For families looking to buy fresh produce and spend some family time outside, a visit to a farmers’ market is a great way to while away an hour or two. Montgomery County is home to at least 16 farmers’ markets scattered throughout the ‘burbs. The larger Montgomery County markets tend to fall on Saturdays or Sundays though you can find a market on several weekdays as well.
- Wednesday: Crossroads Farmer’s Market (Takoma Park), Rockville
- Thursday: Bethesda Central Farm Market, Gaithersburg, Potomac
- Saturday: Bethesda FreshFarm, Gaithersburg Main Street, Kensington, Rockville Town Square, Sugarloaf Mountain, Garrett Park, Getty Park Silver Spring
- Sunday: Bethesda, Clarksburg, Olney, Takoma Park, Wheaton
For a full listing and information about opening and closing times and locations check here https://marylandsbest.net/.
Our family of four gathered up our reusable shopping bags and headed out to check out the produce offerings at 5 different markets throughout the last weeks of summer and here we highlight 3 of our favorites. We found some great spots for combining shopping and entertainment.
Silver Spring FRESHFARM Market
Open Saturdays 9am to 1pm in the summer and 10am to 1pm year round.
This year round market located on Ellsworth Drive in the heart of Silver Spring was our family’s favorite. The market has grown to a full block long with many produce vendors as well as fresh cheeses, two bakers, organic meat, bison, flowers, skincare products and honey.
The location and amenities of this market made it the most family friendly. The Wayne Avenue parking garage is convenient to the market and is free on Saturdays. Public restrooms including changing tables are located on the walkway between the market and the garage. In the summer the fountain located in the Silver Spring Plaza is a great place for kids to cool off and have some fun after shopping. There are also many kid friendly eateries, Borders Books, and a movie theater here for after market entertainment. The market provides music most Saturdays and be sure not to miss the honey table with your kiddos. Aside from dipping many pretzels into the honey samples, my kids were fascinated by watching the hive of bees on display.
A Bank of America ATM is located mid market. This market also accepts WIC and food stamps.
Takoma Park Farmers’ Market
Open Sundays 10am to 2pm year round.
Another year round market, the Takoma Park Farmer’s Market has been in operation at its location on Laurel Avenue since 1983. The block long market has many farm stands as well as booths selling eggs, meat, flowers, baked goods and a stand selling cooked organic hamburgers, half smokes and empanadas. This market has a large following and was crowded even on a rainy Sunday morning.
Two features that stand out for this market are their NO DOGS policy and their unique payment options. Due to the narrow space of the market and the abundance of kids and food, the market does not allow for dogs. In addition to cash, checks and food stamps, you can also purchase items from the Takoma Park Farmers’ Market using your credit or debit card. Visit the TP Farmer’s Market ATM table for more information. More traditional ATMs from Bank of America and Sun Trust are located within a block of the market location. Shops and restaurants, including the popular Mark’s Kitchen are close in proximity to the market for a before or after shopping meal.
Kensington Farmers’ Market
Open Saturdays 8am to 12pm year round.
If your kids are train lovers then this may be the market for you. Located in the MARC station parking lot, the Kensington Farmers’ Market operates year round with some traditional and unique vendors. Salt River Lobster sells fresh lobster, shrimp, and fish along with smoked fish. All Things Olive has over a dozen varieties of olive oils for sampling and the Bear Creek Coffee Company sells delicious brewed coffee as well as beans to take home.
A visit to the Kensington Farmers’ Market can be combined with a visit to the nearby Kensington Frederick Avenue Playground or the Noyes Library for Young Children open Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.
Gather up your kids and your bags and head out to support local farmers and businesses!
Photo by Kim Engstrom
