Spence’s Bazaar & Amish Market: What to Eat, What to Buy, and When to Go

Dover’s famous flea market—Spence’s Bazaar & Amish Market— is roughly 86 years old and offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time to enjoy some of the best in Amish food and shop eclectic Delaware treasures. The part flea market, part Amish food market is a one-of-a-kind destination on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 550 South New Street in Dover.

The market was opened in 1933 by Harry and Emmaline Spence as a livestock auction for local farmers. In the 1960s, the couple started renting the animal stalls to flea marketers, and the first of the Amish farmer’s arrived in the 1970s.

The official hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Most of the vendors start selling their goods at day break— everything from antiques to vintage records, plants, local produce, décor and furniture, clothing, purses, and books. For the best selection, early arrival is key and most vendors only accept cash, so plan to visit the ATM before you go.

In keeping the tradition of the market, there is an outdoor auction on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12:30 with a variety of items for purchase. Aside from shopping the unique and eclectic antiques and Kent County one-of-a-kind treasures, visitors enjoy some of the best in Amish food at the bazaar. Watch bakers prepare and warm hand-made soft pretzels or enjoy fresh from the fryer donuts inside the Amish Farmers Market. You’ll also find a meat counter, loads of hot lunch options and the must-try scrapple—a meat-and-grain-spice loaf that is very popular at Spence’s. What you won’t find is a lot of seating, so be prepared to walk and eat or take your meal to go.