FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Market — Local services in Washington

This is my favorite farmers' market in the metropolitan area. I don't frequent it often but whenever I do, I always come out with plenty of produce and a full stomach. It's open Sundays from 10-1 during January through March and from 8:30 to 1:30 from April to December. I like that it's always open, even in the colder months. It gives me life.

There are lots of vendors (mostly farms, creameries, nurseries, and delis) at this farmers' market who come from all up and down the East Coast, particularly in central Virginia. You can all your grocery shopping done here. Plenty of veggies, fruits, meats, breads, milk, and cheeses! And if you get a little hungry or thirsty while you're exploring, there is an abundance of vendors to get some grub right there and then like giant wheat blueberry pancakes or pulled pork sandwiches.

There's also a variety of herb and flower vendors. If you're looking for a new plant or need a pretty bouquet of flowers to brighten up your home, you can find them here. There's a wonderful orchid vendor that sells them for a very reasonable price, and it includes a gorgeous ceramic pot.

Some of the produce is costly, but that's somewhat expected. I will also say that not all the food offered here gives you that bang for your buck. We bought some burrata cheese here once, and it was definitely not worth the $10 we paid. Most of the vendors are friendly, but you'll always one or two grouches in the mix.

Furthermore, this market will host some really neat cooking and tasting demos. I once caught José Andrés cooking up some bison burgers, which was pretty neat. You never know what you might find here.

Check out the website for a market map, including bios on the vendors and what's in season. FRESHFARM accepts cash, credit cards for some vendors, and food benefits like SNAP, food stamps, WIC, and SFMNP up to $15 per...

Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market is the largest farmers market in Washington, D.C. It's just off the actual Dupont Circle park on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 8:30am.

There are three main areas with dozens and dozens of local stands selling the most beautiful fruit, vegetables, and other produce. There are cheese stands, milk stands, meat stands. Then you have local brands selling gelato (Dolcezza), bagels (Call Your Mother Deli), coffee (Zeke's), and other goodies. Street performers play music throughout the market.

If you go for breakfast (and you really should), get there at 8am and stand in the long line for Call Your Mother Deli. They make the BEST bagels in the city. Once you order, I recommend the sesame bagel, toasted, with house made cream cheese and jam. It's so good!

Grab your camera and be ready to take beautiful photos of...

I go here almost every week for fresh produce, meats, and dairy products. Go early to miss the large crowds, especially if the weather is nice. In the winter months, the vendor selection is much smaller and they wrap up earlier, around one. In the summer months, the selection wraps a couple of blocks and they wrap up around three. Prepared foods are good but quite expensive - I would recommend Breakfast burritos from Taco Loco, bagels from Call Your Mother (not as good as NJ but good for DC), pastries from Seylou, or a breakfast sandwich from Hog Haven Farm. Don’t miss the separate but related DuPont Little Flea Market next to Firehook Bakery for great vintage home goods and clothing. They have a neighbor table you can rent out for $25 if you have some things you want...