Homegrown Frederick 2018-2019 by Diversions Publications, Inc.

From Grain to Glass | Family Fun at Homegrown Hay Days | Farmers New to the Field In partnership with Frederick County Office of Economic Development | Supplement to Frederick Magazine

Supplement to Frederick Magazine

PUBLISHERS Shawn Dewees Joseph Silovich MANAGING EDITOR Nancy Luse ART DIRECTOR & PRODUCTION MANAGER Matthew Piersall GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Annie Ellis Matthew Piersall CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Turner Photography Studio FREDERICK COUNTY OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Helen Propheter, director Heather Gramm, assistant director Katie Albaugh, agriculture business development specialist Sharon Hipkins, administrative assistant ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Stephanie Dewees stephdewees@fredmag.com Linda Dove ldove@fredmag.com Leslie Lillo llillo@fredmag.com Jean Wright jwright@fredmag.com DISTRIBUTOR Josh Ensor alloutdist@aol.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Stephanie Dewees subscriptions@fredmag.com

Telephone: 301-662-8171 FAX: 301-662-8399

www.fredmag.com Letters to the editor: editor@fredmag.com Homegrown Frederick is an annual publication of Diversions Publications, Inc., 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601 (ISSN 006-923). Periodicals postage paid at Frederick, MD. Subscriptions to Frederick Magazine, $24.95 per year, which includes the Homegrown Frederick and all other annual guides (available through the business office). Back issues w/in the last 12 mo/$3.95. Prior to 12 mos. ago/$7. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Frederick Magazine, 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601. Customer inquiries to same address or call 301-662-8171. Distributed through mail subscriptions, home delivery, and sold at newsstands and other locations in Frederick, Upper Montgomery counties, and throughout the Central Maryland region. Advertising rates available on request. Manuscripts, drawings, and other submissions must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Frederick Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submissions, including letters and e-mail, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and as subject to Frederick Magazine’s unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. © DIVERSIONS PUBLICATIONS, INC. 2018. All Printed on contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole Recycled or in part for any reason without prior approval of the publisher. Paper

Our Family Serving Yours Since 1848.

For over 170 years, we have served families in the community. They trust our staff and the commitment we have made to them. 106 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 301.662.2175 www.keeneybasford.com

KEENEY & BASFORD, P.A. Funeral Home

CONTENTS 8

10 18 24

ABOUT THE COVER Ben and Heather Sayler, owners of Pleasant Hill Produce in Walkersville, are new to farming, embracing the job of helping to feed their customers.

The Homegrown Brand

Career Switch to Farming

From Grain to Glass

Agriculture Innovations

Homegrown Hay Days (Formerly Family Festival @ the Farm)

Markets Feed Local Residents

Many Facets of Springfield Manor

A Toast to Excellence

Spirits from the Farm

Farm Listings

HOMEGROWN FREDERICK BRAND EXPANDS Sometimes when she’s out with her husband, Helen Propheter, director of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, will spot a copy of Homegrown Frederick. “I’ll say, ‘see, that’s ours,’” she recalls, the publication continuing to be a matter of pride five years after it was launched. The annual magazine is a partnership between OED and Frederick Magazine— publisher Shawn Dewees came up with the name one night when he couldn’t sleep. “It used to be the Frederick County Farm Guide,” Propheter says of a slim pamphlet that contained a fraction of what is published today. We wanted something that was artistically pleasing and showed the importance of agriculture in the county.” Agriculture has had a presence on the OED website, but with the expansion

and diversification of farms in Frederick County, the web designer recommended it have its own site—the obvious name being Homegrown Frederick. Katie Albaugh, OED agriculture business development specialist, says the site is continuously being updated with agricultural news valued by the community. “A third piece to the Homegrown Frederick branding happened last year as part of our 20-some year partnership with the Great Frederick Fair,” Propheter says. The fair

Extension Service Turns 100 | Frederick County Abounds with Markets | Growers Share Their Favorite Recipes

Creating the Perfect Farm Name | Find a Favorite Farmers Market or CSA | Produce Farm Fresh Recipes

Barns: A Cherished Part of Farming | Homegrown by Heroes | Women Embrace Farming

In partnership with Frederick County Business Development & Retention | Supplement to Frederick Magazine

In partnership with Frederick County Office of Economic Development | Supplement to Frederick Magazine

2014

2015

Frederick County Office of Economic Development

2016

designated the Homegrown Frederick building where the county’s craft beverage business is featured. “We had 10,600 people get wristbands” to enjoy the products, Albaugh says. Evening musical entertainment added to the experience. They want to increase the education component of the exhibit. Both women say they are pleased with how far the Homegrown Frederick brand has grown, especially the magazine. “You know when things are getting busy when we have farmers saying they need five more boxes of magazines” to give to customers, Propheter says. “We can’t keep it on the shelves.”

2017

2018

Red Shedman Farm “Hops are the salt and pepper of a recipe,” says Dan Carroll, owner of Pleasant Valley Hops which grows six different hop varieties on 13 acres between two farms in Rohrersville and Frederick. Working with eight to 10 breweries each year, this is their sixth growing season and they usually sell out. “We have pretty much grown every year since we started,” he says. “...The industry, as a whole, has just been really great as far as their support. They really strive for a high quality product and something that competes with what they have gotten for years and years from the Pacific Northwest. (Beer manufactures) are very supportive of the East Coast smaller guys having a part in that. Everybody likes local so it helps them as well.” Carroll notes Frederick-based Flying Dog Brewery is one of their biggest supporters even recently pairing with

them on their limited release 12bottle variety pack East Coast Hops Project. With the farm providing cascade and nugget hops, the Flying Dog team created a pale ale. The pack also includes New York-based rye pale ale and an IPA out of Baltimore County. Flying Dog's Chief Marketing Officer Ben Savage notes beer—at its core—is an agricultural product. “I think beer, historically, has a perception problem. I think that people don’t automatically associate it with an agricultural product for whatever reason. It’s widely known that wine comes from the earth but people don’t realize that beer does as well so what we are trying to do slowly but surely is educate the consumer on

the fact that beer is an agricultural product. Without farms, we wouldn’t have beer.” While the state’s largest brewery tries to use as much local agriculture as possible for some of the smaller projects, they still get a majority from other parts of the country. But they’re trying to change that. They have partnered with the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to study 24 hop varieties to see how they grow locally, including how climate affects harvest dates and levels of acids and oil in the hops. The first 12 varieties were planted in 2016 and selected by academic and industry experts based on what might grow well in the state and what local brewers were using. The last dozen were chosen after an informal survey of state growers and brewers on region marketability. Savage says it’s a cart before the horse in some respects. “Local farms aren’t going to get to a scale that is economical for them without breweries like ourselves forcing the issue. ...They are not going to invest in fields and fields of grain and hops if there is no demand for it. We are trying to do our part to help manufacture demand so they feel comfortable investing in what ultimately will need to be done to create a truly sustainable beer agriculture industry here in Maryland.”

The hops will be annually analyzed and evaluated for quality. The first report came out in mid-spring this year. Savage hopes to have the data a little earlier next year so farmers may plan before planting season. “At the end of the day, for us, it’s all about quality,” Savage says. “We try to use our size and our presence in the community to say ‘Hey. We know what good quality beer looks like. We know what good quality raw materials look like’ and it’s not that easy to just plant hops in the ground and expect them to be high quality, and so whatever we can do to help the industry to start from a good place of quality and understand what makes good quality that will help us out. That will help all brewers out. It will help the Maryland beer agricultural industry. ...We want to do our part to make sure we have world-class, high-quality beer because when somebody comes out and is not producing quality beer that hurts us all.” Catoctin Mountain Orchard’s president Robert Black says he gets emails and phone calls from area libations makers asking if he has crops they may purchase for their recipes. Sometimes he has excess crops and other times weather related events can lead to fruit imperfections. One year, the Thurmont-based farm provided apricots to Linganore Winecellars and Springfield Manor Winery Distillery and Brewery made a port with the orchard’s blackberries. Black has started keeping a list so when businesses inquire about a certain fruit, orchard staff may call them back if there’s some to provide.

“We can get some money from it,” he says. “...This helps us to keep on moving along and make something out of a huge crop.”

‘It’s Corn, Wheat and Rye’ Spirit makers also reflect some of the same qualities as farmers. McClintock Distilling in Frederick is the first organically certified distillery in the state as well as 100 percent wind powered. “Really, at its core, we are an agriculture-based business,” says Braeden Bumpers, coowner. “Probably 70 to 80 percent of a spirits character and flavor is going to come from the raw ingredients you use so we are looking at the same thing farmers are looking at when they are getting their grains: is it cleaned well, what the starch content is, what the flavor profile is. People say you make bourbon— it’s corn, wheat and rye. There are hundreds of different varieties of corn. There’s a ton of different wheats. There’s a bunch of different heirloom ryes you can use. We are looking at the subtle differences that the farmers do. It’s about quality and I think a lot of the farmers feel the same way about what they are growing.” When the distillery first started, Bumpers couldn’t find

anyone in the state who was growing to their standard of crops so they went through a broker to get quality products— yet they still wanted local. “If we are here and can demonstrate that we are a business that will be around and will buy 100 tons of grain per year, we can start showing that the demand is there and motivating some farmers to start growing organic heirloom quality grains,” he says. McClintock has now paired up with Thurmont-based Bought The Farm providing them with orders of rye, wheat and corn. By fall, about 95 percent of grains they’re using will have been grown by farmer Charles Brault. With sustainability as a core mission, the distillery also gives the spent grain to a farmer for organic feed for his pigs and cows and used gin botanicals to Sweet Farm to extract oils for a ginger beer. “It

Barley & Hops

is so easy for consumers to just pick a bottle off the shelf,” Bumpers says. “You don’t need to know where it comes from. Who made any of that. There is so much that goes into it and it is cool to see from our standpoint we are starting to find these consumers that are interested. Where does this come from? Who is making it? Is it local? A lot of our retail partners—restaurants and bars—are looking for that now, too. I’ve been in this industry for awhile and if somebody had told me seven years ago that people would be caring where their spirits came from I probably would have laughed it off but it is really awesome to see this full life cycle that people are looking at now.” Sometimes craft beverage makers also collaborate to get the tastes they want. A few years ago, Barley and Hops made a malt beer, Lando, named after the Star Wars character played by actor Billy Dee Williams who was a spokesperson for Colt 45. Since the restaurant/brewery had some left over after its run, the Frederick-based Dragon Distillery took the excess and created a malt whisky known as Smuggler’s Run. Owner Mark T. Lambert says the drink was excellent and requested by many customers. “Any of the small batches we do, we sell out really really quickly,” he says. “Local collaborations are very important to the community here. Pretty much every time we do a local collaboration it sells out almost immediately." They also collaborated with Olde Mother Brewery in Frederick on a beer called Botanicals. Dragon offers a joust gin with about nine different botanicals. Olde Mother used its gin botanicals in 14

Olde Mother Brewing the same concentration and dry hopped them into a beer. The distillery also works together with Flying Dog to create a rye whisky known as Dragon Dog Frederick Rye. The brewery creates a rye beer every couple of weeks and sends some to Dragon to distill. The pair also works together on seasonals. Flying Dog creates an imperial pumpkin ale called Fear and sends 500 gallons to Dragon where it’s distilled and bottled. The following year when the brewery releases Fear again, the distillery dispenses Fear the Dragon—a whisky based on the beer. In late spring, Flying Dog released an IPA beer called Snake Dog while Dragon, in conjunction, took the same hop blend and unveiled Snake Dragon Hopped Vodka. Next spring, Dragon will have a brandy based on Linganore Winecellars wine. “When you fortify a wine, you take the wine and distill it into brandy and add that brandy back into the wine,” Lambert

says. “They needed some brandy to fortify some of their wine. They sent us wine, we distilled it and sent back about 80 percent of what we distilled and kept 20 percent and (are) aging it so that we are going to have a brandy based on that Linganore wine.” The distillery also gives its used bourbon barrels to Distillery Lane Ciderworks and they use it to age a cider and Olde Mother uses it for a stout. “The community is really supportive of the craft industry and customers here in Frederick love to see those local collaborations,” Lambert says. “They like Olde Mother and they like us and when we work together, it helps both of us. It also brings each of us new customers. ...It’s a cross marketing, cross promotional thing but it is also good for the community and industry. The craft beverage industry is much more collaborative than many other industries out there.”

