Thursday’s Plan: Donuts, Pretzels, and Zero Regrets

🍩 If It’s Thursday, We’re at the Dutch Country Farmers Market

When I first moved to Middletown, I’d drive past the Dutch Country Farmers Market and think, somewhat smugly, “Eh, not really my thing.”

Boy, was I wrong.

Fast-forward a few years, and besides the grocery store, this place has become one of our most-frequented stop in town. Thursdays hit, and like clockwork, someone in my house will say, “Are we going to the market?” And of course, the answer is yes. Always yes.

✨ The Regular Stops (aka Why We Can’t Stay Away)

🍩 A&R Bakery – The Donut Shop

Yes, the donut shop. Isn’t it funny how the presence of boys (plural) in the house automatically elevates the importance of a donut counter from “nice-to-have” to “essential mission”? These donuts are ridiculous — soft, fresh, perfectly sweet, and absolutely addictive. We go too often, and every time I say, “Just one,” I end up with a box. They.are.so.good. Dare I say the best we’ve ever had?

🥨 Smucker’s Pretzels

Just down the aisle is Smucker’s Pretzels, which has somehow mastered the art of buttery perfection. Hot, soft, salty pretzels that melt in your mouth — you can actually watch them being twisted right in front of you. It’s my husband’s favorite stop and honestly, I’m not arguing.

🍴 The Prepared Foods Counters – Stoltzfus BBQ & the Deli Counter.

Then there’s the back of the market — my secret weapon — where you’ll find all kinds of prepared meals and sides. More than once, I’ve wandered in mid-panic after realizing dinner wasn’t happening, only to walk out with a home-cooked feast I didn’t actually cook. It’s saved dinner, my sanity, and maybe even my marriage. (Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but still.)

When I first moved to Middletown, I never guessed a local farmers market would become our go-to family spot. Now, it helps makes this little town feel like home.

I’m seriously considering ordering Thanksgiving dinner from Stoltzfus BBQ this year. Has anyone tried it before? I’d love to know what you thought!

And while we’re at it — what’s your favorite shop at the Dutch Country Farmers Market? I’m always looking for new excuses to make a stop.

🧺 Hours & Location

📍 Dutch Country Farmers Market

701 N. Broad Street, Middletown, DE 19709📞 (302) 285-0851

🕰 Hours:

• Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

• Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Closed Sunday–Wednesday)

So if it’s Thursday through Saturday, you know exactly where to go.

👉Be sure to check their website for this week's specials.