Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne

We found a wonderful farmers market, and could not wait to share it with you!

The Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne is an amazing experience. The atmosphere oozes warm community, and the music is wonderful. Not to mention the vendor/artisan market is located right at the lake...it can't get much better than that!

Remember to bring your market bags - I promise you will fill them up! The aroma of kettle corn will entice your senses, and you will find wonderful breads, baked goods, fresh prepared foods, meats, cheeses, produce, honey, fresh flowers and plants and so much more.

You will love the variety of the artisan vendors. So many quality items, including bath and body products, handmade knit shawls, handcrafted and vintage jewelry, vintage linens, baskets, organic baby clothes, tees, apparel...the list goes on and on.

If you are in the area, make sure to stop by the Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne on Saturdays, 8am-12 noon. (the vendors side is open an hour or two longer)

We will have our Brand of the Free display set up on Saturdays. Be sure to stop by and visit! ("like" us on our Facebook Page for updates on upcoming events)

http://www.restonfarmersmarket.com/ Info, vendors, directions, hours

Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World

http://www.brandofthefree.net/

Click here to check out our Facebook Page for community, info, and special discounts/giveaways

Hidden Treasure in Bethesda, MD

If you are like me and my husband, you're always on the lookout for that "gem" of a farmer's market. Well, we found a treasure at the Bethesda Central Farm Market.

What really makes this market special is the quality and uniqueness of each vendor. I don't think I have ever been to a farmer's market that had quite the spirit and selection that we found there. Founders, Mitch Berliner and Ann Brody Cove, were looking for "the place" where they could do their weekly food shopping in one location with high quality farm fresh produce, meats, poultry, cheeses, bread, prepared products, seafood, baked goods, and more, easy free parking, without hassle and frustration. That place did not exist closeby, so they decided to open their own site. Let me tell you - they succeeded in their endeavor!

Walking into the market Sunday morning, we were greeted by Banjer Dan playing some fun music for a gathering of children and their parents. It was a delight talking with him, and he even took out a moment to pose for a picture with me. Such fun! Hmm...maybe I should have asked for a banjo lesson!

It was a pleasure meeting Michelle Burns of "Mystic Water Soap". She definitely has a passion for old fashioned crafts and skills, especially soapmaking. Mystic Water Soap products are wonderful, and Michelle's customers (including me) appreciated the soap samples she sent home with us.

Next, we sauntered over to "Pitango Gelato" and all I can say is YUM! Chris Novashinski offered us samples of their flavors and we loved all of them - especially "Chocolat Noir" and "Mojito" sorbets, which we took home with us. We WILL be back for more!

Being that I love honey, I had to check out the Banner Bee Company. Andrea Langworthy offers a variety of honey, candles, bath products and so much more. She's more than happy to share her knowledge about beekeeping and honey. If you have any questions - just ask away! You'll enjoy talking with her.

By this time, the aroma of grilled sausage enticed us to visit the Meat Crafters booth, where Mitch Berliner tempted us with a few samples of delicious sausages and meats. There was an awesome chicken basil sausage that we will be picking up on Sunday.

It would be impossible to mention all the wonderful products and vendors at the Bethesda Central Farm Market. Do yourself a favor, and check it out!

For more info on the Market: http://www.bethesdacentralfarmmarket.com/

Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World
http://www.brandofthefree.net/

Bask in the Sunshine of the Eastern Market

Looks like the sun will be shining on the Eastern Market DC this Saturday! It’s going to be a great day for strolling along, appreciating some long awaited warmth while perusing the produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods that the market has to offer. And who could resist checking out the latest offerings from very unique vendors – a vast array of jewelry, art, photography, hand made knitted hats and scarves, graphic tees, vintage linens and furniture…the list goes on and on.

It’s hard to fully describe the Eastern Market…it’s a warm, cozy combination of aromas, sights, sounds and some of the most interesting people around. We look forward to seeing some of our old friends. For those of you, who have never attended the Eastern Market, plan to come and see what you’ve been missing! We’ll be looking for you!

Eastern Market Info: http://www.easternmarketdc.com/

Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World
http://www.brandofthefree.net/

Uncork the Fun

Has it really been over a month since I’ve blogged? Things have been extra exciting here at Brand of the Free. Area wine festivals are in full bloom, and we participated in our very first Vintage Virginia’s 28th Annual Wine Festival in Manassas, Virginia this last weekend. It was totally a blast! What an impressive festival, featuring 50 wineries, arts and crafts exhibitors, and incredible food and music!

It was a party, complete with exceptional Virginia wines, fabulous music and delectable food. We took a few minutes to grab some amazing crab cake sandwiches from Sherri’s Crab Cakes. All I can say is YUM! Joe got a chance to sneak away from our booth to sample some wonderful Belle Mount wines. Ray and Catherine Petrie are the proprietors and were very warm and down to earth. We definitely plan to visit their vineyard for a weekend getaway!

In the midst of all the festivities lies the true essence of the Wine Festival Experience…the wonderful people we met! So many friendly people stopped by our display, and it was a pleasure getting to know them a bit. We are honored and appreciative for all the support we received at the festival and every day. Thank you!

Our next weekend destination is Great Grapes in Cockeysville, MD on June 13-14. We have been hearing that it is one of the most “happening” festivals around! C’mon and join us…and stop by our booth. We look forward to meeting you!

http://www.brandofthefree.net/ Better Apparel for a Better World!www.twitter.com/brandofthefree