Homegrown Frederick 2023-2024

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Supplement to Frederick Magazine

PUBLISHERS

Shawn Dewees

Joseph Silovich

MANAGING EDITOR

Nancy Luse

ART DIRECTOR

Alexandra Werder

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ian Sager

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Turner Photography Studio

FREDERICK COUNTY OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Lara Fritts, executive director

Katie Stevens, associate director of agriculture business development

Becca Tucker, senior business development manager of agriculture

Sharon Hipkins, special events

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Terri Davis tdavis@fredmag.com

Debra Tyson dtyson@fredmag.com

Stephanie Dewees stephdewees@fredmag.com

DISTRIBUTOR

Josh Ensor alloutdist@aol.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Stephanie Dewees subscriptions@fredmag.com

Telephone: 301-662-8171• FAX: 301-662-8399 www.fredmag.com

Homegrown Frederick is an annual publication of Diversions Publications, Inc., 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601 (ISSN 006-923). Periodicals postage paid at Frederick, MD 21701 and at additional mailing offices. Subscriptions to Frederick Magazine, $24.95 per year, which includes the Homegrown Frederick and all other annual guides (available through the business office). Back issues w/in the last 12 mo/$3.95. Prior to 12 mos. ago/$7. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Frederick Magazine, 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601. Customer inquiries to same address or call 301-662-8171. Distributed through mail subscriptions, home delivery, and sold at newsstands and other locations in Frederick, Upper Montgomery counties, and throughout the Central Maryland region. Advertising rates available on request. Manuscripts, drawings, and other submissions must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Frederick Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submissions, including letters and e-mail, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and as subject to Frederick Magazine’s unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. © DIVERSIONS PUBLICATIONS, INC. 2023. All contents of this publication are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior approval of the publisher.

ABOUT THE COVER The Great Frederick Fair, held every September, includes field trips for elementary students enrolled in Frederick County Public Schools, a practice dating back to the late 2000s. The fair has been called the county’s “largest agricultural classroom.” Story starts on page 22.

HOMEGROWN CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

A partnership forged 10 years ago resulted in Homegrown Frederick, a publication that has become THE go-to source for local farm-to-consumer products, services and agritourism. Born from a meeting in 2013 between Frederick Magazine and Frederick County Office of Economic Development staff, the publication has shared Frederick County’s agriculture industry stories and products with thousands of residents each year.

With a two-fold goal in mind during that first meeting—to provide a professional publication that would reach more people, and at no cost to our farmers— the Homegrown brand is fast growing recognition throughout the region.

Although the articles change with each new edition, the underlying story has not. Frederick County’s deeply rooted agriculture community is important, thriving and passionate. Each year, readers have the opportunity to get up close and personal with our farmers and their innovative processes, learn where to get the best local produce through CSAs, local farmers markets and on the farm, and fill their calendars with agricultural events around the county, including those involving our growing craft beverage industry.

Shawn Dewees, publisher of Frederick Magazine, along with Joseph Silovich,

says, “When the magazine participates at events such as In the Streets or the Frederick Arts Festival, the copies of Homegrown on our table quickly get grabbed up. People love it.”

One key part of the publication is a listing for each of our direct-toconsumer agriculture businesses that provide location and contact information, what they offer and a Homegrown highlight. What started with 57 businesses has grown to a list of 79 opportunities for you to enjoy onthe-farm products and experiences.

That first publication looked at the important history of agriculture in the county and through the years we’ve shared how farmers are embracing technology, how the winery, brewery and distillery industry has grown, and introduced you to the next generation

of farmers—including women who are managing entire operations— taking us into the future. If you’ve missed any previous editions, check them out here: https://issuu.com/ search?q=homegrown+frederick

We’re excited to share this 10th anniversary edition of Homegrown and hope you will learn more about our agriculture community. For instance, did you know that The Great Frederick Fair is the largest agriculture classroom or that there are native hops in Frederick County that are being used in some of our craft beverages or that innovation thrives in agriculture and is supported through innovation grants? You will once you read the following pages.

So, grab a glass of local milk, or a craft beverage, sit back and enjoy Homegrown Frederick.

A Decade

of Homegrown Stories

By Gina Gallucci-White

Frederick County has a rich agricultural history dating back centuries. Even as the area becomes more urban, the county is still known as an agricultural hub.

For the past decade, Homegrown Frederick has worked to promote farms and the benefits of buying locally grown and produced items. To mark the anniversary, we decided to look back at some of our favorite agricultural stories we have covered over the years and check in with the farmers to get an update.

Pleasant Hill Produce

Homegrown Frederick is not the only one celebrating a decade anniversary. Pleasant Hill Produce in Walkersville is now in its 10th year of service to the community. The farm has gone through some major and exciting changes since being featured on our 2018 cover. For eight years, Ben and Heather Sayler rented three acres of farmland off Biggs Ford Road. In

May 2022, they bought 10 acres off Fountain Rock Road—about a mile and a half from their former property.

“We have been looking to buy our own farm for four years now and we could just never find the one that was right for us and one we could afford and then everything fell in place at the right time last year for this one,” says Ben Sayler. “…We are confident we

want to be doing this for the rest of our lives. By owning the property, we can now really invest in many ways” including adding more infrastructure like greenhouses as well as purchasing soil amendments for long term benefits.

They also have two different wells on the property. On their previous land, they had no water source. “That made (farming) pretty tough,” Ben Sayler says. “We used to have to collect rainwater and actually buy water from pool companies. …Now that we have our own place, we can use as much water as we want.”

The farm offers a wide variety of produce with their most popular products including salad mix, tomatoes and garlic. They have increased their production of almost every crop by about 20 percent every year.

Their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program has also expanded. Beginning with 12 members, the couple built the program up to 100 members. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Residents began seeking out local farms to know more about where their food was coming from in addition to being apprehensive about venturing out to grocery stores. Pleasant Hill’s CSA doubled in size and now has around 200 members.

They offer home delivery (within 25 miles of their farm) as well as a fully customizable option. “Our members can choose exactly what they get in their share — whereas most CSAs — it is prefixed and the farm picks and chooses

what the members get,” Ben Sayler says. “Ours is more like an online shopping experience now. They can pick out what they get in their box.”

In the fall, Pleasant Hill also opened its first onsite farm stand. Operating from late April to mid-December, guests can stock up on produce buying straight from the farm.

The couple also partake in the Farm to School program which teaches Frederick County Public School students about the importance of local farms, equitable access to affordable food, sustainability and public health education. This year, Sayler gave a talk at Hillcrest Elementary School discussing how he gets ready for the spring planting season and let the kids try some spinach. “I just think it is really important that we are exposing our youth to fresh fruits and vegetables and where it actually comes from,” he says. “…. I

love how we are making that connection of food comes from a farm.”

The now family of five is excited to continue growing their farm over the coming years. “We love what we are doing and it is a lot of hard work and it is stressful at times but I am still really happy and everybody that works for me and with us loves what they do and I can’t see myself doing anything else,” Ben Sayler says.

Rocky Point Creamery

One of Homegrown’s first stories focused on how technology is a key asset in the dairy industry. We decided to reach back out to Rocky Point Creamery to see what new technology they are using in their farming.

The Point of Rocks-based farm and ice cream shop has two DeLaval robots on either side of their barn that work to milk their 120 cows twice a day. Co-owner Emily Snyder notes the milking process is completely voluntary for each cow. She likens the experience to humans having to go to the bath room. When the feeling gets uncom fortable or even painful, “that is the same exact feeling the cows experi ence and that is what pushes them to the robot,” she says. “That is why it is totally voluntary. There is no human coming to get them up and bother

them. They just do it free choice. When they need to be milked they are milked by our robot and the robots are very cool because they do it the same every single time. It is always the same cleaning. It is always the same way that they are milked out. They are not over milked, under milked.”

The farm had to modify its barn to make the robots fit, beginning construction in July 2020 with milking beginning in January 2021. “The cows are a lot happier,” Snyder says. “Robots sound sterile and unfeeling but they’re not.” Before the robots, staff got the cows up twice a day to milk but the cows sometimes didn’t want to go milk when they were brought in. “Our cows are so much calmer,” she says. “I say everybody is a pet now. When you walk in there, they are all calm, they are all happy. They have their flow throughout the day. You know who is going to be eating, who is going to be sleeping, who is going to be milking at a certain time. It is just very cool the flexibility that the robots

By scanning a tag in each cow’s ear, the robots are able to provide a ton of data on each cow including how much milk made that day, week, year, over a lifetime, how much feed they’re getting, and how many days until calving. The cows also have pedometers around their necks which Snyder likens to a cow FitBit which tracks their activity, and staff are able to analyze the cows' walking habits. If they are more active they might be in heat, or if they are less active something may be wrong.

“We used to do that visually, but we feel the robot catches a lot more — just

some of the nuances,” Snyder says. “Maybe you would not have noticed her not feeling so hot for a day or two just based on the times you were in the barn, but that robot catches every second of every minute of every day.”

Rocky Point also put in an automatic calf feeder recently. Staff used to spend

three to four hours a day feeding calves. Now the calves can self regulate and feed on their own schedule.

Another recent addition to the farm is a tractor with auto steer. Most farmers use GPS in their tractor cab to stay on a line as they guide the machine within a foot or two of the line. With an auto

steer tractor, you are within a couple of inches or even centimeters of where you want to be with planting and fertilizing. “It takes some of the stress off the person,” Snyder says. “You think you are just sitting in the tractor but there is a lot of turning. There is a lot of thinking like marking where you are to make sure you are not overlapping. This eliminates that stress.”

