When it comes to snacking in the summer heat, it’s best to get back to basics: fresh fruits, vegetables, and anything else you can get directly from the land. Fortunately, Northern Virginia does few things better than farming, so we’ve rounded up the farmers markets that will sell you the sweetest watermelon and the juiciest tomato.
Falls Church Farmers Market
With over 45 different vendors each week, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Falls Church. Consistently named the best farmers market by our readers, the weekend market has everything from baked goods and dairy products to jams and fresh-baked dog biscuits. Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, 300 Park Ave., Falls Church
Old Town Alexandria Farmers’ Market
Would you believe us if we told you that George Washington used to sell produce at this farmers market? Well, you’d better believe it. As the oldest farmers market in the U.S. held continuously at the same site, you can feel the history running through the Market Square. Saturdays, 7 a.m. to noon, 301 King St., Alexandria
EatLoco Farmers Market
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, spend the weekend shopping the EatLoco markets. With more than 165 vendors combined between the two locations, it’s rare that either location doesn’t have the exact ingredient, service, or good you are looking for. Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Atwater Dr., Ashburn, Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Olympia Dr., Brambleton
Messick’s Farm Market
Head to the farm to get your produce directly from the source. With fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more available on a daily basis, you’ll be able to create a tasty farm-to-table meal for the entire family. The farm also has a variety of pick-your-own experiences for those that want the freshest and ripest produce in the fields. Mondays through Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sundays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., 6025 Catlett Rd., Bealeton
Westover Farmers Market
For those who usually skip the farmers market because of jam-packed weekends, this Arlington favorite has the perfect solution. In addition to their weekly Sunday shopping hours, shoppers can browse all of the vendor goods online and skip the lines by putting in a pre-order the day before. That way you can pick up your produce and be on with your day. Sundays, 8 a.m. to noon; 1644 N. McKinley Rd., Arlington
Town of Herndon Farmers Market
While the streets of historic downtown Herndon are usually bustling, it gets especially busy on mornings when the farmers market is running. Before you leave the house and make your way through the 15 local vendors, grab your food scraps for quick and easy compost services. Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.;, 777 Lynn St., Herndon
Archwood Green Barns
This indoor-outdoor setup is the place to be on Sundays. The producer-only market has been in business for almost 25 years, building a reputation of providing guests with the best summer ingredients and artisan goods in the region. While things start to slow down once the harvest season ends, make a stop once winter rolls around for the barns’ festive holiday markets. Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 4559 Old Tavern Rd., The Plains
Prince William Farmers Market
The former home of the Potomac Nationals is now the permanent spot for one of two county-run markets. With more than 35 vendors in attendance, market goers will be able to find everything from fresh produce to sweet treats such as kettle corn and cotton candy. Plus, this location is open on Thursdays, for those that need a shopping break during the work day. Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m.; 7 County Complex Ct., Woodbridge
Feature image by Rey Lopez
This story originally ran in our July issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
