You get almost family feelings for the vendors. Farmers markets are blossoming in Loudoun, Fauquier and neighboring counties, with about 30 markets within driving range of this swath of the Blue Ridge. About 10 are Loudoun farmers who participate through the Loudoun Valley Home Grown Markets Association, an umbrella group formed about five years ago with help from the county's Department of Economic Development. Archwood Green Barns Farmers and Gardeners Market in The Plains, Virginia Perfection Farm in Delaplane, Hartland Orchard and Stribling Orchard markets in Markham, Linden Vineyards and Orchards in Linden, Williams Peach Manor Orchard in Bealeton and the Town of Warrenton Farmers Market.
Many farmers drive truckloads of fresh produce to one or two markets a week.
The selection of markets is a personal choice as well. But also the mix of vendors at each market is slightly different. If we have a lot of bakers, we try to spread them out. And sometimes people just like the clientele at one market, and that's where they go. Many of them try all the markets over a few years and then decide what's better for them.