to market, to market

       

"Eat food.  Not too much.  Mostly plants." -- Michael Pollan, In Defense of Food

It didn't take me long into Pollan's bestseller, The Omnivore's Dilemma, to realize that I needed to drastically alter the way I eat and the way I think about food.  It's a seemingly simple notion to make those small changes in the grocery store: choosing organic over the alternative, staying out of the middle of the store where most of the junk resides, looking for buzzwords like "natural" and "grass-fed."  However, there's an even better alternative, one that supports more than a healthy weight: farmers markets.  They've sprung up in the most random of places in the area, from the parking lots of business centers to the sides of highways.  Loudoun boasts about two dozen farmers markets, none of which I had ever thought to explore until recently.  Yes, they're more expensive.  Sure, there isn't a "ton" of selection.  Of course, you can only buy what's in season.  But when you pull off the side of the road with your eco-friendly canvas bags and an open mind (and open wallet!) you begin to see the beauty, the atmosphere, and the friendliness that is the local farming community.

Ashburn Farmers Market

43480 Yukon Drive

Ashburn, VA 20148

Open Saturday, 8am--12pm (June--October)

        

The Ashburn Farmers Market is the smallest--and least crowded--of the three markets I visited this weekend.  Highlights are the bread stand, Hidden Creek, and Snow Bear Vegetables.  Those interested in farming can take tours of the Snow Bear farm in Round Hill.  Just don't show up on Mondays or Saturdays--those are "picking days," and Nancy and Jim Dunlap, Snow Bear's owners, are too busy to show you around.  (Thursdays are best.)  My favorite purchase: Nancy's famous baby tomatoes.  Sweet and juicy, I eat them plain as a snack.

Leesburg Farmers Market

11 Fairfax Street

Leesburg, VA 20175

Open Saturdays, 8am--12pm (year-round)

       

The market in Leesburg was much more crowded--and had a much wider selection--than Ashburn's.  This one has everything from a bluegrass duo that livens up the atmosphere to "Chase Your Tail" bakery specializing in all-natural and hand-made dog treats.  (There were lots of dogs around to sample, and they all looked very pleased with the merchandise.)  South Side Under has amazing breads, and the Blue Ridge Dairy Company (who also offer tours of their facility) sells the best applewood smoked mozzarella I've ever tasted.  Lots of variety and a great community ambience.

Farmer John's Wayside Market

15520 James Monroe Highway (off Rt. 15)

Leesburg, VA 20176

Open every day, 8am--sunset (June--Thanksgiving)

       

This one is definitely my favorite of all the markets I've seen this weekend.  One reason it's so appealing is because it's not in an office park or around street traffic, like Ashburn and Leesburg.  Farmer John's is located off of Route 15, and the drive through Leesburg and towards Lucketts is a beautiful and scenic one.  They offer McCutcheon's canned products, which are made in Frederick, Maryland, as well as a smorgasbord of produce grown in Loudoun County.  I picked up a jar of comb honey, and while expensive ($7.50/jar) it is the best honey I've ever had.

Galletta's/Trattoria Italian Restaurant

211 Loudoun Street

Leesburg, VA 20175

Open for dinner Friday & Saturday, 530pm--800pm

       

At the Leesburg farmers market I stopped by Galletta's, a stand that sold hand-made pasta and sauces.  I learned that the family who runs the stand also owns and cooks for their restaurant located in downtown Leesburg.  Since I've never been there before, I invited two of my friends to try this local Leesburg eatery.  We (and our palates) were all pleasantly surprised; although small, the restaurant's environment was cozy and romantic, with an excellent wine selection and a traditional Italian menu.  The linguini, which made fresh in the shop every day, topped with vodka sauce is highly recommended, as is the house red.

many thanks to Kerry, Mike and Cheryl for exploring Loudoun with me this weekend!  Cheers!