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Del Ray Farmer's Market
Categories: Food Specialty Food Fruits & Veggies Food Farmers Market Fruits & Veggies, Farmers Market [Edit]
Corner of Mt Vernon and OxfordAlexandria, VA 22301
(703) 683-2570
- Hours:
Sat 8 am - 12 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
16 reviews for Del Ray Farmer's Market
16 reviews in English
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Review from Peter K.
8/20/2011
I first checked out the Old Town Farmers Market and actually was a bit disappointed. That one is supposed to be the largest of the Alexandria farmers markets so I didn't really have high expectations when I decided to visit the Del Ray Farmers Market.
Fortunately, I found that I liked the Del Ray Farmers Market more than the Old Town market. True, it is a bit smaller but I think the quality is better. There are also a better selection and higher quality of baked goods and sweet treats. I was excited to see that one of the vendors had apple cider donuts but we got there too late! The blueberry cake donuts were still delicious though.
The Del Ray market has more of a local feel with a greater diversity in age groups (lots of parents with their kids), whereas I thought the one in Old Town had mostly older people. -
Review from Joye P.
7/2/2011
Del Ray, a very up-and-coming neighborhood, has a quaint market on Saturday mornings in spring, summer, and fall. There were 3 or 4 produce stands with limited selections and moderate prices. I bought some sweet pickles from a Maryland producer that are very good. There's another tent that has relishes, and their bloody Mary mix is excellent. There are a couple bakers. A fresh yogurt producer. AND, there is a small fish truck that did not smell fishy. We got a pound of catfish for $5. They also had perch and crab meat (crab meat's $25/lb).
While you're there, take a walk around the neighborhood. As of now, there's Cheesetique, which arguably has the best selection of cheeses in the DC area. There's a white marble bar where you can have wine with your cheese, and there are sidewalk tables. There are a couple of fancy-food shops. Dairy Godmother is a custard/sorbet shop; I will try their frozen chocolate truffles next time. There's a butcher; he produces thick sliced bacon so definitely speak first if you want your bacon cut thin. He was grinding beef in the front window when we stopped in. There are several restaurants: Thai, Mexican, a couple pizza places. There's a barbeque joint opening in a few weeks.
Only negative about Del Ray is that you must drive to get there. It's not in an area readily accessible via public transportation. Also, the "stroller set" is out in full force, so if kids annoy you, this is not a neighborhood to visit. I guess a politically correct way of saying that is that Del Ray is "family friendly."Listed in: Farmers Markets - DC Area
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Review from Sarah J.
9/19/2010
I had been wanting to check out the Del Ray Farmer's Market for quite a while and was not disappointed. Great selection of local, seasonal produce as well as a few surprises like cheese, baked goods, and tea stands.
What I especially liked about this particular farmer's market was how friendly all the vendors were. I can't say I have ever encountered an unfriendly farmer's market vendor, but they were especially nice at this one. It's apparent that people visit week after week and they know their customers. I DO wish it was in a bit bigger space...I think I went during farmer's market rush hour, and it was a bit hard to maneuver.
I also wish I had waited to eat until I arrived at the farmer's market...the cheese, empanada, and coffee stands were very popular. I will have to make sure I go hungry when I visit next week!Listed in: NOVA is for Lovers, Within Walking Distance, Get Movin', Locavore
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Review from Rebecca S.
Washington, DC
8/28/2010
Four stars overall, but 5 for Tom the Amish cheese guy.
Lots of baked goods at this market - I was glad we had eaten first, or I would have been in carb heaven. Its pretty crowded - they need a bigger space, I think - but lots of good stuff. I noticed a couple of familiar booths from some of the other markets in the area.
Like I mentioned at the beginning, though, Tom's stand was absolutely the highlight for us. Amish jams and jellies, fresh milk, eggs, and yogurt, and lots of tasty cheese that you can sample and discuss with Tom himself, or any of his helpers with the Team Tom stickers. We brought home some raw goat cheddar that we're looking forward to with dinner tonight, although it wasn't quite the same as what we sampled. Still yummy though!
I'm really enjoying the local-ness of Del Ray, and I have a feeling the Farmer's Market is going to be a huge part of that for me. I just need to remember to bring cash...Listed in: Around the House, Del Ray
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Review from Joel F.
Alexandria, VA
6/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Small but wonderfully diverse market with great produce, baked goods, fresh cheeses, coffee, nuts and of course apple cider donuts. Come early because locals do and we WILL buy all the donuts!
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Review from MacRae O.
Updated - 4/25/2010 3 photos
The market got back into full-swing a couple weeks ago with the produce vendors returning, and boy -- the market is better than ever! There are now nearly 20 vendors on top of the old standbys. There's now a gentlemen selling mostly greens (nettles, spinach, kale, watercress), a woman who makes her own flavored nuts (really, really pricey but her flavors are quite inventive), a new cheese maker (in addition to Tom the Amish cheese seller!), a couple new bakery stalls, and a fishmonger (sky-high prices, tho). Oh, and as always, St. Elmo's coffeehouse is there selling their much-needed java at 8 am!
