As we dive into harvest season in Southern Maryland, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab some local fruits and vegetables. With so many farmers markets to choose from — some small and intimate, others vast and bustling — it’s easy to plan a visit (or two) into your weekly shopping schedule. If you want to support local producers, artisans, and businesses, buying from farmers markets is one of the best ways to do so. Here are some of my favorites I’ll be visiting this fall:

California Farmers Market

Where: 22801 Three Notch Rd., California, MD

When: Saturdays through November 17th, 2018; 9:00AM-1:00PM

This St.-Mary’s-County market in California has been described as “small but mighty”. The California Farmers Market is a quaint market in Southern Maryland with a great selection of local meat and seasonal organic produce as well as specialty goods like hard cider, craft distilled spirits, and fresh baked goods. It’s a producer-only market, meaning you’re getting food straight from the source. Find them every Saturday morning through November 17th off Rt. 235 in the BAE Systems parking lot.

Waldorf Farmers Market

Where: 10400 O’Donnell Lake Place, Waldorf, MD

When: Saturdays through November 2018; 9:00AM-1:00PM

This Saturday Market in Charles County is another favorite. At the Waldorf Farmers Market, you’ll find plenty of vendors selling homemade goods, homegrown produce, and beautiful cut flowers. They even have artists selling their work as well, which makes it a perfect stop as we approach the holiday season. The standout qualities of this producer-only market are the friendly atmosphere and the welcoming people. They’ve been holding this market for a decade, and they’re still going strong.

Bowie Farmers Market

Where: Bowie High School parking lot, 15200 Annapolis Rd., Bowie, MD

When: Sundays through October 28th, 2018; 8:00AM-12:00PM

Travel a bit further up into Prince George’s County, and you’ll reach Bowie. They host a farmers market each Sunday through the end of October, so you still have a couple chances to visit! The market is held in the Bowie high school parking lot, with a variety of vendors selling everything from homegrown produce and farm fresh eggs to jams, jellies, and ice cream. This market also accepts producer-only vendors, so you can be sure that you’re supporting and sourcing from local farms in the region. They note that many vendors here accept credit card payment, in case you haven’t planned ahead with cash on hand.

Old Town Farmers’ Market

Where: Market Square, 301 King St., Alexandria, VA

When: Saturdays, Year-round, 7:00AM-12:00PM

A short trip from Southern Maryland takes you to this excellent market in Alexandria, Virginia. The major appeal here is that the Old Town Farmers Market runs year-round, making it a convenient option for accessing local goods throughout the winter. It’s also the oldest farmers’ market in the nation hosted continuously at the same location. In fact, George Washington sent his produce here from Mount Vernon to be sold. When you visit, you’ll not only find a mix of about 70 vendors selling fresh goods like homemade pasta, pickled vegetables, and potted plants, but you’ll also have the chance to connect with history. Expect to find plenty of artisans with handmade goods like soaps, jewelry, and original artwork as well.

FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Market

Where: 1500 20th St. NW, Washington, D.C.

When: Sundays, Year-round, 8:30AM-1:30PM

Named one of the top farmers markets in the country by the Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times of London, the FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Market is worth the drive from Southern Maryland. This market is hosted in Washington, D.C. on Sunday mornings all year long. Find them on 20th Street NW between Massachusetts Avenue and Hillyer Place in one of the most eclectic neighborhoods of D.C.. With over 50 farmers and vendors with products like pastured meat, artisan cheeses, and locally-roasted coffee, this really is a don’t-miss market. They’re also known for having plenty of food options for lunch, like wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, soups, and dumplings. It’s easy to plan a fun day trip to D.C. around your market visit.

 

Buying local is not only good for your health, but it also helps the local community and economy to thrive. Whether you decide to make a quick trip to a nearby market or make a day of it and head a bit further away, there are plenty of options to find exactly what you’re looking for. Do you have a favorite farmers market in Southern Maryland? Share your recommendations with us!