Buying locally has many advantages, but what your taste buds care about most is flavor. Pick up fresh-picked berries, seasonal produce and just-caught fish—or grab some ready-made grub such as tacos, Turkish delight and doughnuts—from a nearby farmers market. Note that many vendors sell at multiple locations, so check their websites for a full list.
Arlington FRESHFARM Market
This market has been serving our community since 1979. Open year-round on Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon, it’s home to a long list of loyal vendors. Get cheese and skincare products from Cheese Goatees, crab cakes from the Pampered Crab, and pickles from Priority Pickles. If you’re looking for basic, fresh ingredients, stop at Potomac Vegetable Farms for fruit and veggies or Cold Country Salmon for frozen seafood. 1400 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington (Courthouse)
Ballston Farmers Market
Also presented by FRESHFARM, the market at Welburn Square is open Thursdays, 3-7 p.m., through Nov. 20. Grab some homemade pet treats from Snarfies, veggies from Anchor Nursery, strudels from Little Austria and kimchi from Tae-Gu Kimchi. On the first Thursday of the month, the market becomes an even bigger Mega Market featuring live performances and a beer and wine garden for some pre- or post-shopping relaxation. 901 N. Taylor St., Arlington (Ballston)
Cherrydale Farmers Market
One of four local Field to Table Farmers Markets, this four-year-old pop-up is a producer-only market, meaning that all the vendors grow, raise or prepare the food themselves within 125 miles of Arlington. Open Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon, through November, it welcomes vendors such as Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe, Great Valley Farms, Pleitez Produce Farm and Siesta Gozleme, which makes Turkish and Kurdish cuisine. 4100 Vacation Lane, Arlington (Cherrydale)
Columbia Pike Farmers Market
Pike Park plays host to this bountiful market every Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. If you don’t have time to eat before you go, no worries. Pick up a breakfast sandwich from Hog Haven Farm to munch as you shop for raw honey from Beane Family Farm, fruit from Twin Springs Fruit Farm and coffee beans from Red Bean Harvest Coffee. 2820 Columbia Pike, Arlington
Del Ray Farmers Market
Celebrating its 31st anniversary in September, this Alexandria farmers market is open Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon, all year long. The list of vendors is long. Pick up popcorn from A.M. Kettle, seasonal Ecuardorean treats from Ana’s Twist, microgreens from Arlington-based Roots ‘n Shoots, and frozen goodies from Jinlan Wenhua Chinese Dumplings. 203 E. Oxford Ave., Alexandria
Fairlington Farmers Market
Another Field to Table Farmers Market, this neighborhood bazaar is open Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., through Nov. 23. Use the market map to find what you’re looking for, plus something new that you didn’t know you needed. Take home baked goods from Baguette Republic, goat cheese from Faerie Springs Farm, Kiwi Kuisine‘s sweet and savory pies, and all the carbs from Pasta Ilgatto. 3308 S. Stafford St., Arlington (Fairlington)
Falls Church Farmers Market
A longtime fixture in the City Hall parking lot on Saturdays year-round, this sprawling market welcomes flowers from Bee’s Wing Farm, hot sauces and fermented foods from Dave’s Friggin’ Awesome, hydroponically grown greens from Endless Summer Harvest, and plant-based foods from Sexy Vegie. The selection also includes fresh baked breads, gourmet mushrooms, local charcuterie and a whole lot more. Market hours are 8 a.m.-noon April-December and 9 a.m.-noon January-March. 300 Park Ave., Falls Church
Green Valley Farmers Market
In April, the Community Association of Resources for Education, Enrichment & Economics launched this market to give Green Valley residents access to fresh ingredients and foods. Also on deck are family-friendly activities, such as Friday Night Out for Dinner and cooking demonstrations. Visit the market Fridays, 4-7 p.m., through November. Check the website for weekly vendors lists. John Robinson Jr. Town Square, 2406 S. Shirlington Road, Arlington (Green Valley)
Lubber Run Farmers Market
Take the fam here Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon, April-November, to pick out sustainable produce from Barajas Produce, get sandwich fixins from Big Boy Biscuits and choose French desserts from J’aime Madeleine, owned by Patrice Olivon, a former White House chef. 4401 N. Henderson Road, Arlington
McLean Farmers Market
Stop by Fridays, 8 a.m.-noon, through Oct. 31, and enjoy live music while you browse sweets from Grace’s Pastries, eggs and pre-packaged chickens from Mid-Atlantic Poultry Farm, and berries from Mount Olympus Farm. Click the vendors you’re interested in here to see which dates they’ll be onsite. 1659 Chain Bridge Road, McLean (Lewinsville Park)
Met Park Market
Hosting some 50 vendors per week, this EatLoco Farmers Market is open Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., through October. Sellers include Tyson Farms, the Rossana coffee truck, Riddim ‘N’ Jerk Jamaican Restaurant, Elementals Soap Co., Nordic-Knot pretzel croissants, and Pet Wants Falls Church. 1400 S. Eads St., Arlington (National Landing)
Mosaic FRESHFARM Market
Now in its sixth year, this popular weekend market operates year-round, often incorporating holiday themes and live entertainment, not to mention Insta-worthy photo ops. The long list of vendors on Sundays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., includes Doughboy Creamery, which makes small-batch premium ice cream; Ovoka Farm, a provider of wagyu beef; and produce purveyor Kilmer’s Farm Market. If you get hungry while shopping, swing by Lily’s Spring Roll and Banh House, Taco Loco or DMV Empanadas. 2910 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District)
Rosslyn FRESHFARM Market
Part free concert venue, part farmers market, this weekday market near the Rosslyn Metro station is convenient for residents and commuters. Diaz Berries and Veggies, Magnolia Farm and Apiary, and Family of Nuts are ready to help fill your fruit bowl and pantry. Find it Wednesdays, 2-6 p.m., through Oct. 29. Central Place Plaza, 1800 N. Lynn St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Westover Farmers Market
This Field to Table market is open Sundays, 8 a.m.-noon, April-November and 9 a.m.-1 p.m., December-March. Snack on a breakfast burrito from Atlixco’s Mexican Grille or baked goods from Great Harvest Bread Co. while you bag mushrooms from King Mushrooms and fresh Oriental and Mexican produce from Linda Vista Farm. 1644 N. McKinley Road, Arlington (Westover)