2023-12-13 05:28:01
Loudoun is a rich tapestry of family farms embracing sustainable agriculture and ethical grazing and growing practices that nourish the soil – and the soul. At Long Stone Farm in Lovettsville, the Wisch family’s grass-based, pesticide-free grazing operation produces beef, pork, lamb, chicken and eggs for local markets and restaurants. The Zurschmeides, owners of Great Country Farms in Bluemont, operate “full circle” farming, growing fruit and veg on a nutrient-rich orchard floor that is used to feed their sheep, cows and chickens, and then invite visitors to “pick-your-own” or buy produce from their farm market.
At Georges Mill Farm Artisan Cheese in Lovettsville, the Kroiz family makes artisanal goat cheese from free ranging Alpine goats, while Locksley Farmstead Cheese in Middleburg, part of The Ag District, produces eight superb European-style cow cheeses sold on site and in local shops. Got a sweet tooth? Brookfield Dairy Farm near Leesburg sells farm-made ice cream on site.
The owners also produce butter and operate a “milkshare.” Closer to Waterford, Fireside Farm is a unique family-run vegetable and grain growing operation where the grain is transformed into wood-fired pizzas, topped with local cheeses and sold at various Loudoun locations. Not all farm products in Loudoun are for eating: at Double 8 Alpaca & Llama Ranch in Purcellville, the Kittrells sustainably raise herds of llamas and alpacas, harvesting the fleece to make exquisite hats, gloves and felt scarves.
Loudoun’s urban farm markets and roadside farm stores offer top quality produce, farm-raised meats and local dairy cheeses along with a range of handcrafted products, from artwork to accessories made from local wool. Leesburg, Middleburg, Purcellville and Ashburn host popular weekend markets. For times and locations, visit LoudounFarms.org.
A hyper-local market held on Saturdays, the Farmers Market at Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery features veggies, fruits, cheese, meats, eggs, mushrooms, flowers and more. Look for the whole-grain sourdough bread made from regeneratively grown local grains by Meadow Bread.
Among all the fresh bounty at Leesburg Farmers Market each Saturday, don’t miss the wild harvested local honey and log-grown shiitake mushrooms of Purcellville’s Hidden Creek Apiary.
On Route 15 north of Leesburg, eclectic Farmer John’s Market stocks local produce, Misty Meadows Mushrooms and rare amaranth greens and purslane, the latter often used in Asian cooking.
Just up the road, Brossman’s Farm Stand (open May-October) sells mounds of fresh produce as well as baked goods, pickles, jams and preserves.
The Lovettsville Cooperative Market is a full-service grocery store with more than 100 local producers showcasing items from dairy to produce, wine and beer.
From independent art and craft stores to the beverages, produce and artisanal goods found at wineries, distilleries, farm stands and markets, buying local is a good way to bring Loudoun home.
Chrysalis Vineyards at the Ag District
Wine, bread & cheese
The Gateway Gallery
& Gift Shop
Jewelry, ceramics & glassware
Catoctin Creek Distilling Company
Bourbon, rye & gin
Explore How to Take Loudoun Home
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