Fall is the perfect time to explore outdoor activities and support local businesses, and one of the best ways to do this is by visiting local farmers markets. Not only can students get some grocery shopping done by purchasing locally grown produce and getting fresh air, but they can also discover local small businesses and organizations that make an appearance at many of the bigger farmers markets. Some local farmers markets that could peak interest include those at Cabin John, Garrett Park, Bethesda, Pike and Rose and Kensington.
Cabin John
The farmers market set up in Cabin John shopping center, located right next to Capital One Bank, is open on Sundays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., running from May through September. There are a few main stands that sell a variety of seasonal locally grown produce and other food products like baked goods. Beyond the fresh offerings, the majority of stands showcase local businesses and organizations, ranging from dentist offices to artisan companies selling candles and soaps. However, what truly makes the Cabin John farmers market stand out are the many activities that are designed to be intriguing for children, including interactive toys, live music and a DJ. This creates a strong feeling of community and welcoming as people are encouraged to dance and have fun.
Garrett Park
The Garrett Park farmers market, located near the Garrett Park Post Office, is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This market features two main vendors: a large stand with a wide variety of in season locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs, along with smaller stands selling pre-made frozen Indian food. These stands offer a few different portion sizing for each meal and are extremely flavorful and provide good serving sizes of various curry and rice dishes. Something that stands out about this farmers market is that it has one single payment system, where customers can pay for all items-including produce, jams, juices and sauces.
Kensington
The Kensington farmers market, located at the Kensington Train Station Lot, is open year-round on Saturdays between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market features many interesting booths that sell a variety of products including freshly made sweet and savory crepes, pressed juices, baked goods, cheeses, flowers and produce. The produce stands display an array of in season fruits and vegetables including a wide selection of apples and potatoes. Additionally, this farmers market has a stand with various oils and even a booth with dog treats.
Bethesda
The Bethesda farmers market, located in the Bethesda Elementary School parking lot near Bethesda Row, is open on Sundays from January to February from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from March to December from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. This farmers market tends to be on the pricier side and has a variety of booths with a majority of them being food related. Visitors can find a wide selection of both in season fruits and vegetables from many stands, alongside many non-food related businesses, including plants, soaps, pottery and pet products. There are also plenty of fresh made foods such as crepes, baked goods, Lebanese cuisine, teas and coffees.
Pike and Rose
The farmers market at Pike and Rose, located in the parking lot next to Bark Social, is open on Saturdays from April through December from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This farmers market is most similar to the one in Bethesda as it is both extremely large and has a very wide variety of stands. There are about five produce booths offering a considerable variation of in season produce, including some that can be harder to find at farmers markets like kale,various lettuces and herbs. Additionally, the market has vendors that sell candles, coffee beans, gluten-free bread and baked goods. One unique aspect of this farmers market is that there are multiple vendors that sell different types of alcohol, along with one that sells fresh fish. There are also many pre-made frozen food vendors, featuring cuisines such as Greek and Asian.
Heyser Farm
Heyser Farm is more permanent than most other farmers markets and is located in a log cabin-like building in Silver Spring. It is open year round, from Tuesday to Saturday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. This two story building sells seasonal produce, a variety of canned/jarred goods, baked goods and dairy products. This farm stand is very similar to a small-scale grocery store and has extremely high-quality fresh locally grown produce.
Visiting and supporting local businesses, such as farmers markets, is a wonderful way to get some fresh air as the seasons change. There are many local farmers markets that sell a wide array of fresh produce, baked goods, dairy products and locally made non food products. Visiting farmers markets is an amazing way to get together with friends and family as part of exploring the greater Potomac area this fall.