Complaints about the small size of this market are seeming less relevant by the day! This is a market serving a specific community. Del Ray Farmers Market isn't trying to attract customers from all over the metro region, it's trying to best serve Alexandrians, and it does. We see the same people week after week, the vendors will come to know you well, and the produce and wares don't have to travel great distances to get there. Way to go, DRFM! You are wonderful and sustainable and serve the needs of your community perfectly.Listed in: Feed Your Soul, Milk's Leap towards…, Do-It-Yourself Dining, Think Globally, Buy Locally, I Brake for Del Ray
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/26/2010
This is one of the greatest farmer's markets I know of. We go every single Saturday we're in town… Read more »
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Review from Beth K.
Alexandria, VA
9/4/2010
I know what I will be doing on Saturday mornings from now on!
There is a huge variety of fresh produce from local growers, most of which are certified organic (or in the process of becoming certified). There is a great meat stand, cheese stand, plenty of baked goods, jams, jellies, and a really cool nut vendor!
I only had 15 dollars so this is what I came out with:
-a bunch of really fresh, HUGE, radishes
-white peach
-nectarine
-honey crisp apple
-zucchini
-squash
-FRESH hot salsa (very hot, yum)
-fiesta dip seasoning package
There is a lot more that I would like to try out there. I was on a walk with my fiance and dog so I was a bit rushed! My fiance went in after me and got 2 fresh donuts . . . he was in heaven.
Will definitely be going back, I am really happy to have moved here. -
Review from Amanda G.
Alexandria, VA
10/19/2011
Great selection of veggies fruits and baked goods. Prices seem a bit steep it's a great amenity to have in the area.
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Review from Michelle B.
Long Beach, CA
11/21/2006 1 photo
I wish I would've written this sooner because they had these locally-raised organic turkeys on sale at the Del Ray farmer's market on Saturday.
If the Old Town farmer's market gets a little too overwhelming, come stroll through Del Ray's. To me, it's more of my weekly necessity grocery shopping: meat, eggs, bread, veggies... and it's all very fresh and supports the local farmers. The apple cider was out in full swing last week and you're invited over for some hot buttered rum on Thanksgiving starring that cider.
There's only a few more Saturdays left (it doesn't run year-round like Old Town) so come check it out and stroll down the Avenue, have lunch and get ahead on your Christmas shopping. What you definitely must do is go to Artfully Chocolate across the street from the Farmer's Market and get their hot chocolate to warm your toesies. It is SINFUL.
Saturdays, 8 a.m. - Noon, April 15 - Dec 2. -
Review from John F.
Alexandria, VA
The Del Ray Farmers Market keep growing. Every year more vendors. This past weekend there were almost too many stalls for the parking lot. In addition to the regular fruits and veggies, the number of baked goods and other farm products is growing (think honey, salsa, bloody mary mix(!!!)).
The decision to hold the Del Ray Farmers Market year-round is a good indication of the quality and popularity of the weekendly event. -
Review from Peter M.
Alexandria, VA
3/12/2007
Every Saturday between 8am and noon, during spring and summer months, I stop in at the farmers market and rub elbows with my friends there. We're all there to buy locally grown food, meats, veggies, home made pies, flowers, etc - to make our lives just plain better. There is also a local gardening group who can help those who are having issues with their gardens. The food is great, and the atmosphere even better.
The prices are very reasonable, but remember to bring cash - as very few have ability to take credit cards. -
Review from Elsie M.
Alexandria, VA
9/9/2010
Sooooo small! So crowded! And... dang strollers! They banned dogs at this market, guess what I want banned next?
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Review from charles b.
Alexandria, VA
6/24/2008
The Del Ray Farmer's Market is EXACTLY what a Farmer's Market should be.
1. The farmers have been vetted by the market master. Their farms have been visited.
2. With the exception of baked goods, what is sold is locally grown. This is a grower's only market. This is a local market. This mean produce and meats and dairy from Va, Md, DE, and Pa.
3. This is a neighborhood market. It is woven into the residential neighborhood and neighborhood-based retail.
4. Most growers are certified organic. Those that aren't have chosen verifiably sustainable practices but have decided to not pursue a certification for cost and other reasons.
5. This is not a flashy scene. Its about the food and the community. The market is not serving the region, just the neighborhood. -
Review from Heather C.
Alexandria, VA
7/5/2007
This farmer's market is tiny. The couple times I've gone, I've left feeling underwhelmed. I am an enormous fan of the Arlington (Courthouse) farmer's market on Saturday mornings -- FAR more farmers and you still support local.
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Review from lauren B.
Alexandria, VA
7/17/2010
Pros: lots of verity in session, open year round, not to pricey, Local butcher shop on the next block
Cons: to many wagons at times, Del Ray people can be really snobby and rude
I love this farmers market, the only ones larger and with the same local type sellers I have seen is Arlington's at courthouse, and Dupont Circles on Sunday. But if i don't want to travel all over I stop here, lots of sellers and not too over priced. And "Let's Meat on the Avenue" a butcher shop is the next block over.
If I have one complaint its that they cant close off a little part of the street in front of the farmers market when its in super full swing, like July-October to make a little more room to move, becasue the Del Ray snobs insist on bringing in there wagons; big plastic wagons+lots pf people+lots of stalls=no room to move! -
Review from Melinda C.
Alexandria, VA
10/30/2009
I *heart* farmers markets. The one in Kingstowne Alexandria (on Fridays, 4-7PM I believe, in the Kingstowne shopping mall parking lot) was awesome. I was excited to check this one out, but after buying 3 tomatoes for $7 and 4 apples for $7, I was really disappointed. Granted, they were gorgeous, but it was so so so expensive. I'm going back to the other farmer's market when I need something.