In operation since the mid-1800s. Family owned and operated for 7 generations! Visit us at the farm or find our produce at local farmers markets. Farm Market: Open Daily, 10 am–6 pm.

16239 Sabillasville Rd. • Sabillasville, MD www.scenicvieworchards.com • 301.271.2149 CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS AND EVENTS.

HOMEGROWN HAY DAYS OFFER A CHANCE TO VISIT FARMS The annual fall festival sponsored by the Frederick County Office of Economic Development may have a new name—Homegrown Hay Days, formerly Family Festival @ the Farm—but the purpose remains the same: To make the public aware of where their food comes from while at the same time offering fun to those visiting farms where they can pick apples, ride on a farm wagon, interact with alpacas or countless other activities. This year’s event is Oct. 20 and 21. “People can learn about agriculture and see just how diverse Frederick County agriculture is,” says Katie Albaugh, OED’s agriculture business development specialist. “We have 21 farms participating, up from 18 last year. There’s something for everyone in Hay Days whether it’s a family with children going to a pumpkin patch, millennials on a day out with friends” or seniors reminding themselves of days on the farm. “You get to meet and talk with the farmer” and learn what’s involved in their jobs. Admission is free although some locations may offer special activities which have a fee. Beverage tastings are available at Catoctin Breeze Vineyard, 15010 Roddy Road, Thurmont; Linganore Winecellars, 13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy; Orchid Cellar Meadery and Winery, 8546 Pete Wiles Road, Middletown;

Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm, 8253 Dollyhyde Road, Mount Airy and Black Ankle Vineyards, 14463 Black Ankle Road, Mount Airy. Milkhouse is also featuring a hay ride tour of the farm and the other locations will have walking tours of their operations. Farm markets will be available at some spots where visitors can buy produce, fall decorations for their homes, cider, jams and jellies and crafts. At South Mountain Creamery, 8305 Bolivar Road, Middletown, visitors can feed the calves, see cows being milked and more. Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm will have sheep shearing demonstrations along with spinning and weaving and Nick’s Organic Farm, 2733 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown, has animal feedings and hay rides. Winterbrook Farms, 13001 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont, boasts the state’s largest corn maze and has a petting zoo, mountain slides, a pedal cart track, zip lines and an apple cannon. These are just some of the many adventures of Homegrown Hay Days. www.homegrownfrederick.com

Adams County, PA

HOMEGROWN HAY DAYS LOCATION MAP

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PARTICIPATING FARMS 1. Black Ankle Vineyards* 2. Brookfield Pumpkins 3. Catoctin Breeze Vineyard* 4. Catoctin Mountain Orchard 5. Distillery Lane Ciderworks* 6. Gaver Farm 7. Glade Link Farms 8. Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch 9. Linganore Winecellars* 10. Mayne’s Tree Farm 11. Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm*

12. Nick’s Organic Farm 13. Orchid Cellars 14. Rocky Point Creamery 15. Scenic View Orchards 16. South Mountain Creamery

Lou dou nC ou nt *Craft Beverage Tasting Available

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17. Summers Farm 18. Sycamore Spring Farm 19. Thanksgiving Farm 20. Whispering Meadows 21. Winterbrook Farm

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Serendipity Leads to —MANY FACETS OF —

Springfield Manor WRITTEN BY Gina Gallucci-White

When Amie and John St. Angelo bought the 130-acre Springfield Manor property in Thurmont in 2004, they had no intention of starting the first farm operation in the state to become a winery, distillery and brewery. Nor did they intend to open a bed and breakfast along with starting an annual Lavender Festival and hosting more than 100 weddings a year. All these adventures just happened. “It starts off and we can’t really see where God is going to go with this, but it turns out to be something good,” says Amie St. Angelo. For more than a quarter of a century, the Germantown couple has run Advantage Construction. “We had one box of business cards in 1990 and when the box ran out, we never needed any more and the business has thrived,” she says noting they don’t have a website. Every job comes through word of mouth and their construction schedule gets filled fast. With the Thurmont land, the St. Angelos planned to keep 100 acres

including a mid-1700s house and 1800s barn originally owned by James Johnson, the brother of Maryland's first governor, Thomas Johnson. The name Springfield comes from the property’s seven limestone springs. The remaining 30 acres would be made into five lots for a housing subdivision. By the time everything was in order to start building, the housing market crashed and they decided to alter their original plan. They asked the Frederick County Office of Economic Development what they would like to see on the property and staff recommended a winery and country inn, citing the scenic views and prominent placement adjacent to U.S. 15. The couple, who has five children, were initially hesitant as they didn’t drink wine and also did home-

schooling along with their construction business. “We thought ‘OK. I guess we could learn. We are educable,’” Amie St. Angelo says. They dove in by hiring experts to teach them about vines and making wine. While getting the proper licenses, they were told laws were changing to allow for distilleries so they decided to add on spirits to their continuing education. Opening in 2015, “our plan was to just sell wine and spirits here,” Amie St. Angelo says. “Basically we are selling experience along with the bottle of product. We didn’t set out to distribute anything. If you want it, you have to come here, enjoy it here at our farm so we can share our farm with that experience.” Guests will find a full palate of handcrafted wine on their menu from driest, boldest red to sweet white including chardonnay, traminette and sauvignon blanc. Spirits range from bourbon, rye whisky, corn whisky, patriot rum and caramel corn whisky. The brewery was added two years later thanks to their son Christopher. Taking a class at Mount St. Mary's University on the chemistry of brewing and a part of a brew club, he thought his parents should add a brewery. The couple didn’t have the time, but his friend Mike Flyte

Springfield is in talks to start distributing their lavender gin outside of Frederick County in response to people across the country wanting to buy it.

came onboard to become their brewmaster after they bought the equipment. They began selling four beers in October—citrus IPA, pale ale, amber ale and toasted coconut. While Christopher helps with brewing, their daughter Valerie runs events and is the winery manager and their son Nicholas works in the tasting room. “This is a Harvard business education for my kids,” Amie St. Angelo says. “This has been the most all encompassing place to learn. You learn everything from science and marketing to home improvements to social media to culinary and hospitality. It is all encompassing.” The two to three acres of lavender is there thanks to inspiration from Amie St. Angelo’s mother who would annually go to the Pennsylvania Lavender Festival bringing back a present each time. In 2008, Amie St. Angelo decided to get some lavender to plant near the barn. After an order fell through for a Maryland lavender seller, she ended up buying 2,600

Springfield started with wine and has steadily added to its offerings including as a wedding venue.

Guests will find a full palate of handcrafted wine on their menu from driest, boldest red to sweet white.

The property includes a mid-1700s house and 1800s barn. The name Springfield comes from the property’s seven limestone springs. English and French plugs. “When it blooms, it is mind boggling beautiful,” she says. “People would say to us ‘Why do you have all that lavender?’” So they decided to host a festival, which sells out every year, in mid-June to celebrate the flowering plant. They also use the plant for their most prized product—lavender gin— which won a San Francisco World Spirit Competition Double Gold Best of Class award. The St. Angelos get emails every week and sometimes multiple ones in a day from people across the country asking where they may buy the gin. She writes back Thurmont. “They are like ‘What is Thurmont?’ and I’m like ‘That is my little town!’” The family is in talks to start distributing the lavender gin to “send it near and far to bring some notoriety and some fame to Thurmont and Frederick County.” Come fall, leaves will not be the only orange and yellow that folks will be seeing on the farm. They are

planning a field of sunflowers. They are also putting a 1,500 square-foot addition onto the barn for a taproom for the brewery set to be completed by the end of the year. They also plan to up their beer offerings from four to eight and adding ciders sometime in the summer. The couple work at their construction business Monday through Thursday but Friday through Sunday

they are dedicated to Springfield Manor. “Frederick County really has made business quite possible here because they are, for sure, the ones who not only suggested the business but they have opened every door to make it happen,” Amie St. Angelo says. “...It is a great county to do business in and it has been fabulous for our whole family.”

WET YOUR WHISTLE FREDERICK A BEACON IN THE LIBATION SEARCH Maryland has more than 1,000 acres of grapes being turned into wine. Frederick County is front and center with many vineyards located within its borders. But there’s more. The county is also home to a growing number of breweries and distilleries, many relying on local growers to provide ingredients to make their products special. Visit www.homegrownfrederick.com to view a map of locations. AMERICAN SHOCHU COMPANY 4539 Metropolitan Court Frederick www.newamericanspirits.com

Catoctin Breeze Vineyard

BLACK ANKLE VINEYARDS

DISTILLERY LANE CIDER WORKS

44463 Black Ankle Road Mount Airy www.blackankle.com

5533 Gapland Road Jefferson www.distillerylaneciderworks.com

BREWER’S ALLEY

ELK RUN

124 N. Market St. Frederick www.brewers-alley.com

15113 Liberty Road Mount Airy www.elkrun.com

CATOCTIN BREEZE VINEYARD

FLYING DOG BREWERY

15010 Roddy Road Thurmont www.catoctinbreeze.com

4607 Wedgewood Blvd. Frederick www.flyingdogbrewery.com

DRAGON DISTILLERY

FREY’S BREWING COMPANY

1341 Hughes Ford Road, Suite 108 Frederick www.dragondistillery.com

8601 Mapleville Road Mount Airy www.freysbrewing.com

ATTABOY BEER CO. 400 Sagner Ave. Frederick www.attaboybeer.com

BARLEY AND HOPS 5473 Urbana Pike Frederick www.barleyandhops.net

BERRYWINE PLANTATIONS LINGANORE WINECELLARS 13601 Glissans Mill Road Mount Airy www.linganorewines.com

HIDDEN HILLS FARM AND VINEYARD

Mad Science Brewing at Thanksgiving Farms

7550 Green Valley Road Frederick www.hiddenhillsfarmandvineyard.com

IDIOM BREWING CO. 340 E. Patrick St., Suite 104 Frederick www.idoimbrewing.com

LINKS BRIDGE VINEYARDS 8830 Old Links Bridge Road Thurmont www.linksbridgevineyards.com

HOUSE CAT BREWING COMPANY

MIDNIGHT RUN BREWING

RED SHEDMAN FARM BREWERY

912 N. East St. Frederick www.midnightrunbrewing.com

13601 Glissans Mill Road Mount Airy www.redshedman.com

MILKHOUSE BREWERY AT STILLPOINT FARM

ROCKWELL BREWERY

400 Sagner Ave. Frederick www.housecatbrewing.com

8253 Dollyhyde Road Mount Airy www.milkhousebrewery.com

LOEW VINEYARDS

MONOCACY BREWING

880 N. East St. www.rockwellbrewery.com

SMOKETOWN BREWING STATION 223 W. Potomac St. Brunswick www.smoketownbrwing.com

14001 Liberty Road Mount Airy www.lowevineyards.com

1781 N. Market St. Frederick www.monocacybrewing.com

MAD SCIENCE BREWING AT THANKSGIVING FARMS

NEW MARKET PLAINS VINEYARD

SPRINGFIELD MANOR WINERY, DISTILLERY, BREWERY

1619 Buckeystown Pike www.madsciencebrewing.com

11111 W. Baldwin Road New Market www.newmarketplains.com

11836 Auburn Road Thurmont www.springfieldmanor.com

MAZZAROTH VINEYARD

OLDE MOTHER BREWING CO.

