Flower Operations Blooming | You Want to be a Farmer? | People to Watch in Agriculture In partnership with Frederick County Office of Economic Development | Supplement to Frederick Magazine
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CONTENTS 10 16 38
ABOUT THE COVER Frederick County growers are discovering the demand for flowers, whether it’s customers picking up a bouquet at a farmers market or resturants wanting to beautify a tabletop.
8 The State of Agriculture
30 Markets Feed Local Residents
10 Flower Farms are Blooming
34 Spirits from the Farm
16 Water Power—Hydroponics
38 You Want to be a Farmer?
22 Homegrown Hay Days
42 Farm Listings
24 People to Watch in Agriculture 7
#STILL FARMING LOCAL FARMERS STEP UP TO CHALLENGING TIMES If anyone knows the downside of their profession, it’s our farmers. Their livelihoods turn on what the weather does, whether it’s facing a drought that scorches fields and gardens, or too much rain that prevents getting seeds into soggy ground. Pests can be a problem, as well as commodity prices that don’t always pay for the effort farmers have put forth. On top of all that, there’s COVID-19 to add to the mix. But farmers are also optimistic and are stepping up to the challenges. Katie Stevens, associate director of agriculture business development for the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED), sees some silver linings ahead. “I believe through all of this there will be a greater respect for local food, agriculture and the farmers who continue to provide food to our stores even during a national pandemic. Supporting local farmers keeps your dollars in Frederick County and supports other small businesses,” she says. Growers and producers are seeing that they will have to do things in different ways as they move forward. Take farmers markets, for example.
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“Farmers Markets are following CDC guidelines for social distancing,” Stevens says, “Many have gotten creative offering pre-ordering with pick-up of boxes of food. Others are still operating in a market fashion adding more space between vendors, only allowing one person at a time to come up to a vendor’s table, not allowing anyone to touch produce, no sampling and providing hand sanitizer.” She adds that recommendations from the Maryland Department of Agriculture also are being followed. “OED is stepping in to provide help to county farmers,” Stevens says, “connecting them to financial resources that have been available through the state and federal government and
other organizations. We are continuing to look for best practices and recommendations that farmers can use for pick-your-owns, farm stands and farmers markets. We are working hard to promote farms that are selling products, through social media and the website. Follow us on Facebook at Homegrown Frederick.” “The Homegrown Frederick publication resting in your hands is also a big help to farmers,” she says, noting that the opportunity for them to present information about their operations remains a free service, as well as being a no-cost information source for the public. As has been expressed during this time in our history, sticking together is what will help get us through any adversity.
Glade Link Farms’ Gwen Whitmore chuckles when asked how her Keymar-based family farm first got involved in flowers. The story dates to 1993 when Whitmore was selling the farm’s strawberries and blueberries at a Rockville farmers market. Her son was five at the time and since the area was fenced in, she let him walk around to look at the other vendors’ wares while she attended to customers. “He came back to my stand and said, ‘Mom I need $15,’” she recalls. He had bought a flower. Since he was already committed to the purchase, she gave him the money, but said they would talk after the market. He came back carrying a three-foot tall Casablanca lily. The flower also sparked an idea for Whitmore. “My dad and I talked about it and said maybe (flowers) would be something else that we could do, that we could grow,” she says. Starting with sunflowers, they have added numerous varieties over the years such as gladiolus, zinnias, marigolds, cockscomb, snap dragons and sweet pea. Folks can find their
blooms at farmers markets at the Great Frederick Fair on Saturdays and Greenbelt on Sundays. About a decade ago, they began floral designs for special events like weddings, birthdays and showers using a combination of their own flowers and those from wholesale buyers. Petal Patch Flower Farm’s Julianne Du Four grew up with a massive flower garden at her home. Her mother would dig and plant while she was charged with watering and deadheading the flowers. In 2017, she decided to start a small cutting garden
in her Walkersville backyard but was later offered some land to farm. “I jumped in with both feet,” she says. She quickly outgrew the first field she used in Frederick and moved to a larger field a couple of years ago. Customers may find some of her best sellers like dahlias and ranunculus at The Common Market and the Leesburg Farmers Market on Saturdays. Her daughters, Lillian and Madeleine, have also formed their own side business, L & M Succulents, featuring the small plants potted in cement vases they create. Starting the seeds remains Du Four’s favorite part of farming. “I love watching the seeds grow and germinate,” she says. “...It’s addicting growing, germinating
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seeds, and watching them (knowing) I did this.” Middletown’s Valley-Ho Farm has been selling flowers like sunflowers, zinnias, snap dragons and dahlias for four years as a way to bring in extra income. They try to add two new
flowers to the repertoire every year. “I love having my hands in the earth and in the soil,” says owner Jamie Derr. “Watching things grow is very rewarding.” Selling their flowers at the Middletown and Myersville farmers markets and a roadside stand at their farm, they also do weddings and host once-a-month Pick Your Own events through their Facebook page. Folks get a bucket and a pair of snips and may cut any flower up to 20 stems. Scenic View Orchards has been selling a wide variety of flowers with different textures and colors for 20 years. The Sabillasville farm sells mixed bouquets featuring celosia, zinnias, lizianthas, dahlias, hydrangeas, peonies and others at their roadside market and various farmers markets including Shab Row and the YMCA of Frederick County. Connie Masser says the family began growing flowers because her mother liked them. “You are out there in nature usually solo,” she says. “It’s a time for thinking and reflecting.”
Challenges Confronted Mother Nature can be a fierce ally or the worst enemy of a farmer. Locally, farmers have faced a see-saw of hardships. Two years ago, the area received record rainfall that even surpassed the rain capital of the United States—Seattle. Last year, the area was thrust into a drought. “It’s been so unpredictable,” says Du Four. Last year, she lost countless flowers to the heat. “There was nothing I could do. I was buying water and having it trucked in. It was just never enough. That is really hard working with Mother Nature.” Earlier this year, she got a well installed at her farm after working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. During the 2018 rain, Masser recalls their celosia crop, which loves H2O, absorbed the water and rotted. “I’ve never ever seen that before,” she says. Derr notes that pests last year like the cucumber beetle were a challenge. These bugs feed on stems, leaves and
petals and may wreck havoc on agricultural plants. Glade Link does not solely grow flowers. They also offer a pick your own strawberry patch and grow numerous
got to think about what needs to be done today. I don't think I have ever not gotten something done ever, just because I know how important it is to whoever it is. That works for me. If I
crops like pumpkins, blueberries, green beans and cabbage so the family must balance responsibilities. “I have my calendar out and I don't think about the 20 things that I have to do tomorrow,” Whitmore says. “I’ve
think about the grand scheme of things like the next three months, you get overwhelmed. ...You can only do one thing at a time, but you have to be able to prioritize. You've got to do the thing that is most important.”
Valley-Ho is a dairy farm with the Derr family milking around 70 cows a day. Derr notes it is extremely difficult to balance both operations. “That is probably the hardest thing for me,” she says. “Figuring out how to balance everything and not let it become too much. I am lucky in that they are both here (on-site at the farm). I can do them all from home and I don’t have to go work away other than when I go to the markets.” When people buy flowers, many don’t realize the work that goes into each stem before they are available for sale. “When we cut our flowers, before they go into the bucket, they are what I call finished and ready to use,” Whitmore says. “We’ve got all the leaves stripped off of them. We do that out here so the leftovers go back into the ground to keep it built up. When you buy (wholesale) flowers, that is not the case. They have leaves all over
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them. They have thorns all over them. They have bad petals on them. There is a whole lot of prep work before they get to look beautiful. ...Sometimes people think you can just stand out there and throw a seed in the ground
and it will come up and be beautiful and you haven’t done a thing to it. Farming is not for the faint of heart,
believe me. That doesn’t mean I don’t love it but it’s not like going to work 9 to 5 every day.” The most common comment Du Four hears from customers is ‘You don’t have any bug damage’ which is not the case. “I compost a ton of flowers,” she says. “If they have been nibbled on or chewed or deformed, (they are composted). The reason you have to grow so much is because so much has to be pitched and that is because I am not spraying and killing the bugs.” Though flowers give nature quite a beautiful palette, Masser says “a lot of people think it is just fun, but it is work. You have to continually sanitize your picking buckets and also the buckets that display the flowers. It is hard on your back, but it is a little different than other farming activities because even though it is not as heavy there is a lot of water to deal with and the water is heavy.”
