Whether you’re looking for some of the area’s freshest ingredients to take home with you, or want a mouth-watering snack for munching as you stroll around Annapolis, the area’s farmers markets are a great destination. Check these out.
Pennsylvania Dutch Farm Market, Thursday and Friday 9am-6pm; Saturday 8:30am 3pm. Open year-round. Annapolis Harbour Center, 2472 Solomons Island Road (Route 2). 410-573-0770. www.PaDutchFarmMarket.com.
In a large building next to a multiplex, this market features items from Lancaster County and draws foodies from several states for produce and fresh-squeezed juices; meat, deli, baked goods and bulk food. Prepared take-out (try the roast and/or fried chicken, wedge-cut fries, BBQ ribs). The soft pretzels, pretzel logs, sticky buns, fruit pies and donuts made onsite are to die for. Known for it’s tasty fare and generous portions, the popular restaurant serves breakfast and lunch. Lines can be long, but usually move quickly. Munch a hot dog or donut while you wait.
Anne Arundel County Saturday April to mid-December, 7am-noon; Tuesday from early June through October, 7am to noon. Harry S. Truman Parkway at Riva Road. 410-349-0317.
Arrive as early as you can for no-hassle onsite parking (spillover spaces are nearby) and the best pick of local produce, cheese, organic meat/chicken, herbs, plants and fresh-cut flowers; hand-crafted jewelry, note paper and gifts under the tent. Dare you to bypass the large table of baked goods (usually near the entrance) for chocolate-dipped almond horns, Danish, muffins and such). Drool.
Department of Natural Resources Thursday, June through September, 3pm to 6pm. Parking lot, Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Ave., off Rowe Boulevard. 410-222-7410.
In summer, pick up Maryland-produced fruits and vegetables for the weekend at this little known market in the shadow of the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. It’s just off Rowe Boulevard, the main artery into and out of the historic sightseeing area.
Westfield Annapolis Sunday, May through October, 11am to 3pm. Mall parking lot adjacent to Sears Automotive. 410-349-0317.
Shop for farm-fresh eggs, free-range chicken, grass-fed beef, gluten-free bakery items, indoor and outdoor plants, produce and seasonal items at this smallish market featuring Havana Banana Breads, 2-pound loaves of banana bread in 6 flavors—be still my heart—the brainchild of “top banana†Mike, a retired Army lieutenant colonel.
Annapolis Town Centre Wednesday, June thorugh October, 4pm-7pm. Sidewalk on Towne Centre Boulevard (near Whole Foods). 410-222-7410.
Park in one the large garage opposite Whole Foods or pay $2 for valet service before filling your recyclable bags with local cheeses and farm fresh eggs; house plants, flowers herbs; hormone-free chickens and turkeys, locally roasted coffee beans, gluten-free baked goods; honey, jams and fruit butters.
FRESHFARM Market Sunday, May through late November. 8:30am-noon, Donner Parking Lot, Compromise Street and City Dock. 202-362-8889; info@freshmarkets.org
Join the locals who head downtown Sundays for their cuppa joe, a stroll, and to pick up organic produce and meat from Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Virginia. It’s a happening. Pick up primo salad fixings from the Eastern Shore’s “lettuce lady†(usually in a pink cap). For the best wood fire-baked breads this side of Italy, check out the loaves from widely acclaimed Di Bonaventure’s Provincial Bakery in Lewes, Del.
Di Bonaventure’s Provincial Bakery is no longer at the Annapolis Fresh Farm Market.
The market at Westfield is in the parking garage by Macy’s and closes at 2.