Snyder notes farms could not exist without technology. “I think everyone still thinks that farmers are milking cows on a three-legged stool,” she says. In reality, farmers are using technology in all aspects of ag riculture including keeping their records through QuickBooks and apps to track machinery and their fields. “Technology is everywhere, and agriculture is usually at the forefront of that even if we don’t realize it,” she says.

Valley Homemade Homegrown Farm

Several years ago, Homegrown did a story on the rise of flower farms in the area. At first there were only a few in Frederick County but the number has (ahem) blossomed over the past several years.

We reached back out to Jamie Beth Derr of Valley Homemade and Homegrown Farm in Middletown who started her

flower farm in 2017. “There is room

and support local there is room for more of us to be doing this.”

Derr was first drawn to flowers thanks to her maternal grandmother Beth. “I can remember being in her greenhouse or being in her flower gardens,” she recalls. With a love of the movie The Secret Garden, she started her own garden at her parents’ farm while in high school and sold sunflowers and jars of flowers at a roadside stand her father built.

After getting married to husband Chris in 2008, the pair began running his family’s dairy and crop farm. When milk prices dropped in 2017, she decided to turn her love of flowers into another aspect of the farm. She started off growing zinnias and sunflowers in a tiny bed behind her house. Today, her flower farm has grown into a quarter acre space lovingly referred to as the flower hill with rows upon rows of flowers. With an education degree and a background in teaching, Derr also now offers flower classes on the farm.

District Farms

customers realize it is more sustainable if you buy local, you are going to get a better product because it is so much fresher. I think that is why it is growing. As more people keep trying to find things locally

When Homegrown first spoke with District Farms, they had one acre under a greenhouse. The Frederick-based farm underwent a major expansion over the past several years and now has increased its size

to just over five acres. “It took a lot of hard work,” says Ali Sharifzadeh who partnered with his brother Ibraham Sharifzadeh and Jason Stern to start the business in 2017. “We personally invested our money and time to learn about every aspect and take a very, very hands on role.”

The three had been involved in the legal field but did not find the work gratifying or fulfilling. They visited a greenhouse through a chance encounter in Virginia and found a sense

of belonging. They yielded their first crop of lettuce in 2019. Some of their most popular products include their green butter lettuce where the ball is still attached to leaves and cut spring mix. The farm grows hydroponically in a closed loop watering system that allows them to recycle nearly all of the water unused by the plants.

With their expansion opening in December 2022, the benefits to having such a large greenhouse is that they

can grow year round by being able to control the climate. “We are able to really dial in and maintain the optimal climate in our case for growing lettuce,” he says.

The trio is already looking ahead planning a third phase expansion. The site would double to 10 acres with construction set to begin in 2024. “Our plan is to do more of the same but always keep an open mind and see how the market is doing,” Sharifzadeh says.

Before Prohibition, Frederick farmers provided about 20 percent of all the hops to Baltimore breweries. At the time, Cluster was a popular variety because it was cheap and fairly easy to grow. Many farmers got rid of their plants during Prohibition to make way for other crops. Today, very few Frederick farmers grow hops on a commercial scale, but the University of Maryland Extension hopes to change that with a hop unique to Maryland.

Found in Dr. Ray Ediger’s garden shading a chicken coop, the Monocacy hop is genetically unique and grows rather well in Maryland’s climate. Growing hops can be a struggle in the hot and humid summers, but the Monocacy hop thrives. Hops tend to grow best above the 35th latitude. Frederick is at about the 39th. During peak growing season, there are 14 hours of sunlight, which can cause problems with flowering.

Tom Barse, owner of Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm, began using the hop in the Catoctin Heritage series of beers. A Pale ale, American lager, and Vienna lager each are using the hop in their recipe. Barse and head brewer Harry Harne began brewing with the hop in small batches in casks.

Western Maryland Research and Education Center in Keedysville, grew 200 Monocacy hop plants in 2022, but they were so vigorous that about half ended up on the ground. Butler explains that they have a sturdier support system for the 2023 growing season.

Butler has been growing the hop in a trial to determine its commercial viability. One of the main things they’ve learned is that it is a vigorous grower that needs a significant support system. Commercial viability can be broken down into its ability to make a good beer and how easy it is to grow.

The Monocacy hop emerges earlier in the season than most other hops, but the cones ripen later. With climate change lengthening growing seasons and altering growing zones, finding hardy crop varieties

Bryan Butler, principal agent with the University of Maryland Extension’s

will be critical to the sustainability of our commercial food systems. The Monocacy hop appears to be fairly disease resistant with fewer pests, but that will be established during the study. Fewer inputs, such as water, fertilizer and pesticides are ideal for commercial viability and Monocacy hop appears to be well-adapted to our area’s summer weather shifts.

How the hop brews, its acids and oils, and what flavor it lends to the beer is the other side of commercial viability. “We decided this hop brews like, feels like, a European noble hop,” says Barse. “It’s got a spicy, earthy character. A floral character.”

According to the numbers, the Monocacy hop has a low alpha acid, the thing that makes beer bitter. With its low acidity, it makes a good finishing or single hop. “When you first pour the beer, you get the smell of a floral shop. We’ve never had a hop like this, ever,” Barse says.

Under Harne’s leadership, the brewery has consistently brewed with Marylandgrown hops and other ingredients when available. Some beers use local honey and herbs. Several use local malts. One even uses 13 different wild yeasts and bacteria to bring the flavor.

plants that will ultimately be distributed to other growers so they can be tested on a commercial scale. In turn, the crop will be shared with other brewers. The project

“This hop was made for lagers,” Barse says, and Harne adds, “I think this would be a great Kolsch hop.”

All hops grown at the Keedysville site in 2022 went to Milkhouse Brewery. Baltimore’s Heavy Seas Brewery has received grant funding to support brewing a trial beer with the Monocacy hop this year. In addition, the team is working with Radebaugh Nursery to propagate 1,000

goal is to get the hop growing in lots of places throughout Maryland to learn where it performs best. The growers will collect that data to determine how it performs. They’ll also collect samples to check the specific acid and oil levels and whether they are consistent or if they change in different growing conditions.

Butler’s original study plot had 24 varieties, with hops from the Pacific Northwest, along with another plot growing six varieties for Flying Dog brewery. Butler began growing the Monocacy hop in 2020, but a storm knocked over the original crop.

With U.S. Department of Agriculture pass-through funding with the Maryland Department of Agriculture providing the

financial backing to study the commercial viability of the crop, the study is well underway. The current grant cycle ends in November and Butler has applied for additional funding to continue the study. Additionally, Butler requested separate grant funds for promotions.

Butler notes that the Monocacy hop was also released to the germplasm repository. “This hop is not patented. Breeders and researchers can get this plant from Oregon and can grow it.” He notes that Monocacy could be crossed with other varieties to create new ones. “They could end up with all the resistance and the tolerance to our climate with the characteristics of a much fancier hop.”

Milkhouse Brewery and Stillpoint Farm operations are only recently picking back up after the pandemic. Barse says the brewery helps keep the cash flow when the farm is resting for winter. Though they once had large events, COVID changed that as well. Head brewer Harne indicates there will likely be a couple brew fests this year and possibly a crab feed.

Though it seems like the local beer scene is on fire, climate change, pests and

“When you first pour the beer, you get the smell of a floral shop. We’ve never had a hop like this, ever”

—Barse

diseases could impact growing in the future. The Monocacy hop does seem quite well-positioned to withstand climate shifts and appears to be resistant to diseases thus far. The spotted lanternfly, a

new pest that is said to love hops, doesn’t faze Butler. He says they have plenty of other food out there.

Breweries that focus on Frederick-sourced hops and other ingredients directly support local farms and businesses. They also bring a finished product to the public that has traveled fewer miles and keeps money circulating in the Frederick area.

Though it’s unlikely Frederick-grown hops will recognize the important place they once had in the early brewery industry in Maryland, even a small resurgence can help support the significant growth in local breweries. The new-old Monocacy hop will help Frederick and Maryland breweries stand out with unique products.

The Western Maryland Research and Education Center in Keedysville will host a farm day in August. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the hops growing and learn more about them, along with other research projects happening at the farm.

“This hop is not patented. Breeders and researchers can get this plant from Oregon and can grow it.””

—Barse

On a soggy, humid morning outside a side gate of The Great Frederick Fairgrounds, more than a dozen Frederick County Public Schools buses are dropping off elementaryaged students, teachers and parent chaperones. It’s midSeptember and The Great Frederick Fair is in full swing, including welcoming thousands for school field trips.

While many residents and visitors come annually for the carnival rides and unique array of food, agriculture is the heart of the annual event. Though rain would come intermittently throughout the dreary day, one Yellow Springs Elementary student hopped off the bus, looked up at the towering Ferris Wheel temporarily a part of the Frederick skyline and says “Today’s going to be a great day!”

Before 10:30 a.m., Jim Ferrant, a retired FCPS career and technology

curriculum specialist, has already taken nearly 5,000 steps according to his FitBit. He estimates during a typical fair week he does between 12,000 to 15,000 steps by the end of the day. In the morning and early afternoon, Ferrant helps coordinate the field trip drop offs and pick ups along with running to various agriculture education areas to see if volunteers need assistance.