Du Four notes that flowers have such a positive effect on people. “The smiles,” she says. “The way they feel (when they get) a beautiful bouquet of flowers. They are so happy. It is lovely. It is lovely to be around all of that, to
be a apart of it, to spread that happiness. It feels good.” Derr agrees, stating every time somebody buys flowers, it makes them
happy. “Whether it is at the market or coming out to the farm, you just get so much joy in knowing that it makes them happy,” she says. “I think it’s even better when they tell you it is for someone else and they say, ‘I wanted to come get a bouquet cause it’s my mom’s birthday.’ That makes me really happy.” Whitmore finds the cutting process calming. “I am moving fast but it is kind of relaxing,” she says. “I do the same thing over and over. It is a repetitive task and I can think about other things or not think about anything if I don’t want to.” Masser notes anything related to nature is a stress reliever. “When you are working with the flowers, it helps you but then when flowers are given to other people, it brightens their days and lifts their spirits,” she says.
PARTNERING
In Petals
The Frederick County Office of Economic Development has partnered with the Downtown Frederick Partnership to promote locally grown flowers. Katie Stevens, Office of Economic Development’s associate director, agriculture development, says the idea came from the partnership’s annual Pitchcraft placemaking competition. One of the ideas last year that was not chosen involved promoting flower farms. “Our office decided that (the idea) really connects the ag community with Downtown Frederick and that we would sponsor that project,” she says. A mural with a large picture of a dahlia is set to be created on a building Downtown. The artist and building have not yet been announced. Downtown businesses that support and sell flowers from area farms will also get a logo sticker to place on their entrance doors or windows. “It is another way to support local agriculture,” she says. “I think it is something that people don't think of every day. It is an easy way that we can pretty up our town and or restaurants. Support local flowers and support farmers trying to do something different. I think what is cool about flowers, similar to vegetables, is you don’t need a lot of land to grow flowers. We have some really great flower farms here in Frederick that are on very small acreage but are doing really cool things.”
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Inside the greenhouse at District Farms on a chilly day in early spring, leafy green lettuce stretches the length of a football field. This lettuce is much like the major crop cultivated year-round in the mild California climate except it’s not being grown in California. This lettuce grows year-round in the Jefferson greenhouse that is District Farms, using a closed-loop hydroponic system. This lettuce thrives on organic soil and is grown without pesticides or herbicides. Because it’s inside a greenhouse, it’s also not exposed to any outdoor toxins that might accidentally drift over organic crops. Hydroponic growing relies on water as the primary method to feed nutrients to plants. District Farms and Catoctin Mountain Orchards both grow plants using the hydroponic method and students at Frederick County Public Schools are studying hydroponic growing methods.
Lettuce in Adamstown Jason Stern is not your typical farmer. He and three partners from Washington, D.C., bought 40 acres on Basford Road near Adamstown in 2017, spending two years setting up the hydroponic system to grow lettuce to sell to regional food retailers. “Ninety percent of leafy greens in the U.S. are grown in California and Arizona,” Stern says. Shipping alone pumps 380,000 pounds of carbon dioxide into the air each year. Stern, an
affordable housing professional, and his partners, all attorneys, thought growing lettuce near D.C. could open up a new market for them. In addition, the business has environmental benefits. That’s not only because lettuce is growing close to home, it’s also a method that uses 10 percent less land than a traditional farm would use to grow the same amount of lettuce. The lettuce at District Farms is grown with a small amount of soil. The plants grow in long aluminum troughs
with roots wrapped by a bit of soil. Each lettuce plant rests on the trough, with roots poking through holes cut in the base of the trough. “It’s called living lettuce,” Stern says. The farm grows green and red leaf lettuce and butterhead. He plans to add cut baby greens, filling a large demand. Hydroponic plants may grow using only water and a nutrient-based solution, or there may be a little bit of soil, like that found in plugs, according to the University of Maryland Extension Service. Stern says he and his partners considered vertical farming, a form of hydroponics that uses mostly water and nutrients. They decided against it, however, because it
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requires more lights and water, which makes it cost more. “So, we thought that even though this is not as sexy, the margins are there,” he says. “The four of us are pretty focused on eating healthy.” They bought the land, which is served by well water, and built a greenhouse. Right now, plants cover over 40,000 square feet, but there’s room to grow. The partners eventually plan to have 600,000 square feet of plant space in greenhouses. “It’s not an insignificant amount of lettuce,” Stern says. They sell to food retailers and distributors in the D.C. metro area as well as to some restaurants as far as New York.
“I can’t tell you that for many years before this, I ever imagined I would become a farmer,” Stern says. He drives to Frederick from his home in Washington to work in the greenhouse, keeping the enterprise going with 10 employees. A nutrient filtration system keeps the plants watered. Using gravity, water is sent through metal pipes to the plants and fed to the roots. The well water helps keep water expenses down. By using a tiny amount of soil, weeds don’t form. “One of the biggest benefits of indoor growing is that instead of different grow times for summer and winter, every day is the same,” Stern says. That makes it easier to grow a consistent crop, one that’s not affected by drought or other factors. A computer controls the greenhouse temperature, typically between 42 and 80 degrees, and lettuce grows well in that temperature range, Stern says. Supplemental lights are used as needed in winter and covers protect the plants when the summer sun bakes down. Fans run to disperse humidity and prevent mold. “Computer controls help to make it like a factory in terms of efficiency,” Stern says. “Many clients prefer ordering from a single source throughout the year, and hydroponic farming makes that possible in places like Frederick,” he says.
“We’re pretty optimistic about our business model,” he says, describing lettuce farming as a business that intertwines quality and price. Lettuce from District Farms typically sells for $3 to $3.50 per head, making it about the same price as Californiagrown lettuce sold in the supermarket.
Catoctin Mountain Orchard Bob Black, owner of Catoctin Mountain Orchard, first learned about hydroponic farming while at the Great Lakes Expo a few years ago. He took a bus tour, where he saw a farmer growing lettuce year-round in the cold Michigan climate. The growing method used a level greenhouse and paths between waisthigh raised beds, along with 2-inch diameter holds drilled into Styrofoam. Black was intrigued and decided to give hydroponic lettuce a try. “We built some beds 5 feet wide by 8 feet long,” he says. “We wanted to get them up so my men aren’t bent over.” Lightweight boards contain the plants, several inches apart. Below the beds of plants are pools of water. “You have a pump that circulates the water,” he says. Water is piped in and intake and outtake valves control the water flow to each plant bed. There are several lettuce beds inside a 20-foot by 100-foot greenhouse.
“We don’t have to worry about deer and rabbits,” Black says. The hydroponic lettuce kept the market at Catoctin Mountain Orchard supplied with lettuce from spring through fall last year. Before that, Black says, “we were just planting lettuce in the spring.” A shade cloth makes it easier to grow throughout the warm months. “It makes it feel like a cloudy day in there,” Black says. He hopes to add more beds and recommends it to other farmers. “Mine’s kind of a homemade system, and it works for us,” he says. “It’s not that we know anything, but we’re willing to borrow ideas.”
Frederick High School Frederick High School teacher Richard Stonebraker lives in an apartment and grows his own tomatoes. He’s also helping the students in his agriculture class build their own hydroponics systems. “I want them to go home and be able to do this.” At Frederick High, he has an aquaponics system which combines the benefits of hydroponics with aquaculture. Fish are raised in tanks, and filtered waste nutrients from the fish are used to fertilize the plants. Students help care for the fish and plants. Students start vegetable seeds in winter, rooting some in water and
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some in soil. They use grow lights for germination. As spring arrives, they move the aquaponics system to a sunny location in the school’s greenhouse. For at-home hydroponics, students build their systems using Solo cups and Rubbermaid containers with holes
in town without much yard space,” he says. “I want them to see that they can grow their own food. A lot of my students come from backgrounds where money is tight, and I want them to see that even small changes make a difference.” Stonebraker himself took
punched in the lids. “I want them to be able to build these using materials from the Dollar Store,” he says. The most expensive part of the system is a pump. The entire cost is $20 to $40. “Most of my students live in apartments, or single-family homes
agriculture classes and was president of FFA at Linganore High School. The 2007 LHS graduate won the Teacher Turn the Key Scholarship Award from the Maryland Agriculture Teachers Association in 2019.
