Updated November 26, 2024

Ramp up the flavors at your holiday gatherings with some local Eastern Shore flavors, from crabs and oysters to sweet potatoes and wine to pies and cakes! A few ideas:

Oysters!

Love oyster stuffing or oyster stew? Pick up local oysters through a variety of local harvesters, farmers, and markets. Try Choptank River Crab & Oyster Compay,  J.M. Clayton Company, Kool Ice & Seafood, Lindy's Seafood, Soft & Salty Seafood, or Total Fine Foods Outlet Store. Or connect direct with a Dorchester County oyster harvester/grower through the Choptank Oyster Co.,  Hoopers Island Oyster Co., Mad House Oysters, or Pirate's Cove Oyster Company. Some places also offer shipping. And here are some great oyster dressing, stuffing, and casserole recipes from Oyster Recovery Partnership.

Also know that crab season isn't over yet! Pick up steamed crabs or already picked crabmeat and whip up some crab dip or crab balls.

Order a fresh turkey or ham, a whole hog – or a whole meal

Order a fresh, local turkey through Emily's Produce. They also have homemade sides, casseroles, desserts, and breads. Or order a Eat Like a Marylander Local Harvest Box chock full of local fall ingredients – or opt for the Ready to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner. Order online by Nov. 15, 20224.

Order a fresh turkey, honey baked ham, sweet potato rolls, and more from Simmons Center Market.

Consider local beef or pork through Pop's Old Place, Emily's Produce, or Great Expectations Farm.

Pick up ingredients, desserts, beverages, and gifts at the Cambridge Farmers Market, Thursdays, 3-6pm at Long Wharf in Cambridge. The Thanksgiving Market is Nov. 27. Many vendors doing pre-orders.

Lil' Bitta Bull BBQ Catering is offering whole hog roasts for holiday gatherings. Slow-roasted. Find out more at BullCatering@gmail.com.

Add a sweet ending

 Add a sweet ending to your meal with a pie, cake, or other delights from Bay Country Bakery, Black Water Bakery, Cafe Underground, Mandala Pies, Market at Church Creek, or T's Divine Sweets & More. (Most places appreciate pre-orders.)

Cheers!

Pick up locally crafted wine from Layton's Chance Winery (the Mid-Atlantic's first craft winery!) or beer from RAR Brewing. Get excellent food/drink pairing advice and find wine/beer at Vintage 414.

Or.... let someone else do the cooking

Enjoy a feast in one of our local restaurants  – without the laborious prep or clean-up! Some places are offering Thanksgiving buffets or specials. Here's what we've heard about so far:

Suicide Bridge Restaurant has a Thanksgiving buffet 12-5pm Nov. 28.

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort has a Thanksgiving buffet 1-6pm Nov. 28.

Boats & Hose will be open on Thanksgiving, 12-4pm. See their Facebook page for the menu. Reserve at 443-205-1909.

More restaurants will be announcing their specials soon, and when they do, we'll add the info here, so check back!

Don't forget a gift for your hosts!

Stop in to the Bay Country Shop, Butterfly Boutique, Dorchester Center for the Arts Studioworks, Heart of Dorchester Antiques, Main Street Gallery, Shorelife Home & Gifts, Sunnyside Shop, or ten Creative Design & Gift Gallery for an assortment of giftable items. Browse the shops and galleries.