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Arlington Farmers' Market
Category: Food Farmers Market Farmers Market [Edit]
N Courthouse Rd & N 14th StArlington, VA 22201
(703) 228-6423
- Nearest Transit:
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Courthouse Metro Station (Orange)
- Hours:
Sat 8 am - 12 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
32 reviews for Arlington Farmers' Market
Review Highlights
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"The Blue Ridge Dairy honey yoghurt is excellent." In 3 reviews -
"...plants, pastas, sauces, other baked goods, and jellies/jams." In 9 reviews -
"Awesome variety of veggies and fruits - elephant garlic." In 3 reviews
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32 reviews in English
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Review from Lee N.
Arlington, VA
4/30/2012
This is a fantastic farmer's market. It has a great variety of items - fruit, veggies, seafood, pork, beef, lamb, mushrooms, flowers...it's hard to think of something you would expect to find at a farmer's market but can't find here.
Best of all, the sellers it attracts are top-drawer: local, fresh, committed to providing good food at decent prices. Come back frequently and they'll get to know you, call you by name, offer you a free sample here and there.
Oh, and parking is a breeze.
Can't recommend this place enough. -
Review from Jennifer H.
Jacksonville, NC
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
We were visiting DC for the weekend and our friend took us here. Unfortunately it was FREEZING that morning, so I don't think there were as many vendors as there might usually be. That said, there was still a nice variety of items to choose from and we managed to spend a good chunk of money in the 30 minutes we were there! What really surprised me is that a lot of the vendors didn't have samples... And if I'm going to be paying somewhat premium prices for local goods, the least you can do is let me sample what I'm buying. (Case in point: we wanted to try a spicy bloody mary mix and asked for a sample--they opened it, we tried it, and bought it.) But overall it was very nice and I'd definitely go back.
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Review from Alan C.
McLean, VA
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
love this place, its a bit on the smallish size but it has everything you need. The mushroom people are phenomenal and the rest of the stuff is pretty good too.
Not sure how busy it gets since i get there at 8 am, but i was able to drop my bike of at the flea market to have the bike people give it a bit of a tune up while i shopped for my groceries.
i'll be there every week :-D -
Review from Vishal S.
Updated - 10/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Arlington Farmers's Market is a fine local gem in the DMV area. This in my opinion is one of the best Farmers' market around along with Alexandria market.
another good thing is they are open until December every year!
AFM has a wide range of businesses selling their stuff here - vegetables, fruit, meats, dairy product, breads, cooked food, plants, etc!
My favorites are -
Atwater's bakery. - sturan bread - soft with a touch of honey. The breads here go fast!
Clear Springs Dairy - their fresh yogurt are yummy!
I also like the Half smokes and Ham biscuit from Smith Meadow Grill.
The prices of vegetable here may be higher than grocery stores, but they are all organic and locally grown - so its all worth it!
some places accept credit cards but most are cash only!
The hardcore shoppers are here bright and early at 8 and the busiest time is between 8-9:30 AM. that is when most of the stuff is sold too so be there early!Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/27/2010
Good selection of fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the source.
The market is decent size -… Read more »
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Review from Meredith R.
Arlington, VA
8/7/2011
Love to cook at home? Come here! And quick - before the summer ends! This is a great farmer's market that I have been going to for several years. My husband and I just visited yesterday morning to pick up some amazing summer veggies and fruits.
We went at probably the busiest time (10am) and while crowded, it was not packed and sometimes you were helped immediately, other times you had to wait behind 1 or 2 persons.
You can walk around with a coffee, like I did, and pick up a delicious pastry to munch on while you peruse the market.
Highlights:
*Great variety of vendors (fruits/veggies, flowers, baked goods, yogurt, cheese, organic/grass-fed meats, jams/jellies)
*Awesome variety of veggies and fruits - elephant garlic? purple bell peppers?! so great!
*Pretty good prices and some vendors cut samples for you to try before you buy
Tips:
*Take a good reusable shopping bag with a longer strap so that you can toss your purchases into one big bag
*Take cash (and take only the amount you are comfortable spending- you can definitely blow a ton of money here without realizing it)
*Watching the budget? Check in with weekly grocery store pricing on fresh foods before you go to avoid leaving feeling like you lost your shirt - it's easier to keep yourself under control that way
This market also has a flea market attached. The flea market also runs on Sunday. -
Review from Sean M.
