Eat healthy, be eco-friendly, save money, grow your own produce! When the amateur gardener meets the spring season of dreams of fresh, colorful, succulent vegetables and fruits in the solstice disappointment of rust, caterpillars, rot and fungi, the next best thing to do is to go to the farmer’s market. Everything that produces strong, fragrant, wonderful things is in store, plus a bunch of stuff you’ll probably never grow or make at home! If you ask, the pros will also explain what you did wrong and I will give you advice for next year.
There are seasonal farmers markets in Northern Virginia. Here are some favorites, plus a few years of marketing and links to find others near your home or workplace. Note: Many of these markets are temporarily set up under tents with limited power and connectivity. Bring the cash!
SmartMarkets operates weekly dealers in various locations in Northern Virginia every day except Monday. The Centerville Market at 5875 Trinity Center is open on Fridays, 3:30-6:30 PM, through October 29. On a recent visit, not all of the vendors were in attendance – a thunderstorm was threatening, but there were still many customers. three farms selling, three local bakeries selling dairy, goat cheese, butter, yogurt and creamsharpener job so you can cut easily and cut your purchase! See http://smartmarkets.org/our-markets.html for a list of market locations, times and vendors.
Manassa Farmers-market
Old Town Manassas has hosted a farmers market twice a week for years and years! It’s a fun place – besides the farmers market, I walk through a few shops and enjoy one lunch. many restaurants. Open Thursdays, 7 AM to 1:30 PM at Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center Street in Old Town Manassas through Nov 4 and Saturdays 7 AM to 2:30 PM in Lot B at the Train Depot, through Oct 30. Parking can be tricky in the Old Town, so use the free garage on Prince William Street. Check the website at http://media.visitmanassas.org/?p=175 for vendor listings and information.
Cox Farms Market
Cox Township operates two markets, one in Centerville and one in Vancouver, with the busiest time of the year. A new local issue is sold every day from the beginning of July during the Fall Festival season. Tomatoes, corn, melons, pumpkins, peaches, apples, and about half a dozen varieties of hot peppers were available. recent visit, all very reasonable prices. The source of the results is clearly labeled. Jams, juice, gravy and honey come. Bring the kids to the llamas and goats in Centerville! Both locations are open daily, 9 AM to 7 PM. The Centerville number is (703) 543-6305 and the Vienna number is (703) 281-0165. See the site for further info and direction, http://coxfarms.com/Default.aspx?p=7.
Stoneybrook Firm Market
Stoneybrook Organic Farm certified-organic”>is certified, which recently opened a year-round market at the corner of 690 and route 9 in Hillsboro is about 9 miles west of Leesburg and is a great stop on a day trip to Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, or The Stoneybrook Market is open on Sundays, 8 AM to 8 PM. The market offers organic dairy products, fresh produce, coffee, and pastries is 37091 Charlestown Pike, Hillsboro, VA 20132. Stoneybrook is also a member of the Supported Agriculture program. Details are available on their website, http://stoneybrookfarm.org/newsite/index.php?id=4 .
Many seasonal farmers markets are listed here beyond favorites, and their popularity is growing. Fairfax County sponsors twelve popular markets through the Park Authority, some of which open on November 9. See http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/wp-farm-mkt.htm for locations and details. Additionally, The Washington Post has published an Interactive Farmers Market Guide with a handy view of the markets open for the week at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/artsandliving/foodanddining/features/2010/farmers-markets/ index.html. You can access the Washington Post Work Directory.
