Reston welcomes a fresh gathering place

EatLoco brings more fresh options to locals

Eager market-goers welcomed EatLoco's first Reston location on March 29. The market will be open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November. Photo by Benjamin Burgess

EatLoco opened its newest weekly market in Reston on March 29, bringing 80 vendors, local food and family-friendly fun to a parking lot near Wegmans and Halley Rise apartments. Visitors sampled pastries, coffee and pickles, chatted with local vendors and even fed alpacas, enjoying the crisp, sunny spring day.

This is EatLoco’s fourth location and the first to open under its new owner and CEO, Lauren Katz. She helped launch a market last year as director of operations.

“I’m most excited about the location and the ability to create a huge market. I’m also thrilled to bring EatLoco to the community where I grew up,” Katz told The Reston Letter. The market is designed to be convenient for walkers. Reston Town Center residents can easily reach it via the metro pedestrian bridge over the toll road.

The market will run Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 22. Organizers chose the timing to avoid competing with the Reston Farmers Market, which runs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon from April through November at Lake Anne.

“We believe there is room for everyone in Reston to enjoy fresh, local food,” Katz said. “We’re excited to be part of the community while respecting the established market’s loyal customer base.”

Fran Lovaas, co-manager of Reston Farmers Market, said the feeling is mutual. “We think there is always room for more farmers markets; supporting the small farmer is our core belief. There are more than 63,000 residents in Reston and our market draws more than 2,000 customers most Saturdays.” The market also attracts visitors from outside the area.

After opening day, Katz said clearer parking signage became a top priority. EatLoco pays a flat fee to provide free parking, but nearby pay-to-park signs may confuse visitors. With 1,000 free spaces available, shoppers are encouraged to follow posted signs and enter via Edmund Halley Drive, turning right at the circle.

Vendors can sign up at EatLoco.org. Organizers are aiming for 80 to 100 vendors weekly while limiting duplicate categories. So far, lemonade and coffee vendors have been especially popular and dozens were turned away on opening day. “We have plenty of room for dairy, meat and unique product vendors,” Katz said.

At Lake Anne, Reston Farmers Market will kick off its 29th season on April 25. Shoppers will find 30 returning vendors, some of whom have participated all 29 years, along with four new additions. Its small-town feel, combined with proximity to the Lake Anne Merchants craft market, shops and restaurants, makes it walkable for North Reston residents.

Vendors interested in RFM can visit the Fairfax County Park Authority website for more information.

Both markets feature live music, with many performers returning to RFM year after year. “They make the market dance!” Lovaas said. Visitors can also consult Master Gardeners most Saturdays for advice on growing plants.

Reston Farmers Market asks customers to keep dogs away from vendor areas, while EatLoco allows leashed dogs. RFM provides mesh and compostable bags to encourage a plastic-free experience.

As a third option, Reston is home to a midweek farmers market on Wednesdays 3-7 p.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church off Lawyers Road. Run by FRESHFARM, a local network with 26 markets and farm stands in the DMV, this market is open all season. More of a quick stop for fresh groceries than an experience in itself, visitors enjoy this market for its smaller crowds.

Together, the three farmers markets offer Restonians strong opportunities to support local businesses and enjoy fresh, local food.