Del Ray Doings

Del Ray Farmers’ Market: Alexandria’s Modern Town Square

Much More Than Fresh Produce

A young girl conducts a tasting session as shoppers survey the market’s produce.

A young girl conducts a tasting session as shoppers survey the market’s produce.Alexandria, VA – The Del Ray Farmers’ Market continues to be one of Alexandria’s most vibrant community gathering places, bringing neighbors together each Saturday with fresh food, local artisans, and small-town charm.

Whether served as hash browns, baked, or French fries, potatoes were a market favorite showcased by various local farmers.
Whether served as hash browns, baked, or French fries, potatoes were a market favorite showcased by various local farmers.

Set in the heart of Del Ray, the market features seasonal vegetables, flowers, baked goods, ciders, and handcrafted specialties from regional vendors. But beyond the produce stands, many visitors say the market’s true appeal is its welcoming community atmosphere.

“I love that it’s family-friendly, and there’s something here for everyone,” said Alexandria resident Kate McRae while shopping with her family.

Visitors at the market delight in the diverse selection of seasonal vegetables, taking in the various aromas and textures.
Visitors at the market delight in the diverse selection of seasonal vegetables, taking in the various aromas and textures.

Among Alexandria’s favorites is Artemisia Farm & Vineyard of Bentonville, Virginia, located near Shenandoah National Park. Co-owner and winemaker Kelly Allen said the two-person operation has participated in the Del Ray market since 2023, producing its specialty vermouths, aperitifs, and cocktail bitters entirely by hand.

A stroll by Artemisia Farm & Vineyard’s stand finds a wide variety of Aperitifs and Cocktail Bitters available!
A stroll by Artemisia Farm & Vineyard’s stand finds a wide variety of Aperitifs and Cocktail Bitters available!
The Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats team is happy to provide your fur-babies with healthy treats made by special people. L-R: Darcy Kohn, Anne Tuccillo, Bryan Tuccillo, Charlie Flynt, Ginny McMahon, Lizzy Buchanan
The Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats team is happy to provide your fur-babies with healthy treats made by special people. L-R: Darcy Kohn, Anne Tuccillo, Bryan Tuccillo, Charlie Flynt, Ginny McMahon, Lizzy Buchanan
Eric Hagland, the market representative for Lost Boy Cider, is eager to provide details on their cider offerings, particularly the popular raspberry variety.
Eric Hagland, the market representative for Lost Boy Cider, is eager to provide details on their cider offerings, particularly the popular raspberry variety.

“We do everything ourselves,” Allen said, noting her favorite product is a chamomile aperitif infused with botanicals.

Another popular vendor, Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats, provides adults with disabilities meaningful job training through baking and selling all-natural ginger dog treats in an inclusive environment that connects participants with the community.

Amidst the fragrant aroma of flowers from dangling baskets, a market shopper takes pleasure in discovering fresh produce.
Amidst the fragrant aroma of flowers from dangling baskets, a market shopper takes pleasure in discovering fresh produce.
Be on the lookout for the ALARI Artisan Bakery sign; though AB is a newcomer to both the market and the craft of baking, his artisan pastries have already become a highly sought-after Saturday morning staple.
Be on the lookout for the ALARI Artisan Bakery sign; though AB is a newcomer to both the market and the craft of baking, his artisan pastries have already become a highly sought-after Saturday morning staple.

Lost Boy Cider also draws loyal customers each weekend. Eric Hagland, who represents the company at the market, said raspberry cider remains a crowd favorite among Alexandria shoppers.

While parents browse the market, children find joy in playing the colorful piano, a fixture that both encourages community interaction and honors local creativity. This instrument is a revolving canvas for the arts, regularly refreshed with new designs by local talents including Kristin Neubauer, Margaret Wohler, Vanessa Vale, and students from George Washington Middle School.
While parents browse the market, children find joy in playing the colorful piano, a fixture that both encourages community interaction and honors local creativity. This instrument is a revolving canvas for the arts, regularly refreshed with new designs by local talents including Kristin Neubauer, Margaret Wohler, Vanessa Vale, and students from George Washington Middle School.

Among the seasonal vegetables and flower stalls, market-goers find not only many of Alexandria’s favorite vendors, but also even more of their neighbors. With friendly conversations, familiar faces, and local businesses at every turn, the Del Ray Farmers’ Market remains a cherished Alexandria tradition.

The Del Ray Docket

June 5-28

USA at 250 Art Exhibit

Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue

USA at 250 challenged local artists to capture the spirit of our nation, its past, present, or future. This exhibit includes artworks that highlight the splendor of our landscapes, people, history, creativity, resilience, or other aspects that shape the American experience.

June 4

First Thursday: Field Day

Along Mount Vernon Avenue

6 p.m. to dusk. 

Join the Del Ray Citizens’ Association for this free, outdoor street festival featuring fun summer activities, live music, and more.  For more information, visit delraycitizens.org.

June 6, 13, 20, 27

The Del Ray Farmers’ Market

The Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, located at the intersection of Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenue

8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Named one of the top 10 farmers’ markets in the state!  This year-round market features fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheeses, breads, fresh pasta, baked goods, cut flowers, and more.

June 7

A Taste of Del Ray

Mount Vernon Recreation Center field, Mount Vernon & Commonwealth Aves.

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Top neighborhood restaurants participate in this delicious competition.  For ticket information, visit www.visitdelray.com.

June 13

Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market

Mount Vernon & East Bellefonte Avenue

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Find your treasure! Visit over 80 vendors at the intersection of Mount Vernon & Bellefonte Avenues. For more information, visit delrayvintageflea.com.

June 13

Gustave Art & Craft Market

2213 Mount Vernon Avenue

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shop local and shop creative with some of the area’s most creative vendors, and savor Gustave’s Parisian specialties.

June 20

Cinema Del Ray

Mount Vernon Recreation Center field, Mount Vernon & Commonwealth Aves.

Dusk

Join The Jen Walker Team for a family-friendly movie under the stars. Bring your own blanket or chairs; the event is free and open to all.

 

 

Lisa-Helene Lawson

Lisa-Helene Lawson was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She grew up loving reading and newspapers. At an early age, she often tagged along with her dad, Baseball Hall of Fame Sportswriter, Earl Lawson, as he wrote a daily column for the Cincinnati Post and Time Star. She studied at Northwestern, lived and worked in the Middle East for 12 years and spent 3 decades in LA and Sacramento working in government before heading to Alexandria in 2017. Her opeds on several public policy issues have appeared in several newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, Baltimore Sun . She is a Certified Master Gardener, a Friends of Duncan Library Board Member, and has tutored for several years first graders for the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium.

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