TENTH WARD DISTILLING CO.

8333 Myersville Road Myersville www.mazzarothvineyard.com

911 E. Patrick St. Frederick www.oldemother.com

508 E. Church St. Frederick www.tenthwarddistilling.com

MCCLINTOCK DISTILLING

ORCHID CELLAR MEADERY & WINERY

WILLOW OAKS CRAFT CIDER

35 S. Carroll St. Frederick www.mcclintockdistilling.com

8546 Pete Wiles Road Middletown www.orchidcellar.com

6219 Harley Road Middletown www.willowoakscraftcider.com

As a member of a Washington, D.C. real estate team, Morgan Wilson spent years selling high end residential properties, yet she knew she didn’t want to stay in the field forever. She took some career tests to determine where her skill set could be utilized the most. “I was sure it was going to tell me I should be a nurse,” she says.

Morgan Wilson: Belle Blooms

But the tests concluded she should be a horticulturist. “I always thought it would be so nice to have a farm but I didn’t really know what I would do with it,” Wilson says. Living in an efficiency apartment at the time, she wasn’t sure how to get her foot in the door in agriculture. She began to research farming and discovered more than three quarters of flowers sold in the United States are imported from South America and Europe. Wilson spoke with her parents, who lived in Havre de Grace at the time, and the trio decided in 2015 to buy a farm in Adamstown. Wanting an alliterative name, they chose Belle Blooms as the name for their flower farm. Wilson attended French emersion school when she was young and “belle” means beautiful. Her parents have a flock of chickens and a little herd of sheep while she mainly handles the flowers. She started small the first year with an eighth of an acre;

then moved up to a quarter and this year up to an acre and a quarter. “We’ve grown a little bit every year,” she says. “...Working outside is really amazing for me. It’s so different from sitting at a desk all day or even just being in my car. (I did) so much running around the city to different appointments for real estate.” Earlier this year, Wilson quit her job at the real estate firm to go into farming full time. “Something had to give,” she says. “I couldn’t keep up the pace of basically having two full time jobs. ...I was just putting so much energy into this farm, but not really able to give it 100 percent. Not really knowing what I could make of it when I was still working” at the firm. The farm is known for its dahlias but also grows a variety of flowers including peonies, lilacs, snap dragons, foxglove and zinnias. “We try to grow flowers that don’t ship well and don’t import well,” she says noting many of

The Sayler Family: Pleasant Hill Produce

her customers are wedding and event professionals. Wilson enjoys bringing a little bit of beauty into the world with her flowers. “We live in such a crazy time,” she says. “I feel like (bouquets of flowers) cause people to slow down. It’s an interesting conversation starter. ...I love teaching people about growing and that we import so many flowers and the fact we want to change that.”

That First Tomato Ben Sayler recalls the excitement he felt the first couple of harvests he had at his farm, Pleasant Hill Produce. That feeling continues into his fifth year. “I always look forward to picking that first tomato,” he says. “That is something I

think will never go away—the sheer excitement and the challenge of it. (Farming) is very difficult to do. There are a million ways to farm vegetables. It’s a never ending learning process.” Sayler’s background is mainly in the outdoors including working as a forester and in the natural resources department at Monocacy National Battlefield. He was employed as Flying Dog Brewery's quality assurance manager before starting the farm in 2012. His wife Heather Sayler worked as a math teacher in Frederick County

Public Schools before transitioning to the farm full time in 2015 and raising their two small children. “We knew we liked gardening our own food and growing food and wanted to do something to really give back to the community,” Ben Sayler says. Named for the small subdivision listed on their house's deed, the Walkersvillebased farm is focused on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and local farmers markets. “We want to create that strong loyal relationship with our customers,” Ben Sayler says.

Last year, the farm grew close to 100 different varieties of vegetables such as garlic, heirloom tomatoes and salad mixes. “People appreciate the food (we grow),” Heather Sayler says. “They want to know where their food comes from and they love that it is high quality and fresh. Just making that connection with people and sharing it with our community is really important.”

‘Do What I Want’ Frederick resident Janice Wiles has been involved in land use and management for many years including doing field work in Brazil and working with organizations such as NASA and World Wildlife Fund. Locally, she has also championed the environmentally-friendly non-profit Friends of Frederick County. Working as a consultant for years, she was able to put both her children through college. After finishing paying the last tuition bill, “I said ‘OK. Now I am going to do what I want’ ... I’ve been in the service of my family for years. Raising kids and taking care of everybody and (farming) is something I can just (tackle).” Last year, she started Doce Lume Farm in Frederick selling vegetables and herbs for wholesale markets. Doce in Portuguese means “sweet light” while Lume are the first two letters of her children’s names. “Last year, I grew quite a variety of things because I wanted to see what the markets wanted,” she says. Wiles sees no drawbacks to the farming life—only a lot of challenges and potential. “I always say I started out in the mud and now I am going back to the mud and it feels so good,” she jokes.

Janice Wiles: Doce Lume Farm

"U Y A R M O N T H E& When you buy directly from farmers, you get fresh, healthy produce, keep your food dollars close to home, and support a local farm family.

HOMEGROWN FREDERICK, a service of the Office of Economic Development, serves farmers and citizens by promoting local agriculture and business in order to preserve the rich heritage of our County. Search for local events, creameries, craft beverages, products and more.

Visit www.HomegrownFrederick.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

LETS TALK TuRKEY, and so Much More. Sure, We Offer the Area’ s Freshest Turkey but Did You Know We Also Make

Fresh Turkey Sausage Potpies, Turkey Jerky Turkey Snack Stix

Not to Mention

(6 Flavors)

Smoked Turkey Parts

All Natural Fresh Chicken, DEli-Sliced Roast Beef, Country Ham and Pork Bacon At Amazing Prices

301.271.2728

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www.hillsideturkey.com

30 Elm St., Thurmont, MD 21788 • Store Hours: Thursday and Friday 8am-3pm, Saturday 8am-12pm

Stop By and See For Yourself. Get Perky, Eat More Turkey

FUTURE FARMS TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE WAY GROWERS OPERATE By Gina Gallucci-White

The 500-acre Mid-View Farm in Jefferson has more than 350 dairy cows. “We feel that sand is the best possible bedding surface for the comfort and health of our cows. However, sand is a difficult product to deal with because how hard it is on equipment,” says Becca Tucker, herd manager. A few years ago, Mid-View purchased a separator system that cleans the sand and allows it to be reused after drying out. Tucker estimates the system reclaims about 85 percent of the sand. Before, the farm would have to order new sand every couple of weeks. “It might be an upfront cost to get these innovations and get these new technologies, but in the long run it is saving us money down the road and that is really important,” Tucker says. Many local farmers—in all areas of agriculture—are turning to technology and new techniques to become more efficient. “[Innovation] allows them to be more profitable on the same or less amount of land,” says Katie Albaugh, agriculture business development specialist with the Frederick County Office of Economic Develop ment. “In Frederick, we have high valued land, so farmers are trying to 30

be very efficient on the land they have. They want to maximize it as much as they possibly can. ... Farmers are now, more than ever, dependent on technology.” Mid-View farm also uses GPS on its tractors to help with cutting production costs, efficiency and saving the environment. “There are seven to 15 satellites that send signals to the monitor in the tractor cab at any given time,” says Justin Tucker, crop and feed manager. “As soon as I begin planting, spraying or fertilizing, the GPS records where I have applied product and is able to shut the planter or fertilizer sprayer off so there is minimal overlap of product. Limiting the amount of overlap saves money and helps reduce runoff, which preserves water quality. We have to stay within strict nutrient management regulations and to be sure to fertilize only what the crops need.”

The GPS will also keep evenly spaced rows by steering the tractor. “When harvesting corn, grain or soybeans, we can use the GPS to obtain harvest maps which show the areas of the fields that are yielding better than others,” he says. “All of this data is used to be more efficient and target fertilizer application so we are using no more than the crops need.” PUMPKINS AND GPS During the fall, many area residents make their way out to Gaver Farm near New Market for its annual Fall Fun Festival featuring more than 50 attractions, including giant slides, a wagon ride to pick pumpkins, a petting zoo and games. Each year, the farm picks a different corn maze theme and cuts a picture into the field. Staff used to create the scene

using the strictly old school method of graph paper and flags. “It was a very laborious, long process,” says Brian House, food services manager and fall general manager.

When scouting the 250 acres that make up Thurmont-based Brookfield Pumpkins, owner Samuel Roop can walk or use a motorcycle when the crops are small. But as the plants grow, overseeing the land

becomes trickier. Two years ago, a farm employee began using his drone to take pictures of the fields, looking for deer damage areas and other problem spots. “It’s a really good tool,” Roop says.

For the past three years, the farm has worked with a company to design the maze, develop the web interface and upload a GPS map of the design. Then, putting a GPS on a lawn mower, it becomes a matter of simply logging into the map and cutting the maze. “It’s pretty accurate,” House says. “It’s down to about 12 inches or so.” Previously, it took about three full days to cut the maze for the festival. Now, using GPS, it’s five hours. “It’s a small thing, but it certainly saves time and can make a much more detailed maze,” he says. “It looks a lot nicer and more fun for the consumers. ... [Innovation is important] because the world is always changing. The needs and the desires of the consumer are always changing, and if you are not willing to innovate you may not be able to capitalize on those changes.”

Another innovator is Potomac Sprout Company near Thurmont that uses hydroponics to grow conventional and organic sprouts such as broccoli, daikon radish and alfalfa. Owner and founder Chris Yu, who has a food science background, started the company a few years ago after reading an article discussing how food-borne illnesses can occur with improperly raised sprouts.