The idea of taking FCPS students on a fair field trip goes back to the late 2000s. Ferrant’s specialist job focused on agriculture and technology education at Linganore High School and he asked Chris Horne, the elementary science curriculum specialist, to go to lunch at the fair. While there, the two saw the potential for

multiple educational opportunities with elementary students as well as ways to celebrate the deep agricultural roots of the county. Launched a year later with about 1,200 students, the field trip program has grown to include more than 4,000 with every elementary

learning because it’s a one stop shop housing so many sectors/aspects of agriculture. From animals to production to agriculture education displays, industry experts including farmers, machinery dealers and exhibitors. The whole fairgrounds

“We have a lot of people that are very vested (in the field trips) because they went through the agriculture programs

school in the county participating with at least one grade in attendance.

“We are Frederick County’s largest agricultural classroom,” says Karen Nicklas, Great Frederick Fair general manager. “…It’s a perfect spot for

becomes a wealth of information and resources and also visuals and handson activities for learning agriculture.”

Students traditionally visit six main educational areas, staffed by volunteers who are usually retired FCPS staffers.

at the schools and they are here in lots of different roles,” Ferrant says. “It is really helpful because we’ve got a lot of support for education about agriculture, and that is what this is — it is awareness at the elementary level.”

Nicklas notes the fair board of directors and staff are thankful for their agriculture education committee and the volunteers helping and assisting with school tours. The educational aspect of the field trips harkens back to the fair’s mission statement to promote agriculture and educate youth on the industry.

Factoids can be found throughout all six areas in colorful charts, graphics and pictures. “The fair has done a really great job in making it a more educational opportunity for everyone,” Ferrant says. “…We are trying to tie in the information.”

The Milky Way area lets children meet and learn more about the different breeds of dairy cows such as Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Jersey and Holsteins. They also discover the different products and services provided by goats and sheep including using their fiber to make clothing. Ferrant noted during last year’s field trips they were also emphasizing fibers that come from plants like cotton, pineapple and banana. A retired teacher

was onsite portraying George Washington discussing sheep with the children and offering them wool samples to feel.

“You can see it generates a lot of enthusiasm,” he says .

The children also get to see pigs and piglets up close at the swine building, learning about the different cuts of meat they provide, from bacon, ham and pork chops. Potentially the most eye-opening exhibit is The Birthing Center where some students may get to see cows, goats and pigs give birth. If they miss out on the main event, they can see the size of the newborns as they are kept in the area with their moms.

The Birthing Center “generates tremendous excitement about animals,” Ferrant says. “Years ago, in the Frederick community we’d see dairy cows everywhere, right? We have lost a lot of our dairy

industry just because of the economics of it. As we get further

off the farm generationally, it becomes more important to have opportunities for kids to understand the agricultural industry and what it is about.”

City Streets, Country Roads is an agricultural awareness

exhibit exploring the different college majors and careers including soil and animal science, agriculture business and management as well as veterinarian, mechanics and landscaping. The area also showcases healthy eating styles and items found in a garden such as cucumbers, watermelon, sunflowers, lettuce and oats. One of

the annual crowd favorite areas is Machinery Row featuring vehicles and apparatus farmers use including combines, tractors and hay balers

hive and how beekeepers harvest the honey. Students can also learn about agriculture clubs they can join now and when they get older.

The kids eat lunch in the grandstand, which, come nightime, hosts music acts and other entertainment. Usually, the

look at horse teeth and learn fun facts like a horse is considered an adult at age four.

“All of the agriculture education programming is specific for the school tours when they are here,”

which can cost between a half a million to over a million dollars apiece.

The third area highlights beef cattle, discussing different breeds like Texas Longhorn and Hereford. The kids learn relatable facts like how one cowhide produces enough leather to make 20 footballs or 18 soccer balls. Children will get to see rows and rows of different breeds of poultry and rabbits in the fourth area. They can also check out the farm and garden building showcasing a number of displays including a live honeybee

kids will get to see a harness racing participant or two practicing on the track. The sixth and final section the students visit is the horse area where they can learn about the more than 200 horse breeds worldwide, jump up on a sawhorse outfitted with a saddle,

Nicklas says. “However, other times of the day normal/public times, the general public/fairgoers have activities focused on adults and kids of all ages. It’s important to provide agricultural education because as farms decrease in the county, people are further

removed from being on the farm. It’s important for everyone to learn and understand where their food comes from and how it’s made, as well as all of the other things made from agricultural products.”

connections but sometimes you do something and years later the light comes on,” he says. “I think there are ah-ha moments we are creating with our activities and that is what I like.”

tags for pigs, etc. Each is designed to let the school know what to expect when they arrive.

Several students line up to knock corn off the cob with a sheller and Ferrant is pleased to see the enthusiasm. “I don’t know that we will always make

Before the students even get to the fair, volunteers put together a Fair in a Box for teachers, including lesson plans, milk cartons, wool samples, ear

Nicklas says it’s critical for students to learn about agriculture because of the five Fs: Food, Fiber, Forestry, Floral and Fuel. “Agriculture is comprised of those entities, and they are all here (at the Fair),” she says. “This is why the partnership with FCPS and the fair is so important so the fair can update our agriculture education programs as much as possible to be relevant. Agriculture is part of our

everyday lives, whether you realize it or not. From the time you wake up, there’s agriculture in your day. It’s important to understand all of that and its importance. Plus, there are so many other agriculture careers and opportunities versus just farming.”

When seeing FCPS students meandering around the fair on field trips, Nicklas most enjoys seeing them plugged in. “Kids are excited to engage in the activities and listen to the speakers and demonstrations provided by superintendents and departments around the grounds,” she says. “They are great listeners while they’re here. I love seeing our kids get engaged, getting excited about stuff and creating opportunities.“

After the students, teachers and parents board the buses to go back to their schools, Nicklas hopes they have learned many things from their experience and take away an enthusiasm that makes them want to come back. “Bringing their families back gives the fair and all of our volunteers the chance to educate even more people about the industry of agriculture,” she says.

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 freshfrom-the-farm-to-the-table offerings:

Farmers Markets Make Meals Happen

FARMERS MARKETS

Brunswick Main Street

Farmers Market

Potomac Street at 1st Avenue, Brunswick, May 12 through Sept. 29, second and last Fridays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Downtown Thursday Market

331 N. Market St., Frederick, April 27 through Oct. 19, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Emmitsburg Farmers Market

302 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, June 23 through Oct. 6, Fridays, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

FSK Mall Farmers Market

Macy’s parking lot facing Spectrum

Drive, Frederick, April 8 through Nov. 18, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Field Fresh Farmers Market

The Frederick Fairgrounds, Lot A, 797 E. Patrick St., April 29 through Nov. 18, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Frederick City Market

331 N. Market St., Frederick, May 14 through Nov. 19, Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Frederick Farmers Market

1215 W. Patrick St., Frederick, April 29 through Nov. 18, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jefferson Farmers Market

4603 Lander Road, Jefferson, May 17 through Sept. 13, Wednesdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Middletown Farmers Market

12 S. Church St., Middletown, May 4 through Oct. 12, Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Myersville Farmers Market

301 Main St., Myersville, April 15 through Oct. 8, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.

Myersville Indoor Market

301 Main St., Myersville, November through March, first and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.

Thurmont Main Street Market

19 Frederick Road, Thurmont, May 13 through Oct. 7, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.

Urbana Library Market

9020 Amelung St., Frederick, May 21 through Oct. 29, Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Walkersville Community

Farmers Market

2 S. Glade Road, Walkersville, May 6 through Sept. 2, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

YMCA of Frederick Market

1000 N. Market St., Frederick, May 2 through Oct. 31, Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA)

Chestnut Hill Farm & Market

240-734-2021

www.chestnuthillfarmmarket.com

Chocolates and Tomatoes

571-271-2686

www.chocolatesandtomatoes.com

Eaters Acres

301-304-0505

www.eatersacres.com

Fox Haven

240-490-5484

www.foxhavenfarm.org

Good Soil Farm LLC

443-536-1830

www.goodsoilfarmllc.com

House in the Woods Farm

301-607-4048

www.houseinthewoods.com

The Little Red Wagon Produce

240-439-9401

Moon Valley Farm

240-207-0241

www.moonvalleyfarm.net

Open Book Farm

240-457-2558

www.openbookfarm.com

Pleasant Hill Produce

301-471-2699

www.pleasanthillproduce.com

Serenity Grove Farm

serenitygrovefarm.square.site

South Mountain Creamery

301-371-8565

www.southmountaincreamery.com

Sycamore Spring Farm

301-788-6980

www.sycamorespringfarm.org

Thanksgiving Farms

301-662-1291

www.thanksgivingfarmandgarden.com

ORCHARDS

Catoctin Mountain Orchard

301-271-2737

www.catoctinmountainorchard.com

Country Pleasures

301-371-4814

www.countrypleasuresfarm.com

Pryor’s Orchard 301-271-2693

www.pryorsorchards.com

Scenic View Orchards

301-271-2149

www.scenicvieworchards.com

CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS

Clemsonville Christmas Tree Farm

10120 Clemsonville Road, Union Bridge 410-848-6083

www.clemsonville.com

Darlene’s Christmas Trees

5139 Doubs Road, Adamstown

301-693-3734

www.facebook.com/darlenechristmastrees

Dreamland Christmas Tree Farm

2700 Sumantown Road, Middletown

301-418-5348

www.dreamlandchristmastreefarm.com

E&E Trees 9420 Dublin Road, Walkersville 301-829-2799

www.eandetreesinc.com

Eberle Christmas Farm

13415 Liberty Road, Union Bridge 301-898-4232

www.eberlechristmasfarm.com

Franz Tree Farm

12056 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia 301-865-1798

www.eberlechristmasfarm.com

Gaver Farm, LLC

5501 Detrick Road, Mount Airy 301-865-3515

www.gaverfarm.com

Mayne’s Tree Farm

3420 Buckeystown Pike, Buckeystown 301-662-4320

www.maynestreefarm.com

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 here. 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 and in many cases award-winning. Visit www.homegrownfrederick.com to view a map of locations.

