With spring turning into summer in Mount Airy, It's time to embrace the freshness of the season by eating local. From pick-your-own farms where you can create unforgettable memories (and great photos!) with your little ones, to CSAs offering a bounty of seasonal delights and local farmers markets ... there are plenty of ways to eat fresh!
By choosing locally grown produce, you're not only treating your taste buds, but also supporting sustainable agriculture and the hardworking farmers in the Mount Airy area.
Discover where you can find locally grown fruits, vegetables, and more to bring home to your family:
 Sergii Petroshchuk | Canva |
Pick-Your-Own (PYO) Farms in Mount Airy/Damascus/Urbana:
It's a hands-on adventure at these PYO farms, where you can enjoy the experience of picking your own fruits and vegetables straight from the fields. Here are some top picks:
May - Strawberries and peonies
June - Strawberries, tart cherries, black raspberries, blueberries, sugar snap peas
22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, MD 20876
(301) 428-0444
What to expect: You must purchase at least one container when making your reservation. You may use containers previously purchased at Butlers. Check their website, Facebook or call before visiting to check crop conditions. Farmer's market offers produce, meats, bakery items, gifts and more.
Rock Hill Orchard & Woodbourne Creamery
Flowers and tart cherries - June
Peaches, blackberries and blueberries - summer, dates to be announced
28600 Ridge Rd, Mt Airy, MD 21771
301-831-7427
What to expect: "Fresh for picking from June through October. Come experience where your food comes from. Picking is available weekends, weather permitting." Farm market has cow-to-cone ice cream, produce, honey and baked items. Call or check Facebook for crop info before visiting. There is a playground next to the market.
Larriland Farm
Will reopen in late May with strawberries
2415 Woodbine Road, Woodbine, MD 21797
410-442-2605
What to expect: Farm market will open in late May when picking begins. Make sure to call or check website before visiting - sometimes they do have to pause/close fields due to customer demand and weather conditions.
Homestead Farm
Tart cherries and blueberries available June
15604 Sugarland Road, Poolesville, Maryland 20837
http://www.homestead-farm.net/
What to expect: $4 admission to farm per person, reopening summer 2024. Check site for hours and conditions.
Know of any other PYO farms in Mount Airy or Damascus that we should add to our list? Let us know at kellyeakin@macaronikid.com.
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Local CSAs in Mount Airy/Damascus/Urbana
Support local farmers and enjoy a regular supply of fresh, seasonal produce by joining a CSA. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Here are some options to consider:
Sycamore Spring Farm, Frederick
Details: “Better than Organic” naturally grown products are grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, Multiple share options available, farm pickup or delivery to New Market, Gaithersburg & Rockville. Fruits and vegetables, with the option to add fresh eggs, beef, baked goods and more.
Details: Sustainable and ecologically sound farming methods, different size shares with add-ons available. Country store with produce, baked items, dairy and more located in Ellicott City.
Pleasant Hill Produce, Walkersville
Details: "Pleasant Hill Produce grows high quality, safe food for the local Frederick community. We use organic and sustainable practices to maintain the farm for ourselves and future generations to use." Fully customizable boxes with local delivery or pickup. Pay as you go weekly. Local items like meats and cheese are available to add on. Convenient pick-up locations in Frederick, Walkersville, New Market, and Mt. Pleasant.
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Farmers Markets in Mount Airy/Damascus/Urbana
Farmers markets are a great place to spend time browsing fresh produce, locally-produced artisanal goods, and much more. Here's where to find farmer's markets:
Knill's Farm Market, Mount Airy
Details: Check out Knill's farm market for produce, South Mountain Creamery products, baked items and more.
Local Homestead Products, LLC., New Windsor
Local Homestead offers a farm grocery store with produce, flowers, baked items, dairy, desserts and more. They have a free playground that is open when the market is open. LHP also offers weekly produce bundles.
Mount Airy Farmer's Market, Mount Airy
Hosted by the Town of Mount Airy on Wednesdays, June-September 3-7pm in Watkins Park
Urbana Library Farmers' Market
May 19- October 27, Sundays 10am-1pm
Hawkins offers local produce, jams and sauces, landscaping services and a playground.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1089669188071251/
Know of any other farmers markets in the area that we should highlight? Let us know at kellyeakin@macaronikid.com
More Local Food Adventures
In addition to PYO farms, CSAs, and farmers markets, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the local food scene. Here are the details on more local food fun in the area:
Happy Cow Creamery at Grand View Acres Farm Union Bridge - Farm Fresh-Ice Cream, USDA Beef Cuts & Bundles, Eggs, Raw Cow Milk & Local Raw Honey, playgrounds and animals to see
Simply Seeded Mount Airy - Homestead and farming classes, kids classes
Pocantino Jersey Farm and Creamery Union Bridge - fresh ice cream, view cows, farm tours available by request