Looking Into The Future Randy Cohen owns Hickory Plains Farm in Ijamsville. On his 200-acre farm, he breeds thoroughbred racehorses. But he’s interested in converting a few acres into greenhouse space to grow hydroponic tomatoes. He’s still exploring his options, but he’s sold on the technology. “It’s a controlled environmental agricultural center, or CEAC,” he says. “It’s a controlled environment that eliminates chemical pesticides, reduces pest problems, and allows you to control your fertilizer, climate and growth.” Some hydroponic vegetables are grown in hoop greenhouses, while others use glass greenhouses. “You have a range of choices,” Cohen says. Some methods cost more than others. “Hydroponics is the farming of the future.” Hydroponic farms are in Almeria, Spain, and De Lier, Netherlands, which grow many of the tomatoes eaten yearround in Europe, Cohen says. The farm in Almeria took in so much carbon dioxide that it helped lower the region’s annual temperature by one degree, a rarity in the 21st century. Cohen hopes that kind of forward thinking will take hold in local agriculture. More on District Farms at: www.district.farm More on Catoctin Mountain Orchard at: www.catoctinmountainorchard.com (The market is open May to December)
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FARMING AT ITS ROOTS PRESENTED DURING HOMEGROWN HAY DAYS The annual fall festival sponsored by the Frederick County Office of Economic Development—Homegrown Hay Days—is a way to make the public aware of where their food comes from while at the same time offering fun excursions. The self-guided tour includes farms where visitors can pick apples, ride on a farm wagon, interact with alpacas or countless other activities. This year’s event is Oct. 17 and 18. “People can learn about agriculture and see just how diverse Frederick County agriculture is,” says Katie Stevens, OED’s associate director of agriculture business development. “We have 20 farms participating and 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 is involved in their jobs. Admission is free, although some locations may offer special activities which have a fee. Beverage tastings are available at a cider producer, breweries and vineyards. Farm markets are featured at some locations on the tour where visitors can buy produce, fall decorations for their homes, cider, jams and jellies and crafts.
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At South Mountain Creamery, 8305 Bolivar Road, Middletown, for instance, visitors can feed the calves, see cows being milked and more. Nick’s Organic Farm, 2733 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown, has animal feedings and hayrides. Winterbrook Farms, 13001 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont, boasts the state’s largest corn maze, with over five miles of trails, and has a petting zoo, mountain slides, a pedal cart track, zip lines, an apple cannon and a hayride to the nine-acre pumpkin patch with more than 20 pumpkin varieties from which to choose. Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch, 6521 Holter Road, Middletown, is where seven generations of the family farmed, and is home to a 30-acre pumpkin patch. These are just some of the many adventures of Homegrown Hay Days. Please check www.homegrownfrederick.com for updates.
Adams County, PA
HOMEGROWN HAY DAYS LOCATION MAP Ca
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Wash ingt on
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. Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch 8. Linganore Winecellars* 9. Mayne’s Tree Farm 10. Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm*
11. Nick’s Organic Farm 12. Orchid Cellars 13. Rocky Point Creamery 14. Scenic View Orchards 15. South Mountain Creamery
16. Summers Farm 17. Sycamore Spring Farm 18. Thanksgiving Farm 19. Whispering Meadows 20. Winterbrook Farm
Lou dou nC ou nt y, VA
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*Craft Beverage Tasting Available 23
TAYLOR AND BRANDON HUFFMAN Over the past several years, Winterbrook Farms, previously known as Lawyers has undergone quite the transformation. One of the first to offer a corn maze in the area, the Thurmont-based farm has added more than 25 activities to their annual fall festival including beeline zip lines, a pumpkin pillow, a tractor tire mountain and pedal kart track. For years, the farm was known for its huge Transformers statues which were pelted by a pumpkin cannon. “They were in pretty bad shape and they were really impossible to repair standing so we had to take them down because they were starting to fall and crumble,” Taylor says. Only one, which was not a target, remained. But for those who are still fans of the statues—the Huffmans have some good news. “I’ll let you in on a little secret,” Taylor says. “We are building another one. We plan to unveil it this year to be a target for our apple cannons.”
BRANDON AND TAYLOR HUFFMAN The Huffmans are also planning to open the farm two weeks early to host a brand-new Sunflower Festival Sept. 12-13 and 19-20. “We were trying to think of a way to add onto our season and not everybody wants pumpkins in early September,” she says. “We are going to be a little later for sunflowers than most people would think but ours are going to be set to bloom from Labor Day weekend on.” Along with the regular fall festival activities, guests will get to take a hayride to the field featuring a maze and the ability for people to pick and pay for sunflowers they want to take home. Season passes, good for both festivals, are also a new feature this year.
“You have to diversify to make it in the agriculture world these days,” Taylor says. “...We’ve been investing in our agri-tourism business and hoping that helps carry us through the years that are tight with our crops and when the weather is not necessarily ideal for making hay. We genuinely enjoy the process of building things and seeing the public come to the farm and make memories as a family. It brings some inner joy that I just can’t get elsewhere.”
ADAM FREY While on vacation in Germany with a friend many years ago, Adam Frey tried wheat beer for the first time. “I
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said ‘Why don’t we have these in the states?’” he asks. “I really wanted to have access to those kinds of beers.” Always enjoying a good beer, the U.S. Air Force veteran was first taught brewing by his late uncle who had been craft brewing since the 1970s. Yet when Frey bought his Mount Airy farm in 1995, he initially wanted to do a vineyard, but his family talked him out of it. In 2010, he decided to create Frey’s Brewing Company, a small artisanal craft beer farm brewery, and began selling beer a few years later. All the winter wheat used in the beers is grown right on the farm. Last year, he opened a tasting room on his farm in a historic renovated barn dating back to the early 1820s. The location is now the exclusive spot to get the company’s beers. “We
Adam Frey
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want to make sure when customers are drinking our beer...they are getting the same experience,” Frey says. With 20 beers on tap, some of their most popular flavors are on the lighter side. Hoodbine Light, named for Frey’s hometown of Woodbine, is a light lager. Whack Truck McDonkey, an Imperial IPA, gives both a sweet and bitter taste. Made In Freypan is a farmhouse blonde with a slightly citrusy flavor with spicy, earthy tones. “It’s not just the beer,” Frey says. “It is the entire (brewery) experience. You show up. You enjoy the beer. You enjoy the friendliness of our staff. That is the goal—to make sure you are a happy person when you walk through the door all the way through until the time you leave.”
TONY AND ABBY BRUSCO Long before the buy local and home delivery service movements swept the area, South Mountain Creamery staff were pounding the pavement getting their products like milk, eggs, ice cream, produce and meats into their customer’s homes. “I think as a family we definitely have a passion for what we are doing,” says Tony, CEO. “When we started the creamery almost 19 years ago, we never envisioned ourselves as being necessarily pioneers to try to change the agricultural community. We were simply trying to get a little bit more control over our milk price so we had some way of having a predictable income so our little farm could survive. We never expected the creamery to blow up as much as it has, to expand and do deliveries all over the area like we have. We have been very blessed by that, but it wasn't what we originally sought out doing.” The market has been changing and customers now have many options so South Mountain continues to strive to meet customer needs. “We are not trying to be a grocery store delivery service,” Tony says. “We are trying to be a convenient way of bringing the farmers market to your doorstep, not the grocery store. We are really honing in on that local aspect and how can we do more. What else can we feature on our local site that when people try our products, they are tasting Maryland.” Last year, the creamery opened Hometown Harvest Kitchen in Downtown Frederick. The space, formerly home to The Greene Turtle, provides a space for a causal dine-in farm to fork restaurant experience, an
ice cream shop so guests may sample favorites like peanut butter pie and Snallygaster, a larger commercial kitchen to prepare delivery items and provide a base for their food truck, which shows up to breweries. “We are a family first and foremost,” Abby says. “We really care about what we do. We are very passionate about what we do.”