The farm features three purifier/sprouter machines. Bins in the machines are filled with up to 25 pounds of seed that are rotated, given artificial light and irrigated over a period of several days. While trays are traditionally used to grow sprouts, the machine helps to reduce contamination by lowering human interaction. Yu also designed a waterrecycling system with softeners and filters to ensure only the purest water will be used on the sprouts. He notes the innovations are all geared toward making a safer, higher-quality product. On a recent morning, Tyler Van Wingerden shows off Catoctin Mountain Growers. The flower farm started by his parents, Bob and Denise Van Wingerden in 1985, is near the Frederick County/Carroll County line in Keymar. The 25-acre growing space is filled with a number of innovations to keep costs low and production high in growing customer favorites like calibrachoa, petunias and geraniums. “When people come out and look they say, ‘Wow! I didn’t think that all this went into giving me a petunia hanging basket,’” says Van Wingerden, company vice president. The transplanter, as they call it, uses four metal prongs to pick up young plants in

small, soil-filled trays and move them into larger ones. “We can set the different measurements for different pot sizes, so that is a pretty big piece of automation we have,” he says. “This is an essential piece for us for the production side. We are able to produce lots of product by having this machine running.” The growing area boasts nearly 70 bays that are flooded to water plants from underneath once flowers start blooming. When the plants are young and germinating, they are watered from a mist overhead by automated programmable booms. Water amounts and bay temperature are programmed and adjusted

with environmental control monitoring software. So instead of having to physically come in to each bay, employees can remotely monitor each from their smart devices or computer.“You have to have these types of things to stay competitive, just because you can take care of so many more plants with less hours and manpower,” Van Wingerden says. “Inflation has happened on wages. It has happened on equipment. It has happened on everything. So how do you stay alive? You have to innovate to stay alive. In order to stay competitive, to be profitable, to pay employees and progress in the future, you have to be able to innovate, cut costs and be more productive.”

C. Richard Dewees Oil Company 24 Hr. Emergency Service Budget Plans Automatic Delivery Annual Burner Contracts

301-271-7303 Thurmont, MD Proudly Serving Frederick County Since 1970

FARMERS MARKETS Emmitsburg Farmers Market

Filling Plates with •••••••

Local Fare

302 S. Seton Ave. Fridays, 3 p.m.-6:30 p.m. June-September

Everedy Square & Shab Row Market Church and East streets Thursdays, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. End of May-September

Farmers Market at NCI-Frederick Fort Detrick, Building 549 Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. April-October

Field Fresh Farmers Market In the search to find food that hasn’t traveled thousands of miles, Frederick County residents have options ranging from weekly markets held during the growing season or Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) enterprises where you share in whatever bounty the farmer produces. Following are resources for fresh-fromthe-farm-to-the-table offerings:

Great Frederick Fairgrounds 797 E. Patrick St. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. End of April-November

Frederick Farmers Market Wolf Furniture parking lot 1215 W. Patrick St. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. End of April-November

Field Fresh

Frederick City Market 331 N. Market St., Frederick Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May-November

•••••

Farmers market

Friends of Frederick Farmers Market 1 Wormans Mill Court Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May-November

Lake Linganore Farmers Market

Thurmont Main Street Market

649 Himes Road Fridays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mid-May-mid-November

Corner of Eaglehead and Coldstream drives Thursdays, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. June-August

Municipal Center parking lot, South Center Street Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon June-September

Jefferson Farmers Market

Middletown Farmers Market

Urbana Library Market

4603 Lander Road Wednesdays, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. May-September

12 S. Church St., Middletown Thursdays, 4 p.m. -7 p.m. May -October

9020 Amelung St., Urbana Sundays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May-October

Key City Food & Farmers Market

Myersville Farmers Market

YMCA of Frederick Market

121 N. Bentz St. Fridays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May-October

301 Main St., Myersville Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon April-October

1000 N. Market Ave. Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. May-October

Grace Farmers Market

COmmUNItY sUPPOrteD aGrICULtUre (Csa) Big White Barn Produce 301-874-3173 www.bigwhitebarn.com

Full Cellar Farm 301-639-9711 www.fullcellarfarm.com

House in the Woods Farm 301-607-4048 www.houseinthewoods.com

Open Book Farm

Thanksgiving Farms

240-457-2558 www.openbookfarm.com

301-662-1291 www.thanksgivingfarmandgarden.com

Pleasant Hill Produce

Twin Hills Farm

301-471-2699 www.pleasanthillproduce.com

301-788-2784 www.twinhillsfarmurbana.com

Rights of Man Farm

OrCHarDs

240-674-2727 www.rightsofmanfarm.com

Catoctin Mountain Orchard

Seed of Life Nursery & CSA 240-344-6533 www.seedoflifefrederick.org

Shadows of Catoctin Farm 301-898-3228 www.shadowsofcatoctinfarm.com

South Mountain Creamery 301-371-8565 www.southmountaincreamery.com

Sycamore Spring Farm

301-271-2737 www.catoctinmountainorchard.com

Country Pleasures 301-371-4814 www.contrypleasuresfarm.com

Pryor’s Orchard 301-271-2693 www.pryorsorchards.com

Scenic View Orchards 301-271-2149 www.scenicvieworchards.com

301-788-6980 www.sycamorespringsfarm.org

Frederick •••••

Farmers market

A TOAST TO EXCELLENCE LOCAL BEVERAGE MAKERS BRING HOME INDUSTRY AWARDS Hollywood has its Academy Awards and athletes are rewarded for their efforts with Olympic medals. For producers of wine, beer and liquor there are multiple judging platforms in which Frederick County has been reaping accolades from around the state, country and even internationally. One of the latest winners was McClintock Distilling, 35 S. Carroll St., which won the double gold medal for its Reserve Gin in the 9th Annual New York International Spirits Competition. The judging featured spirits from more than 29 countries and 60 categories. More than 600 spirits worldwide were judged in a blind taste test by top industry buyers. McClintock was one of only two distilleries globally to be awarded double gold for gin. Additionally, they were named Maryland Gin Distillery of the Year and awarded a bronze medal for their Maryland Heritage White Whisky. Distillery owners Tyler Hegamyer and Braeden Bumpers say they “were

absolutely thrilled” with the distinction, adding that “we’re humbled to receive this honor and be distinguished among such a diverse and impressive group of spirits.” Other competitions that have had Frederick County winners include the American Distillery Institute (the oldest and largest organization of small-batch, independently owned distillers in the United States), the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, the American Craft Spirit, the SIP Award (the only internationally recognized consumer judged spirit competition) and the San Francisco International Spirit Competition.

At the state level, local producers have brought home medals in competitions including the Maryland Comptroller’s Cup Competition—named after the industry’s chief regulator, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot. The competition is open to all wines produced in Maryland and is held each spring. Wines are judged by wine professionals, including winemakers, sommeliers, wine buyers and wine writers. The Maryland Winemasters Choice Competition is twofold. First, wines are evaluated by judges and winemakers. The peer evaluation helps winemakers recognize what others in the state are doing. Once the best in class wines are identified, judges select from that group for best in show. Judges are only aware of a flight category and don’t know a wine’s producer, price or details about the wine.

FOLLOWING IS A LOOK AT OTHER LOCAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Barley & Hops Winner of the Comptroller’s Cup for Maryland’s top beer in the 2017 Maryland Craft Beer Competition for their brew Ambulette. Catoctin Breeze Best in class in the 2016 Maryland Governor’s Cup for its 2013 Estate Cabernet Franc; silvers for 2014 Estate Cabernet Franc and 2013 Estate Reserve Syrah and bronze for 2013 Overture Merlot. In 2017 best of category in the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition for 2015 Estate Syrah and gold and silver in the Maryland Governor’s Cup with six silver and four bronze in the Maryland Comptroller’s Cup competition. Hidden Hills Vineyard Gold for 2015 Bay Roan Cabernet Sauvignon and bronze for 2014 cabernet franc and 2015 pinot grigio in the Maryland Comptroller’s Cup.

Linganore Winecellars 2016 Maryland Governor’s Cup double gold for Reserve Chardonnay; 2016 Finger Lake International double gold for Terrapin White; 2016 Finger Lake International bronze for White Raven; 2017 Finger Lake International double gold for Aperture, 2016 silver for Bacioni; 2016 Comptroller’s Cup gold for Retriever Red; 2016 Comptroller’s Cup double gold for Mango Sangria; 2016 Finger Lake International silver for Traminette; 2014 Governor’s Cup gold for Abisso and 2016 Comptroller’s Cup double gold for Indulgence.

The Governor’s Cup is presented by the Maryland Wineries Association, a nonprofit, member-based, trade association, representing more than 80 wineries statewide. MWA’s mission is to cultivate a sustainable wine-growing community and increase public awareness. Several years ago the group established the Jack Aellen Cup that honors the founder of Linganore Winecellars, which started operating in 1976. “It was a nice honor for my dad,” says Anthony Aellen. “We had been trying for a long time to get some sort of recognition and to get its own cup, its own recognition for fruit wines. That was absolutely fantastic.”

Links Bridge Vineyards Bronze Maryland Comptroller’s Cup for Cabernet Franc 2015.

Mad Science Brewing Company at Thanksgiving Farm Gold for Helles Belles, 2016 Maryland Comptroller’s Cup.

Mazzoroth Vineyard 2017 Maryland Governor’s Cup, silver for 2016 Vidal Blanc which also won a bronze Maryland Comptroller’s Cup. New Market Plains Vineyard In the 2017 Maryland Comptroller’s Cup, best rose and a gold for Rose 2016 and a gold for Muscat Blanc 2016. Orchard Cellar Meadery & Winery Bronze Maryland Comptroller’s Cups for Botanist and Highlander.

Springfield Manor 2018 ADI bronze, 2018 American Craft Spirit bronze, 2017 San Francisco Spirit competition bronze and 2017 New York World Wine & Spirit bronze for Maryland Rye; 2018 American Craft Spirit bronze for White Collar Bourbon; 2017 double gold Gin Is In, 2017 double gold and Best of Class San Francisco International Spirit Competition, 2017 gold and best of category ADI and 2017 silver New York World Wine & Spirit for Lavender Gin; 2017 ADI silver and 2017 SIPS competition platinum for Patriot Rum; 2017 SIPS platinum for vodka; 2017 ADI silver and best of category for grappa and a gold, two silvers and a bronze in the 2014 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

He recalls Linganore’s first of some 500 awards over the years. “It was international silver. I remember thinking, ‘we did that, OK, that’s neat.’” But, he says he also realizes “we’re making wine for people, not the judges. The real judges are your customers and if you don’t have those judges you’re dead in the water.”

Frederick counTy 4-H BeeF, SHeep & Swine Sale

Thursday, September 20th, 2018 Time: 5:30pm The GreaT Frederick Fair BeeF Show rinG, BuildinG 18

â&#x20AC;˘ Sale Order: Swine then Alternating Beef and Sheep through remainder of the sale â&#x20AC;˘

Registration Procedure: Registration begins at 4:30pm at the Beef Show Ring. You will need to provide name, address, phone number, and drivers license. You will then receive a buyers number. This card needs to be provided to the auctioneer when a purchase is made. The auction begins at 5:30pm

FINDING IT ALL ON THE FARM PROVES POSSIBLE Farming continues to play an important part in the local economy with 65 percent of the land zoned for agriculture. Increasingly, consumers are seeking fresh, locallyproduced food and other products and Frederick County farmers and growers are meeting the demand—whether it’s raising alpacas, beef cattle and heirloom vegetables, or inviting you to pick-yourown fruits and vegetables and enjoy a corn maze and hay ride. THE FOLLOWING ICONS DESIGNATE SPECIAL FARM FEATURES. Pick-YourOwn

Homegrown Hay Days

ALLEN’S APIARY 9980 Harvest Drive, Frederick 240.409.3589 • 240.793.5532 www.allensapiary.com Allen's Apiary is a great source for fresh, local honey, 100 percent beeswax candles and homemade honey oatmeal soaps. Stop by to pick up your honey or visit them at one of the local farmers markets.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT The apiary has more than 100 hives spread throughout Frederick County and is producing honey for a few local restaurants.

