Archwood Green Barns Winter Market Goes Through Dec. 22

Archwood Green Barns Winter Market Goes Through Dec. 22

By Carina Elgin

Skip the traffic, help your local small farm producers, and have fun with friends and family by doing your holiday shopping at the Archwood Green Barns, just outside The Plains. The Sunday Farmer’s Market has been so popular with shoppers and vendors, the regular season has been extended until November 24, and a Winter Market has been added for December 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd (hours 10 a.m to 3 p.m.).

The Winter Market will take place in the heated small barn and adjacent parking lot, where visitors can browse the tables inside and tents outside for locally produced foods and gifts to help spread holiday cheer.

There will, as always, be prepared foods, baked goods, artisan gifts, preserved foods, meats & eggs from local farmers, seasonal produce, storage crops, honey, coffee, and even a few new vendors.

Martin’s Farms Lamb and Dry Aged Beef is a source for delicious meats to serve over the holidays. Martin’s also sells gorgeous wool blankets, made from their own sheep that graze the fields around The Plains. Hess Fruits and Produce always has fresh fruits and vegetables, and try Living Springs Microgreens.

Jerry’s Berries has some of the best local, organic berry products, such as tasty jams. J Bird Coffee Roaster is always ready to offer a sample of their coffee, roasted in Charlottesville. Cross Roads Teas will have gourmet teas, fresh scones and other scrumptious bakery items.

Dimitri Olive Oils sells a variety of infused oils, vinegars and sauces that make beautiful gifts, as do the lovely products from Happy Anchor Soapery. Watery Mountain Essentials, based out of nearby Warrenton, offers artisanal bath and body products, as well as hand-poured candles. And, be sure to stop by Immortal Mountain Chocolates to sample and purchase those special little treats.

Plan on having lunch at the market, or grab a snack. Choices include the farmto-table Happy Family Food Truck, Lamacita or the Dancing Cow Grill, all serving locally-sourced deliciousness. New vendors are being added, so be sure to stop by and see what the local Holiday Elves have been busy producing for you and yours.

For details: www.archwoodgreenbarns.com

Looking for more great local gifts this season?

Over the mountain in Berryville, you can find the home of Gunters Honey, a family-run operation producing a large variety of local honeys, including Buckwheat. Their honeys can be found in many local retail outlets; they’re the largest honey producer in the Mid-Atlantic. The best spot to order their selection online is at Mountain Ridge Way Products, which specializes in several Virginia grown delicacies. www.mrwproducts. com.

At the Holy Cross Abbey, they offer delicious fruitcakes made by the Trappist monks at their Berryville monastery. These full, rich moist treats, are now available online, to be sent to friends and family. They also offer “monastery truffles” and creamed honey in a variety of tantalizing flavors (brandy or blueberry honey, anyone?) www. monasteryfruitcake.com.