Although local markets are a treat year-round, they are particularly exciting during the autumn season, hosting an abundance of festivities and events to celebrate the coming weather. From pumpkin festivals to apple picking, there is sure to be an activity for everyone.
A favorite for many local families is Homestead Farm. Located in Poolesville, Maryland, this attraction is home to weekly pumpkin festivals that attract hundreds of Marylanders to its 230 acres of fall fun. The festivals are every weekend from the beginning of October until November 1 and include hayrides running to and from the pumpkin patch and apple picking, as well as a variety of seasonal refreshments for sale, such as apple cider and caramel apples.
Another site well known for their fall celebrations is Butler’s Orchard. Butler’s Orchard, located in Germantown, also hosts a pumpkin festival every weekend in October. The festivals are open to children and adults of all ages and include activities such as a corn maze, hayrides, and traditional corn-hole games. As well as their pumpkin festivals, Butler’s orchard also hosts a “Last Call for Fall” festival on November 1, which includes a hayride to a pumpkin patch, marshmallow roasting, pony rides, and a pumpkin cannon.
As well as the many farms hosting fall activities, there is also an abundance of local farmer’s markets that sell local and seasonal produce throughout the fall season. The Potomac Village Farmer’s Market is one of the many markets and runs every Thursday from 2:00-6:30 p.m. They sell everything from freshly pressed apple cider to artwork done by a variety of artists in residence; this month, the artist in residence is Kristina “Kiki” Jacobsen Khan, who paints well-acclaimed water color portraits of pets.
In addition to The Potomac Village Farmer’s Market, the Bethesda Farmer’s market sells a variety of seasonal fall produce. It runs on Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and is located in the Bethesda Elementary School parking lot. The Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market also hosts a farmer’s market on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Although not located within Montgomery County, the Eastern Market in Washington D.C. also hosts a weekly market on the weekends, selling a multitude of seasonal fruits and vegetables from a variety of vendors.
With all of the fall activities put on by markets around the county, there is definitely an event for every Marylander.
Article by MoCo Student staff writer Abby McCann of Thomas S. Wootton High School