DATE NI G HT & MORE
stay inspired Beating a Drum to Market Head to the area’s best Farmers Markets BY JOYCE M. WHITE
F
armers markets have a long tradition in the Chesapeake region. By the late 1690s, the beat of a drum signaled the opening of trade at the city market house in
Annapolis that was located on the southeast corner of Market and Duke of Gloucester streets. Similarly, the weekly Sunday market in Alexandria, Virginia has a long history dating to 1753 and is considered to be the oldest public market continuously held on
for sale. An outing to a farmers market is
the same site in the country. Notably, 18th-
more than just a shopping trip: it’s a chance
is priceless because it offers accountability,
century visitors to this market were able to
to interact with the people selling what they
reliability and sustainability, all reasons for
purchase items sold there from local sources
grow, make, or source locally; it’s a chance
which it’s worth getting up extra early on a
such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon
to touch and taste before we buy; it’s a
weekend morning.
or from slaves who were allowed to sell
chance to let our children dance, frolic, and
While today’s markets no longer open
goods there to earn cash for themselves.
let loose to the beat of live music performed
each day with a formal beating of a drum,
by community members; and it’s a chance
they still provide visitors with a timeless
are no longer necessary. Instead, farmers
to become intoxicated by the mouthwatering
sense of belonging and community. Here are
markets now provide people with a shopping
aromas coming from the prepared foods sold
highlights from some of the biggest and best
experience that offers a sense of belonging
by people of myriad nationalities who make
regional markets that will delight foodies and
and a personal connection to the products
up our communities.
their families alike.
In today’s world, these small local markets
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AUGUST 2019
For many of us, this type of relationship
