Wood’s eldest daughter is now eleven, and her family hasn’t missed a birthday visit to the market since the very first.

To Wood, this tradition is more than just a means of purchasing plants to kickstart her backyard garden for cropping season. It’s a way of keeping her father’s memory alive.

“Growing up, my father spent all of his free time in the garden,” Wood recalls. “He worked for the public health service, so he was in uniform at his job. But as soon as he wasn’t working, he was in some kind of T-shirt, suspenders, and jeans. It really was his passion. He was sick on and off my entire life, so he did this as a way to stay grounded. If he could have, he would have made it his full-time job.”

For years, Wood’s father was known to the community as “Farmer Bill.” He was dedicated to cultivating their family farm in the Davidsonville area, where he grew cucumbers, Vidalia onions, Silver Queen corn, and tomatoes (Erica’s personal favorite), just to name a few.

Farmer Bill befriended the owners of a local nursery down the road, who began to sell his produce. “From there, he really pushed the farmers market thing. He sold all over,” Wood remarks, beaming.

Often, he would take his family out into the backyard with big bowls to gather fresh vegetables for dinner. He took pride in being able to provide for them in this way. Other times, he even brought his produce to work with him, unloading it right in the office for his co-workers to enjoy. These are some of Wood’s favorite memories.

“I do the same thing now,” she says, reflecting on the ways in which her father’s passion lives on in her.

Suffice it to say, a Sunday trip to one of Baltimore’s most beloved farmers markets is the ideal way to honor Farmer Bill’s legacy, and the role he played in the community.

The effort that Wood has put toward keeping this tradition going strong for more than a decade comes from a desire to celebrate life and—fittingly—growth. She wants to show others that there are uplifting ways of keeping the memories of our loved ones alive.

“This is a way I do it for my father, and my kids and my husband,” she says. “They never got to meet him, but this is my way of bridging that gap. They see what was important to my dad—the gardening and selling—and what’s important to me.”

On top of that, Wood’s tradition acts as a way to stay connected with the vibrant community of local farmers and growers in Baltimore, many of whom she has become friendly with over the years.

“When I go to the farmers market, I’ll buy plants and produce from the vendors, and that means a lot to me,” she says. “I know they put a lot of care into it just like my dad did.”

This past year, Farmer Bill’s April 14 birthday happened to fall exactly on a Sunday—the perfect day for a trip to the market. Wood took a photo with her two daughters, Alice (11) and Evelyn (8), under I-83 to commemorate the day, as she does every year. Wood’s collection of photos from each stage of her life allows her to visually share her tradition with family and friends near and far.

“It’s like Christmas, it’s like a holiday to do this,” Wood says with a smile. “My garden is full, and everything is in its place.”

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Originally launched in 2007, the initiative is meant to honor the personalized culture of sonically shopping small, as well as a record store’s ability to bring our communities together through music. Typically, local shops participate with special deals and limited-edition releases (check out the full list of this year’s RSD releases, here), so it’s also the perfect excuse to pick out some new titles to bring home to your turntable.

Whether you’re looking for something specific—or simply want to celebrate with fellow collectors—these participating stores are sure to provide an upbeat atmosphere for you to show your gratitude this Saturday.

Celebrated Summer Records
Located in the heart of Hampden, this fan-favorite shop has provided the community with a variety of punk, hardcore, jazz, soul, and indie rock selections since 2006. In honor of Record Store Day, the doors are opening bright and early at 9 a.m. Patrons can expect a wide variety of used records and RSD products to hit shelves just in time for the big day. 3616 Falls Rd

Atomic Books
Looking for a place to test out your new records or get inspired for your next purchase? After flipping through the bins at Falls Road neighbor Celebrated Summer Records, head over to Hampden’s Atomic Books for a special RSD Listening Party from 4-7 p.m. The Atomic Music Club is hosting the event inside Eightbar, the bookstore’s cozy bar and cafe. Sip on a local craft beer or cider while listening to RSD exclusives old and new, all in the company of fellow music enthusiasts. 3620 Falls Rd

Ka-Chunk Records
Head over to this Annapolis staple to shop a collection of more than 700 new, used, and hard-to-find LPs. Each year, shop owner Matt Mona designs a limited-edition RSD poster to commemorate the day. This year’s layout features elements from vintage magazines cut out and arranged in a logo to perfectly capture the store’s artsy vibe. Posters will be available for shoppers to purchase along with their vinyl starting at 10 a.m. 78 Maryland Ave., Annapolis

Mount Vernon Records
Sure, this Read Street store is a go-to for a vast variety of music and merch. But owners William Hicks and Aaron Spence also use their shop as a means to foster community with pop-up exhibits, listening parties, and DJ workshops. If you haven’t yet visited the arts hub, which debuted in October 2022, make it a Record Store Day destination. 231 W. Read St. 

Normals Books & Records
For 31 years, this brick-and-mortar store in Waverly has been serving readers and music-lovers alike with its impeccable selection. To celebrate Record Store Day in style, Normals is partnering with Mark Wadley, author and editor of Bruiser magazine, to create two limited-edition RSD graphic T-shirt designs. Shirts will be available to guests on April 20th only, on a first-come, first-served basis. 425 E. 31st St.

