Sweet Treats at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market in Alexandria, VA
July 3rd, 2010 Categories: Del Ray, Things to Do
Most folks think of a farmer’s market as a mecca for locally grow, often organic, fresh produce – and all that’s true.
But today we want to tell you about the sweet treats available at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market.
Our market is small, friendly, and everyone there must be a producer (or representing a producer) – no buying at the wholesale market and trucking it in.
We routinely get our corn, peaches, tomatoes, beans, “zukes”, basil, etc. and then we head for a sweet treat.
After all, what is life without an occasional sweet treat?
Right at the entrance to the market this year is the donut lady from Ashbank Farms in Markham, VA. Their specialty is apple cider donuts with bits of apple baked right in and an overall sprinkle coating of brown sugar. Yum. Another favorite – the “turtle” – a glazed donut with chocolate and caramel frosting topped with nuts.
Next is Vera’s Bakery from Annapolis. Vera’s supplies numerous shops in the area and is looking at opening a retail establishment in Northern Virginia – perhaps in Del Ray?
Her scones are a huge draw as is her fresh squeezed orange juice. Vera’s also makes and sells a large number of gluten free products, much in demand and always appreciated.
Right next to Vera’s is Virginia’s favorite, Bonaparte Breads from Savage. MD. Sweet and savory tarts, quiche and totally addictive, enormous croissants are the draw here.
Plain croissants, chocolate croissants, almond croissants and the piece de resistance – chocolate AND almond croissants!
Walk around the table to the other side of the Del Ray Farmer’s Market and you’re at Grace’s Pastries from Herndon, VA.
Grace’s is where we get dessert when company is coming – apple spice cake, peach cobbler, raspberry tarts, gingerbread, etc. And they always have samples.
Next door to Grace is The Dressed Up Nut from Pennsylvania.
In addition to about 25 kinds of savory and sweet roasted nuts (pecans and peanuts) there are nine varieties of biscotti including butterscotch and dark chocolate. Just add a cup of coffee and you’re all set.
And that gets us, finally, to Tom’s Amish Store from Lancaster, PA. Tom is probably best know for his cheeses and organic yogurt but he also carries a selection of goodies from the Little Britain Bakery in Nottingham, PA.
Check out the old-fashioned ‘whoopie pies” in this picture. Really hard to not to resist taking those home.
Most of these vendors are on the regular circuit of local farmer’s markets – Cameron Station, Upper King Street, Arlandria, – so you have more than one opportunity for a sweet treat during the week.
Eat your veggies first but save room for some of these great sweet treats from the Del Ray Farmer’s Market, you’ll be glad you did.
And if you want to go house hunting in Del Ray I’ll be glad to help you. Just give me a call at 703.927.4554.
Michael
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