compiled by Heather Morris
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, what better way to get the freshest, most tasty ingredients and food items than by purchasing at your local farms, markets and specialty shops right here in Carroll County? Whether you need fresh seasonal produce, whole turkeys or sausage for your stuffing, Thanksgiving desserts, or that special ingredient for your secret family recipe, there are a plethora of places to shop right around the corner. And you can feel great about supporting small businesses in your community! The list below is a great start to find what you are looking for. Some items are available directly at the farm or market, or can be found at the Carroll County Farmers’ Market or the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market, which will both be running the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Turkeys and Other Meats
Baugher’s Orchard & Farm
Westminster | Fresh, farm-raised turkeys can be ordered by calling 410-848-5541 at the beginning of November. Orders are taken until they are sold out, but it is recommended to call as soon as possible and at least one week prior to Thanksgiving. Turkeys can be picked up the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving at the Orchard Market at 1015 Baugher Road. Baughers.com
Bullocks Meat Store
Westminster | Local, fresh, whole turkeys or turkey breasts can be ordered by calling 410-848-6796 the week before Halloween up to the week before Thanksgiving. (Or until they are sold out, so get your order in early!) BullocksRestaurant.com/meat-store
Evermore Farm
Westminster | Pasture-raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats. Turkeys can be ordered online ($25 deposit) between mid-September and seven days prior to Thanksgiving (or until they are sold out). Pickup at the Farm Store will be the Monday and Tuesday evenings before Thanksgiving Day. EvermoreFarm.com
Faithful Friends Farm
Westminster | Fresh, pasture-raised, non-GMO turkeys on sale now until sold out (orders encouraged to be made no later than three weeks prior to Thanksgiving). $25 deposit. Orders can be placed by calling/texting 443-889-6000 or through their Facebook page (@faithfulfriendsfarm). FaithfulFriendsFarm.com
K.L. Lemmon & Son
Manchester | Locally grown, free-range, fresh turkeys can be ordered starting in September through one week before Thanksgiving through the online order form or 410-374-3133/kllemmoncc@yahoo.com. Pickup is the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. KLLemmoncc.com
Local Homestead Products
New Windsor | Pasture-raised meats, including fresh, antibiotic and hormone-free Thanksgiving turkeys. Turkeys available for pre-order Oct. 1 and up to two weeks prior to Thanksgiving. Orders can be picked up the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving. LHP.farm
Rare Hold Farmhome
Taneytown | Pasture-raised pork (sausage for your stuffing), chicken, beef (coming soon). All meats are frozen, so they can be purchased any time at the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market. If ordering direct, please allow two-three weeks. RareHoldFarmhome.com
The Stafford Farms
Sykesville | Farm-raised, fresh, natural-fed turkeys. Orders are being taken now up to about one week before Thanksgiving by calling 443-277-5308. Pick up the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. TheStaffordFarms.com
Whispering Breeze Farm
Taneytown | Beef, pork, chicken and fresh, farm-raised, pastured whole turkeys. Year-round, frozen turkey breasts, legs, ground turkey, and wings are also available for purchase. Online orders ($25 deposit) run through the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, depending on availability. Pickups will be the weekend before Thanksgiving through Wednesday, Nov. 23. WhisperingBreezeFarm.com
Produce/Dairy
Chestnut Creek Farm
Westminster | Pumpkin, apples, seasonal vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, and winter squash. Carroll County Farmers’ Market or contact for appointment to pick up direct from farm. chestnutcreekfarm@gmail.com
Clayton Farms
Hampstead | Corn, squash, potatoes, etc. Part of the Chesapeake Farm to Table food hub to order online. Can also order one week in advance and pick up at Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market. claytonfarmsmd@gmail.com
Echo Valley Farm
Hampstead | Squash, root vegetables, herbs, beets. Contact in advance to see what is available for pickup at the farm. EchoValleyFarmMD.com
Finksburg Farms
Finksburg | Nutrient-rich microgreens can be added to any salad or stuffing and comes in several varieties for endless recipes. Also great on sandwiches — think turkey leftovers! Order online or pick up at the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market. FinksburgFarms.com
Lehigh View Farm
Union Bridge | Sweet potatoes, acorn squash, butternut squash, pumpkins, onions, potatoes, kale, etc. Apples and apple cider through their partnership with Catoctin Mountain Orchards. Available at the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market. If ordering from the farm, please contact at least one week in advance for an appointment. lehighviewfarm@yahoo.com
Local Homestead Products
New Windsor | Year-round produce, dairy, bread, eggs, baked goods, jams and honey sold at their Market Farm. LHP.farm
Shepherd’s Manor Creamery
New Windsor | Sheep’s milk cheeses and ewe cream in several different flavors. Cranberry horseradish ewe cream is perfect paired with turkey, and the herbed ewe cream adds a savory flavor to your veggies and potatoes. Products can be ordered for pickup by appointment or at the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market. ShepherdsManorCreamery.com
The Stafford Farms
Sykesville | Fresh, local dairy and produce such as potatoes and fall squash. Preorder at least one week in advance to pick up at the farm or available at the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market. TheStaffordFarms.com
Tomatoes, Etc.
Westminster | Tomatoes, potatoes, winter squash, pumpkin and other produce for all of your Thanksgiving produce needs. Contact for availability at their farm or visit at the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market. James.crebs@gmail.com
Whispering Breeze Farm
Taneytown | Year-round cheeses as well as seasonal cheese such as apple cinnamon, cranberry wine, pumpkin spice, spiced apple wine. WhisperingBreezeFarm.com
Wike Family Farms
Hampstead| Potatoes, fall squashes, low-carb potato squash. Roadside stand near Coppermine 4 Seasons. jessica.wike79@gmail.com
Desserts/Jams/Honey
A Bite of Heaven
Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market | Pies, pound cakes, cookies with gluten-free and vegan options. Delivery and pick-up options available — allow two-three weeks for orders. https://www.abofh.com/
Anita’s
Carroll County Farmers’ Market | Cakes, jams, baked goods.