KELSEY MASLEN As a loan officer with MidAtlantic Farm Credit, one of Kelsey Maslen’s favorite parts of her job is getting to spend time in the fields at her clients’ farms. “I’ve helped plant strawberries and harvest grapes,” she says. “I think you learn a lot about your customer by being able to see what they do in their day-to-day work.” Working out of the Frederick office for more than five years, Maslen helps to facilitate customers’ credit needs ranging from buying farmland to financing growth through various ways including tasting rooms, hydroponics, greenhouses, tractors and cattle. “There are a lot of things we can do to match a person’s operation,” she says. Growing up on a dairy farm in Woodsboro, Maslen participated in both FFA and 4-H while attending Walkersville High School. She served as the Maryland State FFA treasurer and holds an agribusiness degree from Kansas State University. Maslen has found helping farmers to realize their dreams has been particularly rewarding. “It is neat because we work with farmers of all sorts and sizes,” she says. “...As a relationship lender, we service all of our loans in house so as their farm
tony and abby brusco
Kelsey Maslen
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operation grows, we get to grow with them. A lot of my colleagues have been loan officers for 20, 30 years and have served multiple generations within a family and that is what I hope to be able to do, too.”
annual butchering. Some would ask her what that was and what happened there. “Not everyone was blessed to grow up on the farm and watch the milk be produced or watch the crops grow,” she says. “My passion came from
Karen Nicklas
KAREN NICKLAS Karen Nicklas notes her passion for agriculture began at a young age. She grew up on a dairy farm in Thurmont and would watch her father work long hours. While attending the University of Maryland College Park, she would tell people about Catoctin High’s
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wanting everyone to be able to experience a little bit of a farm kid’s life and understand how hard farmers and agricultural industry people work to produce food and clothes. Everything is agriculture and I don’t think people understand that.” Many times, she will hear people complaining about tractors on the road
and the traffic backups they cause. “I just want to be able to promote the positives of agriculture and educate the public on where their food comes from and how much of agriculture is in everyone’s everyday life,” Nicklas says. “To have everyone see the respect and appreciation for the agriculture industry that I have.” Earlier this year, Nicklas was named general manager of The Great Frederick Fair after working as programs manager and executive assistant. “It truly is amazing how many community members are involved in our organization,” she says. “...It is very important to keep the heart of agriculture in the community and this event is truly that. For the public, it is to educate them and showcase the agriculture industry in Frederick.” Planning happens year-round for the annual event which features exhibits, concerts, animal showings and more. The fair has five full time office staff and three maintenance workers. “I think everybody brings a little personality and piece of themselves into the mix when we are coming up with new ideas and creative ways to improve and expand upon the ag education aspects,” Nicklas says. “I feel like we all have a little piece in it, but it is not just one person that is doing everything. It is truly a group and a team effort. ...I am excited and glad to be in this role because I feel like I have the ability to help everybody make this fair, their fair. I always say The Great Frederick Fair is great because of the people involved in it.”
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Filling Plates with Local •••••••
Fare
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-from-the-farmto-the-table offerings:
FARMERS MARKETS Emmitsburg Farmers Market 302 S. Seton Ave. Fridays, 3 p.m.-6:30 p.m. June-September
Farmers Market at NCI-Frederick Fort Detrick, Building 549 Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. April-October
Field Fresh Farmers Market Great Frederick Fairgrounds 797 E. Patrick St. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. End of April-November
Frederick City Market 331 N. Market St. Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May-November
Frederick Farmers Market Wolf Furniture parking lot 1215 W. Patrick St. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. End of April-November
Frederick Farmers Market at Everedy Square & Shab Row Church and East streets Thursdays, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Late-May through September
Jefferson Farmers Market 4603 Lander Road Wednesdays, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. May-September
Key City Food & Farmers Market 121 N. Bentz St. Fridays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May-August
Lake Linganore Farmers Market Corner of Eaglehead and Coldstream drives Thursdays, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. June-August
Middletown Farmers Market 12 S. Church St., Middletown Thursdays, 4 p.m.-7 p.m. May- October
Myersville Farmers Market 301 Main St. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon April-October
New Market Farmers Market 93 W. Main St. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon May-August
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Pleasant Hill Produce 301-471-2699 www.pleasanthillproduce.com
Rendezvous Farm 908-528-3923 www.rendezvousfarmmd.square.site/
Rights of Man Farm 240-674-2727 www.rightsofmanfarm.com
Seed of Life Nursery & CSA 240-344-6533 www.seedoflifefrederick.org
South Mountain Creamery Dandelion and Rust 240-385-9023 www.dandelionandrust.com
Thurmont Main Street Market Municipal Center parking lot, South Center Street Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon June-September
Urbana Library Market
301-639-9711 www.goodsailfarm.com
Good Soil Farm LLC 443-536-1830 www.fullcellarfarm.com
Sycamore Spring Farm 301-788-6980 www.sycamorespringfarm.org
Thanksgiving Farms 301-662-1291 www.thanksgivingfarmandgarden.com
ORCHARDS
9020 Amelung St. Sundays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. May-October
House in the Woods Farm
Catoctin Mountain Orchard
301-607-4048 www.houseinthewoods.com
301-271-2737 www.catoctinmountainorchard.com
YMCA of Frederick Market
The Little Red Wagon Produce
1000 N. Market Ave. Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. May-October
Country Pleasures
240-439-9401
301-371-4814 www.countrypleasuresfarm.com
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) Chocolates and Tomatoes 571-271-2686 chocolatesandtomatoes@gmail.com www.chocolatesandtomatoes.com 32
Full Cellar Farm
301-371-8565 www.southmountaincreamery.com
Moon Valley Farm www.moonvalleyfarm.net
Pryor’s Orchard
Open Book Farm
301-271-2693 www.pryorsorchards.com
240-457-2558 www.openbookfarm.com
Scenic View Orchards 301-271-2149 www.scenicvieworchards.com
Frederick counTy 4-H BeeF, SHeep & Swine Sale
Thursday, September 24th, 2020 Time: 5:30pm THE GREAT FREDERICK FAIR BEEF SHOW RING, BUILDING 18
• Sale Order: Swine then Alternating Beef and Sheep through remainder of the sale • 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.
C. Richard Dewees Oil Company 24 Hr. Emergency Service Budget Plans Automatic Delivery Annual Burner Contracts
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.
301-271-7303 Thurmont, MD Proudly Serving Frederick County Since 1970
16239 Sabillasville Rd. • Sabillasville, MD www.scenicvieworchards.com • 301.271.2149 CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS AND EVENTS.
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.
Catoctin Breeze
AMERICAN SHOCHU COMPANY
CATOCTIN BREEZE VINEYARD
FREY’S BREWING COMPANY
4539 Metropolitan Court, Frederick www.americanshochucompany.com
15010 Roddy Road, Thurmont www.catoctinbreeze.com
8601 Mapleville Road, Mount Airy www.freysbrewing.com
ATTABOY BEER CO.
DRAGON DISTILLERY
HIDDEN HILLS FARM AND VINEYARD
400 Sagner Ave., Frederick, Suite 400 www.attaboybeer.com
1341 Hughes Ford Road, Suite 108 Frederick www.dragondistillery.com
7550 Green Valley Road, Frederick www.hiddenhillsfarmandvineyard.com
BERRYWINE PLANTATIONS LINGANORE WINECELLARS
DISTILLERY LANE CIDERWORKS
13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy www.linganorewines.com
5533 Gapland Road, Jefferson www.distillerylaneciderworks.com
BLACK ANKLE VINEYARDS
ELK RUN
44463 Black Ankle Road, Mount Airy www.blackankle.com
15113 Liberty Road, Mount Airy www.elkrun.com
BREWER’S ALLEY
FLYING DOG BREWERY
124 N. Market St., Frederick www.brewers-alley.com
4607 Wedgewood Blvd., Frederick www.flyingdogbrewery.com
IDIOM BREWING CO. 340 E. Patrick St., Frederick www.idiombrewing.com
JUG BRIDGE BREWERY 911 E. Patrick St., Frederick www.facebook.com/jugbridgebrewery
LINKS BRIDGE VINEYARDS
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8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont www.linksbridgevineyards.com
MONOCACY BREWING 1781 N. Market St., Frederick www.monocacybrewing.com
SMOKETOWN BREWING STATION—CREEKSIDE 400 Sagner Ave, Suite 100, Frederick www.smoketowncreekside.com
NEW MARKET PLAINS VINEYARD
Red Shedman Farm Brewery
11111 W. Baldwin Road, New Market www.newmarketplains.com
SPRINGFIELD MANOR WINERY, DISTILLERY & BREWERY
OLDE MOTHER BREWING CO.
11836 Auburn Road, Thurmont www.springfieldmanor.com
526 N. Market St., Frederick www.oldemother.com
STEINHARDT BREWING CO.
