Exploring Thrift Stores and Discount Shopping: Hotspots around Lancaster Co, PA Part I

Greetings savvy shoppers! Embrace the thrill of bargain hunting with me as I take you on a journey through the best thrift stores in Lancaster County and beyond! Get ready for a day filled with exciting finds and unbeatable deals as we explore the hidden gems of thrift shopping in my popular hometown. Join me as we embark on curated itineraries that promise a day of treasure hunting from dawn till dusk!

This post exclusively covers the listed areas, but stay tuned and subscribe for more content on Lancaster county and beyond!

EXPLORING; Route 23 - Leola/New Holland/Morgantown - end in Elverson (20 miles)

Coming from Lancaster, I prefer to begin my journey in Leola on RT 23, as most of the places mentioned in this post are located along this route, with only a few exceptions.

The first stop is a discount grocer called SHARP SHOPPER. I have found their items to be in date, although nearing expiration. Highlights of this store include their freezer items and bulk dry goods, such as bagged pastas, dry beans, and flours, since they serve a large plain population.

The LEOLA THRIFT SHOP may be compact in size, yet it boasts excellent organization, a remarkable array of jewelry and housewares, and frequently offers discounts. Recently, they held a storewide sale with a 50% discount. Although they do not stock furniture, you may come across some larger items displayed outside at attractive prices.

photo credit: Hayloft Pretzels

Feeling hungry? If you're in the New Holland area, make sure to visit Hayloft Pretzels, just a turn off Route 23. They offer delicious pretzel logs filled with meats and cheese, as well as ice cream, freshly made soups, and salads. The cozy interior features a woodland theme, while outside there's a pond where you can feed the ducks. There's also a nice playground with seating for parents. Don't forget to check the freezer for a special deal on frozen pretzel logs. We usually dine in and then grab some frozen ones to take home. Just across the street, you'll find a small Amish farmers market offering locally grown fruits and veggies, along with homemade breads, sweets, jams, and the most delicious honey mustard. During the season, they also serve BBQ chicken. If you're in the area and feeling hungry, this is definitely worth a visit!

When you step into New Holland, you can't miss the awesome REUZIT SHOP OF NEW HOLLAND! It's like thrifting heaven in Lancaster County, spread out over two floors. They've got everything from furniture to funky vintage finds. And guess what? You can feel the Christmas spirit all year round with their special Christmas section. Don't forget to check out the bargain bins where clothing items are just 50 cents! The entrance displays are so cool, and the way they organize everything makes shopping a breeze. Keep an eye out for their silent auctions too!

Pictures I took at Freedom Thrift a few years back.

A short distance away, you'll find the GROCERY OUTLET BARGAIN MARKET, a another discounted grocery store. After shopping rip off the bottom part of your receipt displaying your savings, write down your name and phone number, and drop it in the designated box near the entrance. They select a winner at random and will give you a gift card worth twice the amount you saved as indicated on your receipt!

⭐Pro Tip: Also check their Facebook page and website - they often have a $5 off coupon for spending $25 and a $3 for signing up!

Located in the heart of New Holland, you'll find the expansive LUCKY DOG THRIFT store, a haven for pickers. It seems to function more as an antique co-op than a traditional thrift store, offering reasonable prices and a wide selection to browse through. While you could easily lose track of time exploring this store, remember to manage your time effectively to make the most of your adventure. Despite its dusty and chaotic appearance, this place is a treasure trove for those willing to dig deep.

If you decide to detour off the main road and head further east for about 8 miles, towards the outskirts of Gap, you can visit COUNTRY GIFT & THRIFT SHOPPE . This thrift store has a boutique style, spread over two floors, offering a sophisticated atmosphere with reasonable prices. One room is dedicated to vintage and antique items, while upstairs, you can browse through a collection of Amish handmade quilts, housewares and hard goods, and often find Plain community clothing.

Returning to Route 23, just a block off the route, still within the New Holland vicinity, you will find FREEDOM THRIFT.  This store is a personal favorite of mine! A couple of years ago, they expanded by adding a second building specifically for clothing, while the main building continues to offer housewares, hard goods, linens, furniture, antiques, and dishes. During the warmer months, they set up a discount tent (resembling a small circus) where prices are incredibly reasonable. In the tent area, pricing is often done on the spot, but I have never paid more than $1 for any item. Both stores offer thrift prices. Furthermore, in the clothing building, there are bins of clothes priced at just 50 cents each. This thrift store provides support for the drug rehabilitation program located on the upper floors of the same building.