BELLE BLOOMS FARM 3311 Paprika Court, Adamstown 240.277.0275 • www.bellebloomsfarm.com Belle Blooms Farm is a family farm growing high-quality, specialty cut flowers. Seasonal flower CSA shares are available, as well as buckets of blooms for DIY weddings and events. Call or visit the website for information on floral workshops, farm tours and farm stand hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Monthly farm tours highlight unique blooms of the season.

BIG WHITE BARN PRODUCE 6601 Manor Woods Road, Frederick 301.874.3173 â&#x20AC;˘ www.bigwhitebarn.com The nearly 200-acre historic farm, located in Buckeystown, has been offering CSAs for the past nine years. Farmer Steve offers the expected staples in your CSA share. However, you will also find heirloom tomatoes, kohlrabi, leeks and pak choi. The farm features an herb and fresh flower cutting garden open to the public on Saturdays during the summer months.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT A partnership with the Greater Urbana Area foodbank ensures that overrun produce from each CSA will be donated to the hungry in the local community. Cut your own weekly bouquet from the flower garden by appointment. Brides and bridal parties welcome.

BLACK ANKLE VINEYARDS 14463 Black Ankle Road, Mount Airy 301.829.3338 â&#x20AC;˘ www.blackankle.com At Black Ankle Vineyards they believe that a prime vineyard site marked by rolling hillsides and rocky soils, combined with meticulous care of their vines and land will yield grapes that make wines of depth, nuance and character. Wine Tastings, Tours (Saturday & Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., weather permitting), Cozy indoor/outdoor seating, Polish pottery and other merchandise, Entertainment/events, groups welcome, private event rentals. Refer to website for hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT All wines are sold at the farm and online. In addition, a cheese plate featuring an assortment of locally-produced cheese is available. 47

BLUE DREAMS USA 11700 Old Annapolis Road, Frederick 301.882.4747 • www.bluedreamsusa.com Blue Dreams USA is the first of its kind lavender, rose and tea farm boutique in the United States. Surrounded by scenic views, it's a place where you can unwind while enjoying the beauty of lavender, roses and tea gardens on a 25-acre farm. They offer pick your own lavender in summer, tea tasting, afternoon tea, plus thoughtful gifts and artisan quality crafts inspired by nature, lavender, roses and tea. Open to the public on weekends in summer to early fall.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT If you are looking for a special place to spend time with your family this summer, or to celebrate special occasions, please contact them for more information.

BROOKFIELD PUMPKINS, LLC 8302 Ramsburg Road, Thurmont 301.898.3527 • www.brookfieldpumpkins.com Brookfield Pumpkins is a pick-your-own pumpkin patch located on a six-generation cash crop farm with a beautiful view of the Catoctin Mountains. Many customers start their visit with a hayride to the 15-acre patch to explore the fall produce and pick the perfect pumpkin. Also enjoy the family-friendly Corn Maze for a Cause (100 percent of proceeds are given to local charities), petting zoo, corn tables, and countless photo opportunities. Call or visit the website for more information.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Hayrides (Friday – Sunday), petting zoo, corn tables, Corn Maze for a Cause ($), face painting ($, SaturdaySunday), and apple cider ($).

CATOCTIN BREEZE VINEYARD

CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN ORCHARD

15010 Roddy Road, Thurmont 240.578.3831 â&#x20AC;˘ www.catoctinbreeze.com

15036 N. Franklinville Road, Thurmont 301.271.2737â&#x20AC;˘www.catoctinmountainorchard.com

Catoctin Breeze is a boutique vineyard and winery operation producing small lots of fine quality Maryland wines. The winery offers a range of varietal and blended wines, as well as a selection of honey wines known as mead. From thoughtful attention to the vines, careful selection of fruit, and gentle winemaking methods, their commitment to producing the finest quality wines is reflected in each bottle. Catoctin Breeze offers both general and private tastings.

Catoctin Mountain Orchard is a fourth generation fruit, vegetable, and berry farm celebrating more than 55 years in business. One hundred-plus acres produce products sold at the retail market on the farm. Pick-your-own crops and flowers are available. Call or visit the website for days and hours at their retail farm market.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Live music is hosted every weekend, spring through fall, a perfect time to unwind and enjoy a beautiful day with wine, family and friends. Visit www.catoctinbreeze.com/events for more information.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Products also include plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, apples, pears, grapes, kiwiberries, blackberries, sweet cherries, black raspberries, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, cabbage, kale, fruit pies, cookies, crumb cakes, apple butter, cider, honeycrisp apple sauce and local honey. Supplies the school lunch program with peaches, apples, pears and plums.

CLEMSONVILLE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM 10120 Clemsonville Road, Union Bridge 410.848.6083 • www.clemsonville.com At Clemsonville’s 250-acre Christmas Tree Farm you can cut or dig trees—fir, pine and spruce—plus get wreaths, swags and tree stands. All trees are $25. The farm dates back to 1775 and has an historic mansion copied from George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon. The farm is the home of Guinness Record-breaking wreaths. Member of the Maryland Christmas Tree Association.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT The farm is a Christmas tradition for over 50 years. Visit the Christmas Barn, explore the nature maze, see Boulder Garden Christmas Wonderland and go to Picnic Park. Open daily after Thanksgiving until Christmas, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fresh cut trees, greenery and cut your own firewoodtruckload $30. Free punch and cookies.

COOLING SPRINGS FARM 2455 Ballenger Creek Pike, Adamstown 301.874.0235 • www.coolingsprings.org Cooling Springs Farm has been operated by seven generations of the same family since Andrew and Barbara Michael founded the farm in 1768, making Cooling Springs Farm one of the county’s oldest farms owned by the same family. Passed-down oral tradition tells of the family using the farm to shelter Underground Railroad freedom seekers in the 1800s. Visitors are welcome by appointment.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Cooling Springs Farm has been open to the public since 2004 as an Underground Railroad historic site. Come and hear the history and the farm’s involvement on a free tour. The farm is powered entirely by sun and wind.

DEER RUN FARM 15131 Sixes Road, Emmitsburg 717.357.4521 • www.deerrunfarmmd.com Deer Run Farm is a combined registered Red Angus cattle operation and heritage breed chicken hatchery operation located in northern Frederick County. Owned and operated for over 21 years by the Stewart family, Deer Run Farm offers an on-farm retail store of humanely raised beef and pastured eggs. During the spring and fall chicks are hatched out regularly on the farm and sold all across the United States and to backyard flocks right here in Frederick County.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Deer Run Farm puts Maryland on the map by being the United States’ cleanest, certified disease-free chicken hatchery. They’re the only chicken hatchery in the United States to test regularly for MS, MG, AI and PT.

DISTILLERY LANE CIDERWORKS 5533 Gapland Road, Jefferson 301.834.8920 • www.distillerylaneciderworks.com Distillery Lane Ciderworks, located just outside of historic Burkittsville, specializes in growing a wide variety of apples perfect for cider, baking and eating. The family-owned and operated farm and cidery offers unique apple varieties, sweet cider and hard cider. Their heritage apples are prized by apple lovers, bakers, and home brewers for their exquisite taste. Open year-round, Saturdays and Sundays noon – 5 p.m. Check the website in the fall for extended hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Hard and fresh cider featured on this heritage apple farm.

EBERLE CHRISTMAS FARM 13415 Liberty Road, Union Bridge 301.898.4232 â&#x20AC;˘ www.eberlechristmasfarm.com They are a family-owned and operated Christmas tree farm located on 40 rolling acres with Civil War-era buildings. They offer a great variety of tree species ranging from 4 to more than 12 feet for you-cut. Fresh-cut trees range from 6 to 11 feet and are kept in water for you. Open the day after Thanksgiving until Dec. 22, from 9 a.m. until dark six days a week. Closed Tuesdays.

ELK RUN VINEYARDS 15113 Liberty Road, Mount Airy 410.775.2513 â&#x20AC;˘ www.elkrun.com Their original vineyard was planted in 1980. With rich soils of schist and shale the roots can sink 35 feet reaching minerals and water. As a result Elk Run has the oldest classic Vinifera grafted vines in Maryland, harvesting 25 acres of premium grapes. This year their 37-year-old Chardonnay vines took Best of Class and a Double Gold in the New World International Competition. The only growers of Gewurztraminer in Maryland this spicy off-dry wine also took a Double Gold and Best of Class in the International Tasters Guild.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT A full service farm with a wide variety of trees and accessories. Fresh custom garlands and hand-made wreaths of all shapes and sizes by on-site artist. Shaking and baling included.

Elk Run grows five varietal whites and six varietal reds producing everything from sparkling to port. Continually offering flavors that cannot be tasted elsewhere in Maryland, they invite guests to review the wines on their website which also has a drone show that pans the vineyard, plus come out and experience Elk Run as their guest.

ENGLAND ACRES

FLYING GOAT FARM

5620 Detrick Road, Mount Airy Market Sales: 240.674.2028 Hay and Field Products: 240.674.2030 www.englandacres.com

5241 Bartonsville Road, Frederick 443.538.8303 â&#x20AC;˘ www.flyinggoatfarm.com

England Acres Family Farm raises pasture raised/grass finished Angus beef, pasture raised chickens and eggs from pastured hens are seasonably available. Freezer ready beef by the cut, 30-pound sampler, split side and by the side (cut to customer specifications). Beef sales by appointment; call or email for information. The farm fields are managed by Jeff England to yield quantity hays for horses, cattle, sheep and goats to rabbits. Seasonal supply available in squares, bundles and round bales. Call him directly at 240-674-2030 for variety availability, prices and delivery options.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Visit at lambing time, watch chicks grow to maturity, frequent the gardens as the produce ripens, help to plant potatoes in April and dig them in August, press apples into cider, all to learn the benefits of eating with the seasons.

The owners have 25 acres that they farm in an organic and sustainable way, with fruit, berry and nut trees, free-range chickens, guinea fowl, Angora goats, cormo and BFL sheep. They sell organic eggs, jams and pickles at the farm or at local farmers markets. As their orchard matures they will also offer fruit, berries and nuts. They sell mohair locks, fleeces, roving and yarn and hand-dyed commercial quilting fabric and yarns. Call or visit the website for hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT They offer spinning, dyeing and weaving workshops and have occasional farming specialty classes such as pruning and animal husbandry as well.

FLYING PIGS FARM 9233 Bessie Clemson Road, Union Bridge 301.898.8956 • www.flyingpigsorganic.com They offer certified organic blueberries, raspberries and jams. The farm consists of 25 acres of beautiful countryside where the owners, Paul, Pam and Emma Burke, have lived since 2002. Viewing their role as caretakers of this land, they have worked to protect it and enhance its productivity. They have corrected erosion problems, planted more than 700 trees and several pollinator strips, improved the fertility and organic matter of the soil, protected water resources on and around the property and worked to reduce invasive species— all while growing fruits and vegetables that are delicious and nutritious.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Offering certified organic blueberries. Twenty-five acres in beautiful eastern Frederick County. The family-owned and operated farm works to improve and protect soil and water quality while producing healthy, nutritious produce.

