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Reston Farmer's Market: should have been going there sooner!

Discussion in 'Area Restaurants, Dining and Food' started by pamD, Jul 19, 2008.

  1. pamD

    pamD New Member

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    Finally! I thought I would share that I found what I think a farmer's market should be, in Reston (Sat 8-12, http://restonfarmersmarket.com/). I have tried so many "farmer's markets" in the area (Sterling, Leesburg, Middleburg), but have always been disappointed. Reston has many large stands with all the basics: tomatoes, corn, berries, peaches, etc. Some other interesting food (including lots of meat) and an adjacent craft area. It is a little crowded, and parking is tricky, but worth it, IMO!

    Wish I didn't have restless toddler that kept me from doing more shopping, but my wallet is probably thankful!
     
  2. mdcrim

    mdcrim Member

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    I always used to think that Farmers Markets and side of the road produce stands would be cheaper than the grocery stores, because they can eliminate the middle man. We stopped trying to shop at these because they seem to be SO much more expensive than the local grocers. Are the prices at the Reston Farmers Market reasonable?
     
  3. EVElisa

    EVElisa New Member

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    I saw the signs for the Farmers Market in the plaza with Home Depot today. I did not have a chance to stop by but I was wondering if you have gone yet and how does it compare to the Reston Farmers Market?
     
  4. christinaandrob

    christinaandrob New Member

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    i used to live in reston, and their farmers market is a bit different than the one here. the ashburn one is more scaled back, *however* they have outstanding things! we've had great luck there with tomatoes, peaches, berries, lettuce, etc. as well as meats. they also have eggs if you get there early enough! i personally don't think the drive to reston is worth it (especially given gas prices!). it would be nice if the one here was frequented more, and got busier. it should then attract more vendors. i'm thrilled it's here. yes, it may be a bit more expensive than the local stores, however, personally i'd rather support the "local" farming community. and what you get is top notch!
     
  5. sharse

    sharse TeamDonzi rocks!!

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    Hope this isn't a hijack, but speaking of farmer's markets....

    1. Is Farmer John cancelled for good? I went by last week and didn't see him, then I saw the sign this week that it was cancelled.

    2. The one over by Home Depot... I went looking for that one last Saturday too and couldn't find it. Where is it exactly?
     
  6. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    The one by Home Depot is more specifically located behind the Panera section.

    Falls Church does an excellent farmer's market with many vendors and a good variety of fruits, vegetables, and other items. I miss that about not living there anymore.
     
  7. sharse

    sharse TeamDonzi rocks!!

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    That's what I thought, but drove back there and found nothing. Maybe I was too late?
     
  8. Villager

    Villager Ashburn Village Resident

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    Huh. Maybe so - I don't know their hours.

    I hope Farmer John's isn't closed permanently. I think they typically open in mid July, but I suppose it depends on what crops he has ripe and ready to sell. We like going there and would be disappointed if he's no longer in business!
     
  9. pamD

    pamD New Member

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    Yeah, you would think the prices would be better than they are, but Reston was more than the grocery store. I paid $4 for a pint of blueberries, $2/lb for peaches, $0.60/ear for corn, but boy, it's yummy stuff. The berries reminded me of picking them off the bush when I was a kid.

    I think they can get away with high prices because good produce is hard to find, and stupid people (like me) are willing to pay for it.
     
  10. foodie

    foodie New Member

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    pamD and others--

    Would you be interested in the Produce Buying Club that I have proposed? Check out my posted information on the post called "Produce Buying Club--Opinions??..." under the "Area Restaurants..." thread. I have posted the availability list and they deliver Certified Organic produce 3 to 4 times a week.

    We have a 25 acre farm; but I also use Tuscarora Cooperative for some items that we have not grown or either have not produced yet from our own produce gardens. Let me know by PM or post under the "Produce Buying..." post.

    Thanks--

    Foodie:happygrin:
     
  11. quailpond06

    quailpond06 New Member

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    It's actually opposite the Panera side--right next to Bean Tree Learning and in front of Kaiser.
     
