In the flavor department, it doesn’t get much better than a fresh-picked strawberry, a tomato in season, a piping-hot doughnut or a briny oyster that was fished out of the Chesapeake not 24 hours earlier. You’ll find all of that and more—with the bonus of supporting local growers, food businesses and the environment—at these area farmers markets. Note: Many purveyors work the circuit and sell at multiple locations, so if you can’t make it out on a Wednesday, you might find those wild mushrooms you’re craving at another nearby market on a different day of the week. Check each market’s website for a full list of vendors. Many offer the option of pre-ordering for pickup.
Arlington FreshFarm Market
When: Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where:Â 1400 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington (Courthouse)
This season brings two new additions to one of the area’s largest and oldest year-round markets: Virginia pie and pastry maker Peggy Savage of Savagely Good, and juicer Fight Juice, which donates its products and brings educational programs to local schools in underserved areas. Come peak summer, more than 30 farmers and producers will sprawl across the Courthouse parking lot during this weekly event. Skip the line and book your pick-up time online. Gems include doughnuts on a stick from Mac’s Donuts truck, crusty loaves from Atwater’s bakery and fresh turkeys in the fall from Eco-Friendly Foods.
Ballston FreshFarm Market
When:Â Thursdays, April 1 to Nov. 18, 3-7 p.m.
Where:Â 901 N. Taylor St., Arlington (Ballston – Welburn Square, near the Ballston Metro)
This weekly market near the Ballston Metro includes goodies that go well beyond fruit and vegetables, including empandas, saltado and chicharonnes from DMV Empanadas; wood-fired pizza from Timber Pizza Co.; and pickles from Number 1 Sons. Thirsty shoppers can also pick up Virginia vino from Monroe Bay Winery, which maintains its vineyard near Colonial Beach.
The Boro FreshFarm Market
When:Â Thursdays, 3-7 p.m., May 6 – Oct. 28
Where: 8301 Greensboro Drive, McLean (Tysons)
Now in its second year, this Tysons market runs from May to October in the new Boro district. Look for greens from Iganacio’s Produce; fruit from Tyson Farm and Orchard in West Virginia; fresh fish from Cold Country Salmon; global coffee beans roasted in D.C. by Cam’s Kettle; and vegan baked goods, hand pies and nut brittles from Lorton-based Kingdom Gourmet Foods. Validated parking is available—a big bonus in this bustling, high-traffic area.
Columbia Pike Farmers Market
When:Â Sundays, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m., year-round
Where: 2601 Columbia Pike, Arlington (Fillmore Shopping Center parking lot, between Atilla’s Restaurant and Acme Pie Co.)
When the pandemic arrived, the Columbia Pike market relocated to the Fillmore Shopping Center parking lot, near the intersection of Columbia Pike and S. Walter Reed Drive, for more space to spread out. Pre-orders are encouraged as the market has a strict cap of 25 customers at a time. Arlington-based microgreens grower Roots N’ Shoots this year joins the dozen or so vendors. Enjoy seasonal berries from Twin Springs Fruit Farm; Penn Farm produce grown in Colonial Beach; and fresh eggs, lamb, pork and beef from Smith Meadows farm in Berryville. Locally roasted coffee, fresh juice, cookies and other prepared foods are also sold, including Hog Haven Farm breakfast sandwiches made with pork sausage—a satisfying weekend indulgence.