FOX HAVEN ORGANIC FARM & LEARNING CENTER 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson 301.748.2427 • 240.490.5484 • www.foxhavenfarm.org Features certified organic hay and vegetable production and sales. They are developing and using innovative conservation practices and research programs, used to enhance organic methods for improving healthy food production and for building healthy soils. Workshops and seminars are held to encourage those who visit the Learning Center to eat and to grow healthy foods and to improve the health of their soil.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT The Learning Center is available for your seminars, workshops and group meetings. "Farm Stay" rentals are available to house groups. Weekend or week-long stays are available. 54

FRIENDSHIP RIDGE FARM 12860 Bunker Hill Road, Union Bridge 410.259.7384 â&#x20AC;˘ www.facebook.com/friendshipridgefarm Welcome to the taste of home on the farm. The pork products you will find here are the most natural, homegrown tasting stuff around. They take great pride in their product and hope that you can enjoy a delicious, nutritious and filling meal from your local farm here in Union Bridge. They sell juicy cuts of meat, roasting pigs for your next BBQ cookout and whole hog packages customized at your choice of butcher.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Their products are all-natural, antibiotic-free, free-range and raised on corn from the farm.

FULL CELLAR FARM 3901 Lander Road, Jefferson 301.639.9711 â&#x20AC;˘ www.fullcellarfarm.com They grow fresh vegetables, herbs, cut flowers and pastured poultry, pork and eggs on the scenic westward slopes of the Middletown Valley. Though not certified organic, they aim to grow the prettiest and tastiest food for the local community in a way that leaves the farm healthy and productive for future generations. You can find them at area farmers markets, CSAs and local food hubs.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Talk to Kip about the winter CSA and "A la carte" delivery programs to get seasonal vegetables, meats and eggs from November through April. 55

GAVER FARM, LLC 5501 Detrick Road, Mount Airy 301.865.3515 â&#x20AC;˘ www.gaverfarm.com Gaver Farm features a Farm Market with pumpkins, apples, cider, fall produce, corn stalks, decor and farm fresh food. Take a free hayride to pick your own pumpkins and apples and enjoy the Fall Fun Festival complete with farm animals, corn maze, straw activities, jumping pillow and over 50 family-friendly attractions. For over 30 years Gaver Farm has provided cut-yourown and fresh-cut Christmas trees, wreaths, roping, swags and fresh greenery.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Gaver Farm is a family-owned and operated working farm offering seasonal farm products, fresh-baked pies, their famous apple cider donuts and family fun on the farm.

GLADE-LINK FARMS, LLC 12270 Woodsboro Pike, Keymar 301.898.7131 â&#x20AC;˘ www.gladelink.com Glade-Link Farms is family-owned and operated. For nearly 50 years, it has provided customers with fruit, vegetables, cut flowers and fall decorations. Pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, pumpkins and fall vegetables. Wedding and event design with homegrown cut flowers available. They participate in local farmers markets. Call or visit the website for hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Acres of strawberries and blueberries are complimented by cauliflower, cabbage, collards, kale, green beans, turnips, pumpkins and fall decorations and cut flowers.

GOOD HOPE FARMSTEAD

HARA-VALE FARM

10820 Renner Road, Woodsboro 240.367.9676 • www.goodhopefarmstead.com

4309 Cap Stine Road, Frederick 301.788.5409 • 301.471.5968 www.edscountrybakery.net

Good Hope Farmstead is a pasture-based family farm, passionate about raising food you can feel good about feeding your family. The well-being of their animals and preservation of the land and soil is at the forefront of their farm planning. They offer organic fed chicken, turkey and duck eggs, 100 percent grass-fed beef, Non-GMO pastured pork, and grass-finished lamb and mutton. Customized cuts are available for whole and half lamb orders. Get your weekly dose of recipe inspiration, quick cooking tips and product availability on their email list.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT They attend the Bowie Farmers Market (May- November), City of Rockville Farmers Market (May-November), and new this year the Frederick Key City Food and Farm Market (May - October). Products available year-round for on-farm pick-up by appointment Monday-Saturday.

Hara-Vale Farm has been a four-generation family dairy farm for more than 50 years and is transitioning from dairy farming to pasture-raised beef, hay and straw sales and livestock hauling. The farm is also home to Ed’s Country Bakery. Call or visit the website for hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT They offer baked goods, including wedding cakes, all natural pasture-raised and grain-finished beef sold by the quarter or half or in a variety of cuts and ground beef; hay and straw bales and livestock hauling. 57

HEDGEAPPLE FARM 3760 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown 301.662.0226 • www.hedgeapplefarm.com Hedgeapple Farm dates to 1731. Since 1956, the Jorgenson family has operated a dairy and a beef farm on the property. Since 1997, it has been a nonprofit research and educational foundation farm dedicated to improving and promoting grass-fed Angus beef. In 2006, the owners reconstructed a 1790s-era log cabin to serve as a market to sell the grass-fed and grass-finished beef raised here. Call or visit the website for hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Individual cuts of beef are available and sold by the pound. Their beef is dry-aged and sold vac-sealed and flash frozen. They also offer a premium boxed assortment package, outstanding beef jerky and monthly beef specials. Beef is 100 percent grass-fed and grass-finished. No grain ever. Open three days per week all year-long.

HIDDEN HILLS FARM AND VINEYARD 7550 Green Valley Road, Frederick 301.660.8735 • www.hiddenhillsfarmandvineyard.com Sharing the land with their beautiful horse farm, Hidden Hills Farm and Vineyard produces elegant, dry wines and has 12 of 103 acres in grape production. Come and visit Frederick’s first and only winery located on an equestrian facility in Frederick’s gorgeous horse country. Enjoy your wine and a picnic as you watch the horses play. Phone for a tasting appointment.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT They welcome you to be a part of Frederick County’s beautiful horse country as you learn more about local wine production; minutes away from historic Downtown Frederick.

HIDDEN HILLS HORSE FARM 7550 Green Valley Road, Frederick 301.305.5963 • www.hiddenhillshorsefarm.com Nestled in 103 spectacular acres in Frederick, Hidden Hills Horse Farm is one of the area’s most beautiful equine boarding facilities for the enjoyment of both horses and riders. They offer horse boarding in luxurious, well-equipped horse stables as well as year-round riding in the outdoor and indoor horse arenas and horse trails.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Shower and changing rooms are available for you and heated wash stalls with hot water for your equine companion. Your horse will thrive in our luxurious turnouts.

HILLSIDE TURKEY FARMS 30 Elm Street, Thurmont 301.271.2728 • www.hillsideturkey.com Hillside Turkey Farms is a family-owned, third generation farm and retail store specializing in today's family needs. The main focus is further processing of poultry to make meals more fun and interesting. They carry many fresh poultry products, deli items and some prepared foods. Hillside Turkey Farms is a USDA inspected plant serving the public with a retail store and in many local restaurants. Call or visit the website for store hours and more information. Don't forget to order your fresh turkey or turkey breast for the holidays!

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Fresh turkeys and breasts, turkey sausage, ground turkey, soups, turkey jerky, turkey snack sticks, fresh chicken, deli-sliced roast beef and country ham, pork bacon, smoked turkeys and breasts, cheeses, turkey pot pies and other products. 59

HOUSE IN THE WOODS FARM 2225 Park Mills Road, Adamstown 301.607.4048 • www.houseinthewoods.com House in the Woods Farm is a certified organic diverse farm near Sugarloaf Mountain. They offer a 20-week CSA, featuring heirloom vegetable varieties and heirloom tomatoes. In May, they sell seedlings to home gardeners, featuring many varieties of heirloom tomato plants. They have been in operation since 2000. Visitors welcome by appointment.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT It’s the mission to get people involved during Farm Hands Days, lending a hand to plant, tend and harvest the crops. Produce available for sale at the farm by appointment. Educational tours and harvest events.

J BAR W RANCH 10530 Green Valley Road, Union Bridge www.jbarwranch.com This father, son and daughter partnership has received recognition nationwide for producing and hosting pro-bull riding. The ranch has been credited for professionalism displayed at their Battle of the Beast. They maintain more than 750 head of Generation of Genetics Bucking Livestock. Call or visit the website for hours and event dates.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Battle of the Beast event, pro-bull riding, cowgirl barrel racing, mutton bustin’, face painting, food, souvenirs, including T-shirts, cowboy hats, etc.

JT&R EXOTIC MEATS 6300 Old Middletown Road, Middletown 240.674.7656 • www.facebook.com/jtrmeats Nestled in the heart of the Middletown Valley, JT&R Exotic Meats, is proud to be owned and operated on a third generation farm, by a fifth generation farmer. Here at JT&R they specialize in bringing you the highest quality meats from their own homegrown herds of Water Buffalo, European wild boar, short haired Big Horn Sheep and goat. Their animal health practices are second to none. They are a truly all natural farm because the animals’ feed is grown on their beautiful 250 acres. The meat is extremely healthy for you as well as boasting low fat contents, low cholesterol levels, not to mention it tastes great. See them at one of the many local markets this season, and feel free to reach out on social media at Facebook.com/jtrmeats, Home delivery available.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Farm-raised Water Buffalo, Wild Boar, short haired Big Horn Sheep and Boer/Ibex Goats.

JUMBO’S PUMPKIN PATCH, LLC 6521 Holter Road, Middletown 301.371.6874 • www.jumbos.org Jumbo's Pumpkin Patch, LLC is a part of Homestead Farms, owned by the Huffer family. Homestead was purchased in 1870 and has now been home to seven generations. Pick your pumpkins from the 30-acre patch and find your way through a 15acre corn maze. Hayrides, fall shopping, yummy food, activities for children and fun for the whole family.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Visit the Craft Attic to shop for handmade items from over 50 local vendors, enjoy a fresh-squeezed lemonade and funnel cake at the Snack Shack and marvel at the gorgeous selection of farm-grown chrysanthemums.

LILYPONS WATER GARDENS 6800 Lily Pons Road, Adamstown 1.800.999.5459 • www.lilypons.com Lilypons is an aquatic plant farm that was started in1917. In addition to harvesting and selling aquatic plants, they offer a full line of water gardening products such as liners, pumps, filters and fish. The farm is located along the scenic Monocacy River and is a destination for nature lovers. Visit the website for hours and events.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Aquatic plants, fish, pumps, filters, gift items, birding products, heaters for ponds, nets and more.

LINGANORE WINECELLARS 13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy 301.831.5889 • 410.795.6432 www.linganorewines.com Linganore Wine Cellars is the oldest family-run vineyard on the Maryland Wine Trail. The Aellen family first opened Linganore in 1976 and it currently boasts 86 acres of active vineyards. The Aellen family produces more than 30 varieties of wine, ranging from elegantly dry white and red dinner wines to luscious semi-sweet varietals, fruit and dessert wines.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Celebrating over 40 years, Linganore offers it all—wine tasting, tours, festivals, and hosts private events. Open seven days a week, 361 days a year. Come and join the family adventure. 62

LINKS BRIDGE VINEYARDS 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont 301.466.2413 • www.linksbridgevineyards.com Links Bridge Vineyards has been growing premium grapes for nearly 10 years. Two years ago they began crafting estate wines in small batches, focusing on style, taste, and excellence. They now have a variety of wines that are ready for you to try. The vineyards, winery, and sales room overlook the scenic Monocacy River, just north of Frederick at the site of Old Links Bridge. Come for a visit, sample the wines and enjoy a walk or a picnic along the river bank. See website for hours of operation.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Links Bridge Vineyards may be the only vineyard in Maryland that you can visit by canoe or kayak. They are located on the Monocacy River between Creagerstown and Devilbiss Bridge. Just look for three old bridge piers (not connected by an actual bridge), pull your boat up on the shore beside the rightbank pier, and look for a sign directing you to the winery.

