Surrounded by Farmers' Markets

It's that time of year again. The farmers' markets are starting to come alive. We are fortunate to have an abundance of markets in the DC area, and Fairlington has four excellent farmers' markets very close by.

On Saturdays, we have two huge markets and one quaint market with a neighborhood feel. If you slept in on Saturday and missed all of those, there is one more chance to fill the fridge on Sunday at a moderately sized market.

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Saturday

Del Ray Farmers' Market

The closest market is in Del Ray. It is very small and can get a little crowded later in the morning, so get there early (but not before us). This is our regular stop on Saturdays. The vendors there are very friendly. You can grab a fresh pastry as you walk into the lot. Our little one can't shop without something to nibble on... this takes care of her until we get to the cheese tent where she has to sample the gouda.

They have all the bases covered here... fruit, lots of veggies, mushrooms, cheese and yogurt, herbs for planting, breads, and meat. We also like to walk down the block and grab a couple of things from the local butcher and local cheeseshop (subjects for another post).

Details on the Del Ray Farmers' Market:

Saturdays 8 am - noon

Corner of East Oxford & Mount Vernon Ave.

Alexandria Markets Website



Old Town Alexandria

This one has been around for a while. George Washington sent his produce to this market to sell. It's a large market with everything you need and more. The market opens very early, so if you have insomnia or little ones, this is your market.

Details on the Old Town Farmers' Market:

Saturday 5:30 am (told you it was early) - 10:30 am

301 King Street - Market Square

Alexandria Markets Website



Arlington Farmers' Market- Courthouse

This is the Super Wallmart of farmers' markets. It can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many vendors, its difficult to make it to all of them. Or, if you are like me, you don't want to buy anything early because there may be something better just around the corner. By the end of the walk, I either have too much stuff or nothing at all.

The fruit vendor is a favorite. You can't miss it. It has the line that is 100 yards long. Its great stuff, but there are 10 other places selling fruit, so don't be discouraged if you can't wait in the line.

Don't miss the little gems at this market. There is a farmer in a tiny tent out of the way (I won't give away all my secrets) who sells the best corn when it is in season. He has it all stacked up on his table and covered in ice. You have to get there early to get some of these... and cook them right away. Heavenly. He's always stocked with other great stuff too, okra, green beans, etc.

Bring lots of cash and bags to this one. And don't go if you are in a hurry. This is an event.

Details on the Arlington Farmers' Market - Courthouse:

Saturday 8 am - noon

14th Street North & Courthouse Road

Arlington County Farmers Market Website



Sunday

Ok, so that happy hour on Friday went a little long... you didn't quite make it out of bed for the market on Saturday. Don't fret. You are in luck.

Columbia Pike Farmers' Market

This is a small market, but larger than Del Ray. It is in the parking lot of the Eckerds on Columbia Pike. Again, like the others, you can get everything you need here. I'm not a regular at this market because I've usually gone on Saturday, but it is so great to have it close by when we've missed our regular trip to the market.

Details on Columbia Pike Farmers' Market:

Sunday 9 am - 1 pm

South Walter Reed Drive & Columbia Pike

(at the Eckerds)

Columbia Pike Farmers' Market Website



I can highly recommend all of these markets. Go every week!