10/6/2010
The Arlington Farmers Market is a mid-size farmers market that proves bigger is definitely not always better. Stopping here was a must on our recent Arlington sojourn when we were dogsitting for a friend. I was pleased to have recognized many of the vendors who also sell at the Dupont Circle Farmers Market which we used to go to every week before 14th & U opened two blocks from our home.
However, I was even more pleased that the Arlington Market was not nearly the zoo that Dupont has become. One of the vendors even told me how much he prefers the slower pace at Arlington to Dupont's pandemonium and I can see why. Every vendor we met was courteous and helpful and bantered with us a bit as we made our purchases. Produce is always a standout at farmers markets, but the breads, cheese, and bison were also abundant even at 11:30, half an hour before the market was to close.
Everyone thinks that farmers markets have become so popular due to the rise of organic farming and "locavorism." After hearing a discussion on the topic on NPR, I've become convinced that the real reason is that humans are social creatures and shopping at farmers markets is as much about connecting with our neighbors and the vendors who come to sell as it is about buying the perceived freshest and the best. Buying at a grocery store comes down to getting in and getting out quickly with little interaction with the people who work there. The Arlington Farmers Market is about community, chatting with others, and slowing down to find out about what's looking good that day. It's a perfect way to start any Saturday morning. -
Review from Rebecca S.
Washington, DC
8/21/2010
Mmmmmm.... real milk. Real yogurt. Lots of local cheese. Lots of fresh, local fruits and veggies. A homemade pasta lady. Baked goods. Breads. Meat. Seafood. Plants. Mushrooms. Flowers.
You get the picture.
The market is a little small, but there is no shortage of selection. And bonus, there's a little craft/arts/antiques fair a couple blocks over, and, of course, the District Taco truck.
We could have spent some serious cash at this market, but we kept having to remind ourselves that we should only buy what we can eat in the next few days. We'll be back though.
Big props to the pasta lady - we bought some crab ravioli and she threw in a homemade vodka sauce for free. Dinner tonight? Yes please! -
Review from Sheri G.
5/6/2010
I think this is probably one of the largest farmers' markets in the area, comparable to Dupont and Falls Church. I've been going here for years now. This year I am going to make an effort to go here once a week. They have a large variety of produce including a great berry vendor and a really cool exotic mushroom stand, a few meat vendors, seafood, bread, dairy, flowers and other plants, pastas, sauces, other baked goods, and jellies/jams.
Of course eating fresh and local is more expensive, but it's worth it to know exactly where the products come from and how they are grown/raised. Not everything at this FM organic/pesticide free but most is. The farmers will gladly talk to you about their products. The meat vendors do not add hormones or additives to their products and their animals are free to roam the land.
Here's what I bought:
1 lb of bison stew meat ($8)
1 lb of pork ribs ($6)
1 lb of bison sausages (can't remember, $8, I think)
Pioppini mushrooms (splurge of the week - $10)
3 plump tomatoes
2 sweet potatoes
1 quart of strawberries ($6)
12 lovely asparagus spears
1 bag of hydroponically grown mixed lettuce ($6)
1 fresh loaf of italian bread ($6)
1 eggplant
I spent a little over $50 bucks on all of this. Not too shabby!
My goal for the week was to make a few meals with just about all farmers' market products. I did have to supplement a few things from the grocery store since it is early in the growing season.
If you are interested, here is what I made:
Bison sausages with grilled asparagus served with a fresh loaf of italian bread with tomatoes, basil, balsamic, and shaved parmesan cheese (cheese and balsamic from TJ).
Left over Bison sausages with honey roasted sweet potatoes, sauteed pioppini mushrooms, and a mixed green salad.
Bison stew with potatoes, turnips, and carrots. Well, the bison was the only thing from the FM, but it was so good. I could have gotten the potatoes at the FM, but I forgot. This made 2.5 meals for me and my husband.
I just realized I've eaten red meat 4 times this week. Hello cholesterol. But, at least I know it was hormone free!
