Farmers' Markets Offer Healthy Options for Area Residents
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Up until 1950 -- when our local population had not yet reached 100,000 -- farmland was king in Fairfax County. Yes, things have changed.
Today Fairfax County has a population of over one million people, and farmland has been traded for houses, roads and businesses. But it’s still possible to venture out to near-by farmers’ markets for the simple, healthy lifestyle for which many are looking.
If you’re one of our residents who desire locally grown produce, meats and poultry, we have what you need right here in the Greater Springfield area. Five days a week you can visit six convenient farmers’ markets, where you'll find produce and meats, as well as fresh baked breads, eggs, cheese, homemade desserts and more.
Wednesdays
2 – 6 p.m.
Wakefield Park
8100 Braddock Road, 22003
May 2 – October 31
Thursdays
3:30 – 7 p.m.
Workhouse Arts Center
9601 Ox Road, 22079
May 24 – October 25
Fridays
4 – 7 p.m.
Kingstowne Towne Center
Kingstowne Blvd & S Van Dorn St, 22315
May 4 – October 26
Saturdays
8 a.m. – noon
Burke VRE
5671 Roberts Parkway, 22015
May 5 – November 17
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
American Legion Post 176
6520 Amherst Ave, 22150
May 26 – October 27
Sundays
9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lorton VRE
8990 Lorton Station Blvd, 22079
May 6 – November 4
Products at our local markets are grown and produced by vendors within 200 miles of Fairfax County. At many of our markets, you’ll find vendors from right here in the Greater Springfield area. Our local farmers’ markets are operated by either the Fairfax County Park Authority or Smart Markets, Inc.
With so many options in location, day of week and time of day, there’s sure to be a market for everyone. I encourage you to mark your calendar and stop by one of these markets on a regular basis.
Toni Nitschke
7:50 am on Monday, June 11, 2012
What about Thursday mornings at Mason District Park? Have they been discontinued?
Sherell Williams
9:19 am on Monday, June 11, 2012
Hi Toni. Thanks for your question. This is a blog post, but I wanted to comment and assure you that the Annandale Farmers Market is still every Thursday from 8 a.m. to Noon in Mason District Park.
Susan Larson
9:29 am on Monday, June 11, 2012
Thanks for asking, Toni. Nancy-jo Manney, executive director of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, was highlighting the farmers markets closer to the Springfield, Burke, Kingstowne area. However, a complete list of Fairfax County Farmers Markets is available at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/wp-farm-mkt.htm A list of all the Smart Market Farmers Markets is available at http://smartmarkets.org/our-markets.html
Nancy-jo Manney
9:44 am on Monday, June 11, 2012
Yes, alive and well. And while some vendors do multiple markets, every market has its own distinct personality. If your schedule permits I encourage you to visit as many as possible. If you're doing a staycation this summer, consider making our farmers' markets part of it.