The most colorful trend for the fall is a fresh approach. In the D.C. metropolitan area alone there are over 15 farm markets that cater to the savvy, health-oriented consumer.

Area farm markets provide fresh produce and friendly company. Photo by Brittany Fleck.

You’ll see moms pushing strollers, teens meeting friends and chefs shopping for fresh produce for their restaurants. Produce can be picked that morning, sold that afternoon and on the dinner table that night: the freshness is obvious.

Farm markets serve not just as places for farmers to give the best price and consumers to get the best products, but as venues for producers and consumers of food to come together, create relationships, exchange information and share beautiful mornings together.

Shopping at farm markets lets you eat seasonally and locally. Produce are brought in from farms in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, offering the freshest foods. They also leave a smaller carbon footprint by avoiding a cross-country trek.

The most commonly visited farm market in the Bethesda area is the Bethesda Central Farm Market. It carries meats, dairy, poultry, seafood and bakery goods.

Whitman parent Andrea Witt praises the market, which has over 50 vendors selling across the three different locations.

Teens, families and chefs go to farm markets to buy the freshest fruits and vegetables available. Photo by Brittany Fleck.

“I go every Sunday because I like to support the local farming community,” she said. “I appreciate good farming practices and the amazingly fresh food.”

Along with fresh produce, the market also hosts many local or chain vendors like Cava and Fishers Popcorn. Wootton High School senior Zach Kramer spends his Sunday mornings at his father’s Fishers popcorn stand.

“I love being at a famer’s market because you know what you’re getting and where it’s from,” Kramer said. “There is no hidden agenda behind any of the farmer’s because they just want to see the most natural products out there make families happy.”

Check out these local markets to get a delicious taste of fall.

Central Farm Market, May to October

Bethesda 
Central Farm Market
Sundays 9-1pm
7600 Arlington Blvd. 
at Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814

Pike Central Farm Market
Saturdays 9-2pm; Thursdays 11-3pm
11806 Rockville Pike between Old Georgetown and Montrose Roads Rockville, MD 20852

North West 
Central Farm Market
Fridays 2-6pm
3401 Nebraska Ave. NW 
on the parking lot of the United Methodist Church DC 20016

Bethesda Freshfarm Market, May 5 to Oct. 27
9am – 1pm
Norfolk Avenue between Fairmont & St. Elmo Aves.

Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market, Year Round
7155 Wisconsin Ave
Open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.on Saturdays 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays, weather permitting.