ATTABOY BEER CO.

400 Sagner Ave., Suite 400, Frederick www.attaboybeer.com

BLACK ANKLE VINEYARDS

14463 Black Ankle Road, Mount Airy www.blackankle.com

BREWER’S ALLEY

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

CATOCTIN BREEZE VINEYARD

15010 Roddy Road, Thurmont www.catoctinbreeze.com

CELEBRATION CELLARS WINERY

9831 Fox Road, Frederick www.celebrationcellarswinery.com

DISTILLERY LANE CIDERWORKS

5533 Gapland Road, Jefferson www.distillerylaneciderworks.com

DRAGON DISTILLERY

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

ELK RUN VINEYARDS

15113 Liberty Road, Mount Airy www.elkrun.com

FLYING DOG BREWERY

4607 Wedgewood Blvd., Frederick www.flyingdogbrewery.com

FORDHAM LEE DISTILLERY

6776 Burkittsville Road, Middletown www.fordhamleedistillery.com

FREY’S BREWING COMPANY

8601 Mapleville Road, Mount Airy www.freysbrewing.com

HIDDEN HILLS FARM AND VINEYARD

7550 Green Valley Road, Frederick www.hiddenhillsfarmandvineyard.com

IDIOM BREWING CO.

340 E. Patrick St., Suite 104, Frederick www.idiombrewing.com

THE KOMBUCHA LADY

9750 Appolds Road, Rocky Ridge www.thekombuchalady.com

LINGANORE WINECELLARS

13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy www.linganorewines.com

LINKS BRIDGE VINEYARDS

8830 Old Links Bridge Road, Thurmont www.linksbridgevineyards.com

LOEW VINEYARDS

14001 Liberty Road, Mount Airy www.loewvineyards.com

Puerto Rico Distillery

MAD SCIENCE BREWING

AT THANKSGIVING FARMS

1619 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown www.madsciencebrewing.com

MAZZAROTH VINEYARD

8333 Myersville Road, Myersville www.mazzarothvineyard.com

McCLINTOCK DISTILLING

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

MIDNIGHT RUN BREWING

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

MILKHOUSE BREWERY AT STILLPOINT FARM

8253 Dollyhyde Road, Mount Airy www.milkhousebrewery.com

MONOCACY BREWING COMPANY

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

NEW MARKET PLAINS

VINEYARD

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

OLDE MOTHER BREWING CO.

526 N. Market St., Frederick www.oldemother.com

ORCHID CELLAR

MEADERY & WINERY

8546 Pete Wiles Road, Middletown www.orchidcellar.com

PROSPECT POINT BREWERY

5500 Jefferson Pike, Frederick, www.prospectpointbrewing.com

PUERTO RICO DISTILLERY

1341 Hughes Ford Road, Unit 113A, Frederick

www.puertoricodistillery.com

RED SHEDMAN FARM BREWERY

13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mount Airy www.redshedman.com

ROCKWELL BREWERY

880 N. East St., Suite 201, Frederick 8411 Broadband Drive, Unit K, Frederick www.rockwellbrewery.com

ROSIE CHEEKS DISTILLERY

10229 Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville www.rosiecheeksdistilling.com

SMOKETOWN BREWING STATION

223 W. Potomac St., Brunswick www.smoketownbrewing.com

SMOKETOWN BREWING STATION—CREEKSIDE

400 Sagner Ave., Suite 100, Frederick www.smoketowncreekside.com

SPRINGFIELD MANOR WINERY, DISTILLERY & BREWERY

11836 Auburn Road, Thurmont www.springfieldmanor.com

STEINHARDT BREWING CO.

340 E. Patrick St., Suite 102, Frederick www.steinhardtbrewing.com

TENTH WARD DISTILLING CO.

55 E. Patrick St., Frederick www.tenthwarddistilling.com

Springfield Manor

Winery, Distillery & Brewery

UNCLE DIRTY’S BREW WORKS

210 N. Church St., Suite 3, Thurmont www.Bollingersrestaurant.com

WILLOW OAKS CRAFT CIDER

6219 Harley Road, Middletown www.willowoakscraftcider.com

Dragon Distillery

Innovation in agriculture doesn’t come cheap, and the folks at the Frederick County Office of Economic Development recognize this through the Agriculture Innovation Grants that offer at least $5,000 to farmers who have good ideas that diversify and bring innovation to their farms. Grants also allow farmers to increase providing food and products to those wanting to buy local.

Three rounds of Ag Innovation Grants have provided $1.14 million to Frederick County farmers in the last two years, from beef and chicken producers to organic vegetable and fruit growers, to the makers of fermented beverages. “It’s to help farmers diversify,” says Katie Stevens, associate director of agriculture business development for Frederick County.

“We want farmers to bring forth their creative ideas on how they can keep their farms economically viable,” she says. “It’s been a game-changer for their business.”

Farmers submit applications to a committee of four agriculture and agricultural banking professionals, who determine who gets the grants and how much each recipient receives. So far, over 40 grants have been given. Grant cycles run twice a year, with applications accepted in March and October.

Agriculture is the state’s largest industry, Stevens says. However, she adds, “it’s a challenging industry to be in. We’re trying to help farmers diversify.”

For example, freezers help many farmers extend the life of their products, but because commercial grade freezers must be used, they must meet state health department standards. That means they cost more, but they also allow farmers to preserve their products longer.

The money for the grants is raised through the county recordation tax. Former County Executive Jan Gardner proposed raising it by $1 in 2020, and when the increase was approved, part of the funding was set aside for the Ag Innovation Grant program.

The program not only helps farmers diversify; it has also allowed them to cre-

Rob Miller, of Distillery Lane Ciderworks, Burkittsville, used an Ag Inovation Grant to create a lab on site to measure the alcohol content of their drinks.

ate jobs. For example, Emma Jagoz has used grants awarded to her Moon Valley Farm to hire several part-time and fulltime workers.

Distillery Lane Ciderworks

Distillery Lane Ciderworks has a 9-acre apple orchard with 3,000 apple trees and 45 apple varieties on the edge of Burkittsville. Many of these apples are pressed and fermented into hard cider, which the farm sells at area retail outlets. The farm is also producing blended drinks, adding currants and aronia berries to blend into the cider. But to make and sell these blended drinks, as well as blended vinegars, alcohol content must be measured using specialized equipment. That’s to make sure the alcohol content on the label matches what’s actually in the liquid.

“We have a problem finding testing labs to measure the alcohol content of our drinks,” Rob Miller says. To make it easier, he and cider maker Tim Rose decided to pursue building their own lab. They sought financing from state and federal sources

but had no luck until they learned of Frederick County’s Ag Innovation Grant program.

The $102,000 award has paid for part of the expenses needed to install the testing equip ment, “not only for ourselves but for other producers in the coun ty and the state,” Miller says. When it’s up and running, which should be later this year, the certified craft beverage product testing equipment will test

sugars, alcohol, acids, and dissolved solids from not only the cider made at Distillery Lane, but from vinegar the farm produces. Miller also expects to use the equipment to test kombucha, distilled spirits, yogurt and other fermented beverages produced throughout

“We’re in the process,” Miller says. “We have almost all the equipment installed.” The new lab means he won’t have to ship vinegar to Des Moines to be tested, and cider blends won’t have to be shipped to Kentucky. “These become expensive and time consuming to test,” he says. It will also be easier for other fermented beverage producers to use the lab rather than seeking out more distant testing.

“We’re going to start out doing it for ourselves, and we’ll see how it goes,” Miller adds. He hopes to have students from University of Maryland’s fermentation science program in to test other fermented liquids once the lab is up and running. “I don’t want people to think we’re ready to go,” he says. “But soon.”

Moon Valley Farm

Emma Jagoz has received three Ag Innovation Grants since the program started, including the latest, a $25,000 grant for renovations to two greenhouses. One

Apples from the 9-acre orchard are pressed and fermented into hard cider. The farm also produces blended drinks.

will be used for microgreen production and the second to raise seedlings.

Jagoz is a first-generation, self-taught farmer and a single mom. She started farming 12 years ago in Baltimore County, and in 2019 she bought her 25-acre Woodsboro farm. She grows organic vegetables and herbs on the property. She needed three years to transition the former crop farm to certified organic. She sells her produce through a year-round Community Supported Agriculture subscription. She also sells to restaurants and to Frederick County Public Schools.

Previous grants allowed her to install an irrigation system and a backup generator. All these improve ments are helping Jagoz to “efficiently grow and expand my business and hire more people,” she says. While weather will always be an issue, the im provements will help her be better able to withstand any weather extremes.

She described the Ag Innovation Grant program as a “fantastic opportunity. Irrigation allowed us to farm, and the backup generator improved our quality of produce and the resilience of our business.”

The greenhouse for microgreens will protect the produce from early and late-season frosts, and the seedling greenhouse will help the farm expand its sales to gardeners who want to buy rare, organically raised varieties of plants. “We are growing specialty seedlings that you can’t get everywhere, including heirloom tomatoes and unusual herbs,” Jagoz says.

Needwood Farm

Tim and Gail Pry raise beef cattle and crops on Needwood Farm, a 350-acre farm near Burkittsville that has been in the Pry family since 1915.

The Prys received $45,000 from the grant program to install a walk-in freezer and a building to house it.