Check it out! Saturday mornings 8-12. But get there early to avoid lines, esp. at the Westmoreland berry stand!Listed in: Grocery Stores and Markets
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Review from PC W.
New York, NY
7/20/2008
You know me. I don't cook. I don't eat healthy. I rarely go to the grocery store. I was invited to check out the Arlington Farmer's Market by Dian C., farmer's market enthusiast and all-around healthy eater and great cook. I needed an excuse to put off a few things that I had to do around the apartment. Shopping for healthy food trumps cleaning the bathroom.
We waited in a line for a booth that has great fruit. I bought a few peaches and they are the juiciest peaches I've ever had. I also had eaten the sweetest corn ever that was bought from this market last year so I bought a few ears. Lo and behold, it was the same delicious corn I had before. There are several vendors selling everything from fruits and veggies to cheeses to baked goods to buffalo meat(!).
I won't eat most of what is sold at the farmer's market but I love supporting local businesses. I wasn't prepared for this first trip but next time I'll have my yelp grocery bags in tow ready to fill it up with peaches, corn and buffalo meats. -
Review from Jennifer S.
Arlington, VA
8/30/2006 8 photos
Every Saturday by the Arlington County Courthouse the 25 year old Arlington Farmers' Market vendors, 30 or so of them, set up their produce, meats, butter, soaps, honey, baked goods, cheeses, herbs, flowers and more for the over 3,000 visitors that will be stopping by that day.
Shopping at a Farmers' Market (any of them) supports local farmers and agriculture, allows you to get the freshest produce, meats and flowers, breads (to name a few) that money can buy, and supports your community. You will never taste a better tomato than one that was picked off the vine that morning (no gassed ripening going on here). And what about sampling some key lime pie flavored goat cheese ice cream while you walk? The experience cannot be beat. Even if you only manage to sample all around and don't buy a single thing (which I defy you to do), it will still be an educational experience and a really good time. If you are a foodie, this is a must-do activity.
If you go to their website you can sign up for their newsletter (and check out the archives) for lots of interesting information - including recipes from DC area chefs, new producers to the market, and what veggies/fruits will be featured at the next market (in addition to the normal selection). This link alone is worth going to the website for: http://www.arlingtonfa... (when specific fruits, veggies and herbs are in season). They also have all sorts of events. My favorite to participate in are the 'Chef In The Market' series. The last one in July was led by Cathal Armstrong from Restaurant Eve.
Please at least stop by, grab a glass of cider, a fresh slice of peach, sample some cheese, nibble on a cookie and smell the flowers.Listed in: DC's LESSER known places to…
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Review from Takaki K.
Arlington, VA
9/13/2008
The best farmers market in the area that I know of. It's not huge (~30 vendors?) but the variety is great. Veggies (some organic or pesticide-free, look carefully), fruits, meat, eggs, mushroom, pastries, cheese, flowers, etc. Pretty much everything you would want from a farmers market, you'll find here. Most items are pricier than grocery stores, but that's a small price for getting high quality produce from local farmers.
Remember to bring a lot of cash. No credit cards here. -
Review from Dian C.
Arlington, VA
8/25/2007
I've made a Saturday morning visit to the Courhouse Farmer's market a weekly ritual to stock up on the most delicious, juiciest peaches for the week. Peaches are the staple of the summer for me, and for not that much more than supermarket prices, you get peaches that make you wish summer could last all year. I don't know the name of the farm that sells these, but they have slices of peaches and nectarines out for tasting and also sell great corn.
I also stock up berries from the place with the long line. At 4.50/pint, they are pretty pricey, but I justify it by thinking I'm supporting local farmers and getting much fresher fruit. -
Review from Nicole P.
Shawnee Mission, KS
6/12/2007 2 photos
Come here for strawberries and greens--the same things everyone else is selling this time of year.
I decided to hop on the longest line at the market first, figuring whatever was the front of the line must be worth the wait. People in the line said that the strawberries really ARE different from those sold at six or seven other stands at the market; they really ARE better. After a 10ish minute wait, I grabbed a "small" box of strawberries and a box of cherries (2/$9 on all "small" boxes of berries and cherries).
I also grabbed a chile cheddar bread ($5), but I don't think it was from Atwater's. Neither the stand nor the truck behind it had the name of the business on it.
