed pace and variety of activities make it genuinely enjoyable rather than just another shopping chore to complete.
Plan Your Visit
Root’s Country Market sits at 705 Graystone Road in Manheim, PA 17545. The main market operates exclusively on Tuesdays throughout the entire year, so mark your calendar accordingly.
Hours shift with the seasons: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April through October, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from November through March.
Phone ahead at +1 717-898-7811 if you have specific questions about vendor availability or auction times. The market designates multiple accessible parking areas, and most buildings including restrooms meet accessibility standards.
Families should note that pets are not allowed in food-handling areas for health and safety reasons.
Cash is king at Root’s. While individual vendors may accept cards or digital payments, the market operates predominantly on a cash-only basis.
Several ATMs are located on-site if you need to withdraw money during your visit.
Auction enthusiasts should plan around the Tuesday schedule: produce sells at 1 p.m., flowers at 4 p.m., and shrubs at 6 p.m. The poultry auction includes equipment sales at 3 p.m. and live animals at 4:30 p.m.
