The holiday season is here, bringing with it a longing for warmth, connection, and, of course, incredible food. This year, imagine a celebration bursting with flavor, quality, and the heartwarming knowledge that every bite supports your local farming community.
We've updated our guide to crafting a truly memorable, locally sourced holiday —from the centerpiece feast to the perfect gifts —thanks to the dedicated farmers and producers right here along Lake Champlain in the Adirondacks!
The Ultimate Local Holiday Shopping List
Building your farm-to-table holiday is now even easier! Here are just a few of the best places to source your holiday needs, from the main course to the perfect local gift basket:
1. The Centerpiece Meats
Making a conscious choice about your holiday meat is the best way to elevate your feast.
-
Thanksgiving Turkey from Reber Rock Farms: Secure a juicy and flavorful Pasture Raised Turkey. Knowing your centerpiece was raised with care and fed organic feed is the true meaning of a conscious holiday dinner.
-
The Butcher's Choice from Mace Chasm Farm: This is your year-round source for premium, ethically raised meat. Please stop by their farm store for Grass-fed Beef and Pork cuts, perfect for a Christmas roast or holiday appetizers. They also offer Turkey in November!
2. The Charcuterie & Appetizer Spread
A festive charcuterie board is a must-have, and our local producers make it exceptional:
-
Artisanal Cheeses, Yogurt, and Dairy from North Country Creamery: Your charcuterie is incomplete without the 100% grass-fed dairy products from North Country Creamery. Pick up their signature cheeses, creamy yogurt, and maybe even some seasonal produce to pair with.
-
Crackers, breads, and pies at Triple Green Jade Farm: Elevate your board with delicious, locally made breads and crackers.
-
Ready-to-Go Staples at Essex Food Hub or Mountain Weavers Farm Store: Need a quick stop for local dairy, meat, and fresh baked goods for your platter? This market is open daily and acts as a central hub for the region's best pantry items.
3. The Festive Spirits & Drink Pairings
Raise a glass to the season with locally crafted beverages:
-
Bourbon and More from War Cannon: For the spirits lover, a bottle of their Straight Bourbon Whiskey is an ideal gift. Made with local New York grains, it's a taste of the region in a glass.
-
Local Beers, Ciders, and Meads at Ticonderoga Natural Foods Co-op: This co-op is a fantastic stop for everything from local produce and dairy to specialty items, including a great selection of local craft beers and ciders, perfect for a holiday toast.
4. Fresh Produce, Baking & Gift Baskets
The supporting ingredients are what truly make a meal shine.
-
Seasonal Vegetables, Baking Grains, and Specialty Items at Essex Farm: As one of the region's most diversified farms, their self-serve farm store offers grass-fed raw whole Jersey milk, pastured eggs, seasonal fruits and vegetables, grains and flours, and unique products like fermented vegetables, soaps, and candles.
-
Pies from Gunnison’s Orchard: Whether you’re making an apple pie or looking for an easy gift, Gunnison's is the place. While their main bakery and gift shop close around Thanksgiving, their cold storage is open through the winter for a wide variety of local apples. Don't forget their jams, jellies, and preserves as a perfect addition to the gift basket.
- Homemade treats from Bak'd: A new bakery in Ticonderoga that offers delicious homemade baked goods perfect for the holiday season.
Why Buy Local This Holiday Season?
Every dollar you spend at these locations is a gift to your community! Here’s how you make a difference:
-
Unbeatable Quality and Flavor: Farm-to-table means fresher ingredients.
-
Support Local Economies: You keep money circulating within your community, helping these family-run businesses and co-ops thrive and allowing them to reinvest in the region.
-
Unique, Thoughtful Gifts: Homemade jam, a bottle of local spirits, or a basket stocked with unique goods from the Essex Food Hub is a gift with a story.
This holiday season, make a plan, visit these amazing local businesses, and turn your tables and gift-giving into a true celebration of local abundance. For more farms in your area and how you can support, click here. Happy feasting!