I went to a couple of stands that weren't clustered in w/all the others. One of them was a cheese stand. The guy there smartly sampled nearly all of his good. He sold regular cheeses as well as cheese curds, all of which he produces on his farm. (He has a science fair-style board set up showing him, his family, their farm, and the cheese-making process.) I sampled a few different cheeses and all of the curds. I liked the onion ones best, so I bought some, priced at a very reasonable $7.75/lb.
I was very surprised to find myself bored here after half an hour, as I'd fully expected to spend at least an hour perusing the goods! There was one stand selling very expensive cuts of meat. I didn't see anyone buying anything there. I think the place that sells (expensive) pasta and sauces had a couple coolers full of meat, too.
I figured I wasn't gonna be able to entertain myself much more here, so I decided to hear back to the metro. On my way back, I encountered once again the craft market I'd seen on my walk to the farmers' market. I wasn't interested in "vintage" jewelry or anything of that sort, but I was intrigued by the bread guy whose stand was NOT at the farmers' market. He had a great selection of gourmet breads, including a couple different types of brioches and some sweet pastries. I opted for a beautiful brioche, mushroom-shaped with a golden dome ($4). It was wrapped in cellophane and tied at the top with a piece of raffia (or ribbon that looked like raffia). There was also a package of chocolate-filled mini brioches that looked delicious. There were five little square brioches, but they were attached in one line, forming a long, slim package of rip-apart tastiness. I think these were $5 a bag.
The market is nice and whatnot, but there was very little sampling (as compared to, say, the Dupont market). So, all of my purchases (except for the cheese) were a gamble. Not until I got home was I able to assess the goods.
I cleaned the strawberries when I got home, but not all of them made it into the fridge: a good number were popped into my mouth before they got a chance to be chilled. As I washed the berries and stuck them in Tupperware, I noticed that the big, beautiful berries on top were shielding really tiny berries underneath. Oh, those tricky folks at Westmoreland! Regardless of size, the berries were very sweet and red throughout: no abundance of whiteness inside. (I'm a berry racist--sue me.) I couldn't help but feel tricked, though, as the layer of big berries on top was just a cheap trick.
The chile cheddar bread was nice. I could see and taste both the chile pieces and the cheddar. I don't think it was worth $5, but it was an experiment.
I knew what I was getting into w/the cheese curds, so those have gone unsampled. I'm keeping them in their hermetically sealed package until I make cheese curd and basil ravioli within the next week or so.
The clear standout of my purchases was the brioche. Oh, good lord. That was a very special bread. I would go out of my way on a Saturday morning to hunt down this bread, and would then happily shell out $4 for a loaf. When I got home from the market, I sliced off a slim piece from the bottom and tasted it, making sure it was a bread worthy of becoming French toast. The round slices of French toast were absolutely lovely. For the sake of food photography, I plated 'em up w/some whipped cream and Westmoreland strawberry. 'Twas a pretty picture and a fantastic breakfast.
So, if you like your greens and vegetables and don't mind tripping over baby strollers, head to the Clarendon farmers' market. Don't forget to head toward the craft market, though, 'cause the dude selling the awesome breads? He is my hero.
6/22/07, EDITOR'S NOTE: I went back to the market today--just to buy that awesome bread . The name of the yummy bread stand is Christopher Bakery. In addition to a standard brioche, I bought those mini chocolate brioches I mentioned above and a mole/lime/chile/tequila/etc. brioche twist. The mole in the bread makes it sweeter, and the twisty nature of the bread make it kinda like pull-apart bread. Quite nice! These three bitchin' breads ($14 total) will last me awhile. Plus, I'm supporting a local baker! -
Review from Jonathan S.
Brooklyn, NY
7/29/2009
The Arlington Farmers Market is large, has a wide variety of available farm-fresh meats, vegetables and baked goods and is fantastically convenient for denizens of Arlington along the Orange Line.
I'd recommend getting there on the early side, as we made our way up at about 10:30 and some vendors began closing up shop at 11.
