Eatloco Metropolitan Park/Pentagon City Farmers' Market

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Northern Virginia seeking a dynamic and highly local source for their weekly groceries, specialty foods, and—most importantly—freshly baked treats, the Eatloco Metropolitan Park Farmers' Market is an essential destination. Located in the heart of National Landing, this market is far more than just a place to buy produce; it is a vibrant community hub that brings together some of the best small-batch food producers and artisans from across the region. When considering a "bakery" in the context of supporting local Virginia businesses, the MetPark Farmers' Market represents a diverse collection of independent bakers and pastry makers under one open-air roof.

Instead of a single brick-and-mortar store, the market operates as a rotating showcase of Virginia's culinary talent, ensuring that on any given market day, you can find a unique and enticing selection of breads, pastries, cakes, and other baked goods. It's an opportunity to discover artisanal breads, specialty cheesecakes, and unique regional desserts that you simply won't find in a conventional grocery store. Produced by Eatloco, known for organizing premier local markets in Northern Virginia, the MetPark location offers a high-quality, curated shopping experience.

The market is known for its beautiful setting at Metropolitan Park, a central gathering spot that serves the Pentagon City and greater Arlington community, including those working at the nearby Amazon HQ2. It functions on a seasonal basis, typically running during the warmer months, and hosts a variety of vendors including those specializing in baked goods. By choosing this "bakery" collective, you are directly investing in the growth and sustainability of local Virginia small businesses, guaranteeing a fresher product and a richer community connection.

The diversity of baked goods available is one of the market's main attractions. Visitors can often find everything from traditional European-style bread bakers to vendors offering specific desserts like cheesecakes, brownies, or gluten-free options. The market provides a space where local users can discover new favorite small businesses right in their backyard.

Location and Accessibility

The Eatloco Metropolitan Park Farmers' Market is perfectly situated in a prime, highly accessible area of Arlington, VA, making it an easy trip for residents across Northern Virginia. It is set within the Metropolitan Park in the National Landing district, a location famed for its modern urban amenities and community spaces.

While the specific address provided is 1330 S Fair St, Arlington, VA 22202, the market activities often span across the Central Green and nearby S. Elm Street, creating a lively pedestrian zone. A related address often referenced for the larger park area is 1400 South Eads Street, placing it at a convenient intersection for foot traffic.

Key accessibility features for visitors include:

• Central Park Setting: The market is hosted in Metropolitan Park, which offers excellent community amenities, including picnic tables for enjoying hot food or market treats on site.
• Proximity to Transit: Its location in the Pentagon City/National Landing area means it is well-served by Arlington's public transportation network, making it accessible even without driving.
• Dog-Friendly Space: The surrounding park area is known for being a community gathering place, featuring dog runs, which makes the market a great spot to visit while taking a morning walk with your pet.

The market is designed to be part of the local community's routine, transforming the park into a vibrant, easily navigated marketplace on operating days.

Services Offered

As a "bakery" experience, the Eatloco Metropolitan Park Farmers' Market provides a unique set of services focused on variety and quality:

• Baked Goods and Pastry Vending: Local vendors specialize in a wide range of baked items, including artisanal breads, specialty cheesecakes, cookies, brownies, tarts, and other prepared desserts. Examples of products found at Eatloco markets have included items like guava tarts, alfajores, and dulce de leche brownies, alongside more traditional sweet and savory options.
• Artisanal Bread Sales: The market hosts various bread bakers, sometimes featuring different regional styles (such as German or Greek), ensuring high-quality, fresh-baked bread is available.
• Prepared Foods & Hot Meals: Alongside the baked goods, the market features hot food vendors and prepared meals, allowing visitors to grab breakfast or lunch—which often includes market-sourced bagels and coffee—to enjoy at the park’s picnic tables.
• Dietary-Specific Options: Many vendors are small, flexible producers, and the market often features items for various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan baked goods. Customers are encouraged to inquire directly with vendors about specific product ingredients.
• Direct-to-Consumer Sales: All transactions are direct between the local artisan/baker and the customer, fostering a unique connection and ensuring you get the freshest product possible.

Features / Highlights

The Eatloco MetPark Farmers' Market stands out in the Arlington food scene due to its community focus and diverse offerings:

• Seasonal Operation: The market runs on a seasonal basis, typically from March/April through October/November, providing a vibrant open-air shopping experience during the best weather months. It operates on both Tuesdays (10 AM–2 PM) and Saturdays (9 AM–1 PM) during its season, offering two opportunities a week to shop local.
• Focus on Local Virginia Small Businesses: The market is committed to showcasing local producers, with a significant percentage of vendors being from Loudoun and Arlington Counties, directly supporting the Northern Virginia economy.
• Vibrant Community Atmosphere: The Central Green location is utilized for events, socialization, and relaxation, offering a relaxed environment to shop, eat, and socialize with neighbors.
• Diverse Sweet and Savory Options: Unlike a typical single-product bakery, the market provides a spectrum of baked goods from multiple independent creators, offering unparalleled variety in one convenient place. Patrons might find a gourmet cheesecake from one vendor and an artisanal sourdough loaf from another.

Contact Information

While the “bakery” is a collection of vendors, general information regarding market operations can be found using the Eatloco contact details:

Address: 1330 S Fair St, Arlington, VA 22202, USA (Metropolitan Park Area)

Phone (Eatloco General Inquiries): (201) 665-4215

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing to get your baked goods from the Eatloco Metropolitan Park Farmers' Market is an investment in quality, community, and variety that is often unmatched by conventional retail outlets in Virginia.

It is worth choosing for the Unique Vendor Mix. On any given day, a Virginia resident can browse the goods of multiple talented bakers, trying out different styles and specialties. This is the place to find a gluten-free cookie or a specialty tart that a larger store simply won't stock. This rotating selection means there is always something new to discover, turning a simple errand into a pleasant weekly adventure.

The commitment to Farm-to-Table Freshness is another key draw. Since the focus is local agriculture and production, the ingredients used by the bakers are often of a higher quality and sourced from nearby farms also participating in the market. This localized food chain contributes to a superior, fresher final product.

Finally, the market is a must-visit for the Experience itself. Shoppers from Arlington and the surrounding DC area value the chance to shop in a relaxed, open-air setting, complete with green spaces, hot food vendors, and a clear sense of local community engagement. It transforms the necessary task of grocery shopping into an enjoyable social activity, making it a beloved institution among Northern Virginia food enthusiasts. For the freshest breads and the most unique local desserts, the Eatloco MetPark Farmers' Market is the professional and friendly choice.

Eatloco Metropolitan Park/Pentagon City Farmers' Market

1330 S Fair St, Arlington, VA 22202, USA