As is true for most of the grants, it paid for part of the total cost.

“It’s a whole other income stream we didn’t have before,” Tim Pry says. Customers often asked if they could buy some hamburger meat or a couple of steaks, but without a freezer, it didn’t make sense for the farm to sell individually wrapped cuts of beef. Now they can and do.

Not everyone has the space or the means to buy a quarter or side of beef, he says. The freezer has also brought in additional customers who do buy a portion of the cow. “They come to buy and say, ‘We want to try your beef and if we like it, we’ll come back and order a quarter,’” Pry says.

Once people try Pry beef, he says the product often sells itself. “It’s totally different from what you get in the grocery store,” he says. Mothers and calves are grazed on pasture at the farm. Once weaned, the cattle are in a feed lot for 18 months until they are sent to slaughter.

Most of their herd is Angus, although some are crossed with Hereford. At the farm, genetic markers are tested for tenderness and marbling, two soughtafter qualities in a good steak. Part of the flavor comes from the feed at Needwood Farm. “We grow the hay, corn, soybean, and barley that they eat,” Pry says.

There are 65 brood cows and 75 head of beef cattle at the farm, which is a family operation. Dad Richard Pry, 89, still works on the farm. Pry’s siblings, grown children, and nephews

Organic vegetables and herbs are grown on the 25 acres at Moon Valley Farm in Woodsboro. The farm has been in operation for 12 years.

“We are growing specialty seedlings that you can’t get everywhere, including heirloom tomatoes and unusual herbs,” Emma Jagoz says.

and nieces also lend a hand. The farmland is in the county’s agriculture land preservation program, ensuring it will remain a farm in perpetuity.

Valley Homemade and Homegrown

Jamie Beth Derr started Valley Homemade and Homegrown in 2017 on her family’s Middletown dairy farm as a way to supplement the farm’s business. She had always loved growing and arranging flowers, and the business was a natural extension of her hobby. She started by selling her flowers at the Myersville Farmers Market, and the business grew from there.

Today, she hosts four to six cut and pick your own flower events each year, along with public and private flower arranging classes and tea parties. The grant covered part of the costs of a $35,000 pavilion for these events. “I look for any way to allow people to come out to the farm,” Derr says. This gives people an opportunity to learn a skill or work out in a tranquil, rural environment. “It’s helping the perception of a farm,” she says. Farm

Emma Jagoz has received three Ag Innovation Grants since the program started, including the latest, a $25,000 grant for renovations to two greenhouses.

visitors can see that the farm is clean and the animals living there are well cared for.

The pavilion allows Derr to do more events each year. “I do make-your-own Christmas wreath classes,” she says. Waterproof curtains help keep the pavilion warm and dry on rainy days or cool days in early spring and late fall. The pavilion holds up to 30 people. Besides pick-your-own and flower arranging classes, she also hosts Girl Scout troops working on flower badges.

The KomBucha Lady

Liz Dodson opened The Kombucha Lady out of her Rocky Ridge home in 2016. Kombucha, a fermented tea with a sweet-tart taste, has a large, devoted following, and Dodson has seen her business grow considerably. “We just built a new facility, and we outgrew it in a year,” she says.

The $14,000 Ag Innovation Grant she received will allow her to expand her storage area, giving her space for a classroom and tasting room. “It’s helping us to keep up with the business,” she says. She has many customers who buy kombucha in 5-gallon kegs, but she was running out of room to store them.

She used an earlier Ag Innovation Grant to build her production area. Before that, she rented a commercial kitchen to produce the kombucha. That experience gave her the knowledge she needed to expand her business and build her own production area.

Jamie Beth Derr, Valley Homemade and Homegrown, Middletown, is using her grant towards a pavilion where visitors can attend flower arranging classes.

Dodson and her husband have a 14acre farm that includes pasture for beef cattle, woods and gardening areas for edible landscaping. “We use a lot of the fruits and herbs from our farm or from other local sources,” she says.

Dodson is trained in horticulture, and that experience has helped her add a variety of flavors to kombucha.

She sells her product at Common Market and Hippie Chick Hummus, along with a few other area locations.

Richvale Farm

Mark Ahalt used a $5,000 Ag Innovation Grant to double the freezer space to store beef from cattle raised on his Middletown farm. His business selling grain-finished beef is growing, and the ability to store beef has contributed to that growth.

“We’re fourth-generation farmers,” he says.

Pasture Living

Spencer Cox raises chickens on his Myersville farm. The $29,000 Ag Innovation Grant he received helped him buy a walk-in freezer, which vastly increased the amount of chicken he sells. “Thanks to the grant, we now have the capability

significantly more chicken products for extended durations,” he says.

He raises his chickens on pasture, moves them daily, and supplements their diet with non-GMO feed. “I want to provide chicken for people year-round,” he says. “But it’s a seasonal product.” With the freezer, he can raise more chickens during the growing season and preserve them through winter.

He also hopes to start processing chickens for others who raise them, and the freezer allows him space to store those processed chickens, as well.

Chestnut Hill Farm

Kevin and Missy Donnelly recently began growing produce on what was traditionally a crop and livestock farm near Camp David in the Catoctin Mountains. They received a $50,000 Ag Innovation Grant to add irrigation, a walk-in cooler and a freezer.

“That helps us store things longer,” Kevin Donnelly said. They raise 50 varieties of fruits and vegetables using integrated pest management. The transition has expanded their market, but it was costly. “It’s a big transition that uses a different set of equipment and the market is different,” he says.

Instead of marketing to wholesalers, the farm now sells directly to the public. The grant also helped them establish a market on the farm. “It sure did make life a lot easier,” he says.

More on the Ag Innovation Grants is at https://www. discoverfrederickmd.com/ ag_innovation_grant

Needwood Farm, near Burkittsville, is using its grant for a walk-in freezer and a building to house it. The freezer will contain smaller quantities of packaged meat.

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 ICON DESIGNATES A SPECIAL FARM FEATURE.

Pick-YourOwn

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. Allen sells only raw extracted honey. Other than being lightly filtered, this minimally processed natural honey has characteristics that are important to the consumer. It contains the goodness of royal jelly, propolis and other important enzymes and antioxidants found only in natural, local honey. They are important in maintaining good health and, many claim, in building immunities to allergies. Stop by to pick up your honey or visit either Common Market locations in Frederick.

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, or whole. Visit the website for more details.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Monthly specials are posted on Facebook.

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.

Cozy indoor/outdoor seating fits perfectly in a valley with rolling hills and vineyard views. Wine is offered by flight, glass or bottle. 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, they have a local fare menu featuring an assortment of hand-selected artisan cheese, spreads, treats and more.

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.

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.

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 ($), face painting ($, Saturday- Sunday), and apple cider ($).

BRYANT LIVESTOCK, LLC.

2719 Thurston Road, Frederick 301.788.8279

www.bryantlivestock.com.wix site.com/mysite

Built off the aspirations of three sisters, Bryant Livestock LLC stemmed from their extensive 4-H and FFA careers and is a continuation of their livestock projects. They offer locally raised beef, lamb, pork and goat frozen retail meat products to consumers via farmers markets and the farm’s commercial freezers. Additionally, they breed, raise, and sell prospect registered percentage cattle and commercial lambs to local youth and fellow producers.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Officially starting in 2021, they are working towards opening a full-fledged farm store. In the meantime, they frequent five farmers markets, attend various community special events as a vendor, and belong to the American Association of Meat Processors as a small farm retail meat producer.

BULLFROG SOD

5455-B Doubs Road, Adamstown

www.bfsod.com

Bullfrog Sod is a family-owned and operated sod farm in Adamstown, offering Maryland Certified sod to both contractors and homeowners. Members of the team at Bullfrog Sod pride themselves on their individualized approach to customer service and are happy to help with any questions regarding measuring, laying and caring for your sod. Call anytime and allow them to help you achieve your landscaping dreams.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Certification by the Department of Agriculture is the gold-standard when it comes to sod. Bullfrog Sod is Maryland certified and planted, grown, and maintained with the utmost care. Sod is cut to order and every customer provided with a 24-hour freshness promise.

CATOCTIN BREEZE VINEYARD

15010 Roddy Road, Thurmont 240.578.3831

www.catoctinbreeze.com

Catoctin Breeze is a boutique vineyard and tasting room located at the base of Catoctin Mountain. They produce a vast array of high-quality, single varietal and blended wines which, for the 2021 vintage, will be entirely locally sourced. All work in the vineyard is done by hand through the meticulous efforts of their small, but dedicated production staff. The winemaking itself is approached with minimal intervention in mind, seeking to achieve flavor profiles that are uniquely Maryland.

Catoctin Breeze offers walk-in tastings seven days a week.

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.

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- and grass-fed, with no growth hormones or steroids. USDA inspected. Processing is done at Hemp’s Meats, Jefferson. The farm was settled in 1803 by the Abraham Willard family and named Castle Hill Farm. We are the fourth owner from the original land grant. They have been farming for 38 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 program to 4-H members-lambs leased for the summer, at no leasing cost to the 4-H family; Registered ewe and ram breeding stock; ewe breeding services; Greek Easter lambs; also selling square bales of weed-free hay, straw bales, and aged sheep compost.

CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN ORCHARD

15036 N. Franklinville Road, Thurmont

301.271.2737

www.catoctinmountain orchard.com

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

CELEBRATION CELLARS WINERY

9831 Fox Road, Frederick

240-812-WINE

www.celebrationcellarswinery.com

Celebration Cellars Winery is passionate and creative when it comes to wine. They are an intimate destination winery nestled high in the Catoctin Mountains of Frederick. Their wines are hand-crafted in small batches using the same techniques that winemakers have used for centuries.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They offer a wide range of delicious nectars that will delight your senses at their picturesque winery. Come for the wine and stay for the views.

