Takoma Park Farmers Market

It’s another lazy Sunday morning and you’re probably working on your to do list for the day. If you’re anything like me, you may be thinking of running out to one of the local farmers markets to pick up some fruits, veggies and of course, some delicious baked goods.

I recently had the opportunity to visit a cute little market in a really hip suburb of Washington D.C. called Takoma Park. I grew up very close to this area, so I know it well. Over the years, it has attracted a very charming and friendly bohemian crowd. This little town is filled with artists of all kinds…painters, sculptors, musicians who bring a natural vibe that I just love. Many of them display their work in their own front yards or patios.

Over the years, this hardworking population began changing the face of the community. Several years ago they started a food co-op that garnered great support from the urban dwellers in the area. I had stopped by many times and was very impressed in how the whole thing was being run. The shelves were always well stocked, they were always friendly and knowledgeable and they offered many interesting and unique foods, natural cosmetics, fresh baked breads and cakes. So, would you be surprised if I told you it was run by volunteers?

Right…exactly what I said.

Since the inception of the co-op, many little natural food cafes dot the area where you can stop by and get some really great food.

On this day, I decided to check out the farmers market on Carroll Avenue…and it was bustling.

I discovered that the market has been up and running since mid 1983, and even though it is still a small market by the number of vendors (about 24), it serves a purpose and the community continues to support them. This is a producers only market…so you won’t find arts and crafts here. Some farmers are certified organic, others follow an organic regimen and the rest use an integration of all growing methods. In addition to the producers only philosophy, they also only support products that are manufactured within a 125 mile radius.

The market is open year round, every Sunday from 10am-2pm at the intersection of Carroll & Laurel Avenues. In addition to many produce vendors, you will also find delicious cheese from Clear Spring Creamery and Keswick Creamery, beautiful flowers from Blue Ridge Botanicals and Suttler’s flower farm, delicious baked goods from Stone Hearth and Atwaters Bakeries, and organic meat from Gunpowder Meats.