Tuesday Treasures at Roots

Tuesday Treasures at Roots

Pull up a chair and sit awhile

July 20, 2026

Dear Friend:

Tuesday was Roots day in our house. My former husband would rise early and religiously thrift shop at Roots on Tuesdays. Roots is a large Farmers Market, between Flea Market, and  Auction between Manheim and East Petersburg in Lancaster County,  PA. There are outside stands and

You walk into the outdoor Market on the Graystone Road entrance and you are immediately greeted with the wonderful aroma of Finks French Fries. A must have evidenced by the huge line. I particularly (as a German) love to put vinegar on my fries. The hot potatoes soak up the vinegar immediately and add a great flavor. The fries are served in paper bags and shoppers wander thru the market munching on their fries.

If the line at Fink's wasn't long enough, there was usually another one waiting at Raub's Subs. Their sandwiches were piled high with meat and worth every minute of the wait. And if you were lucky, you'd leave with one of their homemade root beers.

Bird-in-Hand Bakery was another stop I could never resist. Their cream-filled donuts were unforgettable—a soft yeast dough filled with rich cream and covered with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Of course, there were long johns, whoopie pies, wet-bottom shoofly pie, and giant apple fritters too, but somehow my eyes always found those cream-filled donuts.

The produce stands were beautiful and full of fresh fruit and beautiful vegetables in the summer, lots of pumpkins for those fall treats. There is also an abundance of meat stands. One favorite is Copper Kettle Candy Company, known for their caramel kettle corn. They also sell other candies including chocolate covered caramels. Inc case you have not guessed I absolutely love caramel and combined with my other favorite chocolate is an absolute win.

There are also home made sewn products, books, Amish furniture and crafts. And if you prefer to grow your own produce there are stands with plants.

My former husband loved wandering through every aisle of the flea market looking for treasures. Sometimes he came home with tools he would use for years. Other times he found little trinkets and toys for our daughters. But every now and then he surprised all of us. One Tuesday he came home carrying a bunny. Another time a cat! Around our house we learned that you never knew what Tuesday at Roots might bring through the front door.

My former husband searched for treasures he could use. Today, I search for treasures of a different kind. When I walk through a thrift store, I don't ask, "Do I need this?" I ask, "What could this become?" An old lamp, a forgotten vase, or a worn picture frame becomes an opportunity to create something beautiful. In a way, I suppose I'm still treasure hunting—just with a different purpose.

Maybe that's one of life's lessons. Sometimes the greatest treasures aren't the ones that are already beautiful. They're the ones waiting for someone to imagine what they could become.

Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and stay connected to those you love.

Be well,

Emma

Emma is the voice behind Sharing with Seniors, where every story starts with a memory. Through stories of family, friendships, music, traditions, hometowns, and life's simple pleasures, she invites readers to pull up a chair, stay awhile, and remember the moments that have shaped their lives.