CHESTNUT HILL FARM AND MARKET LLC

14343 Stottlemyer Road, Smithsburg

240.734.2021

www.chestnuthillfarmmarket.com

Nestled in Catoctin Mountain and close to Camp David, Chestnut Hill Farm and Market LLC is a sixth-generation farm that has recently diversified to bring fresh produce “From our fields to your table.” With over 20 acres devoted to fruits and vegetables, they offer 60 different varieties of produce.

They are committed to providing sustainable, high quality, healthy options.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They also raise beef, lamb, goats and turkeys that are available in cuts, halves, and wholes, and offer high quality hay in small square bales and round bales. Find all your family’s needs, here on a family farm.

CHOCOLATES & TOMATOES

7957 Hollow Road, Middletown

571.271.2686 • www.chocolatesandtomatoes.com

At Chocolates and Tomatoes Farm you can buy fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey and artisan chocolates; learn how to prepare vegetables and create tasty treats; and view/cut zinnias. They use regenerative farm practices to renew the soil, support pollinators, and provide colorful and delicious food. See their website for current classes, edible chocolate art, and the availability of the hundreds of seasonal vegetables and fruits. Call chef/farmer Mark to buy wholesale or plan something special.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Chef and farmer Mark, also teaches culinary arts at Frederick Community College. He hopes to blend his love for growing and cooking food by creating a demonstration kitchen on the farm and hosting farm dinners in the future.

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 fir, pine and spruce trees, plus get wreaths, swags and tree stands. All trees are $40. The farm dates to 1775 and has a historic mansion copied from George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon. The farm is the home of the Guinness Record-breaking wreaths and “Tiny Clem” a 4-foot evergreen “TO GO.” Pets 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 Friday, Saturday, Sunday after Thanksgiving until Christmas 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cut your own firewood, pine tips and boughs—truckload $20. Saws and rope available. Check or cash.

COPPER PENNY FARM

2231 Ballenger Creek Pike, Adamstown

301.874.3802

www.copperpennyfarm.net

Copper Penny Farm is a small, family-run farm that produces heritage breed, pasture-raised pork, beef and lamb. They believe in treating their animals with love and affection and allow them to live as naturally as possible. All their animals live in large pastures and are allowed to move around and forage at will. Animals are never given drugs, such as growth stimulants, hormones or antibiotics, unless medically required.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Copper Penny Farm offers pasture-raised meats by the cut, as well as quarter, half or whole. Meat can be ordered online and delivered, picked up at their on-farm store or at area farmers’ markets. Visit the website for details.

DEER RUN FARM

15131 Sixes Road, Emmitsburg 717.357.4521

www.deerrunfarmmd.com

Deer Run Farm is a combined registered Red Angus cattle and Berkshire pork operation, located in northern Frederick County. The farm has been owned and operated for more than 25 years by the Stewart family. Deer Run Farm offers an on-farm retail store of humanely raised beef, pork, and pasture-raised eggs.

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 hatcher in the United States to test regularly for MS, MG, AI and PT.

DREAMLAND CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

2700 Sumantown Road, Middletown

301.418.5348

www.dreamlandchristmastreefarm.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.

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.

ESWORTHY FARMS

3405 Sumantown Road

Middletown

301.471.3435

www.esworthyfarms.com

Esworthy Farms Black Angus beef cows are completely grass-fed and grass-finished. The cows roam in large pastures, and are also fed only alfalfa and orchard grasses grown on the small, family-owned farm. They get no grain, ever.

Beef orders are accepted only for quarter, side, and whole beef quantities. Hay and straw are also available seasonally. Check www.EsworthyFarms.com for farm information and beef availability, or follow Esworthy Farms Grass Fed Beef on Facebook.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

The Esworthy family is proud to offer great beef as they continue their lifetime of farming in Frederick County.

EBERLE CHRISTMAS FARM

13415 Liberty Road Union Bridge

301.898.4232

www.eberlechristmasfarm.com

A family-owned and operated Christmas tree farm located on 40 rolling acres with Civil War-era buildings. They offer a variety of trees for you to cut and also offer fresh cut trees from 6 to 11 feet, harvested weekly and kept in water to assure freshness.

Open the day after Thanksgiving with hours 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

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

FLYING PIGS FARM

9233 Bessie Clemson Road, Union Bridge 301.524.3968 • www.flyingpigsorganic.com

Fresh organic blueberries are available at Flying Pigs Farm from mid-June until late July. Last year they celebrated their 20th anniversary—20 years of working to improve the soil and water quality, removing invasive species, adding pollinator strips and adding a forested easement to their efforts through the Creek ReLeaf Program, all while growing some very tasty blueberries.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Fresh organic blueberries are available by emailing or calling the farm directly, and at The Common Market and area restaurants.

FLYING GOAT FARM

5241 Bartonsville Road, Frederick 443.538.8303

www.flyinggoatfarm.com

Flying Goat Farm raises fine wool, sheep and goats using regenerative and sustainable practices. They make, dye and sell beautiful yarn and roving for crafters. Many are Fibershed certified, meaning local fiber, local dyes and local labor. They are open by appointment or on open studio days announced on the website.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They offer classes in dyeing, spinning, weaving, and knitting.

FREY’S BREWING COMPANY

8601 Maplevillle Road

Mount Airy 240.394.6336

www.freysbrewing.com

Frey’s Brewing Company is nestled in a peaceful valley among the rolling hills of Frederick County. Their restored 1800s bank barn provides a beautiful place to unwind with friends and enjoy a variety of craft beverages, including beer, hard cider, hard seltzer, seltzer cocktails and smoothies, signature cold brews, craft mocktails, non-alcoholic beers and more. Frey’s has a food menu as well, and customers are welcome to bring their own. Dog-friendly. Adults only.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Frey’s is open year-round and can host parties and other events in their beautiful tasting room.

FOX HAVEN ORGANIC FARM & LEARNING CENTER

3630 Poffenberger Road Jefferson 301.748.2427 or 240.490.5484

www.foxhavenfarm.org

Organic production of vegetables, berries, hay, nuts and fruits. Herb production and associated CSA. Farm tours, field days, seminars, workshops and classes for all ages and many subjects. All related to the natural world and wildlife.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Available for seminars, workshops, meetings, Farm Stay rentals and other family gatherings in their updated farm houses.

GAVER FARM, LLC

5501 Detrick Road

Mount Airy

301.865.3515

www.gaverfarm.com

Gaver Farm’s fall season features a farm market with pumpkins, apples, cider, decor, preserves, and farm fresh food including cider donuts, pumpkin donut holes and cider slushies. Take a free hayride to pick your own sunflowers, pumpkins and apples and enjoy the Fall Fun Festival complete with farm animals, corn maze, straw activities, jumping pillows, mini mazes, playgrounds, games and over 65 family-friendly attractions.

During the Christmas season Gaver Farm provides cut-your-own and freshcut Christmas trees, hayrides, Wreath Shop with fresh wreaths, pine roping, swags and greenery. Have you tried Gaver Farm’s famous apple cider donuts?

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

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

GLADE-LINK FARMS, LLC

12270 Woodsboro Pike, Keymar

301.898.7131 • 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.

THE DAIRY BAR AT GLAMOURVIEW

9847 Woodsboro Pike, Walkersville

301.801.1438 (Emily)

301.741.0753 (Craig)

www.cattleclub.com/glamourview/glamourviewcreamery.com

This creamery on wheels serves soft custard and homemade hard ice cream, ice cream bars and sandwiches, milkshakes, floats, fresh cheese curds and bottled cream-top milk, straight from their on-farm creamery. They also are available to serve all your catering and event needs. Contact them to get some fresh goodies straight from the cow.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

More exciting news is the Glamourview Creamery storefront coming late this summer. Visitors can view the farm’s Jersey cows getting milked by a robotic milking system.

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 100 percent grass-fed beef, pasture-raised and non-gmo chicken, pork, lamb and mutton.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Products are available year-round for local home delivery, and at area farmers markets. Visit the farm website for further details.

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, eggs, 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. Visit the bakery website or follow Ed’s Country Bakery on Facebook for current hours and information.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They offer baked goods, 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.

GOOD SOIL FARM, LLC

9736 Keysville Road

Emmitsburg

443.536.1830

www.goodsoilfarmllc.com

Join their vegetable CSA and receive a generous share of vegetables each week of the growing season. Mushrooms, flowers, sourdough bread and pastured chickens and eggs are also available. The owners focus on community—from the community of people they feed to the community of fungi, bacteria and microbes in the soil.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Fans of the farm include this customer who posted on the farm’s website that “I have participated in the Good Soil Farm CSA for the last two years, and will be buying a full share again for this summer. I recommend this local farm to you on account of the variety and quality of the produce and their regenerative agriculture methods. The greens in particular make amazing salads.”

HILLSIDE TURKEY FARMS

30 Elm Street, Thurmont 301.271.2728

www.hillsideturkey.com

Hillside Turkey Farms is a familyowned, third generation farm and retail store specializing in today’s families’ 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.

