The Houndstooth Gourmet

The farmers market in Old Town Alexandria is one of the longest running open-air markets in the country. It’s been operating continuously since 1753, just 3 blocks from the Potomac waterfront. It’s even said that George Washington sold the crops he raised at Mount Vernon at this market. Along with the Del Ray market and the West End market, the Old Town farmers market makes 3 excellent opportunities for local food lovers to get fresh, beautiful produce, meats, baked goods and prepared foods. Of the 3 markets, Old Town is open year round.

Unlike the Dupont market, winter is a bit of a tough time for the Old Town market. Cold weather and a decrease in tourists cuts back both the vendors and market goers. I often wondered how any of the farmers break even in cold times, with many of them driving for hours before dawn to get there only to shiver in isolation.

Summertime is a different scene indeed. Throngs of people crowd the market square which is filled with vendors from front to back, and in every niche and corner. If you don’t think of the Old Town market as a ‘destination’ farmers market-you should, and let me tell you why. First, the setting is simply beautiful and parking is easy to find on most any street nearby. Eating breakfast or just a snack is easy with 2-3 vendors selling coffee, a fresh-squeezed orange juice stand and more bakers than you can shake a stick at. Not in the mood for sweets? Try a Virginia ham biscuit from Calhouns Country Hams. They’re always located in the back of the market.

Fantastic farms from West Virginia are well represented. Bigg Riggs  ( see this post from The Garden Apartment recounting Tiffany’s visit to their farm) has fresh, robust produce, as does Ashton Farm. Twin Springs Farms, who many of you that frequent the Dupont market know, joined the Old Town market this year, and became instantly popular. 

As I mentioned before, there are many baked goods to satisfy any sweet tooth. Maribeth’s Bakery can’t be missed with their bright technicolor umbrellas. They sell breads, scones, biscuits, cakes and pies. Emine is a lovely woman who makes baklava of all kinds, from sweet to savory and the fresh orange juice stand also sells danishes. Gracie’s Pastrie’s sits in back at the bottom of the steps off of Fairfax Street. I love their breads and focaccia. Oh, lots of samples here too!

Many vendors sell prepared foods including jams, jellies and honey. In particular, look for Charley’s (near N. Royal St.) stand where samples of jarred goods are always offered among a wide array of products. Bigg Riggs also sells jarred goods as well as mixes for Bloody Mary’s and Strawberry daiquiris.

Herbs and flowers dot the market with color and fragrance. From fresh bouquets to squash blossoms (12 for $5) to potted and cut herbs, you can find ingredients to spark your culinary imagination. I’m not sure what their name is, but the vendor who is always at the far right corner of the fountain has such things as the aforementioned squash blossoms, edible flowers, and fresh herbs that vary from week to week. On Saturday, they even had gooseberries which I was tempted to buy.

Meats. You’ve got to have protein. Two excellent sources for meat sell here. Smith Family Farm sells grass-fed Angus beef and eggs. Babes in the Wood sells free-range pork from pigs that are a cross between Duroc boars and Tamworth sows. They roam freely on 75 acres of land and feed on nuts, fruits and mushrooms. Stop by and talk to them to find out more about how they raise their pigs naturally.

Blue Ridge Dairy also sells at the Old Town market and they are situated next to the gentleman who sells fresh pasta, and prepared Italian food such as meatballs and sauce, and eggplant Parmesan. Sounds like a great meal in the making, no?

I’ve saved the best for last. The prices are much cheaper than in DC. In fact, you can get the same produce from some of the same vendors that are at Dupont, for significantly less money.

So, there you have it. The Old Town market is truly a destination farmers market where you can find unique food and locally grown and produced products among some tourist- enticing tables. But that’s OK. It is Old Town, after-all.

Until the next At The Market, eat and buy local when you can.

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