Updated May 31, 2022. When the spring and summer months start to lure us all outside, local farms say goodbye to the frost, stack their buckets, and open their gates to the public (by appointment, special events, or otherwise) to share their abundance of growth.
Several farms in Northern Virginia have events for guests to get to know more about life on the farm, purchase freshly picked products, and support their efforts to bring locally sourced food and products to your table. Here’s how you can high-five those who drive the tractors, bail the hay, and care for the cattle.
Cox Farms
It’s the place to pick pumpkins and get lost in the watermelon patch. Cox Farms may come to mind when you think of fall festivals, but its spring and summer celebrations are just as enticing. Every weekend Through August 21, the Cox Farms Corner Market sells seasonal produce, hanging flower baskets, and herb and vegetable plants, as well as honey, pasture-raised eggs, and fruit preserves. Smokin’ Saturdays are extra special: from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through almost the entire summer, there’s freshly made pulled-pork barbecue, kettle corn, root beer floats, live music, and more. 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville
Whitehall Farms, LLC
A sustainable, family-owned farm growing heirloom corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more, Whitehall Farms is a hot spot for all things fresh and in-season. Guests can visit The Market, where rotating products (depending on the month and yield of harvest) are available for purchase–including Whitehall’s vegetables, beef, and pork products–alongside fresh pies, locally brewed tea, compost, potting soil, and more from various local vendors. 6080 Colchester Rd., Fairfax
Bees & Trees Farm
Harvesting honey and raising Christmas trees are no easy business, but Bees & Trees farm started both around nine years ago, and has been serving the community ever since. Now, The Farm Store is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering hormone-free and antibiotic-free Angus beef, fresh brown eggs, and golden honey, as well as other local products. 18028 Carrico Mills Rd., Elkwood
Valley View Farm
Get a sip of local wine or hard cider, pick up some produce, or just enjoy the views of the historic Strother family Valley View Farm. On the property, guests will find stunning landscapes of the surrounding area, a 45-acre vineyard, and pick-your-own orchards. In late June, look out for blueberries and cherries, and in July you’ll find peaches and blackberries. August will be a month of pears, apples, and pumpkins. Guests are welcome to visit the Locavore Farm Market Fridays through Sundays, offering everything from bottled craft beverages, seasonal produce, and homemade fruit butters to handcrafted furniture. 1550 Leeds Manor Rd., Delaplane
Day Spring Farm
A farm dedicated to Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA), Day Spring Farm offers subscription-based meat and vegetable boxes for locals looking to support a family farm free of chemicals and full of humane livestock. Subscribers can join at any time, as availability permits, and get in-season produce such as tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, radishes, and potatoes. 21388 Steptoe Hill Rd., Middleburg
Fields of Flowers
Bursting with blooms and excitement, Loudoun County’s own Fields of Flowers is a pick-your-own flower farm, filled with the immeasurable beauty of zinnias, marigolds, peonies, cosmos, sunflowers, and more. If you’re looking to make your own bouquet, stop by the farm with cash (flowers range in price from $15 to $40), grab some scissors, and fill your cup with your favorites. The farm is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., including Monday holidays throughout the season. 37879 Allder School Rd., Purcellville
For more stories like this, subscribe to our Food newsletter.