HILLTOP BLOOMS & BEEF

Ijamsville • 301.536.2259

www.hilltopbloomsandbeef.com

Located only five minutes from the bustling communities of Urbana, Hilltop Blooms & Beef offers the delight and excellent quality of local, seasonal flowers, which we sell direct to customers, floral designers and through a flower subscription option. Custom arrangements and bouquets available. We also specialize in completely grass-fed and grass-finished Red Devon beef, which we sell by the cut.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

For more information about their seasonal flower availability or to purchase their grass-fed beef, please visit their website, www.hilltopbloomsandbeef.com.

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, 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 CSA 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, garden seedlings, classes and tours available through the website.

HIDDEN HILLS FARM AND VINEYARD

7550 Green Valley Road, Frederick 301.660.8735 • www.hhfav.com

Nestled among the hills of a 103-acre horse farm are grape vines that produce some of the area’s most elegant dry wines. The varietals have been carefully selected, staying true to the micro-climate in the region. Their wines are crafted in small blocks, showcasing Maryland’s terroir with the best characteristics and a refined complexity.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Fifteen minutes from historic Downtown Frederick. Specializing in approachable dry, old-world French style wines. Family and dog friendly. Intimate indoor seating. Spacious outdoor areas with optimal seating.

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, probull riding, cowgirl barrel racing, mutton bustin’, face painting, food, souvenirs, including T-shirts, cowboy hats, etc.

JUMBO’S PUMPKIN PATCH, LLC

6521 Holter Road, Middletown

301.371.6874 • www.jumbos.org

Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch, LLC is a part of Homestead Farms, owned by the Huffer family. Homestead was purchased in 1870 and has now been home to seven generations. Pick your pumpkins from the 30-acre patch and find your way through a 15-acre corn maze.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Hayrides, Pick Your Own Pumpkins, Corn Maze, 3,000 square feet of fall shopping, farm-grown mums, petting zoo, kids play areas, jumping pillow, pony rides, face painting, corn cannon and more.

LILYPONS WATER GARDENS

6800 Lily Pons Road

Adamstown

301.874.5133

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, heaters for ponds, nets and more.

THE KOMBUCHA LADY

9750 Appolds Road Rocky Ridge

301.447.6152

www.thekombuchalady.com

The Kombucha Lady is a small artisan kombucha brewer in Frederick County. They grow many of the fruits and herbs used in their kombucha flavors right there on their farm in Rocky Ridge. They only use the finest organic teas, fruits and spices.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

You can find their delicious brews at 18 area farm stores, cafes and markets. They also offer home delivery or farm pick-ups.

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 can be visited by canoe or kayak, located on the Monocacy River between Creagerstown and Devilbiss Bridge. If paddling downriver, 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. From there, the tasting room is a short walk up the hill. Please call in advance to let them know you’re coming.

LINGANORE WINECELLARS

13601 Glissans Mill Road

Mount Airy

301.831.5889

www.linganorewines.com

Linganore Winecellars was first opened in 1976 and currently boasts 90 acres of vineyards. They produce over 30 different wines, from estate-bottled dry reds and whites, to semi-sweet grape, fruit and dessert wines. Come enjoy a wine tasting and relax afterwards on their vast lawn while enjoying live music and fine fare from their food trucks. For beer/ cider lovers, Red Shedman Farm brewery is steps away from the winery tasting room.

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.

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 community-supported brewery (CSB) program, which allows members to have access to special events, discounts and unique single-batch beers.

THE LITTLE RED WAGON PRODUCE

11434 Keymar Road, Woodsboro

240.439.9401

The Little Red Wagon is a family-operated roadside stand that is open from early spring through late fall. They offer a full line of vegetable plants and flowers, all grown in their own greenhouses, as well as many hanging baskets and planters. They also offer a broad variety of fruits and vegetables as they are in season, from asparagus and strawberries in the spring to apples and pumpkins in fall, with everything in between. Open March-October, Monday-Saturday, 10a.m.-6 p.m.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Beautiful flowers and tasty fruits and vegetables, in a quiet country setting. Come find something to suit your taste. Call to ask about custom arranged planters and hanging baskets.

MARYLAND MICROGREENS

3091 Will Mill 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.

14001 Liberty Road

Mount Airy

301.831.5464

www.loewvineyards.com

The history of winemaking in the Loew family dates back to the mid19th 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.

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 pickyour-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.

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.

MOO COW CREAMERY

3935 Bussard Road, Middletown

240.549.9183

www.moocowcreamerywrf.com

Moo Cow Creamery at Walnut Ridge Farm is an eighth generation small family-owned and operated dairy farm in the beautiful Middletown Valley, with Guernsey, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn and Brown Swiss—a unique combination. They concentrate on high-quality milk with a richer flavor and golden color to enhances their artisan cheeses and butter, giving it a more unique flavor. Moo Cow Creamery offers 18 varieties of artisan cheeses including Crabby Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, Cheddar and Colby. They offer both salted and unsalted sweet cream butter as well as now offering A2A2 Creamline milk, drinkable yogurt and ice cream.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

The farm is the birthplace of Yankees baseball great Charlie “King Kong” Keller. In addition to artisan cheese and butter, they offer farm-fresh eggs, seasonal produce, and farm-raised beef and chicken. A food trailer serves grilled cheese, soups, and their new ice cream.

MOON VALLEY FARM

9700 Gravel Hill Road, Woodsboro 410.207.0241

www.moonvalleyfarm.net

Moon Valley Farm is a certified organic specialty and staple vegetable and herb farm growing for a Community-Supported Agriculture program and restaurants in Frederick, D.C., Northern Virginia and Baltimore as well as for Frederick County schools. Their farm is on 25 acres in Woodsboro and is owned and operated by Emma Jagoz. They offer customers veggies and herbs, as well as local honey, organic eggs, fruit, gourmet mushrooms, grains, beans and more from select partner farms throughout Maryland.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They offer an online farmer’s market and weekly year-round subscriptions for home delivery and pick up locations. They would love to be your farmers.

NEEDWOOD FARMS

Burkittsville • 301.834.8752

www.needwoodfarms.com

Fifth-generation, family-owned and operated, Needwood Farms has been in the Pry family for over 100 years and is a recognized Maryland Century Farm. They utilize environmentally friendly practices on their land and pride themselves on the high-quality meat produced from their farm-raised cattle. Call Needwood Farms Corner Beef Market, 301-834-8752, to order all-natural freezer beef by the quarter, half or whole or schedule an appointment to see available individual and specialty cuts.

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.

MUDDY RIVER FARMS, LLC

8816 Devilbiss Bridge Road

Walkersville • 301.712.5494

www.muddy-river-farm. square.site

Muddy River Farms is owned and operated by Josh and Colby Grossnickle. Josh is a third-generation farmer and grew up working on the family dairy farm. Today, they farm 1,800 acres in corn, soybean, wheat and hay. In 2017, they began raising and selling freezer beef and pork, recently adding chicken and eggs. They also sell seasonal produce and grow their own sweet corn. In 2021, they began selling artisan cheeses and butter with milk produced on the family dairy. They grind all their own feed for the cattle and pigs from grains harvested on their farms.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

They strive to raise delicious meats that are all-natural. The cattle are pasture raised, grassfed and grain finished to achieve optimum marbling. The pork is a heritage breed that consist of Berkshire and Hampshire. Stay tuned for a new farm pick-up area coming this year.

NICK’S ORGANIC FARM

2733 Buckeystown Pike

Adamstown • 301.983.2167

nicksorganicfarm.com

Founded in 1979, Nick’s Organic Farm sells directly to consumers. They raise all grass-fed Black Angus cattle, pastured chicken and turkeys, pastured eggs, food-grade corn and soybeans, small grains, poultry feed, hay and straw. Located outside of Buckeystown on an agriculturally preserved 175acre certified organic farm, they are committed to constant improvement of their soil. To receive notice of when to purchase products, or to pick up eggs year-round, join the mailing list at nicksorganicfarm@comcast.net.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

100 percent grass-fed beef, no hormones, grain or antibiotics; ground beef, all beef sausage and jerky, beef bones and organ meat; organic pastured chicken; organic pastured heritage and standard breed turkeys; organic pastured brown shell eggs; nonGMO organic heirloom grinding corn, popcorn, and stone-ground cornmeal; 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 pasture-raised 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).

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.

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 unique meads that range from dry to sweet, still to sparkling, fruity to earthy and even spicy. Visit their scenic tasting room in the Middletown Valley for an intimate tasting experience of the world’s oldest form of alcohol made from honey.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Sitting amongst 15 acres with grapevines and beehives, their hand-built tasting room has the same warmth and artisanal character as the meads.

A PIECE OF HARMONY

Myersville

240.215.5649

www.apieceofharmony.com

Their products are available weekly on Frederick Fresh Online, plus they have an online store on their website where customers can place orders for pickup or local delivery within 10 miles of Myersville town center. They plan to participate in Farm to School this year, and grow a lot of microgreens for South Mountain Creamery.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

This year they added a Caterpillar Tunnel for season extension and to explore the benefits of growing crops in them. They continue to put a strong emphasis on growing better food and better soil.

PLEASANT HILL PRODUCE

8444 Fountain Rock Road

Walkersville

301.471.2699

www.pleasanthillproduce.com

Pleasant Hill Produce was founded in 2014 by Ben and Heather Sayler. Pleasant Hill Produce grows a wide variety of high-quality seasonal vegetables and partners with other local producers to offer a diverse, fully-customizable CSA experience. 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. Home delivery offered.

POTOMAC SPROUT COMPANY

8202 Blacks Mill Road, Thurmont 240.483.4891

www.potomacsproutcompany.com

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.

PROSPECT POINT BREWING

5500 Jefferson Pike, Frederick 240.529.2747

www.prospectpointbrewing.com

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.