ORCHID CELLAR MEADERY & WINERY
LOEW VINEYARDS
8546 Pete Wiles Road, Middletown www.orchidcellar.com
14001 Liberty Road, Mount Airy www.loewvineyards.com
PROSPECT POINT BREWERY
MAD SCIENCE BREWING AT THANKSGIVING FARMS
5500 Jefferson Pike, Frederick, www.www.facebook.com/ prospect-point-brewery
1619 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown www.madsciencebrewing.com
PUERTO RICO DISTILLERY
MAZZAROTH VINEYARD 8333 Myersville Road, Myersville www.mazzarothvineyard.com
340 E. Patrick St., Suite 102, Frederick www.steinhardtbrewing.com
1341 Hughes Ford Road, Unit 113A, Frederick www.puertoricodistillery.com
RED SHEDMAN FARM BREWERY MCCLINTOCK DISTILLING 35 S. Carroll St., Frederick www.mcclintockdistilling.com
13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy www.redshedman.com
ROCKWELL BREWERY MIDNIGHT RUN BREWING 912 N. East St., Frederick www.midnightrunbrewing.com
MILKHOUSE BREWERY at STILLPOINT FARM 8253 Dollyhyde Road, Mount Airy www.milkhousebrewery.com
880 N. East St., Suite 201, Frederick www.rockwellbrewery.com
SMOKETOWN BREWING STATION 223 W. Potomac St., Brunswick www.smoketownbrewing.com
Sprinfield Manor
TENTH WARD DISTILLING CO. 55 E. Patrick St., Frederick www.tenthwarddistilling.com
WILLOW OAKS CRAFT CIDER 6219 Harley Road, Middletown www.willowoakscraftcider.com
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No longer a phenomenon from the 1970s, there’s a new “Getting Back to the Land” movement happening. The allure of a simpler lifestyle, and the ability to raise a family away from the stresses of urban life, continues to attract more and more young people, according to the most recent USDA’s Census of Agriculture. While the numbers of those new to farming is up, getting into farming at any point in your life doesn’t have to be an experiment in idealism.
So what do you do if you weren’t born into a farming family? How does one go about obtaining the background, education and funding to break into the farming life? Young farmers often face a number of obstacles when trying to get started. The weight of student debt makes affording land, implements and resources near to impossible. In order to pay the bills and keep debt down, many young people are farming in their off hours while holding down a primary occupation. According to the last census, a whopping two-thirds (more than 200,000) of young farmers list their primary occupation as something other than farming. It may seem as if the obstacles are overwhelming, but in fact there are unique out-of-the-box, and creative ways to become a farmer. Abundant resources are available.
Do Your Homework But what if my degree was in Art History? What if I don’t have a college degree? What if I got a C in Biology? It’s true that farmers are some of the most educated people in our country. Agriculture is a high tech, detail oriented, science based occupation. For these reasons alone, it is important to be knowledgeable and informed. However, farmers have always been ‘Renaissance people’ and this is primarily why many different types of people with many different types
of backgrounds can survive and thrive as small farmers. Ben and Heather Sayler of Pleasant Hill Produce in Walkersville, began their organic farming journey in 2013. The year prior to that, Ben had enrolled in the Beginning Farmer Program through the Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Ag, which included lots of hands-on produce farm visits, followed by working on an organic farm for a season. “We took the time to create a farm business plan, and a brand image which would set ourselves apart,” he says. In looking back on the biggest lesson that he learned, Sayler reflects, “I had never owned my own company or been my own boss, I had to be disciplined in order to get everything done.” He had to be the farmer, accountant, marketer and HR department. “Wearing so many different hats was not something I had expected but were good learning experiences which we’ve used over the years.” With a multitude of small farms in Frederick County, there is no shortage of small farm operations to expose yourself to. Going straight to the source is the first step in finding out if the lifestyle and workstyle are right for you. Getting creative with funding, farm sharing or renting, and partnering are required unless you were born into a farm family. Luckily, getting to know some of your local small farmers is just a mouse click away. As part of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development
(OED), HomegrownFrederick.com has a wealth of information on local farms and events, as well as farmers market locations and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs. OED works closely with the Tourism Council of Frederick County to promote the many agritourism opportunities, providing a host of ways to spend a fun and healthy day at farms learning more about where your local food comes from. The University of Maryland Extension—Ag Marketing, has a New Farmers page which includes a checklist called ‘Starting a Farm Enterprise in Maryland,’ covering the gamut, from research and production, to business management, to marketing and regulations for new farm enterprises. The Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center, part of the University of Maryland Extension Community Resource and Economic Development Online Initiative, can help you meet an entrepreneurial coach face-to-face or schedule an appointment on-line with a coach in the virtual coaching room.
Go For Diversity While the old adage ‘you can’t be everything to everyone’ still applies to small farms, having a fairly diverse portfolio of products can smooth out cash flow bumps throughout the year
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and provide several different marketing outlets. Mike and Lisa Gaver have been farming Gaver Farm in Mount Airy, for 35 years. Over the years, they’ve won awards in conservation and environmental stewardship, while operating a diverse family farm that includes pumpkins, Christmas trees, a pick your own program and a full event calendar. Over the years, the Gavers have developed a product mix which works both for their farming needs, and the demand of their customers. Lisa’s recommendation for new farmers is “Find your buyer before you get there. Grow slowly and strategically… and pick products you think you can excel in, and go from there.”
For over 25 years, demand for CSAs has continued to grow and currently outstrips supply. CSAs are a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from the family farm. Sharing the family farm experience with the people who eat your food can be a very gratifying experience for farmers, and consumers are included in the shared stewardship of both the land and the local community. Farm markets and farm stands are another strong revenue stream for local small farms. Check out HomegrownFrederick.com for a list of farm markets in Frederick County, and take the time to explore the existing market for restaurant sales and upscale and organic retail grocery sales.
Market, Then Market Some More The savvy social media user knows that building customer loyalty is Job #1 for all businesses. Having a working knowledge of Instagram, Facebook, websites, and the ability to communicate with your customers via email blasts, are all essential in today’s digital environment. Not only are these ways to get your product and story out, but they are also a
great way to have an ongoing conversation with your customers and fine-tune your niche in the market. As Lisa Gaver describes the process, “You hope you’ve garnered new customers for the long haul, because we don’t have a crystal ball to know what we need to plant.” The digital age and social media are continuing to drive the desire for transparency in the food chain, and an increased social and environmental concern for consumers. Transparency is no longer optional, according to The Center for Food Integrity, in describing the change in consumer attitudes. This opens enormous opportunities for small farmers in getting their story and the specifics of their product out to consumers Fresh Trends, 2019, put out by The Packer, the nation’s largest newspaper on fresh produce, report that consumers are hungry for more interactions from their producers. Driving their digital interactions, are information on recipes, events and promotions. Savvy marketers who are able to offer this information are in a better position to build customer loyalty with digital shopping. Give consumers a reason to connect. Having gone mainstream, organic and sustainability are more than just buzz words. Fresh Trends reports that the demographics for the loyal organic consumer typically falls into 18-39 year olds, and those within the
top income bracket. Families with kids were also more likely to shop organics exclusively. Organics can be a huge motivator, with most people doing it for health reasons, and because they feel an environmental responsibility to buy organic.
Want to Know More? In addition to the resource links listed below, some other organizations providing grants are: • SARE Grants - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) provides grants designed to promote sustainable farming in the U.S. • Federal USDA Grants - The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds several grant programs, including some state-level programs that distribute federal dollars to specific projects. The Beginning Farm Loan Program provides loans to beginning farmers. • Federal Farm Service Agency (FSA) also features a special Women's Outreach Program.
• State and Extension Grants - State governments and local cooperative extension offices provide grant funds for farming. • MARBIDCO Value added producer grants and loans
Other information can be found at the following www.extension.umd.edu/agmar keting/new-farmers (Excellent place to start) www.extension.umd.edu/mredc (Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center) www.extension.umd.edu/learn/pub lications/starting-farm-enterprisemaryland-checklist-fs-946 (Starting a Farm Enterprise in Maryland Checklist) www.extension.umd.edu/ newfarmer (Maryland Beginning Farmer Success
Program provides new farmers with resources and contacts to be able to explore options, refine ideas, develop plans and strategies, and implement their farming practice) www.discoverfrederickmd.com (Frederick County Maryland Office of Economic Development) www.homegrownfrederick.com (Farm Markets, CSA’s, Events, Local Farms) www.marylandfarmlink.com (Farmland and Agricultural Resource Matching) www.visitfrederick.org (Tourism Council of Frederick County) www.score.org/ and www.score.org/usda (The nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors) www.beginningfarmers.org (An excellent place to start, filled with free publications for new farmers)
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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
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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.
