The afternoon farmers market returns to Reston Station’s plaza on Wednesday, April 20.
Smart Markets, which operates several area farmers markets, will be in Reston Wednesday afternoons (3 to 7 p.m.) through November. Smart Markets relocated the Reston market to Reston Station, at Wiehle Avenue and Sunset Hill Roads next to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro, last year after several seasons in an office park at Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive.
Reaction from the community was mixed, though, as some patrons did not like having to park in the parking garage and make their way up to the plaza.
Smart markets says it will have $1 “Market Parking” on Wednesdays. Here is how to access it:
Follow the signs for “Park X” in the Reston Station garage. They are marked with a blue “X.” You can use your ticket to pay the $1 “Market Only” parking fee at a pay station before returning to your vehicle (if you’ve come in no earlier than 3 P.M. and stayed no more than 60 minutes). The Park X entrances are the first two left turns after entering the garage from Reston Station Boulevard.
- Arno’s French Pastries (pastries, baked goods)
- Casero Bolivian Creations (bread, banana bread, baked goods)
- Â Celtic Pasties (British hand pies)
- El Tenedor De Nacho
- Fabbili Cellars (Wine from Loudoun County)
- Fossil Rock Farm (fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs)
- Greenheart Organic
- Honey Brook Farms (chicken, eggs, baked goods)
- Ignacio’s Produce (fruits and vegetables)
- Kneaded Nourishment Bakery
- Phil’s Dills (pickles)
- Tyson Farms and Orchards (fruits and vegetables)
- Uncle Fred’s BBQ Smoke Shack (BBQ prepared on site)
- Valley View Bakery (bread)
- Whim Pop (popsicles)
- Lothar Erb’s Artisanal Sausages (bacon, smoked meats, gourmet sausage)
- Cabin Hill Farm
- Cascade Beverage Company
- Power & Balance Fitness
- Side Street Catering
- Silver Box Baking
Fossil Rock Farm is also offering preordered Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscriptions. Boxes of produce and other farm items can be picked up at the Wednesday market in Reston.
Smart Market, the Wednesday farmers market that had been operating at Sunrise Valley and Reston Parkway the last several years, will change locations this season.
Smart Market operator Jean Janssen says the afternoon market will open at Reston Station’s Plaza on May 6.
Reston Station, located adjacent to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, is soon to be a foodie destination. The Stock Market @ Reston Station, with about a dozen food stalls and other retailers, is slated to open soon, and developer Comstock is hoping the area turns into a shopping, food truck and dining destination.
“We are very excited to have a farmers market,” says Comstock spokeswoman Maggie Parker. “We think it is a great opportunity for Metro commuters, and I know I will be stocking my office fridge with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.”
Janssen said on the market’s Facebook page that the Reston Corner office complex’s recent sale made it difficult to secure market space for this season.
Janssen also said she is working with Comstock on ways to make parking available on the outdoor parking deck, adjacent to where the market will be located.
Meanwhile, the Saturday Reston Farmers Market and craft market will open for the season at Lake Anne Plaza on May 2.
Still have holiday shopping to do? Find some unique food and craft gifts and support local businesses Saturday at the final day of the Fall Farmer’s & Craft Market at Lake Anne Plaza.
This year, a large group of farmers from the Fairfax County Farmers Market at Lake Anne stayed with the crafters for a fall market.
The fall market has featured a variety of prepared foods not usually available at the summer market, including Uncle Fred’s BBQ and stands selling fresh empanadas and cooked seafood.
Crafts for sale include  jewelery, pottery, textiles,  and unique clothing from around the world.
The extended market has been a great success and will likely be a feature next year, organizers said. The markets will open again in early May.