THE LITTLE RED WAGON PRODUCE 11434 Keymar Road, Woodsboro 240.439.9401 The Little Red Wagon is a small family farmette specializing in flowers and bedding plants, plus seasonal produce that is picked daily. Check out the selection of vegetable plants and flowers grown in the farm’s greenhouse. It is the passion of the owners to grow healthy nutritious food from the soil and put them on your table. It’s important to know where your food comes from.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Offering summer and fall CSAs containing foods that you want, trying hard to provide foods that work for you from the wide variety of produce offered.

LOEW VINEYARDS 14001 Liberty Road, Mount Airy 301.831.5464 â&#x20AC;˘ www.loewvineyards.net The history of winemaking in the Loew family dates back to the mid-19th century in Eastern Europe. To renew that tradition, Bill and Lois Loew put down roots (literally) in Frederick County. They planted their first grapevines in 1982, and since that time, have focused on producing a diverse selection of fine handcrafted wines. They take great pleasure in sharing their love of wine with visitors to the winery.

MAD SCIENCE BREWING COMPANY AT THANKSGIVING FARM 1619 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown 240.409.8723 â&#x20AC;˘ www.madsciencebrewing.com Mad Science Brewing Company is located at Thanksgiving Farms & Garden Center just south of Frederick on Md. 85 (Buckeystown Pike). Mad Science Brewing is open to the public for retail sales on Saturdays and Sundays from April to Christmas. Their emphasis is on high-quality, hand-crafted beer using their own homegrown hops, fruits, and vegetables that are available throughout the growing season at Thanksgiving Farms.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Wine tasting, winery and vineyard tours and picnic grounds. Several varieties of wine, from traditionally crafted dry white and dry red selections to unique semi-sweet and sweet wines. Wine-related crafts and gifts also are available.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Mad Science Brewing Company offers a communitysupported brewery (CSB) program, which allows members to have access to special events, discounts and unique single-batch beers.

MARYLAND MICROGREENS 3091 Will Mil Terrace East, Monrovia www.marylandmicrogreens.com Craig and Sherill Carlson founded Maryland Microgreens in early 2017 to offer a wide variety of microgreens sold in living form to farmers markets, restaurants, caterers and individuals. Only pure water is used in the growing process utilizing non-GMO seeds grown on recycled and compostable cocoa fiber mats. Microgreens can have from four to 40 times the nutritional value of their mature counterparts. Plants are grown indoors with controlled temperature and humidity.

MAYNEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TREE FARM 3420 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown 301.662.4320 â&#x20AC;˘ www.maynestreefarm.com This is a full-service farm offering everything from asparagus and pick-your-own strawberries in the spring and sweet corn all summer long to a hayride to the pumpkin patch in the fall. In December is the opportunity to come cut your own Christmas tree and to visit the wreath barn. Call or visit facebook for hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Microgreens are not just a healthy garnish on salads. Research shows these tiny seedlings harvested and eaten when they are just a few inches tall are a super food packed with antioxidants and other healthy nutrients.

Hayrides to the pumpkin patch, pick-your-own fruits, vegetables and pumpkins, cut-your-own Christmas tree. Pumpkin barn set up for group and bus tours and gatherings.

MAZZAROTH VINEYARD 8333 Myersville Road, Middletown 301.639.0303 • www.mazzarothvineyard.com Mazzaroth Vineyard is a family-owned and operated boutique winery in the Middletown Valley. Achieving a goal of crafting premium Maryland wines requires them to maintain a relentless focus in the vineyard and winery, combined with a respect for nature. They currently grow five varieties well-suited for the region. They enjoy sharing a passion for grape-growing and wine-making. Guests welcome by appointment.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT They are proud to be a glyphosate-free vineyard. Eliminating this herbicide allows them to cultivate a managed cover crop that moderates soil temperatures and produces more flavorful wines.

MILKHOUSE BREWERY AT STILLPOINT FARM 8253 Dollyhyde Road, Mount Airy 301.829.6950 • www.milkhousebrewery.com Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm is Maryland’s first Farm Brewery specializes in classic styles of beer “improved with Maryland hops.” The brewery, which is situated on 47 acres, produces 5 year-round beers and rotates a couple of seasonal releases. Milkhouse has also started an “All Maryland Beer” program in December of 2016 that includes beers only made with Maryland-grown and malted barley, wheat, and rye, as well as Maryland-grown hops. These beers have wonderful unique qualities you will find nowhere else.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Tom Barse and Carolann McConaughy and all of the folks at Milkhouse are excited to share their journey with you. Please come out and visit the tasting room and share a perfect pint or two. They’re Maryland proud—drink beer grown here. 66

NEEDWOOD FARMS Burkittsville 301.834.8752 • www.needwoodfarms.com Needwood Farms is a fifth generation, family-owned and operated farm that has been in business for over 100 years. Their Angus and Angus-influenced cattle are raised hormone-free and bred for tenderness and flavor. They offer all-natural freezer beef by the quarter, half or whole. Their beef is raised and finished on hay and grains grown at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains outside of the historic village of Burkittsville.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT They sell only all-natural freezer beef raised on their environmentally-friendly family farm. They invite you to treat your family to a product that you’ll enjoy and trust.

NICK’S ORGANIC FARM 2733 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown 301.983.2167 • www.nicksorganicfarm.com Founded in 1979, Nick’s Organic Farm sells directly to consumers. They raise all grass-fed Black Angus cattle, pastured chickens and turkeys, free-range eggs and food grade corn, soybeans and small grains. Located outside Buckeystown on a 165-acre certified organic farm, they are committed to constant improvement of the soil. Join the mailing list by emailing nicksorganicfarm@comcast.net.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Grass-fed beef, no hormones, grain or antibiotics; ground beef, beef sausage and jerky; organic pastured chicken and turkey, heritage and standard breeds; organic freerange eggs; organic heirloom grinding corn, popcorn, and cornmeal, non-GMO; organic poultry feeds, hay and straw. 67

OPEN BOOK FARM 6600B Roy Shafer Road, Middletown 240.457.2558 • www.openbookfarm.com They are a diversified livestock and vegetable farm serving Frederick and the larger Middletown Valley. In their farming methods they focus on soil health, livestock well-being and direct to consumer sales.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Their farm offers a seasonal farm stand on Saturday mornings from May-October featuring their pastureraised meats and eggs and their own certified organic produce. Customers may also participate in a main season CSA (shop at the farm stand with your CSA tab) or a monthly winter CSA (November-February).

ORCHID CELLAR MEADERY & WINERY 8546 Pete Wiles Road, Middletown 301.473.3568 • www.orchidcellar.com They are Maryland’s premier meadery and winery specializing in complex honey wines, and unique red and white varietals. Visit their scenic tasting room in the Middletown Valley for an intimate tasting experience and an introduction into the divine world of mead. The tasting room sits among 15 acres of land, two acres of grapevines and a handful of beehives. They welcome mead fanatics, wine lovers and beer snobs to sample libations and engage with their questions and thoughts.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT They produce the oldest known alcohol: mead, a wine made from honey.

P&R FARMS

PENNY’S PLANTS

2901 Green Valley Road, Ijamsville 301.385.7898 • 301.509.1688 www.pandrfarms.com

6706 Millime Court, New Market 301.865.0517 • www.facebook.com/Pennys-Plants1606574759571711

The goal of P&R Farms is to stay as true as possible to the farming practices of their ancestors by rotationally grazing the pastures to maintain the fields and avoiding antibiotics or GMOs. They believe in taking excellent care of their animals so, in turn, their animals will nutritionally take care of their family and their customers. Owners Pat and Reilly Curran offer beef, pork, chicken and their signature line of BBQ sauce, Slow Burn. The cattle they graze are predominantly grass-fed, registered Blonde D'Aquetaine ("Blondes"), known for their lean red meat that doesn't compromise taste.

Find unusual and traditional herbs and succulents from Penny’s Plants in New Market. They offer herb plants and potted herb gardens for the kitchen and landscape. They also offer succulent plants and gardens. Easy to grow and maintain, these are beautiful additions to your indoor and exterior home gardens. Looking for those hard to find Heirlooms for your garden? We have seasonal transplants.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT P&R Farms is the only farm in Maryland with registered Blondes. For more information on the Blondes or how to get some of their one-of-a-kind sauces visit their website.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Find them at several different farmers markets and seasonal garden shows in the area. Visitors are always welcome by appointment.

PICNIC WOODS FARM 6433 Picnic Woods Road, Jefferson 301.371.9202 • www.picnicwoodsfarm.com Picnic Woods Farm is the home of a flock of Romney Sheep and miniature donkeys to guard them, Angus cattle and bossy geese. Their wool is sent to Prince Edward Island in Canada and spun into wool blankets in many colors. Visitors are welcome, including to see "Hank" the well-known soccer ball playing donkey.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Natural Maryland wool blankets are available in a variety of colors, both tweed and solids and are made from the wool from Picnic Woods Farm sheep.

PLEASANT HILL PRODUCE 10009 Kelly Road, Walkersville 8522 Biggs Ford Road, Walkersville 301.471.2699 • www.pleasanthillproduce.com Pleasant Hill Produce was founded in 2014 by Ben and Heather Saylor. They grow high-quality seasonal produce using environmentallyfriendly practices on two farms totaling four acres in Walkersville. Products are available through CSA shares and local farmers markets. Visitors are welcome by appointment.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT They offer a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, eggs and three different size CSA boxes available at many pick-up locations throughout Frederick County.

RED SHEDMAN FARM BREWERY 13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy 301.831.5889 â&#x20AC;˘ www.redshedman.com Red Shedman Farm Brewery & Hop Yard was established in 2014. It is located among the rolling hills of Mount Airy, on more than 200 acres of farmland between Frederick and Baltimore. They cultivate several varieties of hops including Cascade, Columbus, Chinook, Nugget and Crystal. Red Shedman beers range from blondes, stouts, and barrel aged beers, to an expanding collection of hard ciders. Red Shedman is open Wednesday and Thursday, noon-5 pm.; Friday and Saturday, noon8 p.m., and Sunday, noon-7 p.m.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT In addition to having 14 rotating beers available on draft, they currently can eight beers on site that are available for sale in the tasting room and at many locations throughout the state.

RIGHTS OF MAN FARM, LLC 9120 Ball Road, Ijamsville 240.674.2727 â&#x20AC;˘ 240.674.2733 www.rightsofmanfarm.com This family-owned farm sells certified organic vegetables, chicken, turkey and eggs and all-natural, grass-fed beef along with all-natural goat and pork at their on-farm store. All animals are free-range. Winter and summer meat/produce CSAs are available. Call or visit the website for store hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT They operate a farm store with items such as freezer beef, goat, chicken and pork, plus fresh organic eggs and seasonal vegetables.