BARTGIS FAMILY FARM, LLC 1699 Shookstown Road, Frederick 240.285.7005 • www.bffarm.us Bartgis Family Farm is family owned and operated raising beef cattle for over 35 years. Their beef is pasture raised with no antibiotics, no hormones. They mix their own feed with grains harvested on the farm, or locally sourced, consisting of corn, barley and oats. They offer their all-natural, freezer ready beef by the pound, choose your cuts, as well as by the quarters, halves, whole. Visit the website for more details.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Monthly specials are posted on Facebook or call 240-285-7005 for more information.
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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.
BLACK ANKLE VINEYARDS 14463 Black Ankle Road, Mount Airy 301.829.3338 • 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. 45
BLUE DREAMS USA 11700 Old Annapolis Road, Frederick 301.882.4747 • www.bluedreamsusa.com Blue Dreams USA is the first of its kind lavender, roses and tea garden boutique in the country. Surrounded by scenic views, it's a place 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 from June to October with special shopping days during the holiday season. If you are looking for a special place for your family this summer, or to celebrate special occasions, please contact them for more information.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT They offer pick your own lavender on a limited schedule.
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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 ($, SaturdaySunday), and apple cider ($).
CASTLE HILL FARM 5814 Broad Run Road, Jefferson 301.371.4111 • www.voracsuffolks.com Farm-fresh, excellent tasting lamb from Frederick County is the specialty of Castle Hill Farm. Lambs are grain-fed and grass-fed, with no growth hormones or steroids. USDA inspected. Processing is done at Hemp’s Meats, Jefferson. The farm was settled in 1813 and Castle Hill is the fourth owner from the original land grant, farming for 35 years.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Castle Hill specializes in custom-processed lamb, whole or half lambs, lamb for a BBQ, lamb sausage, lamb burgers, 4-H market lambs to show at county fairs; lamb leasing program to 4H’ers—lambs leased for the summer, at no leasing cost to the 4-H family; Registered ewe and ram breeding stock, ewe breeding services, Suffolk and Hampshire fleeces and Greek Easter lambs.
CATOCTIN BREEZE VINEYARD 15010 Roddy Road, Thurmont 240.578.3831 • www.catoctinbreeze.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.
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.
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CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN ORCHARD 15036 N. Franklinville Road, Thurmont 301.271.2737•www.catoctinmountainorchard.com Catoctin Mountain Orchard is a fourth generation fruit, vegetable, and berry farm celebrating more than 55 years in business. One hundredplus acres produce products sold at the retail market on the farm. Pickyour-own crops and flowers are available including apples on Saturdays and Sundays in September and October. Call or visit the website for days and hours at their retail farm market.
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 cider donuts, apple butter, cider, honeycrisp apple sauce and local honey. Supplies the school lunch program with fruit.
CHOCOLATES & TOMATOES 7957 Hollow Road, Middletown 571.271.2686 • www.chocolatesandtomatoes.com Chocolates & Tomatoes is a certified naturally grown table crop farm offering over 100 varieties of vegetables, berries and, in a few years, tree fruit. They also offer a full line of specialty artisan chocolates handcrafted by founder, Mark Mills. They offer a CSA share program and hope to have an on-farm produce stand. They are proud members of the Maryland harvest community and offer a full range of products through this platform. This coming year will see a realization of their dream of bringing produce grown on the farm together with their love of cooking to host numerous farm dinners throughout the year.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Chef Mark has numerous years in the restaurant industry and currently serves as an instructor at both Frederick Community College hospitality program and the emerging hospitality program at the University of Maryland at Hagerstown. 48
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 $30. The farm dates to 1775 and has an historic mansion copied from George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon. The farm is the home of the Guinness Record-breaking wreaths. Member of the Maryland Christmas Tree Association. Pets are welcome.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Clemsonville has been 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 firewood truckload $30. Free punch and cookies.
DANDELION & RUST FARM Highland School Road, Myersville 240.385.9023 • www.danelionandrust.com Dandelion & Rust Farm is a small vegetable and herb farm nestled in the mountains west of Frederick. Motivated by a love of food and a love for plants, they grow what inspires them, including funky peppers, unusual fruits, and delightful herbs. They sell to local restaurants and through their new CSA. They strive to create robust and resilient ecosystems on their farm, working with nature to enhance natural pest suppression and internal nutrient cycling.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Come get your hands dirty! They offer occasional workshops and events. See website for details.
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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 22 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.
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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 fall weekends September-December. Saturdays and Sundays noon5 pm. Check the website in the fall for extended hours.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Hard and fresh cider featured on this heritage apple farm.
DREAMLAND CHRISTMAS TREE FARM
EBERLE CHRISTMAS FARM
2700 Sumantown Road, Middletown 301.418.5348 www.dreamlandchristmastreefarm.com
13415 Liberty Road, Union Bridge 301.898.4232 • www.eberlechristmasfarm.com
Dreamland Christmas Tree Farm is a choose and cut farm in the beautiful Middletown Valley. They also offer pre-cut trees of all sizes. Dreamland was started to honor the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ. They are a family-friendly farm with a beautiful old barn which has been lovingly restored as a Christmas shop. The barn offers a cozy atmosphere including a stone fireplace and wood stove, wreaths, garland, crafts, ornaments, and a café serving hot food and beverages.
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 to cut. Fresh-cut trees range from 6 to 11 feet and are kept in water for you. Open the day after Thanksgiving 10 a.m. until dark five days a week. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Children love the farm’s turkeys, pheasants, chickens, and playground. Visit weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas to make this your family’s tradition.
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.
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ENGLAND ACRES 5620 Detrick Road, Mount Airy Market Sales: 240.674.2028 Hay and Field Products: 240.674.2030 www.englandacres.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.
ESWORTHY FARMS 3405 Sumantown Road, Middletown www.esworthyfarms.com 301.471.3435 Esworthy Farms is proud to be a small, family owned farm in Middletown. With a lifetime of farming in Frederick County, they are happy to offer grass-fed, grass-finished angus beef for you to enjoy. Their black angus beef cattle are cared for in large pastures and fed only the alfalfa and orchard grass that is grown at the farm. The farm’s great soils produce great feed, and therefore great beef.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Esworthy Farms offers beef by order only, for whole, side (half) or quarter quantities.
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FLYING GOAT FARM 5241 Bartonsville Road, Frederick 443.538.8303 • www.flyinggoatfarm.com 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 Blue Faced Leicester sheep. They make yarn and spin fiber from the fleeces of their sheep and goats. They sell mohair and wool fleeces, roving and yarn made from these animals as well as commercial sources. They participate in the Fiber Art Studio Tour twice a year. Dates can be found on their website. Visit the website for hours.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT They offer spinning, dyeing, weaving, knitting and needle felting workshops throughout the year.
FLYING PIGS FARM 9233 Bessie Clemson Road, Union Bridge 301.898.8956 • www.flyingpigsorganic.com Flying Pigs Farm offers certified organic blueberries. The 25-acre farm is located in eastern Frederick County and dates to the 1860s. The current owners have spent the past 16 years improving the soil and water quality, removing invasive species, as well as planting pollinator strips and hundreds of native trees. Blueberries are available from mid-June to mid-August.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Delicious, certified organic blueberries are available at The Common Market, several Frederick restaurants, or by calling or emailing the farm directly to place an order. 53
FOX HAVEN ORGANIC FARM & LEARNING CENTER 3630 Poffenberger Road, Jefferson 301.748.2427 • 240.490.5484 www.foxhavenfarm.org Features organic hay, organic vegetables and cut flower production and sales. At Fox Haven, they develop and use innovative conservation practices used to enhance organic methods for improving healthy soils that result in production of healthy foods. Workshops and seminars are held to encourage visitors to their Learning Center to build healthy soils and to grow healthy foods.
