The Great Escape: Farmer's Market and Lunch

Every now and then we need a break from life, whether it's work, family, or something else. Great Escape is here to give you an idea of a great local escape.

This week, enjoy a visit to the which takes place every Thursday on the Herndon Town Green, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The event features a wide variety of freshly picked fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers to take back to the office. There are also fresh eggs, baked goods, honey and cider to purchase. Milk and cheese products, along with a wide array of meat products are also available. If gardening is an interest, many vendors have small plants at the beginning of the season, while other vendors have larger landscape plants for those ambitious projects.

Afterwards, invite a few people to join you for lunch at one of the many restaurants that Herndon has to offer. is within walking distance from the market and serves up specialties like bangers and mash, burgers, wraps, sandwiches and other standard American fare. While you're there, enjoy watching televised sporting events or challenge your friends to darts.

Of course there's , located just across the street. Appetizers, soups, chili, salads, sandwiches, entrees, and desserts are all available. 

Up the road is the, located at 648 Elden St, which offers yummy Mexican food. The restaurant features appetizers such as taquitos and guacamole, lunches and dinners of carne asada, chimichangas, enchiladas and more. Tortilla factory also offers vegetarian and low-fat selections.

, located at 458 Elden Street, offers burgers, hot dogs and fries. Customers can choose from a "little" burger or a regular one with fries that come overflowing. Most toppings are free and while waiting for their food customers can snack on peanuts that are near the registers and drink stations. They even have vegitarian options.

If you're in the mood for some Italian then perhaps is a good choice. Located at 728 Pine St, a Tuscan cuisine, highlighting the wonderful fresh produce and delicious flavors of Italy, is featured at lunch, including homemade pasta and desserts.

And, if you need to head over to Worldgate, make sure to check out a large number of restuarants including, located at 13059 Worldgate Dr. The modern Asian kitchen and sushi lounge offers a variety of traditional Chinese cuisine as well as a Mongolian grill and buffet for lunch. The food is good, the atmosphere is fun and the prices are reasonable. In that same area is the and .