There are a few (okay, maybe more than a few) local laments I have about Manassas and NoVa in general. One is that there isn’t a single co-op anywhere on the VA side of the DC metro. Another is the lack of local products used by restaurants in the area. Another is the inability to find children’s clothing from around here.
While I still haven’t figured out where to get local children’s clothes, I have come across the next best thing – a giant consignment sale at the Dulles Expo Center happening this weekend. It’s called Dani’s Duds and features just about everything you need for babies through toddlers. Clothes, strollers, toys, books, play things, high chairs and furniture. You can also sell your items and consigners get into the sale early.
The thing about kids stuff is that it’s used so little. Baby clothes in particular get very little wear. One of the best ways to cut your carbon footprint is to buy used items like these, espeically since so much of it comes from China. It is possible to buy organic clothing for babies but this stuff is extremely expensive. Dani’s Duds helps put a major chink in the chain of consumption.
The sale is Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th from 9 am to 5 pm. Check out the website for more information about consigning, volunteering or for a history of the sale.
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The Manassas Farmers Market started two weeks ago. While the weather was windy, there was some great stuff for sale. We purchased some sausage and ribs from a pork farmer near Orkney Springs and got some really great bread. I’ll be posting more info on both after I go back next time.
We’re excited for produce to show up although it is a bit early for anything not grown in a green house. But, you may be wondering, what about those buckets of oranges and tomatoes that the crowds were flocking to?
The real question is, what on earth is that stuff doing at the farmer’s market? Here’s a little secret: it’s the same produce they sell at Safeway or Giant. None of it is from Virginia and most of it is imported from outside the US. For some reason (probably because it is still too early for local produce and they don’t want to lose early business) the farmer’s markey folk allow a couple people to sell whole sale produce. Basically what this means is that they went to Sam’s Club and bought some Chinese cucumbers and put them in a basket to resell to you. DON’T BE FOOLED. And don’t buy it. These are the same people who hold a “farmer’s market” near the movie theater on the corner of Mathis and Liberia.
Even better, you can call the Manassas Farmer’s Market and ask them to commit to what farmer’s markets are all about – supporting farmers from the area and their goods. You can reach them at 703-361-6599.
You can visit the market’s website for location and more information.
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We love Abuelita tortilla chips. The best are the guacamole chips. While these are sold up and down the east coast, their factory is here in Manassas Park. I get them at the Opera House on Center St (Opera House will be a post of its own later on).
In addition to tasting great, Abuelita chops are….
- No preservatives
- No GMO
- No coloring
- No trans fats
- No blended oils
Categories: tortilla chips
Tagged: tortilla chips
This the first post of Get Local Manassas, a blog devoted to connecting people in the area to local businesses, events, and products. I’ve been collecting lots of great localies in my head for the last few weeks and am looking forward to sharing about my findings. Feel free to add your thoughts, experiences, and opinions in the comments.
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