With summer comes warm weather, sunny days, and one of our favorite campus traditions: the Bethlehem Farmers’ Market. Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Farrington Square, local vendors bring some of the Lehigh Valley’s best flavors and finds right to campus.
Here are a few that recently caught our eye.
For the adventurous sipper…
Fresh-Pressed Juices from Jardin D’alma
Looking for a pick-me-up? These fresh-pressed juices are inspired by Caribbean flavors, including hibiscus, tamarind, passion fruit, and soursop. Bright and refreshing, they’re the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer afternoon.
For the home barista…
Coffee Syrups from Bon Petit Marché
Upgrade your morning coffee with locally made syrups. The syrups are crafted in small batches with a focus on sustainability, and flavors rotate seasonally, including favorites like Summer Spice, Toasted Marshmallow, and Cinnamon Dulce. They are made with less sugar than many traditional options, making them an easy way to add flavor to coffee, tea, or even baked goods at home.
For the lunch hunter…
Artisan Paninis from Flour Shop Bakery
Their paninis have become one of the market’s most sought-after lunch options. One recent standout was the pesto chicken grilled panini, made on artisan-baked bread with organic flour. Warm, flavorful, and generously filled, it’s the kind of lunch that makes stepping away from your desk worth it. Beyond sandwiches, the bakery also brings a variety of fresh breads and baked goods each week.
Pro tip: Arrive early — the most popular items tend to go fast!
For the plant lover…
Unique Plants from The Wicked Botanist
Forget the grocery store succulent. The Wicked Botanist specializes in plants that make people stop and take a second look. With new arrivals every week — like this Nepenthes Pitcher Plant — it’s the kind of tent that’s worth browsing even if you weren’t planning to bring home another plant. Whether you’re looking to start your collection or add something new to it, they’ve got you covered.
For the coffee connoisseur…
Small-Batch Coffee from The Mad Catter Coffee Roasters
This local roaster combines creativity with quality coffee. It offers several whole bean coffees, including a Guava Banana coffee with a hint of fruity sweetness. Not ready to commit to a full bag? The company also serves made-to-order coffee and matcha drinks right at the market, making it easy to sample its offerings while you browse. Its playful name is inspired by both the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland and the energetic “zoomies” that cats are famous for.
For the brunch enthusiast…
Duck and Rainbow Chicken Eggs from Galloping Acres Farm
A carton of eggs has never looked so colorful. Galloping Acres brings naturally colored rainbow chicken eggs and rich duck eggs from its family farm each week. Known for their golden yolks and creamy texture, duck eggs have become a favorite among home bakers and adventurous breakfast lovers alike. If you’ve never tried them, this is a great place to start.
For anyone craving a taste of Thailand…
Thai Desserts from Sook (formerly Aroi Mango)
If summer had an official dessert, it might be mango sticky rice. Inspired by a backpacking trip George Awad ’22 M’25 took through Thailand and Laos, Sook has been serving authentic Thai desserts since June 2024. Its signature mango sticky rice pairs sweet, ripe mango with creamy coconut-infused sticky rice, while refreshing milk teas offer a cool escape from the summer heat.
For anyone with a sweet tooth…
Gourmet Cookies from La Madame Biscuit
Some market purchases make it home, but these might not. La Madame Biscuit bakes gourmet cookies from scratch with rotating flavors like funfetti, salted toffee, and s’mores. Soft, indulgent, and made in small batches, they’re perfect for treating yourself — or sharing, if you’re feeling generous. Just don’t be surprised if you leave with more than one.