At the end of the day, I came home with 2 buffalo london broils, 2 buffalo trail sticks (think slim jims), two pains-au-chocolate (chocolate croissants), a chocolate hazelnut poundcake, a scone and a cup of Chai Sorbet for around $30. That, my friends, is a good haul. We actually cooked one of buffalo london broils that same night. Prepared rare, the meat was flavorful, fantastically moist, absolutely devoid of gaminess and as an added bonus, it's healthy - no interstitial fat!
The Pennsylvania mushroom vendor is also a cool feature of this market. They have a solid collection of both common and harder-to-find mushrooms (like hen-of-the-woods/Maiatake).
I'll definitely be back to this place. All of the meat and produce we acquired here has been delicious thus far. I can't wait to put another farmers market meal together. -
Review from Michelle P.
Arlington, VA
5/24/2009
The Arlington Farmer's Market gets me out of bed on Saturday mornings, it really is my favorite weekly ritual. The vendors are universally friendly, and their products are always of the highest quality. Arrive before 10 a.m. to get fresh eggs and other in-demand produce.
I'm particularly fond of the fresh pasta stand (Smith Meadows Kitchen) and Blue Ridge Dairy (applewood smoked mozz is to die for). Unlike another poster here, I find that the huge line for Westmoreland Berry Farm is worth it. Right now, they have amazing fresh asparagus, spring onions, strawberries--again, all of the highest quality. So take the time to wait in line for 10 minutes, chat with your neighbors, relax.
Yes, you pay a bit more than you would at a big grocery store or even Whole Foods, but for me, it's worth the extra $1 per pound for tomatoes that really are vine ripened (not gassed into turning red, ew!) and it's worth it to eat local. Fresh=flavor, and the Arlington Farmers Market delivers on both in spades. -
Review from Jen D.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2008
It could be bigger in my opinion but with so many farmers' markets in the area, you're spoilt for choice. We live a couple of blocks away so this is the one we frequent weekly. I can't say enough for how important farmers' markets are to keep local, sustainable food available to us. I'll pay a bit more just to support the farms. The vegetables are fantastic and the farmers/staff at the market are very helpful. The Blue Ridge Dairy honey yoghurt is excellent. Mother Earth organic mushrooms - yum! Wheaton vegetable farm offers your standard veg and fruit which taste so good. And the Westmoreland Berry Farms Tayberry preserves are lovely on toast, yoghurt, we've even made a glaze for chicken with it.
Go early if you want to get in and out as the crowds grow later in the morning/early afternoon. It's a nice walk around and the antique market across the parking lot is worth a stroll. -
Review from Bassey E.
Arlington, VA
2/16/2009
So every saturday/sunday the arlington farmer's market shuts down like three streets and I get pissed. However, I guess I shouldn't be driving the two blocks to CVS so I can't get too angry.
I've never purchased anything but I walk through here quite often. If you want those Guinness artworks, or an old timey camera, or jewelry, or fresh produce, this is a pretty reliable spot. I think Saturday's are mostly antiques and crafts and Sunday's are mostly produce, but I could be wrong. It doesn't really compare to Eastern Market, but for it's location, it's pretty awesome. It's nice to do before or after brunch and I'm sure it brings up the property values in the area.Listed in: Daddy Complex, Parents Just Don't Understand
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Review from Jim A.
Arlington, VA
8/10/2007
Now is the time to go.
The heirloom tomatoes are in peak season, the fresh mozzarella is nearby and it's no problem finding some basil - caprese as it should be!
The fruit and berries (look for the lines - there's a reason they are the longest at the place in the middle of market) are also scrumptious.
And the lady with cut flowers is to die for - $5 and $10 prearranged bouquets or by the loose stem. Great quality!
Overall, it's not cheap - you are paying for freshness and quality.
This might not be the biggest market around, but there are enough choices (including a number of organic farmers) to make it worth the trip. Best to get here before 10:00 a.m. -
Review from Jason Y.
Arlington, VA
7/8/2007
The courthouse market is one of the strongest farmer's markets in the area. It is Saturdays 8am-noon, year round, but is much better in season (not winter).
In season, you can get a variety a fresh veggies and fruits (apples, peaches, berries), including greens and herbs. There is a really good berry vendor that has long lines in the summer. Year round you can get (Landovel's) sorbet, cheese, bread, baked goods, polyface's meats, etc... I got a good empanada from a baker last time I was there. There is also a mushroom vendor and a soap vendor. Toigo makes good bottled tomato sauce. In season, try to go early for a good variety. -
Review from Alex S.