ROCKY POINT CREAMERY, LLC

4323A Tuscarora Road, Tuscarora 301.874.5810

www.rockypointcreamery.com

The creamery has over 120 flavors of homemade ice cream, along with milk, brown eggs, cheese and beef. They milk 120 Holstein and Jersey dairy cows and raise 600 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and hay to feed their animals. Each year a beautiful two-acre sunflower field is planted and flowers are available for sale in late summer/early fall, with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Visit their Facebook page or website for hours.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Cheese made from their cows’ milk is now available for purchase. There are six flavors of cheddar to choose from. Enjoy with their farm-raised beef and ice cream—it doesn’t get any more local than this.

RED SHEDMAN FARM BREWERY & HOP YARD

13601 Glissans Mill Road

Mount Airy

301.703.5474

www.redshedman.com

Red Shedman Farm Brewery was established in 2014 on over 200 acres of picturesque farmland. They cultivate several varieties of hops, and brew a full variety of ales, including blondes, IPA’s, sours, stouts and porters, plus ciders. Red Shedman is open Wednesday to Thursday from 2 p.m.–7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon-8 p.m. and Sunday from noon–7 p.m. Live music year-round on Saturday. Come enjoy a relaxing afternoon on our picnic grounds. Linganore Winecellars tasting room is steps away.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

In addition to having 16 rotating beers and ciders on draft, they’re also brewed and packaged on-site; always fresh and available for sale in the brewery and many locations throughout the state.

RICHVALE FARM, LLC

7514 Picnic Woods Road

Middletown

240-694-8135

www.richvalefarm.com

Richvale Farm, LLC has been owned and operated by the Ahalt Family in Middletown for over 125 years. Richvale Farm grows and sells hay, straw, corn, soybeans wheat and offers custom farming services. Richvale Farm also raises and sells freezer ready grain finished beef. Their beef cattle consume grass forages and grain that is grown on their farm. They sell their beef by the cut, quarter, half and whole sides, and by bundles, which are curated boxes with a variety of beef cuts.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Their cattle are never given growth hormones, and they strive to do everything they can to keep them happy, healthy, and thriving. Please visit the website to learn more information about the farm.

ROSIE CHEEKS DISTILLERY

10229 Woodsboro Pike, Building 1 Walkersville

www.rosiecheeksdistilling.com or on Facebook

A family-owned and operated farm and distillery that produces 14 flavors of moonshine using locally grown products and seasonal fruits. With a play on their last name, Kristy and Lee Rosebush opened Rosie Cheeks Distillery on a farm that has horses, puppies and fields of crops, including the corn used in their moonshine. While Lee oversees the distilling, Kristy uses her talents creating flavors that sound like something out of a farm kitchen, including Apple Pie, Peach Cobbler and Caramel Apple. They also produce batches of seasonal flavors such as pumpkin spice in the fall and for Valentine’s Day there’s a chocolate/cherry concoction.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Rosie Cheeks can be found in its Mason jars at area liquor stores as well as at the farm. It’s also served in local restaurants.

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.

Serenity Grove Farm brings the personal touch to your family’s weekly dinner plans. This compact farm, owned and operated by farmer Jenni, demonstrates that we all have the power to bring sustainable values to our homes and community. Each week they offer a mix of garden staples and culinary favorites in their meal box. Punch up the weekly lettuce salad with the lemony herb sorrel, or upgrade your salsa by swapping tomatoes for the sweet and tangy ground cherry. Alternatively, go off script and share your culinary inspirations on their Facebook and Instagram. At Serenity Grove Farm they know that healthy meals fuel healthy communities, and all that starts on the farm.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Ask the folks at Serenity Grove Farm how sustainability inspires everything they do, from soil to packages.

SHRIVER MEATS

16436 Four Points Bridge Road, Emmitsburg

301.447.2255

www.shrivermeats.com

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 cutto-order amounts.

SOUTH MOUNTAIN CREAMERY

8305 Bolivar Road, Middletown

301.371.8565

www.southmountaincreamery.com

When you know your farmer, you know your food. South Mountain Creamery is a family and farmer owned creamery, wholesaler and home delivery service. Bringing the farmers market to your doorstep, delivering all natural dairy products, cage-free eggs, grass-fed beef, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, prepared meals and more.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Visit their farm year-round for self-guided tours, register online to feed the calves, or enjoy a scoop of their renowned ice cream.

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 cutto-your specification sides of beef. Everything from soup bones to delicious, fork-tender standing rib roasts. On-farm store open by appointment.

SPRINGFIELD MANOR WINERY, DISTILLERY, BREWERY

11836 Auburn Road, Thurmont

301.271.0099

www.springfieldmanor.com

Maryland’s first winery, distillery and brewery. Come for a taste, stay for the experience. The historic barn 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

12924 Spruce Run Road, Myersville 301.293.1070 • www.sprucerunrd.com

Located near Wolfsville, Spruce Run Farm focuses on sustainable living and producing local foods. In addition to growing produce and beekeeping, they raise dairy goats, Katahdin sheep, Mangalitsa pigs, as well as poultry and rabbits for fiber, meat or pets. Produce and honey from the farm can be found at Mid-Maryland Farm Market as well as Brunswick Main Street, Middletown, and Myersville farmers markets.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

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

STADLER NURSERIES

5504 Mount Zion Road

Frederick

301.473.9042

www.stadlernurseries.com

Yes, they’re certified plant geeks! Proudly serving the community since 1932, nothing makes them happier than connecting people with plants. You’ll find an amazing array of trees, shrubs, native plants, annuals and perennials at their year-round garden centers. They also offer curbside pickup, delivery only and delivery and planting services from theire website. Landscape design services are also available.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, bulbs and holiday plants, garden accents including fountains, statuary, wind chimes, firepots, birdbaths and containers of every size and style, also garden care products including an extensive selection of organic plant health care options. Now offering curbside pickup, delivery only and delivery and planting services from their website.

STILLPOINT

FARM

8253 Dollyhyde Road

Mount Airy

301.829.6950

www.milkhousebrewery.com

Stillpoint Farm is home to Milkhouse Brewery, Maryland’s first Class 8 Farm Brewery specializing in traditional and 100 percent Maryland beers. They also have a new farm mercantile offering farm-raised beef, lamb and wool products from their sheep as well as seasonal produce and products from other local producers. MIlkhouse is a dog and kid–friendly community gathering space that offers music, rotating food trucks and the best sunsets around.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Come share the perfect pint and leave with local, responsibly produced food, knowing just where and who it comes from.

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 Catoctin Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain. They humanely raise Boer and Boer Cross goats. The health and well-being of their animals is of the utmost importance. They sell goats for breeding stock, 4-H projects, companions for horses, weed control and pets. They also sell small square bales of hay 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

7503 Hollow Road, Middletown

301.304.3031

www.SummersFarm.com

Summers Farm is located at their new farm for their 27th season of homegrown fun and farm fresh adventure. They host an annual sunflower and harvest festival to share their family’s agricultural heritage. Activities include slides, jumping pillows, farm animals, farm golf, obstacle course, live music and so much more. Farm fresh food and bakery items available, including their famous apple cider donuts.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Join them for their 27th season, featuring the fourth annual pick your own sunflower festival featuring live music. In the fall, take a free wagon ride to the pumpkin patch and select your perfect pumpkin (sold by the pound) or get lost in a corn maze.

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.

VALLEY HOMEMADE AND HOMEGROWN

7800 Picnic Woods Road, Middletown 301.305.9796

www.valleyhomemadeandhome grown.com, Facebook and Instagram

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. 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. Find their beautiful flowers at the Middletown, Myersville and Brunswick Farmers Market.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Jamie Beth Derr offers flower arranging classes at the farm. Cut your own flower events held twice a month July through September; follow on social media for event details. To set up a private picking event contact Jamie at valleyhomemadeandhomegrown@gmail.com

THANKSGIVING FARMS

1619 Buckeystown Pike

Adamstown

301.662.1291

www.thanksgivingfarmand garden.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.

VALLEY VIEW ACRES

4005 Valley View Road

Middletown

www.valleyviewacresmd.com

In July 2019, Valley View Acres held the first Sunflower Festival, which is now an annual event. They have expanded to include a fall and Christmas festival. They are passionate about agriculture and sharing the farm experience. They hope their festivals become an annual tradition for all who visit. For more information and updates visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Visitors can pick sunflowers, wildflowers, zinnias and more. There are play areas, games, and activities for kids of all ages. Shop at the craft barn and with local vendors, enjoy ice cream and food including fresh-cut fries, all while taking in the picturesque views.

WHISPERING MEADOWS ALPACA BREEDERS

13959 Unionville Road, Mount Airy 301.452.9460

www.whisperingmeadowsalpaca.com

Established in 1999, the farm maintains 30 alpacas. They started the first 4-H alpaca club in Frederick County. Their motto is “first in fiber, first in fun, first in Frederick.” They breed high-quality alpacas as well as their own hay and have a variety of other animals on the farm year round. Please text/call for an appointment.

HOMEGROWN HIGHLIGHT

Hand-made, home-grown, made in the USA, and Peruvian alpaca products available. Natural and dyed yarns, raw fiber, rovings, dryer balls, bears, hats, scarves, gloves, sweaters, socks, and more socks. Food, games, hay tower, tot lot and good family fun. Friend them on Facebook to see the latest news. For $10 per car receive a hay ride and walk an alpaca.

WILLOW OAKS CRAFT CIDER

6219 Harley Road, Middletown

301.371.4814

www.willowoakscraftcider.com

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

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.