If you still feel like thrift shopping, you could swing by the East Earl GOODWILL near the Shady Maple Smorgasbord, a popular spot for tourists. The GOODWILL store is on the smaller side, but you can find housewares and sometimes bins of clothes in the basement, kind of like an outlet store. Upstairs, you'll find clothing and linens. Just a heads up, this Goodwill has its own unique hours and is closed on Sundays. You also can't take items between floors.

 ⭐Pro tip: visit the Smorgasbord on your birthday for a free meal!

Right next to the Goodwill, there's an Amish farm where you can buy fresh fruits, veggies, and houseplants. The family that runs it usually works on an honor system, and I've scored houseplants from them for just a buck! They usually are set up seasonally.

As you're heading back to route 23 to Morgantown, don't miss out on this cool little thrift store called MORGANTOWN REUZIT MCC THRIFT SHOP. It's run on faith and has some awesome displays, a big craft/quilting area, and a special area dedicated to vintage. They often have sales going on too!

Continuing down route 23, you will discover one of the most budget-friendly grocery stores you will ever encounter – BB's. While most of their products are expired, damaged, or discontinued, the fresh cold/frozen section typically has items that are still within their expiration date but nearing it. This store is always crowded! It is common for your receipt to be longer than your car, even if you spend less than $100! BB's is managed by the Amish, so they are closed on Sundays and have early closing hours on their busiest day, Saturdays. In addition to groceries, you can also find OTC medications and high-end beauty products (many resellers come here for these items). Despite being situated in the heart of Amish country and being Amish-owned, the selection of fresh produce is limited.

However, you will come across numerous farm stands during your journey, with many operating on the honor system. Therefore, remember to bring a cooler and cash!

A brief car ride away from BB's is a large GOODWILL located in Elverson. This newer store is similar to a traditional Goodwill and is open on Sundays.

PRO TIPS:

✔️Many of the spots mentioned above have ties to religious traditions, so it's a good idea to double-check when they're open. Some might be closed for Amish holidays that might not be on your radar.

✔️ When you swing by Amish roadside stands, they prefer cash and often work on an honor system.

Depending on what time of year you visit, Route 23 is also a yard sale mecca with New Holland and East Earl hosting town wide yard sales. While most sales are concentrated on Rt 23, various developments and streets branching off the main route also take part. Local churches and fire companies often provide food stands and rental spaces for the event. A must-visit during these events is The Egg Roll Lady, who has gained a significant following over the years for her delicious homemade egg rolls and fried rice. She is a renowned figure in our area's yard sale scene, so be sure to pay her a visit!

Below are some essential items to bring with you to keep your food cold while you shop for bargains. I also use a trunk organizer to separate my groceries from my thrifted goodies, and keep breakables safe.

my new favorite rolling bag: https://amzn.to/3NoVSYv

shopping bags: https://amzn.to/484aSo2

ice packs: https://amzn.to/3ZX7pWy

Cooler bag: https://amzn.to/4dLjXDq

Market basket: https://amzn.to/484rCf0

trunk organizer: https://amzn.to/3NtkcZ6

Pictures from a Sept 2024 visit to Jubilee, Palmyra

EXPLORING; Route 422, Palmyra, PA to Lebanon, PA (10 miles)

Route 422 offers a thrift adventure all on its own! You can thrift along this road from Palmyra to Pottstown, covering a total of 56 miles with just a few deviations from Route 422. Attempting to complete this journey in a single day is unrealistic (believe me, I've attempted it!). However, that's a story for another occasion! Currently, my attention is on the stretch from Palmyra to Lebanon.

⭐Thrift store Superstar⭐ Jubilee

When in South Central PA you gotta check out their awesome thrift store locations. It's part of a faith-based chain and it's seriously top-notch. They always have a ton of great stuff, from clothes to furniture, all nicely organized. And let me tell you, their used furniture section is a real gem. Oh, and make sure to peek at the notice board near the entrance for any cool deals they've got going on! Just a heads up, they're closed on Sundays because of their religious ties as their mission is to support prison programs. But if you're into stylish clothes and cool jewelry, this chain, especially this location is a goldmine for you!

