Now in its twelfth year, the Mineral Farmer’s Market is a Lake Anna “must do.” Located just five miles north of Dickinson’s Store in the town of Mineral, summer Saturdays are bustling on an otherwise empty field. Load the family – dogs are welcome! – in the car and head for the Market to pick up goodies for your weekend.

Founded in 2009, the Mineral Farmer’s Market has quickly been adopted by area visitors and residents as a communal meeting place. Local farmers proudly display the products of their labor: loads of impeccably-fresh, locally-grown produce for your family, as well as eggs, pork, beef, chicken, and seasonal fruit. Local bakers offer freshly-baked sourdough breads, muffins, scones, cookies, cakes, and pies. There are often gluten-free/sugar-free options as well. 

The Market also plays host to many local artisans. You’ll enjoy browsing for handmade jewelry, pottery, goat milk soap, wood decor, cutting boards, cloth items, wind chimes, yard art, and lawn games. Doing a little landscaping? Local growers have many varieties of plants and shrubs to beautify your home, not to mention potted and cut flowers to enjoy this summer. If you enjoy gardening, you’ll find plenty of native, bee-friendly blooms, plus expert advice from the Central Virginia Master Gardeners.

On a typical visit to the dog-friendly market (where you can pick up a new collar or some treats for your four-legged friend), you will be snacking on cookies and fresh-squeezed lemonade as you stroll the grassy lot. Try some homemade fruit preserves or a bite of a ripe heirloom tomato or melon before you choose. Pick up some frozen quiche or tamales and a bag of salad greens for a quick supper (don’t forget salsa!) or splurge on grass-fed beef steaks, onions, peppers, and corn on the cob for the grill.

You won’t want to miss the homemade pickles, barbecue sauce, and herb seasonings either. Don’t forget the local honey – it’s terrific! Are you an adventurous cook? Ask the farmer how best to prepare that cut of meat or interesting-looking vegetable. “Part of the fun of our farmer’s market is getting to know who grows your food,” explained Market Manager Becky Vigon. “It makes for a deeper appreciation of what we eat and how it gets to our plate.”

The Mineral Farmer’s Market is open seasonally from the first Saturday in May through the end of October. It runs each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a Tuesday evening curbside mini-market from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The open-air market is situated on a large field on US 522 N across from the Luck ball field and town playground. Street parking makes your visit convenient. For more information, visit www.MineralMarket.org or call Becky Vigon at 540-854-7626. SNAP is accepted.

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