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
FREY’S BREWING COMPANY 8601 Mapleville Road, Mount Airy 240.394.6336 • www.freysbrewing.com Frey's Brewing Company is a veteran-owned and operated small farm brewery on the Frederick County side of Mount Airy. Owner and brewer, Adam Frey has been brewing and selling beer throughout Maryland since 2012. They offer small-batch, hand-crafted, real farmhouse beer. A tasting room opened in 2019 and offers a rustic and relaxing atmosphere among several hundred acres of rolling hills. Frey's has 20 taps to choose from with a variety of beer styles and hard cider. With names like Whack Truck McDonkey, Made in Freypan, Clydesdale Rocket Boots—there's something for every beer lover.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Frey's is open year-round and can host parties and other events in their beautiful tasting room. For more details, contact kerry@freysbrewing.com
FULL CELLAR FARM
GAVER FARM, LLC
3901 Lander Road, Jefferson 301.639.9711 • www.fullcellarfarm.com
5501 Detrick Road, Mount Airy 301.865.3515 • www.gaverfarm.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.
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, apples, and sunflowers 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-your-own and fresh-cut Christmas trees, wreaths, roping, swags and fresh greenery.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT 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.
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.
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GLADE-LINK FARMS, LLC 12270 Woodsboro Pike, Keymar 301.898.7131 • www.gladelink.com Glade-Link Farms is family owned and operated. They have been in continuous operation for almost 50 years. Customers can come to Glade-Link to pick their own strawberries and blueberries and find them at Field Fresh Farmers Market and Greenbelt Farmers Market with lots of homegrown flowers, berries and vegetables. Wedding and event flowers have also become a specialty of Glade-Link. Visit the website for more information about the farm or call the 24 hour “hotline” to see what is in season and for directions and hours.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Acres of strawberries and blueberries available for pick your own. Beautiful cut flowers including wedding and event florals.
GOOD HOPE FARMSTEAD 10820 Renner Road, Woodsboro 240.367.9676 • www.goodhopefarmstead.com Good Hope Farmstead is a pasture-based family farm, passionate about raising food that's good for you and the environment. The well-being of their animals and preservation of the land and soil is at the forefront of their farm planning. They offer non-GMO chicken and duck eggs, pasture-raised lamb and mutton, non-GMO pastured pork, and 100 percent grass-fed beef.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Products are available year-round for on farm pickup, local home delivery, or at area farmers markets. Visit the farm website for further details.
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HARA-VALE FARM
4309 Cap Stine Road, Frederick Bakery: 301.788.5409 • Farm: 301.471.5968 www.edscountrybakery.com Hara-Vale Farm is a four-generation family farm which has successfully transitioned from dairy farming to all natural, pasture-raised beef, egg, hay and straw sales and a livestock hauling business. The farm is also home to Ed's Country Bakery featuring old-fashioned baking at its best. Their eggs and select beef cuts are available for sale in the bakery. Call or visit the bakery 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.
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. 57
HIDDEN HILLS FARM AND VINEYARD 7550 Green Valley Road, Frederick 301.660.8735 www.hiddenhillsfarmandvineyard.com Decadent red wines, along with bright, crisp whites are here for you to savor. Nestled among the hills of their 103-acre horse farm, are 17 acres of vines which produce some of the region's most elegant dry wines. Come sip and enjoy the breathtaking views of Frederick's gorgeous horse country. Enjoy the sight of the horses playing as you share your picnic in the tasting room or on the patio. Come for the wines, vines and equines.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Minutes from historic Downtown Frederick, Frederick County's horse country is truly breathtaking. Learn about this growing wine region, while sipping on elegant and approachable dry wines. The owners hope you will feel warm and welcome among the wines, vines and equines. 58
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.
HOUSE IN THE WOODS FARM
2225 Park Mills Road, Adamstown 301.461.6575 • www.houseinthewoods.com
House in the Woods Farm is celebrating 20 years of production this year, offering their farm share/CSA program and farm experiences. House in the Woods is a certified organic, diverse farm near Sugarloaf Mountain. Their farm share program offers member-only U-pick rows and a full growing season of organic produce, all grown on the farm featuring heirloom varieties. In May, they sell seedlings to home gardeners, featuring heirloom tomato plants.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT House in the Woods Farm inspires families to explore the farm and connect to the land, food and community through farm memberships, farm-to-table experiences and harvest events. Lend a hand to plant and harvest produce and experience the delight of eating what you grow. Memberships, produce, events, classes and tours available through the website.
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.
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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 30acre patch and find your way through a 15-acre 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.
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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 • 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.
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LINKS BRIDGE VINEYARDS 8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont 301.466.2413 • www.linksbridgevineyards.com At Links Bridge Vineyards, owners Robert Thompson and Joan Cartier have been growing premium grapes for more than 10 years. In 2015 they began crafting estate wines in small batches, focusing on style, taste and excellence. Their vineyards, winery, and tasting room overlook the scenic Monocacy River, just north of Frederick at the site of Old Links Bridge. Come for a visit, sample some good wines, and enjoy a leisurely walk or picnic along the river.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Links Bridge Vineyards may be the only vineyard in Maryland that you can visit by canoe or kayak. It’s located on the Monocacy River between Creagerstown and Devilbiss Bridge. If you’re paddling downriver, just look for three old stone bridge piers (not connected by an actual bridge). Pull your boat up on the shore in front of the right-bank pier and look for a sign directing you to the winery. 62
THE LITTLE RED WAGON PRODUCE 11434 Keymar Road, Woodsboro 240.439.9401 The Little Red Wagon is a small family farm where beautiful flowers and seasonal produce is grown. The market opens in early spring with bedding plants, annuals, eggs, sweet potatoes and more. As the season progresses, you will find all the vegetables and fruits you expect from a roadside market. In the fall, select mums, pumpkins and other fall decor from the large variety. Can't make it out to our market? Find their flowers at the Frederick Field Fresh Farmers Market in the spring and fall. Open March through October, Monday – Saturday. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Signature hanging baskets, handcrafted wooden planters, as well as traditional flower and vegetable plants in spring and early summer. Summer CSA's available. Large color variety of fall mums grown right on the farm.
LOEW VINEYARDS 14001 Liberty Road, Mount Airy 301.831.5464 • 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.
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.
MAD SCIENCE BREWING COMPANY AT THANKSGIVING FARM 1619 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown 240.409.8723 • 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 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. 63
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.
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.
MAYNE’S TREE FARM 3420 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown 301.662.4320 • 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 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.
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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 Class 8 Farm Brewery specializing in traditional styles brewed with local ingredients. The brewery, which is situated on 47 acres, offers 16 draft lines that include several 100 percent Maryland grown ingredients, wine and cider. Milkhouse is a community gathering space that offers live music, rotating food trucks and other family friendly events year ‘round.
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.
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NEEDWOOD FARMS
NICK’S ORGANIC FARM
Burkittsville 301.834.8752 • www.needwoodfarms.com
2733 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown 301.983.2167 • www.nicksorganicfarm.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.
Founded in 1979, Nick’s Organic Farm sells directly to consumers. They raise all grass-fed Black Angus cattle, pastured chickens and turkeys, pastured eggs and food-grade corn, soybeans and small grains. Located outside Buckeystown on a 175-acre certified organic farm, they are committed to constant improvement of the soil. To receive notification of when to purchase their products, join the mailing list by emailing nicksorganicfarm@comcast.net.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT 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. 66
Grass-fed beef, no hormones, grain or antibiotics; ground beef, beef sausage and jerky; organic pastured chicken and turkey, heritage and standard breeds; organic pastured eggs; organic heirloom grinding corn, popcorn, and stone ground cornmeal, nonGMO; organic poultry feeds, hay and straw.
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. Pick-your-own sunflowers available. 67
P&R FARMS 2901 Green Valley Road, Ijamsville 301.385.7898 • 301.509.1688 www.pandrfarms.com 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.
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.
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.
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A PIECE OF HARMONY Myersville • 240.215.5649 www.apieceofharmony.com A Piece of Harmony is a small, friendly, family owned and operated produce farm, run by Andrew and Katie Grimm and their three young children. They grow fruit, vegetables, and microgreens. Initially, they started with a small backyard garden, growing food for their family, friends, and neighbors. After years of people saying they needed to sell their produce, they created their business in 2018. Now, they grow vegetables and fruits for their local farmers market. One of their most popular items are their salad mixes available weekly.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT You can find their produce and microgreens at Myersville Farmers Market every Saturday from April to October, and the Myersville Indoor Farmers Market bi-monthly from November to April.
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 Sayler. They grow high-quality seasonal produce using environmentally friendly practices on two farms totaling four acres in Walkersville. Products are available through customized CSA shares and local farmers markets. Visitors are welcome by appointment.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT They offer a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, eggs, and other local products including meats, honey, and bread. CSA shares are available at several pick-up locations in Frederick County.
