Northern Virginia Farmers Markets to Visit for National Spinach Day

ALEXANDRIA, VA - National Spinach Day is Sunday, and Northern Virginia's farmers market offerings will help bring out your inner Popeye.

While a number of Northern Virginia markets do not open until April or May, here are some year-round markets where you can get your leafy greens this weekend:

Alexandria

Del Ray, Alexandria: Intersection of East Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenues
Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon
The Del Ray farmers market offers fresh products year round. Selections include fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheeses, breads, fresh pasta, baked goods and cut flowers. Parking is free during market hours at the lot across Oxford Avenue, behind Virginia Commerce Bank, Cheesetique and Let’s Meat on the Avenue.

Old Town Alexandria: Market Square, 301 King Street
Saturdays, 7 a.m.-noon
Old Town boasts the oldest farmers market in the country. George Washington sold his produce grown at his Mount Vernon estate to the Old Town market. The weekly event can feature more than 70 vendors during peak season. Parking is free during market hours at the Market Square garage.

Arlington County

Columbia Pike, Arlington: Pike Park, Columbia Pike and South Walter Reed Drive
Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
This farmers market attracts vendors from Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Historically, Columbia Pike served as a route to transport produce to Washington, DC. Street parking and the first underground level of the Halstead’s parking garage on South Walter Reed Drive is available.

Courthouse, Arlington: N. 14th St. and N. Courthouse Rd.
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon (Jan. 2-April 9)
8 a.m.-noon (April 18-Dec. 26)
Established in 1979, the Arlington Farmers Market features over 30 vendors and is a short walk from the Courthouse Metro station. Metered and garage parking is available.

Westover, Arlington: Westover Library, 1644 North McKinley Rd.
Sundays, 9.a.m.-1 p.m. (December-April)
8 a.m.-noon (May-November)
Westover Farmers Market is run by volunteers every Sunday year round. The West Arlington neighborhood's offerings include fruits and vegetables, baked goods, dairy products, flowers and specialty foods. Many of its vendors participate in the winter season.

Falls Church

Falls Church: City Hall 300 Park Ave., spanning from Park Avenue to Little Falls Street
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon (January-March)
8 a.m.-noon (April-December)
The year-round farmers market attracts around 50 vendors during peak season and 40 during winter. Once a month, the market hosts the Chef Series, where chefs from area restaurants share local, seasonal food.

Fairfax County

Oakton: Unity of Fairfax Church, 2854 Hunter Mill Rd.
Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Try out specialties like British pasties, country sausage, salsas and barbecue along with regular produce.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg: Hurkamp Park, Prince Edward Street and George Street
Monday through Saturdays, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
Fredericksburg's only year-round farmers market primarily operates Saturday, but some vendors participating on weekdays and weekends. More vendors participate on weekdays during the summer. Visitors can find parking on the street or at Ristorante Renato at 422 William St.

Prince William County

Bristow: Bristow Montessori School, 9050 Delvin Rd.
Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
This weekly farmers market features specialties like barbecue, Cajun food and gluten-free baked goods in addition to traditional produce and meats.
Piney Branch Elementary School, 8301 Linton Hall Rd.
Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (year-round)
Try out specialties like British pasties, country sausage, salsas and fresh pies along with regular produce.

Dale City: 14090 Gemini Way, VDOT commuter lot off Dale Blvd.
Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (December through mid-April)
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Mid-April through the first weekend in December)
The farmers market is one of the largest outdoor markets in the region and features nearly 50 vendors. The market takes its commitment to homemade products to heart, as only vendors growing or making their own products are allowed to participate.

Manassas: Loy E. Harris Pavilion Parking lot B, 9201 Center St.
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (mid-November-March)
7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (April 7-November)
Prince William Living voted this market as one of the best in the area. During the summer season, the market also opens Tuesday evenings.

Fear not junk food lovers, because National Soft Pretzel Month is just around the corner in April.

Image via Down to Earth Markets