Local Thanksgiving Fixin’s and Fun

Relish the season with a little help from some of these Granite State vendors for food, drink and all the rest

BY ANNA-KATE MUNSEY

What foods and goods were at the first Thanksgiving? Since no one can say definitively, each year we get to design our own feast. Autumn bouquets, spiced cider and free-range turkey cover our tables, complementing the warmth of good company.

One thing we do know for sure about that first dinner — the food was certainly local. In that way, we can emulate the inaugural Thanksgiving, and we have an idea — actually, dozens of ideas — for you. Read on to discover a short list of the many local farms, florists, breweries, bakeries and shops that can give your Thanksgiving dinner extra special.

Locally Raised Meats

Let’s be real — turkey is no longer the go-to for every family’s Thanksgiving. Ham, pot roast, tofu turkey or just skipping this main meat altogether are increasingly popular choices. Whether you’re looking for fresh, locally raised meats or a classic free-range bird, these farms have got you covered.

Charmingfare Farm 774 High St., Candia (603) 483-5623 / visitthefarm.com

East Wind Farm 120 Perry Rd., Strafford (603) 269-6203 / eastwindfarm.wordpress.com

Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant 233 Daniel Webster Hwy., Meredith (603) 279-6212 / hartsturkeyfarm.com

Paradise Farm 468 Center Rd., Lyndeborough (603) 345-0860 / paradisefarmnh.com

Templeton Family Organics 176 Kennedy Hill Rd., Goffstown (781) 316-5067 / templetonfamilyorganics.com

The Inn at East Hill Farm 460 Monadnock St., Troy (603) 242-6495 / east-hill-farm.com

Vernon Family Farm 301 Piscassic Rd., Newfields (603) 340-4321 / vernonfamilyfarm.com

White Gates Farm 2153 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth (603) 662-7556 / whitegates-farm.com

Baked Goods and Sweets

Carbs, carbs and more carbs is the only way to load up your Thanksgiving plate. From buttery biscuits to hearty breads to crumbly cornbread, these charming bakeries each offer a variety sure to please everyone. And, after that tryptophan-induced catnap, you’re sure to be craving a sweet treat — or three or four. Choose a classic apple or pumpkin pie, or try something new such as cupcakes, cookies or even donuts. You truly can’t go wrong with a sugary treat.

Crosby Bakery 51 East Pearl St., Nashua (603) 882-1851 / crosbybakerynh.com

cake. vegan bakery 1 Washington St., Dover (320) 266-8023 / cakeveganbakery.com

Crumb Bum Bakery 97 Main St., Littleton (603) 575-1773 / crumbbumbakery.com

Dulces Bakery & Café 87 Amherst St., Manchester 603-606-2613 / dulcesbakerynh.com

Laconia Village Bakery 660 Main St., Laconia 603-527-1414 / laconiavillagebakery.com

Vintage Baking Company 41 Route 302, Glen (603) 383-7211 / vintagebakingcompany.com

Old Village Bakery 50 Seavey St., North Conway (603) 356-8989 / oldvillagebakerynh.com

Florists

Looking for a thoughtful host or hostess gift that doubles as décor? Or just looking to spruce up your own Thanksgiving spread with colors of warm gold, deep red and bold burnt orange? Look no further than these delightful flower shops and farms.

Apotheca Flowers & Café 24C Main St., Goffstown (603) 497-4940 / apothecaflowershoppe.com

Paisley Floral Design Studio 2107 River Rd., Manchester (603) 493-8386 / paisleyfloraldesign.com

Seacoast Florist 29 Lafayette Rd., North Hampton (603) 926-7687 / seacoastflorist.com

Silver Lake Floral Design 20 Plains Rd., Silver Lake (603) 569-8463 / silverlakefloraldesign.com

Spring Ledge Farm 37 Main St., New London (603) 526-6253 / springledgefarm.com

Alcohol

With hundreds of craft beer selections, hard ciders in numerous fruity and spiced flavors, quaint wineries, and even kombucha breweries across the state, try something new or stick to an old favorite to toast this holiday season.

Auspicious Brew 1 Washington St., Dover (603) 953-7240 / auspiciousbrew.com

Contoocook Cider Company 656 Gould Hill Rd., Contoocook (603) 746-1175 / contoocookcider.com

Fulchino Vineyard 187 Pine Hill Rd., Hollis 603-438-5984 / fulchinovineyard.com

Hermit Woods Winery & Deli 72 Main St., Meredith (603) 253-7968 / hermitwoods.com

Sap House Meadery 6 Folsom Rd., Center Ossipee (603) 539-1672 / saphousemeadery.com

Seven Birches Winery 22 S. Mountain Dr., Lincoln (603) 745-7550 / sevenbirches.com

More of a beer person? There are close to 100 breweries in the state, so chances are good there’s a great option near you. Check out our own map and directory at nhmagazine.com/beer.

Farmstands and Specialty Shops

Whether you forgot something last minute, are visiting from out of town, or simply don’t feel like preparing that one item, farm stores are here for you. These places are a one-stop-shop for everything local and delicious: fruits, vegetables, jams, soups, cheeses, breads, desserts and many more yummy options.

Applecrest Farm Orchards 133 Exeter Rd., Hampton Falls (603) 926-3721 / applecrest.com

Brookford Farm 250 West Rd., Canterbury (603) 742-4084 / brookfordfarm.com

Harman’s Cheese & Country Store 1400 Route 117, Sugar Hill (603) 823-8000/ harmanscheese.com

LaValley Farms 1801 Hooksett Rd., Hooksett (603) 485-3541 / lavalleyfarms.com

Mack’s Apples & Farm Market 230 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry (603) 434-7619 / macksapples.com

Market & Cafe at Emery Farm 147 Piscataqua Rd., Durham (603) 742-8495 / emeryfarm.com

Tendercrop Farm at the Red Barn 123 Dover Point Rd., Dover (603) 740-4920 / tendercropfarm.com

Zeb’s General Store 2675 White Mountain Hwy., North Conway (603) 356-9294 / zebs.com

Music

Did you know that New Hampshire has nine official state songs? If, somehow, you get tired of these, consider complementing your feast’s great food and drink with some music by a local artist. Stream these artists or grab a CD and get groovy.

Maddy Roop maddyroop.com

Seacoast Wind Ensemble seacoastwindensemble.org

The Crab Shack Band thecrabshackband.com

The Grim Brothers thegrimbrothers.com

Voices from the Heart voicesfromtheheart.org

Check out some more ideas from our Cubicle Concerts series at nhmagazine.com/cubicle-concerts.