Farmer's Market at the J, basic but bountiful

These days, farmers markets sprout up just about anywhere.

Farmer's Market at the J does business at the end of a shaded corridor of office buildings within earshot of the interstate.

Each Friday, a carefully curated line of vendors sets up along one edge of the Simon Family Jewish Community Center's spacious parking lot in Virginia Beach, selling everything from kosher baked goods to purple string beans.

It may be the smallest of the local markets, but the basics are more than covered, and all of the offerings are kosher.

On Friday, as the bounty of spring gave way to summer, seven vendors set up shop. Pungo farmers offered just-picked corn and blackberries. Mattawoman Creek Farms from the Eastern Shore proffered the last of the cooler-weather crops - kale, lettuces and broccoli - and the first harvests of heirloom tomatoes and summer leeks.

An hour before noon, there were plenty of empty spaces in the parking lot and foot traffic at the market was light. Sid Bridge, marketing director for the Simon Family JCC, said the crowd picks up at lunchtime, but there's never a mob.

"You don't have to fight for the good stuff," he said.

the scene

Farmer's Market at the J

the location

Simon Family Jewish Community Center, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, (757) 321-2338, www.simonfamilyj.org. It's 8.7 miles from downtown Norfolk.

the hours

8:30 a.m to 1 p.m. Fridays

variety

The market covers the basics, with a few extras such as kosher baked goods and flavored popcorn.

most unexpected offering

Football-sized loaves of challah bread, freshly baked in the JCC's kosher kitchen, $5; and bunches of kohlrabi, which looks something like a turnip but has the flavor of broccoli and turnips, $3 from Mattawoman Creek Farms on the Eastern Shore

animal offerings

Fresh eggs, $5 a dozen from New Earth Farm, Virginia Beach

produce

Sweet corn, zucchini, potatoes, tomatoes, South Carolina peaches and North Carolina blueberries

prepared foods

Jars of salsas, chow-chow and butters from Flanagan Farm in Virginia Beach and seasoned popcorn and fudge from Jody's Gourmet Popcorn in Virginia Beach

parking

Free in a paved lot with easy access to the vendors, including handicapped spots

don't forget

Bring cash, as well as a cooler and a reusable bag for your purchases.