Do you have a secret dream percolating on the backburner? If so, take some inspiration from the Bethesda Central Farm Market, where vendors, through selling local produce, beef and even coffee, are living their dreams. Bethesda Central Farm Market is small compared to some other farmers’ markets in Montgomery County, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality and diverse products.

Sandra Miller, for example, is a dynamic woman who owns Painted Hands Farm. Miller used to work in industry, but 10 years ago decided to buy her own farm. She said she found her previous work very interesting, but felt that by doing that work she was contributing to the problem. Now, she feels she is contributing to the solution, because people need access to clean, honest, nutritional food. 

Her farm focuses on goats and veal because these animals are smaller and easier to handle.  She also finds these smaller animals to be more sustainable, because they don’t take as many resources to raise. They are also quicker to market—she can raise three sets of meat in the time it would take to raise one set of steer. She also reduces her risk, because she can spread the risk out among 10 to 12 goats.  Goat, she says, is also very popular to some ethnic communities in the area and by raising and selling goat, she enables them to maintain their culture.

At the Community Gardens stall, meet Robert, who naturally grows diverse gourmet salad mixes. Although he came to the Bethesda Central Farm Market just last year, he has already developed a strong following.  

Robert knew he wanted to be a farmer, but he didn’t have the big equipment.  “I knew that I eat salad every day,” he said, explaining why he decided to focus on specialty salads.  His arugula and bok choy salads are most popular. In preparation for Sunday's market, he had readied 300 bags.

Joyce and Travis Miller described themselves as empty nesters. They developed a hickory syrup that became so popular among their friends, they decided to try to bottle and sell it. They arrived at the Bethesda Central Farm Market from Berrybille, Virginia only a few weeks ago. Travis noted their hickory syrup “tastes like nothing else!” He said it can be used as a glaze on meats, on dessert items, or even vegetables.

The market offers more than just shopping—community members were invited on the market’s website to enter the Bethesda Central Farm Market’s Strawberry Festival Recipe Contest. All proceeds will be donated to Manna to help feed the hungry.  Winners will be announced Sunday.

Of course, if you don’t have time to chat with these wonderful personalities or partake in the activities, you can always just shop and eat.  Patisserie Poupon offers croissants, Danishes and apple turnovers. Walnut Hill Farm sells Black Angus beef and eggs. Two-Acre Farm has an organic CSA and sells red potatoes and salad mixes. Cava Mezze serves Greek-inspired cuisine.

 A stroll through the Bethesda Central Farm Market on a Sunday morning is likely to leave you healthy, relaxed and inspired! Check it out!

The Bethesda Central Farm Market is located on Elm Street between Wisconsin and Woodmont Avenues on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  On Thursdays, the Market is located on Bethesda Lane.