Any recent happy farmers market visits?

Question

Early on, I went to the Dupont FM when the the VA markets were closed. Now VA markets are "open" but you need to preorder your items. For me, that is no fun. Half of the pleasure of cooking for me is getting the ingredients, which I guess is why I've never been an online food shopper. I love prowling the market looking for the freshest eggplant, the most interesting peppers, whatever. One of my regular FMs, Mt. Vernon/Sherwood Hall, opens today but from what I can tell from the horrible website same situation wrt order in advance from a specific vendor, then line up in the parking lot to pick up your packaged items. Ugh, no thank you. I'd rather sulk at home. 

So, any of you having great FM experiences anywhere in the DMV during the pandemic? Do tell.

Answer

We've switched to mostly planning meals ahead on Thurs/Fri for the next week, so pre-ordering hasn't really bothered us. I still like being able to support the vendors we used last year.

We'll probably try the Burke Farmer's Market next weekend. It's mostly pre-order, but as all the vendors don't have a preorder system up and running yet, you can still go in and shop as normal (relatively - they have set up an in / out system and limiting number of people).

Two weekends ago, we did an excursion to the Palisades Farmers Market to pickup our preorder from Kuhn's Orchard (normally we get in Lorton) and Garner's Produce Stand. Their shared booth is on the outside of the farmer's market, so I could hop out and pick up, then jump back in the car. Kuhn's was selling rhubarb & Garner's had strawberries, so we finally got to do our favorite strawberry rhubarb cobbler from Peace, Love & BBQ cookbook (but cut the sugar in half if you try it). 

We also got fresh lilacs from Kuhn's and some plants (herbs, patio tomato, & bell pepper) from Garner's, so overall we were pretty happy with the trip.

Still pretty annoyed Lorton's Farmers Market isn't scheduled for reopening - the parking lot is huge and you can do in / out lanes fairly easily. If they are letting people crowd into Walmarts, I don't see why they won't open that site yet.

Answer

Bowie Farmers Market is doing the pre-ordering (yay!) But most of my favorite vendors seem to be MIA.

Answer

Yay, Alexandria farmers markets are opening back up. You best believe I'll be at the old town market tomorrow checking it out. Naturally there are all sorts of restrictions--masks, gloves, no samples, etc.--but I'm just happy at the thought of seeing my vendor friends again without preordering.

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Any recent happy farmers market visits?

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