Why not check out some cool thrift stores in Palmyra while you're here? You'll find a GOODWILL and BLUE MOUNTAIN THRIFT along the same road. And hey, there's another GROCERY OUTLET BARGAIN MARKET location right next to Blue Mountain thrift store! Don't forget to drop your receipt for a chance win double your savings!

The Palmyra Goodwill has recently started selling furniture items. It's uncertain if this will be a regular offering, but large furniture pieces have been spotted during the last two visits. If you decide to shop at this store, make sure to inspect your purchases carefully. The sorting process may not be as thorough as in some other places.

What are the odds of finding not one, but TWO pairs of these similar boots, on the same day, at different thrift stores in Palmyra????

Blue Mountain Thrift may be expensive when it comes to clothing, but it offers a wide selection of vintage furniture at more affordable prices. It's recommended to bring your SUV due to the store's large inventory, as you might be tempted to bring something home. While the store may appear worn out and less focused on presentation, I have discovered some amazing items here. One of my best finds was two pairs of emerald green velvet drapes for just $8 in total, which are currently gracing my living room.

Blue Mountain Thrift

The infamous Egg Roll Lady can also be found at the Farmstead Farmer's Market, where she showcases an expanded selection of her mouthwatering Vietnamese dishes! While this charming farmers market may be a bit upscale, it boasts an array of distinctive vendors.

Traveling WEST for about 20 minutes will take you to the Goodwill bins, which have replaced the Lancaster and Avondale locations . Tucked away in an industrial park, it's the last place you'd expect an outlet store. Since relocating they have reduced hours, but the trip is still worthwhile. Since its opening, this location has made efforts to reduce the aggressiveness that was a common issue at the Lancaster site. They strictly enforce their policies and sometimes clear the entire floor just to replace a few bins. While carts are usually available, it's always best to bring a rolling bag along. For more tips on thrifting at the Goodwill bins, click here. Remember to bring your gloves and hand sanitizer!

If you're traveling EAST, make sure to stop by the Jubilee in Annville. This location offers a unique section called REBUILT, which functions like a thrift store specifically for home improvement items, reminiscent of Habitat for Humanity's Restore. This is in addition to the thrift store side featuring all the standard departments. While all the Jubilee stores are renowned for their high-quality items, this location stands out due to its focus on home improvement products. Additionally, they offer a diverse selection of bikes suitable for both children and adults.

Just a short 8-mile drive, and your first turn off route 422, you'll stumble upon the awesome JUBILEE MAIN STORE as you enter Lebanon. Last time I swung by, the store was getting ready for a big makeover, so I haven't checked out the new look yet, but let me tell you, it was already stunning! Housed in a cool warehouse, this place has two huge floors packed with all sorts of thrifted treasures - from clothes and furniture to a killer sports gear section. This location is no exception to neat displays and how well everything is organized, plus they have different sales going on each week at their various locations. Besides the sports stuff, they've got a stellar selection of books, linens, and furniture.

Wrap up your day with a visit to the PA Ren faire (if it's that time of year). It can be a bit pricey, but totally worth it for the medieval vibes and entertainment. Don't miss out on grabbing one of those huge Turkey legs – it's a must-try! Remember, you gotta snag your tickets from their box office, not at the door. I haven't found any discounts, but hey, treating yourself to this experience is something you won't forget!

Part of the fun is dressing for the event! If you can't find a costume at a thrift store, I found some affordable outfits perfect for a Renaissance faire below.

Lords: https://amzn.to/40a0BVo

Wench: https://amzn.to/3U6Qtcm

Little lords: https://amzn.to/3Y3pb7S

Little wenches: https://amzn.to/4h6HQIw

Pooches: https://amzn.to/484b8Dw

I hope you enjoyed the first post in my series on thrifting destinations! Do you have a favorite town for thrifting or maybe a hidden gem I missed? Share your thoughts below - I'm always excited to uncover new treasure troves with you!

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