Farmers Markets, Washington, DC
Farmers’ markets are an enjoyable way to stock up on local fresh produce while also getting the flavour of the Capital Region and its culinary riches. Shopping at a local market is a great way to put together a picnic to enjoy in a park or during a day’s sightseeing. Many of the markets are held in interesting and historic locations off the main tourist route and you’ll also get to meet the locals who are passionate about producing good food. Here are examples of the dozens of markets run throughout Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC.
Adams Morgan Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday from May to December, Washington’s farmers set up their stalls on 18th Street for the Adams Morgan Farmers' Market. Open from 9am, the market sells all kinds of fruit and vegetables as well as tempting muffins, bread and farmhouse cheese, which can make a tasty picnic for visiting sightseers. Also look out for local handicrafts to take home as souvenirs. To avoid going hungry go early, as everything is sold by 1pm.
Dupont Circle
Named as one of the top US farmers’ markets by the Financial Times, during the peak season there are more than 30 stallholders selling fruit and vegetables, cheese, fruit pies, breads, fresh pasta, cut flowers, potted plants, soaps and herbal products, to name just a few. Also look out for demonstrations by the city’s top chefs. The market is open every Sunday year round, from 9am to 1pm, April to December, and 10am to 1pm, January to March.
www.freshfarmmarkets.orgEastern Market
Built in 1873, Eastern Market is the last of Washington's 19th century markets to remain in continuous operation. A firm fixture with the Capitol Hill community, and now a colourful visitor attraction, it’s open every day of the week, except Monday. It even has its own sit-down diner, Market Lunch, renowned for is crabcakes. Every weekend there is also an outdoor farmers’ market, plus and an arts and crafts market on Saturday and flea market on Sunday.
www.easternmarket.netFish Wharf
It’s only a few blocks from Washington’s monuments and museums but Maine Avenue Fish Market, or Fish Wharf, is unknown to most visitors. One of the last surviving open air seafood markets on the east coast, fish and seafood snacks are sold from floating barges, a tribute to the days when fishing boats would travel 60 miles from Colonial Beach to sell their catch. Open daily from 8am to 9pm, the busiest days are Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Foggy Bottom
This market is a boon for visitors who are not in town over the weekend, or who prefer to stay in bed or spend their mornings sightseeing. Breaking the usual market trend, Foggy Bottom is open midweek and during the afternoon and early evening. The market is conveniently located next to the Foggy Bottom metro stop and features all the best produce from local farmers. Opening times are 2.30pm to 7pm, from April to November.
www.freshfarmmarkets.orgH Street Market
Cooking demonstrations, food tasting, flower arranging classes and activities for youngsters are all part of the fun at H market, which recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. Each Saturday farmers bring the best of their local produce to this dynamic DC neighbourhood. Visitors can expect to find handmade goat and cows' milk cheese, yogurt, fruit, vegetables and flowers along with mouthwatering pastries, sorbets and ice creams. The market is open 9am to noon, from May to October.
www.freshfarmmarkets.orgPenn Quarter
Another weekday market that is open during the afternoon, Penn Quarter can be found in bustling downtown Washington. Historically it was part of the Center Market district, where Washingtonians shopped for more than 100 years for their fruit and vegetables. Today’s market is just a few blocks from the National Archives, National Portrait Gallery and other attractions and is open every Thursday, from 3pm to 7pm, April to December.
www.freshfarmmarkets.org
