When I first moved to Washington from New York, a new neighbor invited me to accompany her on a Saturday morning outing to the Bethesda Farm Women's Market. And what an adventure! There were, and still are, stalls selling all sorts of things, from Brussels Sprouts to sweaters to freshly baked bread and cookies.
This morning, I popped by for some flowers, a bit of ham, some sag paneer, and some really amazing oatmeal raisin cookies.
In the old days, you had to make or grow whatever you sold. And many of the merchants do exactly that.
If they're selling beef, they'll regale you with stories of the cow that was romping around the barnyard until very recently. I almost bought a free range chicken until the stall owner said they got it from a chicken farm up near Frederick, but couldn't give me any information on the food she ate or her name.
There are stands with beautiful flowers, both fresh and dried.
The meat is amazingly fresh, and even the Brussels sprouts (which I've always totally hated) look edible.
And if you'd like a home made bags, these are stunning. Hope I get one for Christmas!
The Bethesda Farm Women's Market is on Wisconsin Avenue just above Leland Street. It is open on Saturday and Wednesday mornings from dawn until they sell out of food and fun.
Patricia, I love Farmers markets but we don't have any locally here. Here we are close to the produce growing and the only time I make it to a Farmers market is when I visit my daughter in NYC and we go to the one in Union Square.
That looks like a great place to visit. Do you think you could ship me a few of those good looking steaks!
Patricia- That is so funny about the brussel sprouts. I like them fresh but it took me years and years to even try one after my childhood. When I lived with my dad for 2 years in Germany, after my mom and him got divorced, he would cook frozen brussel sprouts. They were so bitter, that I would gag. We had to eat everything on our plate so we would save them for last, chew them up, push them in the back of our mouths then go and spit them out in the toilet! YUCK!
Marchel, I love that farmers market at Union Square! It's one of the best I've seen!
Barbara, a couple of days ago, those things had a name!
And Katerina, you're right! Fresh ones are a whole different vegetable! I didn't hate Brussels Sprouts! I hated Birdseys!
Pat - I too love farm markets; your photos certainly made this one inviting.
Oh my I had forgotten about this little gem! I just discovered a CSA that will deliver to my area so I'm signing up for a food share next spring. Shop local, buy local, support local!
Goodness, I had completely forgotten about this place, but I recognized the photo right away. As a kid, I remember seeing it across from Woodie's or at least near it. I can't believe it outlived so many re-development activities in Bethesda. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.
Pat, your pictures are beautiful! On the first Thursday in May the Bethesda Garden Club will sell mostly plants we members have grown, though not on farms.
I love going to farmers' markets, but I never associated the Bethesda Farmer's Market with a real one. Maybe. I should check it out in the spring.
I hope to see you and your friends at our Plant Sale.