Baltimore, MD
4/20/2008
If I can wake up in time on a Saturday and the weather's nice, I try to make it to this farmer's market. Usually by 11am most of the good stuff is gone.
It's got a much better selection of QUALITY food than others in the area. Everything from a grandmother making her own jelly and spaghetti sauce to buffalo meat to homemade hummus. It's also strictly a market which I prefer. No dancing or musicians, just food, milk, and flowers.
The crowd isn't overwhelming. You can still actually walk around here. Also, for the guys: this place is full of girls. Girls who know how to cook. -
Review from Thomas O.
San Diego, CA
7/16/2010
It took less than two minutes after my arrival. A signature gatherer and a corresponding decline-to-signer bubbled over and the police had to intervene. I couldn't have dreamed up a better illustration of the Arlington Farmers' Market experience.
Like dutiful characters from Stuff White People Like, Arlingtonians trek over to the Courthouse parking lot each weekend for things that are some combination of local and organic, and which gives the faint sense that urban living still allows for some sort of relationship with the soil.
And why not? The food is good and so is the selection. I can't really get my mind around the lines that form at the more popular stalls, but trendy is trendy no matter how enlightened one gets. And as the corresponding flea market and food trucks continue to spring up, it's a nice little commercial ecosystem for a weekend morning. -
Review from Matt D.
Boston, MA
8/22/2009
I've been on a farmers' market kick lately after reading Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential. My favorite farmers' market in the area is the one in Eastern Market but it's a hike from my apartment in Arlington. I went to to the closest one to me, behind the Courthouse metro stop, held on Saturday mornings. This farmers' market has a flea market next to it too like Eastern Market.
The Arlington Farmers' Market was a little disappointing in terms of their fruit selection. I understand its seasonal and only showcases local vendors, but I couldn't find one person selling apples. Their selection of vegetables was nice but a good portion of the selection was vegetables I never eat. Okra was everywhere, which doesn't help me at all unless I get a sudden urge to make gumbo.
I read about the Arlington Farmers' Market in a few local blogs, so I had high expectations. Maybe I came on a off day, but I was expecting more. I wasn't too impressed about the prices either. If you live nearby and don't want to make a long trip, it's worth checking out. -
Review from Ryan K.
San Francisco, CA
7/4/2009
This is an important part of countering Arlington's increasingly gentrified reputation made clear in this video: http://www.youtube.com...
The Farmer's Market brings together the community on Saturdays especially when sunny out. I go every week!
As farmer's markets go, it's pricey. No getting around that but the quality is good and the company fine. -
Review from Amanda S.
Arlington, VA
8/25/2010
I love going to the Farmer's Market. It is such a fun experience. Everyone there is so sweet and willing to answer any of your questions. You will be happy with any purchase that you make here. I love that everything is local and you can support those around you instead of the big stores. Everything is good and you have a large variety!
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Review from Anna D.
6/6/2009
I thought coming at 9am was early enough for me to snag a chocolate chip croissant, but they were sold out. I was looking forward to coming home with a bag full of corn and peaches but I guess they're not in season yet. All I made off with are bottles of chocolate milk and strawberry milk and a bunch of fragrant cilantro. It's disappointing for my first trip, but I'll come earlier next time.
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Review from Zoe W.
Arlington, VA
12/10/2010
The Arlington Farmers' Market is great. There are several great vendors supplying a variety of meats, cheeses, veggies, fruits, flowers...AND the homemade sorbet is to die for. I find myself always looking forward to Saturdays when I can *finally* go back to the market. It's also great having the flea market right next to the farmers' market in case I need to pick up a last minute gift for a friend. From funky jewelry to scarves to antiques to books to bikes, this place has a lot to offer.
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Review from Jackie turner T.
Seattle, WA
8/2/2009
Very wide selection of produce, it's almost competitive with the Dupont Circle market. The best time to go is Saturday at 8 AM so you don't have to wait in line. Some of the vendors have very loyal followings, so you can guarantee that some things will be gone quickly. Also there is a cookie vendor worth checking out that I haven't seen at other markets.