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POTOMAC SPROUT COMPANY
PROSPECT POINT BREWING
8202 Blacks Mill Road Thurmont 240.483.4891 • www.potomacsproutcompany.com
5500 Jefferson Pike, Frederick 240.529.2747 www.facebook.com/prospect-point-brewing
Potomac Sprout Company is a hydroponic farm that grows and sells certified organic sprouts including broccoli, radish and alfalfa. The main focus of Potomac Sprout Company is setting the best practice standards for sprouting. Everything they do is geared towards bringing the highest quality sprouts to the market. For more information and recipes visit their website.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT You can pick up Potomac Sprout Company sprouts at The Common Market, MOM’s, Giant Food and other grocery stores along the East Coast.
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Prospect Point Brewing is a farm brewery located on Carroll farms just south of Frederick off Md. 180. The open floor plan tasting room overlooks a 10 acre hop yard and beautiful western views of the mountains. They pride themselves for having only the best variety of beers using hops from their farm.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Check them out on Facebook for hours of operation. They look forward to hosting you soon.
RED SHEDMAN FARM BREWERY
RIGHTS OF MAN FARM, LLC
13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy 301.831.5889 • www.redshedman.com
9120 Ball Road, Ijamsville 240.674.2727 • 240.674.2733 www.rightsofmanfarm.com
Red Shedman Farm Brewery & Hop Yard was established in 2014 in the beautiful hills of Mount Airy on over 200 acres of farmland between Frederick and Baltimore. They cultivate several varieties of hops on the farm and brew a variety of beers from blondes to stouts, porters, sours, and barrel aged beers. They have several ciders available and new varieties, which rotate every season. Red Shedman is open Wednesday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 7 p.m.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT In addition to having 16 rotating beers and ciders on draft, they also can most of their beers and ciders on site. They are always fresh and available for sale in the tasting room and many locations throughout the state.
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.
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ROCKY POINT CREAMERY, LLC 4323A Tuscarora Road, Tuscarora 301.874.5005 • www.rockypointcreamery.com The creamery has 80 flavors of homemade ice cream, along with milk, brown eggs, cheese, and beef. They milk 180 Holstein dairy cows and raise 700 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and hay to feed their animals. Each year a beautiful 1.5 acre sunflower field is planted and flowers are available for sale in July and August, with 100 percent proceeds donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Call or visit the website for hours.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Pasture-raised and grain-finished Black Angus beef is for sale at the creamery. Dry-aged, cut and vacuum-sealed by a USDA certified butcher, the beef is delicious, lean, antibiotic-free, and ready for your dinner table.
SCENIC VIEW ORCHARDS 16239 Sabillasville Road, Sabillasville 301.271.2149 • www.scenicvieworchards.com 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, DC, Frederick and Montgomery counties, in addition to the Sabillasville farm market. The farm motto is “Get Fresh with Us.”
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Strawberries, 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. 72
SHRIVER MEATS 16436 Four Points Brtdge Road, Emmitsburg 301.447.2255 • www.facebook.com/ShriverMeats1 Shriver Meats is a third generation, family-owned and operated farm and retail store specializing in beef production and processing. Raising grass-fed grain-finished cattle, and crops which is fed back to their cattle. Shriver Meats offers beef by the quarter, half or whole for your freezer. Give Shriver’s a call to order, or come in and pick up a pack of steaks, a few roasts and some hamburger patties to try.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Shriver Meats raises and processes their own cattle for your freezer. Selling freezer-wrapped steaks and roasts as well as cut-to-order amounts.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN CREAMERY 8305 Bolivar Road, Middletown 301.371.8565 • www.southmountaincreamery.com South Mountain Creamery brings the farmers market to you and does the cooking, too. Fresh from the cow, all natural dairy, cage free, certified humane eggs, grass-fed beef, fruit and vegetables, bakery items, fresh homemade soups, salads, home cooked meals and healthy snacks. They home deliver to nearly 10,000 homes in D.C., MD, VA, and WVA, 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 selfguided tours or during the week for guided tours. Go to Visit us on their website to learn more.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Visit every day to bottle feed the calves at 4 p.m. and see the cows milked from 1:30 p.m. -4:30 p.m. Scheduled guided tours available April-October. Sign-up for home delivery.
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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 standing rib roasts. On-farm store open by appointment. 74
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 tasting rooms serve 15 award winning wines, assorted craft beers on tap, and Maryland’s most awarded fine spirits. Aged straight bourbon, rye and corn whiskey are crafted entirely from corn grown on the farm. Visit the lavender fields which produce the prize winning Lavender Gin. There’s indoor seating, patio space and event space for 300 guests. Voted Frederick’s best wedding venue. 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. Home to the Maryland Lavender Festival in June.
SPRUCE RUN FARM
STADLER NURSERIES
12924 Spruce Run Road, Myersville 301.293.1070 • www.sprucerunrd.com
5504 Mount Zion Road, Frederick 301.473.9042 • www.stadlernurseries.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.
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 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.
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. For more information see their facebook page.
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.
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 In the fall, take a free wagon ride 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.
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SYCAMORE SPRING FARM 6003 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick 301.788.6980 • www.sycamorespringfarm.org A 14-year-old CSA program on a 340-year-old farm that practices “Do No Harm Farming.” They produce 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.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Educational tours and classes, pastured meats, beef by the quarter or half. Winter program features hoop house produce and poultry.
THANKSGIVING FARMS 1619 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown 301.662.1291 • www.thanksgivingfarmandgarden.com 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 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
VALLEY HOMEMADE AND HOMEGROWN 7800 Picnic Woods Road, Middletown 301.305.9796 Jamie Beth Derr, a Middletown dairy farmer and mother of two boys, has always had a passion for growing flowers in between all the other farm activities. Three years ago, she turned her love of flowers into a side business of growing and arranging blooms. The family farm, Valley-Ho Farm, has a roadside stand at 7704 Picnic Woods Road where cut flowers are available daily. She participates in the Middletown and Myersville farmers markets selling bouquets and arrangements.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT
VALLEY VIEW ACRES 4009 Valley View Road, Middletown www.valleyviewacresmd.com Valley View Acres was originally Haines Brothers Farm, founded in 1990 as a dairy farm. Later the cows were sold, and the farm converted solely to crops. Valley View Acres started as a fun idea tossed around in a casual conversation until one day it became a reality. In 2018, they planted a field of sunflowers as a "trial run." The response from the community was very encouraging, creating the concept of a multiple weekend Sunflower Festival, first held in July 2019. People can pick their own sunflowers and wildflowers, enjoy local hand dipped ice cream, visit craft buildings and local vendors as well as book private sessions for family photos. They hope to expand and continue for many years to come.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Jamie Beth Derr also arranges flowers for local events and weddings using as many of her own homegrown flowers as possible.
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They are passionate about agriculture and sharing it with everyone who wants to visit, hoping their festivals become an annual tradition for all those who attend.
WHISPERING MEADOWS ALPACA BREEDERS
WILLOW OAKS CRAFT CIDER
13959 Unionville Road, Mount Airy 301.452.9460 www.whisperingmeadowsalpaca.com
6219 Harley Road, Middletown 301.371.4814 • www.willowoakscraftcider.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 highquality 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.
Eric Rice and Lori Leitzel Rice craft their farmhouse style cider from certified organic, American heirloom apples on their 35acre 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 Hand-made, home-grown, made in the USA, and Peruvian alpaca products available. Natural and dyed yarns, raw fiber, rovings, bears, hats, scarves, gloves, purses, sweaters, socks, throws and more. Vendors, food, games, hay tower, tot lot and family fun featured. Friend them on Facebook to see the latest news.
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.
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WINTERBROOK FARMS 13001 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont 301.465.3801 • www.winterbrookfarmsmd.com This family entertainment spot, also known as Lawyer’s Winerbrook Farms, offers hours of fun for all ages. Included in admission are over 25-plus activities, including Maryland’s largest corn maze with over five miles of trails. They also have farm animals, mountain slides, mini ziplines, apple cannons and a hayride to the 9-acre U-pick pumpkin patch with over 20 varieties of all sizes and colors of pumpkins to choose from.
HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT Home of Maryland’s largest corn maze with over five 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 cup of local apple cider and fresh baked apple cider donuts around the fire. Something for all ages.
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