Koons Woodbridge Hyundai

May 3, 2023

Thursday, 06 January, 2022

There’s nothing like a quality local farmers’ market. A weekend farmers market in Washington brings to mind delicious, healthy, and vibrant food, fun neighborhood vibes, handmade goods, and fresh air. Visiting different markets is also a great way to try new seasonal products and see another part of town. In addition, Washington is often ranked as one of the fittest cities in the nation. People love healthy food and active lifestyles here, and it shows. 

Do you love a farmers’ market as much as we do? We’ve put together our list of the metro area’s best markets, so grab your reusable shopping bags and get ready to shop for fresh local produce. While many of these markets are within walking distance to metro stations, some are worth driving to. Be sure you’re set up in a fresh set of wheels by visiting Koons Woodbridge Hyundai. They offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles so that you can fill your new Hyundai with all your farmers’ market treasures.

Dupont Circle Farmers Market

The Dupont Circle Farmers Market is one of many FRESHFARM operated markets in the metro area. They aim to increase food access, support food education, and build healthier communities. Dupont is a vibrant neighborhood with great energy and history. A visit to this market includes dozens (50 at its peak) of farmers selling anything from eggs to artisan cheeses to baked goods. You can also sample locally-made spirits, kimchi, jams, and more. You might also catch live music playing at the far end of the market. The market is open on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. year-round.

Eastern Market

This is one of Washington’s longest-lasting and most accessible farmers’ markets. The Eastern Market has been in continuous operation since 1873, in its original historic public market building, so there’s plenty to look at besides the fantastic stalls. Since portions of the market are brick and mortar, the indoor vendors can operate for extended hours during the week, while outdoor vendors are open on Saturday and Sunday (hours vary, check website for details). In addition to the traditional market fare, you can find plenty of ready-made meals, such as crepes, burgers, or even shrimp and grits.

14&U Farmers Market

Jump on the metro and head to U Station to visit this quintessential urban farmers market. The 14&U market is open on Saturdays from May to November from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They pride themselves on being a producer-only, community farmers market. So fill your basket with tons of handmade products, fresh fruit and vegetables, pickles and kimchi, flowers and plants, bread, baked goods, and much more.

Columbia Heights Farmers Market

The Columbia Heights Farmers Market (formerly the Columbia Heights Community Marketplace) is hosted in a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with many vendors. You can enjoy authentic Mexican food, Austrian specialties, healthy produce, and more. This market runs on Saturdays from April to December from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from January to March from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They have also begun operating on Wednesday afternoons, so it’s a great after-work destination to split up your week. Check out the website for more information.

Foggy Bottom Farmers Market

Another FRESHFARM-operated market, the Foggy Bottom Farmers Market, is open seasonally from April to November. Their location is conveniently right next to the Foggy Bottom metro access, which makes this a highly convenient Wednesday afternoon market (open from 3 to 7 p.m.). Grab a slice from Timber Pizza Company while you wander around the other merchants. Offerings include crab cakes, pickles, pastries, bubble tea, paella, and fresh produce. This is an excellent option for an after-work snack, or you could visit the market before heading to dinner in Georgetown.

Arlington Farmers Market

Sometimes you have to get just outside of Washington to try new things. Why not jump in your car and head over to the Arlington Courthouse parking lot on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the decades-old Arlington Farmers Market (from January to March, there’s a later start at 9 a.m.). As one of the largest markets in the region, you’ll find some unusual suppliers. Farmstead goat cheese, Lebanese food, pasture-raised bison, Alaskan salmon, and Greek olives are just some of the unique offerings for sale at this Virginia location.

Old Town Farmers Market

Another market based on the outskirts of town is the Old Town Farmers Market in Alexandria, Va. This market is the oldest market to run at one site continuously, and it has one serious claim to fame: George Washington would send his produce from Mount Vernon to be sold here. So while you can’t get the first president’s produce anymore, you can visit one of over 70 vendors selling their fare. They’re open every Saturday, no matter the weather, from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Enjoy Washington’s Many Farmers Markets

There are so many great farmers’ markets around Washington that you could go to different ones each weekend for months without revisiting any. As you can see from our list, some of these farmers’ markets offer indoor shopping options, which may be more attractive through the winter months. Many metro-area markets operate year-round, even in the cold, so that you can bag some delicious local produce any time of year. We recommend bundling up with your friends and family and visiting as many farmers’ markets as you can. 

It’s always great to shop and support local, which doesn’t just apply to produce. If you’re considering trading in your old car and upgrading to a new Hyundai, be sure to visit Koons Woodbridge Hyundai. They are proud members of their local community and are committed to getting you into a car you’ll love. You’ll be driving to one of these farmers’ markets in your new car in no time. Did we miss your favorite Washington area market? Let us know.


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Image via Pixabay by JillWellington