Shop Local for Thanksgiving: Eastern Shore’s Best Ingredients
Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, and great food. If you’re hosting this year, why not make your meal extra special with fresh, local ingredients? Maryland’s Eastern Shore is home to amazing farmers’ markets, bakeries, and farms where you can find everything you need. Shopping local not only enhances your meal but also supports your community.
Here’s your guide to the best spots to find fresh produce, meats, and baked goods for your Thanksgiving feast.
1. Fresh Produce from Farmers’ Markets
Farmers’ markets are perfect for picking up seasonal favorites like sweet potatoes, squash, apples, and cranberries. Here are some great options:
- Chestertown Farmers’ Market: A classic spot in downtown Chestertown for fresh fruits, veggies, and jams.
- Easton Farmers’ Market: Open year-round, offering produce, eggs, honey, and flowers to brighten your table.
- Fresh Start Food & Garden (Rock Hall, MD): Seasonal produce, plants, and more for your holiday menu.
- Cross Street Market (Galena, MD): Local produce and baked goods with small-town charm.
- Harris Farms (Queen Anne, MD): Known for hand-picked fruits and vegetables, available at markets across the region.
- Dutch Country Farmers Market (Middletown, DE): Amish vendors with fresh meats, cheeses, and baked goods for your holiday feast.
2. Farms and Butcher Shops for Meats
Nothing beats a farm-fresh turkey or locally raised meats for Thanksgiving. Here are some trusted places to shop:
- Sudlersville Meat Locker (Sudlersville, MD): A family-owned butcher shop offering fresh beef and pork.
- SB Farms (Hurlock, MD): Known for free-range poultry and delicious Thanksgiving turkeys.
- Crow Farm (Kennedyville, MD): Grass-fed beef and pork to elevate your holiday meal.
3. Baked Goods and Holiday Treats
Skip the hassle of baking and pick up pies and rolls from these local favorites:
- Modern Stone Age Kitchen (Chestertown, MD): Artisan sourdough breads and rolls made with traditional methods.
- Lapp’s Family Pies: Homemade pies in flavors like apple and pecan for a perfect dessert.
- Evergrain Bread Company (Chestertown, MD): Fresh rolls, pastries, and artisan breads for your feast.
- Rise Up Bakery (Easton, MD): Sweet potato pies, baguettes, and seasonal treats to impress your guests.
4. Specialty Ingredients and Drinks
Add something unique to your Thanksgiving meal with these local treasures:
- The Winery (Chester, MD): Find Maryland-made wines to pair perfectly with your meal.
- Chesapeake Bay Farms (Berlin, MD): Handcrafted cheeses to enhance your appetizers and sides.
5. Join a CSA for Farm-Fresh Boxes
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes deliver seasonal produce straight from local farms. Check if your local farm offers one-time holiday options for fresh ingredients delivered to your doorstep.
Why Shop Local?
Shopping local ensures your Thanksgiving meal is fresh, flavorful, and full of love. It also helps support the farmers, bakers, and artisans who make our community so special. From fresh produce to handcrafted pies, you’ll taste the difference.