ROCKY POINT CREAMERY, LLC

SCENIC VIEW ORCHARDS

4323A Tuscarora Road, Tuscarora 301.874.5005 • www.rockypointcreamery.com

16239 Sabillasville Road, Sabillasville 301.271.2149 • www.scenicvieworchards.com

The creamery has 80 flavors of ice cream, along with milk, brown eggs, cheese and farm-grown Black Angus beef. They have a 180 Holstein cow dairy herd and 1,500 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and hay, along with 1.5 acres of sunflowers for sale during July and August with proceeds going to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Call or visit the website for hours.

Scenic View Orchards is a seven generation owned and operated family farm. Their farm heritage requires sustainable farming practices—erosion control, field contouring, cover crops, crop rotation, farm land preservation and use of integrated pest management practices. They meet the needs of customers at farmers markets in Washington, Frederick and Montgomery counties, in addition to the Sabillasville farm market. The farm motto is “Get Fresh with Us.”

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT You can now purchase their pasture raised Angus Cross Beef at the creamery. This leaner than full Angus is 100 percent natural, no antibiotics or added hormones. Beef is dry aged and frozen.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Peaches, nectarines, lopes, melons, plums, apples, berries, cherries, sweet corn, tomatoes, green beans, squash, peppers, potatoes, honey, cut flowers, pears, pumpkins, cider in season and hay/straw.

SHADOWS OF CATOCTIN

SOUTH MOUNTAIN CREAMERY

6517 Fish Hatchery Road, Thurmont 301.898.3228 â&#x20AC;˘ www.shadowsofcatoctinfarm.com

8305 Bolivar Road, Middletown 301.371.8565 â&#x20AC;˘ www.southmountaincreamery.com

Certified organic vegetable and herb farm raising healthy food for healthy bodies.They grow many varieties of tomatoes, sweet peppers and hot peppers as well as a wide variety of other tasty vegetables selected for their flavor. Their vegetables are great for snacking and can help make your favorite recipes the best they can be.

South Mountain Creamery brings the farmers market to you and does the cooking, too. Fresh from the cow, all natural dairy, cagefree, certified humane eggs; grass-fed beef, fruit and vegetables, bakery items, fresh homemade soups, salads, home cooked meals and healthy snacks. Delivery to nearly 9,000 homes in D.C., Md., Va. and W.Va. with a commitment to help customers live a healthier lifestyle by providing a convenient way to shop. They love visitors and are open 365 days a year for self-guided tours or during the week for guided tours. Go to Visit Us on their website to learn more.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT You can find Shadows of Catoctin at area farmers markets, at the Common Market and they run a CSA/Market Share program.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Visit to watch the cows milked or feed the calves. Join Picnic on the Pasture in April. Sign up for home delivery and you can have fresh from the farm products within the week. 73

SPRING PASTURES FARM 6801 Mountain Church Road, Middletown 240.490.2058 • www.springpasturesfarm.com Spring Pastures Farm raises grass-fed, grass-finished beef without hormones, antibiotics or growth supplements. They are a small family farm in Middletown Valley where their animals thrive on a rich diversity of grasses. The herd lives outside year-round, supplemented with local hay in the winter as necessary. Their animals have access to spring or well water at all times. They handle their animals in a low-stress manner. They hope to share some of the family’s passion for this land and food with you.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT They sell retail freezer-wrapped cuts from their farm store as well as cut-to-your specification sides of beef. Everything from soup bones to delicious, fork-tender Porterhouse steaks. On-farm store open by appointment.

SPRINGFIELD MANOR WINERY, DISTILLERY, BREWERY 11836 Auburn Road, Thurmont 301.271.0099 • www.springfieldmanor.com Maryland’s first winery, distillery and brewery. Come for a taste—stay for the experience. The historic barn with tasting rooms serve 15 award-winning wines, assorted craft beers on tap and Maryland’s most awarded fine spirits. Their aged bourbon, rye and corn whiskey are crafted entirely from corn grown on the farm. Visit the beautiful lavender fields which produce the prized Lavender Gin— winner of three double gold awards including the San Francisco Spirit competition Best of Class. Springfield Manor features indoor seating, outdoor patio space and event space for 300 guests. Come enjoy food, live music, great events and a beautiful country setting.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Handcrafted fine spirits: Lavender gin, rye, bourbon, rum, brandy and vodka. Ten award-winning varieties of wine. Assorted beer on tap. Lavender plants, flowers and products. 74

SPRUCE RUN FARM 12924 Spruce Run Road, Myersville 301.293.1070 • www.sprucerunrd.com Spruce Run Farm is a small farm located near Wolfsville. It grew from the owners’ desire to share their passion for agriculture and simple sustainable living with others. In addition to growing produce and beekeeping, they currently raise dairy goats, Hereford hogs, Katahdin Sheep, as well as chickens and rabbits for meat or pets. While you can find them at several farmers’ markets including Middletown and Myersville, as Spruce Run Farm continues to grow, they welcome you to visit.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Spruce Run Farm strives to bring the best of locally-grown or handmade items, featuring seasonal produce, jams and jellies, raw local honey, goat milk soaps, as well as fresh poultry and live or dressed rabbit.

STADLER NURSERIES 5504 Mount Zion Road, Frederick 301.473.9042 • www.stadlernurseries.com Stadler Nurseries has been a growing family business since 1932. Their first three garden centers, in Frederick, Gaithersburg and Manassas, Va., are where you will find an exceptional selection of trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials. They also have a wide selection of native plants and organic garden care products. Stadler is known for trees with over 300 acres in production. Almost all plants sold are locally grown. The staff is enthusiastic gardeners who love sharing ideas and advice with customers. Landscape design services are available.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, bulbs and holiday plants, garden accents including fountains, statuary, wind chimes, firepots, birdbaths and containers of every size and style, also garden care products including an extensive selection of organic plant health care options. 75

SUGARLOAF’S BREEZY VALLEY FARM 1215 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown 301.874.0958 • www.facebook.com/sugarloafsbreezyvalleygoats/ This family farm is nestled in the picturesque valley between the Catoctin Mountains and Sugarloaf Mountain. The family humanely raises Boer and Boer Cross goats. They sell goats as breeding stock and to consumers and restaurants, as well as for 4H projects, companions for horses, weed control and pets. They also sell orchard grass hay in small square bales and welcome visitors by appointment. See their farm page on Facebook search @ sugarloafsbreezyvalleygoats.

SUMMERS FARM 5620 Butterfly Lane, Frederick 301.620.9316 • www.summersfarm.com Summers Farm is a 100-acre working farm. Each fall they host an annual harvest festival to share their agricultural heritage. Activities include a 14-acre corn maze, slides, farm animals, two jumping pillows, farmer golf, pig races and more. Farm fresh food and bakery items include their famous homemade apple cider donuts.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT March and April are a great time to visit. Come in March and meet the goat kids. If you come at feeding time, you will get to see the goat stampede.

In the fall, take a free hayride out to the pumpkin patch and select the perfect pumpkin sold by the pound. A large assortment of gourds, straw, cornstalk bundles available for all your decorating needs.

SYCAMORE SPRING FARM

THANKSGIVING FARMS

6003 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick 301.788.6980 • www.sycamorespringfarm.org

1619 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown 301.662.1291 • www.thanksgivingfarmandgarden.com

A 14-year-old CSA program on a 340-year-old farm that practices “Do No Harm Farming.” Producing over 65 varieties of vegetables, fruits, berries, nuts and herbs, plus pastured beef, poultry and eggs. Healthy food from incredibly healthy soil is available year round at the farm's market and country store. Tours, workshops and delivery sites are detailed on the website.

Thanksgiving Farms is a diversified 57-acre family-owned and operated business. They grow a vast selection of fresh fruits and vegetables March through December, and grow and specialize in unusual annuals, perennials, herbs and shrubs in a three-acre greenhouse and nursery garden center. They offer a CSA program throughout most of the year. 'We Grow Our Own' is their motto and they take great pride in an ability to offer products grown from start to finish on their sustainable family farm. Call or visit the website for hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Educational tours and classes, pastured meats, beef by the quarter or half. Winter program features hoop house produce and poultry.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Pick-your-own options are available along with fruits, vegetables, annuals, perennials, herbs, evergreens, shrubs and trees, a selection of gardening enhancements—pottery, statuary, trellises— and tools and gifts for gardeners. 77

WHISPERING MEADOWS ALPACA BREEDERS 13959 Unionville Road, Mount Airy 301.452.9460 • www.whisperingmeadowsalpaca.com Established in 1999, the farm maintains 30 alpacas. They started the first 4-H alpaca club in Frederick County. Their motto is “first in fiber, first in fun, first in Frederick.” They breed high-quality alpacas as well as their own hay and have a variety of other animals on the farm year round. Call or visit the website for hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT A variety of hand-made, home-grown, made in the USA, and some Peruvian alpaca products available. From natural to dyed yarns, raw fiber, rovings, bears, hats, scarves, gloves, purses, sweaters, vests, socks, finger puppets, throws and more. Friend them on Facebook to see the latest news.

WILD SONG FARM 13720 Moser Road, Thurmont 240.405.7622 • www.wildsongfarm.us Wild Song Farm is a small family farm in its third year. They grow and sell seasonal produce such as salad and cooking greens, carrots, beets, radishes, summer squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, melons, onions, broccoli, cauliflower and more, all using ecological and low till practices. They sell their produce, fresh popped kettlecorn, homemade granola, and a handful of goods from neighboring farms at their farm stand open Friday through Sunday every weekend from May into November. The farm is located just outside of Thurmont, a short walk from the library and trolley trail.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Fresh-popped kettle corn for sale every weekend at the farm stand, maximizing the “brains,” the big popped textured pieces that hold the most flavor and have the best crunch. 78

WILLOW OAKS CRAFT CIDER 6219 Harley Road, Middletown 301.371.4814 • www.willowoakscraftcider.com Eric Rice and Lori Leitzel Rice craft their farmhouse style cider from certified organic, American heirloom apples on their 35-acre farm in Middletown. Organic pears, blueberries, black currants and other fruits make tasty additions to Willow Oaks' ciders. Fabulous fruit, unique terroir and small-batch barrel fermentation let the flavors and aroma of the fruit shine through to a crisp, dry finish. Visit the website for tasting room hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Fresh organic produce, beef, jam, flowers, seedlings, potted fig trees and more are available at the farm store in the Willow Oaks barn. Relax on the deck, enjoy a glass of cider and take in the view.

WINTERBROOK FARMS 13001 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont 301.465.3801 • www.winterbrookfarmsmd.com This family entertainment spot also known as Lawyer’s Winterbrook Farms offers hours of fun for all ages. Included in admission to the farm are over 25-plus activities, one of which is Maryland’s largest corn maze with over six miles of trails. They also have farm animals, mountain slides, mini ziplines, apple cannons and a hayride to the U-pick pumpkin patch.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Home of Maryland’s largest corn maze with over six miles of trails spread over a 30-acre corn field. Race down the 60-foot mountain slides, aim and fire the apple cannons at targets, enjoy activities in the big barn such as the 300-foot farm animal exhibit area. Enjoy a hot cup of local apple cider around the fire during our evenings on the farm activities. Something for all ages. 79

9460 Liberty Rd. Frederick, MD 301.898.1200

700 E. Diamond Ave. Gaithersburg, MD 301.670.9300

www.rippeonequipment.com

1115 Baltimore Blvd. Westminster, MD 410.848.5000

D.W. OGG Equipment Company

5149 Cap Stine Road | Frederick, MD

301-473-4250 | www.dwogg.net