  12. quailpond06

    quailpond06 New Member

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    One more thing: there is a new farmer's market starting up in Reston Town Center. It's on Thursday afternoons.
     
  13. mamatothree

    mamatothree New Member

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    Unfortunately, Farmer John will not be with us this summer. His stand outside Leesburg is still up and running but because of family issues, gas prices and relatively low turnout he has decided not to come to Broadlands this year.

    :sadcry:
     
  14. smheese

    smheese New Member

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    how are the prices and quality? we went to the market by the home depot a couple weekends ago and noticed the prices were much higher than in the stores for no better quality. that's the thing we mostly see when we try the local farm markets.
     
  15. quailpond06

    quailpond06 New Member

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    I went a couple of weekends ago (I keep remembering the market after it's closed for the day....need to put a reminder in place to prevent that!). The price was higher, but the produce was much better that what you'd find in stores here. I just wish there was more selection, and I'd never complain if the prices went down too. :)
     
  16. foodie

    foodie New Member

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    quailpond06 and others--

    Have you looked at the produce available at Tuscarora Cooperative that I posted on the "Produce Buying Club..." under the "Area Restaurants..." thread? The selections surpasses many of the grocery stores.

    Farmers markets are great; and we support local farmers here in Loudoun County (seeing that we are farmers too) as well as others. Just wanted to offer other options for those of you interested. Thanks for all your support to farmers.

    By the way, on a sidenote, we may GIVING AWAY more produce if we have alot on our farm later in the season. Stay tuned and I will post a separate thread with what we will have for you to pick up.

    I talked to David and Jeff today while we are on vacation; and they wish to convey that you may schedule a delivery to your office location also--even in Reston--where they already deliver to restaurants and other customers. Please post interest or PM me. See the latest produce list that I posted recently. For instance, rattlesnake beans are great!

    Yes, I know it seems alot of produce, but it is easier and cheaper. I will be planning seminars on how to can and freeze produce and other food products. PM me for details. This will be a FREE SEMINAR--:happygrin: You don't have to buy a WHOLE case of produce--just split with other people at work, friends, or other neighbors!

    Have a good week--

    Foodie
     
  17. quailpond06

    quailpond06 New Member

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    I'm interested, but I am not sure if it will work for me. We don't go through a tremendous amount of produce and I work full time so picking up an order might be difficult. Plus, my parents are still gardening back home and send stuff up here for us to eat. What are the terms if they deliver to my office location? Would I have to find enough co-workers to order as well?.
     
  18. foodie

    foodie New Member

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    P. S. Forgot to add that my grandmother's arm is healing nicely (she fell off her stepladder while washing windows recently--:(). She is fine for those of you who PM'd us. Thanks for your concern. It was appreciated. Grandfather is finally back home from his trip. So we are doing well.:clap:

    So those of you interested in the Produce Buying Club idea, I will check our emails and PM(s) while we are in Sarasota, Florida helping my grandparents on their farm and on vacation. We should return home within a week or two.

    Blessings--

    Foodie & Family
     
  19. foodie

    foodie New Member

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    quailpond06 and others--

    You could have delivery on Saturdays as well in Broadlands. You might want to split costs with your co-workers. Where do you work (near Reston or Ashburn)? Tuscarora Cooperative delivers 4 times a week now.

    Perhaps you could arrange for neighbors or friends to order in Broadlands areas--check around and let us know. Also, the costs are the same as stated on the "Produce Buying Club..." post. There is a surcharge for fuel and splitting cases. You can read the info on the "Produce Buying Club..." post. The Produce Availability List that I attached on the post--"Produce Buying Club..." post--shows the surcharges at the bottom of the list.

    Thanks for your interest.

    Foodie
     
  20. quailpond06

    quailpond06 New Member

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    Foodie, I work in Reston but live right next to Broadlands. Saturday deliveries would work for me when I'm in town. I'll have to ask around and see if anyone is intrested in participating with me. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to eat $150 worth of produce!
     

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