What could be more wholesome than a visit to a roadside market to pick up homegrown goodies? Northern Virginia is chock-full of farms and shops with locally prepared jams, pies, barbecue sauces, and honey. Put these spots on your bucket listand delight in the simple pleasures of farm-grown products.
AppleWorth Farm
This is your destination for outstanding local eggs, sold in multiple colors from multi-hued hens. The farmstand is a blast from the past: Stop by and take eggs out of the cooler ($7 for a dozen) and leave the money in the box, or use Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal to settle your account. It’s the honor system here, and customers savor the hospitality and fresh farm goodness. Check out AppleWorth Farm Facebook page for updates. 10305 Schaeffer Ln., Nokesville
Brossman’s Family Farm
This family-run farm is open mid-May through October for locally grown produce, homemade cookies, pies, breads and rolls, local eggs, and honey, as well as old-fashioned pickles, jellies, and jams. Try the marvelous yogurt, milk, and cheese, and don’t miss homemade ice cream in a large selection of flavors — “Peanut Butter Overload” is exceptional. It’s open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 14740 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg
Buckland Farm Market
This large farm market seems to offer every product imaginable, featuring organic produce, delectable jams and jellies, eggs, grass-fed beef, dairy, poultry, pork, and bulk herbs, spices, and seasonings.
Got a green thumb? Find your favorite seasonal flowers and herbs to spruce up your patio. Buckland’s extensive onsite bakery offers multiple flavors of fresh pies, breads, and loaf cakes. Grab a creamy soft serve cone or hard dipped ice cream creation before hitting the dusty trail with your treasures. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Sunday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 9 a.m. from Friday and Saturday. 4484 Lee Hwy., Warrenton
Georges Mill Farm Artisan Cheese
Discover a full range of delicious farmstead cheeses, as well as pork, charcuterie, fresh eggs, soaps, and other local products in this rustic farm store. The store operates on the honor system and is always open, accepting cash, check, or online payment options (no credit cards) only. 11873 Georges Mill Dr., Lovettsville
Loudounberry Farm Market
This inviting roadside market located on a busy stretch of James Monroe Highway in Lucketts attracts crowds. Drop in for a wide variety of freshly baked pies (peach-blueberry is a favorite), local raw honey, and creamy Amish butter. Locals swear by the ice cream, and pick up gorgeous greenhouse plants, fantastic produce, and chopped firewood as well. You can easily spend an hour roaming the indoor/outdoor market, delighting in the array of goodies. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 14917 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg
Messick’s Farm Market
Plan an excursion to this large market, filled with a vast variety of products from local farms and artisans. Stock up on fresh produce, kitchen spices sold in bulk, locally curated meats, fruity and savory jams, organic honey, dairy items, homemade lotions, and old-fashioned candies.
Come hungry; Messick’s offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner items at its café, topped off with housemade frozen custard and pies, breads, muffins, and treats for your whole family. It’s open Monday–Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 6025 Catlett Rd., Bealeton
Paige’s Pit Stop
Paige’s Pit Stop offers products for every palate. Pick up fruit-infused peach, cherry, or apple butter BBQ sauce for your next grilling escapade, and local organic honey for a perfect cup of tea. Fruit-packed jams and jellies fly off the shelves at this popular market. Find fresh beef, poultry, and pork, along with a variety of locally grown produce and eggs. The Farm Store operates Saturday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 39810 Charles Town Pk., Waterford
Stoneybrook Farm & Market
Visit this farm and market for wholesome breads, pies, granola, and baked goods. Visitors indulge in delightful jellies, jams, honey, maple syrup, coffee, and tea. Pick up local dairy, meats, and snacks at this hot spot, and dine on salads, soups, and sandwiches at the nicely appointed deli. It’s open Monday–Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 37091 Charles Town Pk., Hillsboro
Sunshine Honey Farm
It’s a family affair for the Fleischauer family, who operate Sunshine Honey Farm Stand and use regenerative agriculture methods to keep a balance between the animals and the land. Check out the non-GMO eggs from the 10-acre farm, or try the fresh produce and farm-raised pork, turkey, and chicken products.
A bonus: Andrew, the dad, is executive chef at Mon Ami Gabi in Bethesda, and whips up jars of phenomenal fruit jam and incredible baked goods for the stand; try blueberry muffins, cinnamon rolls, and Oreo chocolate chip cookies. Also try the pickles! Sunshine Honey posts on social media, @SunshineHoneyFarm, what baked goods will be available any given weekend. The farm accepts Venmo, checks, cash, and credit cards (through Square). 10725 Lonesome Rd., Nokesville
Feature image of Messick’s Farm Market by Rey Lopez