Baugher’s Orchard & Farm
Westminster | A large assortment of pies, including pumpkin, apple, and cherry and sugar-free options. Pumpkin rolls and other desserts, apple cider, as well as dinner rolls are also available. Orders must be placed by the Sunday before Thanksgiving, online or by calling 410-848-5313. Pickups are all done at the Orchard Market at 1015 Baugher Road. Baughers.com
Bee Haven
Eldersburg | Local honey. Please contact at least one day in advance to order and schedule pick-up. BeeHavenFlowerFarm.com
Bertucco’s Bakery
Hampstead | A variety of pies, yule log cakes, pumpkin rolls and other pumpkin-flavored desserts. Orders can be taken up to four-five days before Thanksgiving in person or by calling 410-374-2500. BertuccosBakery.com
Bold Love Bakery
Mt. Airy | A variety of apple or berry pies, hand pies, scones, cookies, etc. Please order at least one week in advance for Thanksgiving. On Facebook @boldlovefarms
Daisy Hill Farm
Carroll County Farmers’ Market | Baked goods, cakes, muffins, cookies available.
Ginger’s Jams & More
Hampstead | Cakes, hand pies, jams, etc. Can order two days in advance. singginger@gmail.com
Henry Ditman
Carroll County Farmers’ Market | Cranberry, elderberry, black currant and other varieties of homemade jelly. hditman@aol.com
Nelson’s Apiaries
Local honey, which can be a great substitute for sugar in your Thanksgiving and holiday desserts. Carroll County Farmers’ Market. HoneyHarvestFarm.com
Rare Opportunity Bakehouse
Westminster | Specialty cookies, pumpkin scones, mini tarts, and stuffing muffins. They will also be carrying cranberry raspberry preserves, which is great for making cranberry sauce. Sign up online to receive the Thanksgiving Menu via email. Pre-orders are recommended 10 days prior to Thanksgiving by calling 410-598-9409 or stopping by in person. RareOpportunityBakehouse.com
Snickerdoodles Bakery & Coffeehouse
Hampstead | Seasonal desserts, including pies, jumbo pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips, and their special cornucopia crunch cones (pumpkin and other seasonally-flavored cream cheese filled waffle cones). Potato casserole is also a Thanksgiving favorite. Please call one-two weeks before Thanksgiving to place your order by calling 443-508-2143 or stopping by in person. SnickerdoodlesBakes.com
Starry Night Bakery
Westminster | Several holiday-themed desserts including specialty cupcakes with fall flavors, decorated cookie kits, cheesecakes, and dessert trays. An assortment of pies such as pumpkin, apple, cherry, and “snozberry.” Orders are taken one month prior to Thanksgiving and are encouraged to be placed at least one week in advance online or by calling 410-871-9131. StarryNightBakery.com
Sugar Kiss
Carroll County Farmers’ Market | Freezer-friendly cakes, cookies, barks and other desserts. Can order three-five days in advance. laurensharman@gmail.com
Specialty Items
Dmitri’s Olive Farm
Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market | Olive oil, vinegar, olives, tapenades and dips. Available online. DimitriOliveOil.com
Firehouse Creamery
Sykesville | Food market featuring several locally sourced items (ex: South Mountain Creamery, Wagner’s Meats, Baugher’s, Whispering Breeze Farm) such as pies, breads, seasonal ice cream, frozen meats, cheeses, milk, eggs, apple cider, etc. Firehouse-Creamery.business.site
Hood’s Woods
Westminster | Several sweet or savory dip mixes, including seasonal mixes such as pumpkin pie and gingerbread dip, bread and cornbread mixes, and mustard mix which pairs well with ham. Order one week in advance if possible. Also sold at the Carroll County Farmers’ Market and stores throughout Carroll County including the Maryland Store. bonniehood@gmail.com
MJ’s Café & Bakery
Manchester | Artisan breads and pastries, dinner rolls, salads and other items. Available at the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market or order one week in advance from the café, 410-239-8882. Facebook at @mjscafebakery
My Gurl & Me
Westminster | Dry brines and rubs, over 100 seasonings, poultry blends, baking and mulling spices. Salt-free options available with custom orders. Pick up at the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market. Delivery and local pickup options are also available with at least one week’s advance notice. MyGurlAndMe.com
The Elderberry Cabin
Keymar | Elderberry syrup, which is great to use in recipes for cocktails, teas, desserts, etc. Available at the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market and other local stores such as Hahn’s Pork & Beans and Local Homestead. Or order online. TheElderberryCabin.com
The Tea in Me
Westminster | Specialty loose teas with several savory options perfect for pairing with your Thanksgiving dessert. Visit their store at the TownMall of Westminster or at the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market. TheTeaInMe.com
GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY
A free holiday meal is served at The Shepherd’s Staff’s Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, which is held on Thanksgiving Day at St. John Roman Catholic Church in Westminster. All items are donated by local restaurants and the community.
The following donations can be dropped off at the Church Portico (43 Monroe St.) on Wednesday, Nov. 23 between 3-7 p.m.: Butter, onions (bag), celery, apples, oranges, sandwich bags, paper towels, 50-gallon trash bags, wrapped candy, store-bought cookies or brownies.
For more information: The Shepherd’s Staff at 410-857-5944
While we do our best to include all of the fabulous businesses in Carroll County, this list is not all-encompassing and there are many other great places to shop locally.