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Review from Michael M.
Arlington, VA
7/17/2010
It is no exaggeration to say that this place significantly increases my quality of life. I live a few blocks away and am able to walk up almost every Saturday, weather permitting. It is a decent-sized market, run year round, with a good variety and selection of foods from local folks. You can find meats, veggies, cheeses, fruits, homemade pasta, breads, and pretty much anything else you might want in the way of food, as well as houseplants and herbs. I have a few favorites -- the hipster bread makers from Baltimore have excellent San Francisco sourdough, the Blue Ridge Dairy folks have unbelievably good feta cheese, and the Loudon Mix from the lettuce lady is delicious - but overall I tend to wander around and make selections based on whatever happens to be there on any given weekend (which can vary, particularly in the winter, but there's always stuff worth purchasing). The vendors are all nice, courteous, and willing and able to discuss their wares. All that aside, it is just a pleasant and relaxing way to spend a Saturday morning, and exponentially more enjoyable that a visit to any of the grocery stores in the area.
It can certainly be more expensive than the store, but if you are able to swing it, the heightened quality is well worth it. I do recommend approaching from the side to avoid the clipboard-bearing signature seekers at the traditional entrance. -
Review from Melody C.
Arlington, VA
9/22/2010
fresh herbs, flowers, a mushroom tent, farm fresh cheeses, jams, homemade sorbets! i love this place! i even spotted an amish woman or something - she was wearing the prairie dress and bonnet to boot! THAT's how you know you got good cheese in front of you. j/k.
i never regret getting up early on a nice fall day to visit.
there is not much in the way of prepared food but the district taco truck is there (near the metro) and they serve breakfast tacos: egg whites or regular scrambled eggs with your choice of a long list of taco items: pico, raw onion, grilled onions, bacon, chorizo, jalapeno, cheese, sour cream, guac - and they throw in a container of green and red salsa in the paper bag...so good!!!
i wish i had more time to cook just so i can get farm fresh produce every week from this place.
another noteworthy attraction is the bakery tent - THE BEST scones and muffins i've ever eaten piled among artisan loaves, some rare to find, and desserts (blondies) and quiches. the array of baked goods there looks so appetizing and fantastic, i feel like i'm roaming the french countryside or something...not that i've been to france, but it looks damn good.
this place is much better than the farm women's co-op in bethesda - that place is dark and nothing looks fresh. although the arlington courthouse farmer's market is small and local and only happens once a week from 8-12, it's open and airy and everything is fresh. -
Review from Elizabeth B.
Chicago, IL
10/23/2008
The best farmers' market outside the massive one at Dupont on Sundays. We go here religiously even though we've moved to Alexandria and it's a bit of a drive. My favorite stands include the guy we refer to as the Cheese Man (he has samples of all his cheeses, and his cheddar is just plain wonderful), Atwater's Bakery (Rosemary Italian bread is a reliable staple, but the Chili Cheddar is fantastic as well), the stand to the right of Atwater's that always has 2nds fruit and veg, the next stand down that always has a mountain of squashes for $2.25/pound, and the stand to the left of Atwater's that is run by Nina Planck (author of Real Food)'s parents who have delicious samples of things and offer recipes for many of their products. We almost always get meat from Cibola Farms, and I absolutely love the Ridge Dairy's yogurt. There's always an extreme line for the berry farm (can't remember their name), and it's rarely worth it - by that I mean, their produce is beautiful, but you can get most of the same things at other stands without having to wait in the sun for 20 minutes.
Some stands do take credit cards, but not all of them, so definitely plan to bring cash. There are several ATMs nearby. Parking in the Courthouse lot or on the street is metered, but there's free parking in the garage under the Courthouse building. -
Review from Glaciala A.
Providence, RI
2/24/2009
It's one of the best farmer's markets in the area...nothing in comparison to west coast farmer's markets, but pretty good for DC.
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Review from Andrea C.
Arlington, VA
8/19/2008
Definitely one of the better farmer's markets I've been to! There is everything from fresh baked goods, produce, empanadas, and italian ice! The Italian ice is delicious - and they'll let you try samples before making your choice!