Protean Books and Records
The iconic industrial building in Federal Hill offers an eclectic collection of novels, manga, vintage video games, and of course, vinyl records. The team has been logging RSD inventory requests from regulars since February, so it’s safe to say there will be a well-curated collection to browse when the shop opens early at 8 a.m. on the big day. 836 Leadenhall St.

REB Records
Opened by two longtime friends with a mutual love of music, this Bel Air shop aims to share its passion for all things vinyl with the community. On Saturday, expect exclusive releases, new turntables, apparel, and various vinyl record supplies. A sneak peek at the RSD inventory highlights everything from jazz vibraphonist Dave Pike to funk superheroes Parliament. Grab some friends (and a strong coffee) and be the first in line to snag these titles and more when the doors open at 8 a.m. If the in-store shopping experience isn’t for you, all remaining inventory will be available online at 8 a.m. the following day. 4 N. Main St., Bel Air

The Sound Garden
The Fells Point fixture has appeared on more than 100 “Best Of” record store lists, including a mention from Rolling Stone in 2014. Its warehouse walls are covered from floor-to-ceiling in vinyl perfection, all available to listen to in-store for a unique “try-before-you-buy” experience. The Sound Garden inventory will feature a wide variety of Record Store Day exclusive releases, from Paramore’s latest album to a limited-edition Bill Evans recording. Doors open at 9 a.m., but we’re willing to bet a line will form beforehand. Similar to REB, all remaining inventory will be up online at 8 a.m. on April 21. 1616 Thames St.

Trax on Wax
Located in Catonsville, one of the Baltimore-area’s historic music towns, Trax on Wax is the perfect spot for both beginner and hardcore vinyl collectors. For the first time this year, the shop is skipping the reservations and holds and operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 9 a.m., but be sure to arrive early for the best RSD selection. 709 Frederick Rd., Catonsville

True Vine
Established by friends with a love for “raw and non-traditional” music in Hampden, this haunt—now in Station North—is the place to go for music beyond our borders. Also dubbed one of Rolling Stone’s top record shops, its truly eclectic selection includes globe-spanning sounds from the “organ king of Cairo,” Belgian avant-rockers, and the Baltimore Club scene, just to name a few. 1827 N. Charles St. 

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Blackwall Hitch: The Easter brunch buffet at this Inner Harbor eatery is back with a stellar spread and specialty stations. Fill your plate with made-to-order omelets, chicken and waffles, French toast, and herb-crusted prime rib. End the morning on a sweet note with your choice of assorted brownies, cheesecakes, petit fours, and parfaits. 700 East Pratt St. $56

Docks on the Harbor: Just across the street, this Inner Harbor newbie is offering 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, Bellinis, and an assortment of frozen drinks and margaritas with the purchase of select items from the brunch menu. And of course, brunch wouldn’t be complete without a special visit from the Easter Bunny from 12 to 2 p.m. 621 East Pratt St., $30

Guilford Hall Brewery: In the rustic taproom of this brewpub near Station North, enjoy live music, sip a craft brew, and dig into brunch specials like a deviled egg trio, an all-American breakfast with ham or bacon, and festive berry-drizzled waffles topped with mini Peeps. Adult beverage deals will include $5 half liters, $12 Bloody Marys, $12 Peep-tinis, and $25 bottomless mimosas. 1611 Guilford Ave.

Gunther & Co.: With its bright and contemporary decor, including a 16-foot living green wall, this Brewers Hill favorite is an ideal dining destination for spring. A two-course prix-fixe menu includes starters like Thai red curry crab soup, tuna ceviche, and cornmeal-crusted fried oysters with a green curry pork sauce. Options for the main event include harissa-scented lamb, crab and goat cheese quiche, a smoked salmon “everything” flatbread, and berry French toast with macerated fruit. 3650 Toone St., $45

Johnny’s: Snag a table for the family at this relaxed Roland Park staple. The full-blown buffet spread will feature plenty to please all palates, including salads, fruits, pastries, omelets, sliders, fried chicken, and bananas foster French toast. Be sure to save room for the pink velvet lemonade cake and chocolate covered pretzel cupcakes for dessert. 4800 Roland Ave., $45

La Cuchara: Known for its wood-grilled meats and fish, the trendy spot in Woodberry’s Meadow Mill is serving up a three-course prix-fixe for the holiday. Look out for items like vegetable fricassèe, braised beef daube with horseradish and pommes purèe, and pan con tomate—a simple yet delicious Spanish tomato bread. Craving something sweet? The almond cake with wildflower honey is a must-try. 3600 Clipper Mill Road, $49. 

Nick’s Fish House: Head to Port Covington bright and early to soak up the spring sun over the water this Easter. There, you’ll find Nick’s buffet service with typical breakfasts like pancakes, French toast, and hash browns, along with omelet and meat-carving stations. But, naturally, seafood is the star of the show, with selections like Maryland crab soup, chicken and shrimp jambalaya, blackened mahi mahi, crab balls, and white wine-steamed mussels. 2600 Insulator Drive, $59.95

Rec Pier Chop House: Throughout Easter weekend, pull up a seat at the rustic yet contemporary Italian chophouse inside Fells Point’s Sagamore Pendry hotel for a flavorful brunch. Highlights on the buffet will include sweet crespelles with an orange glaze, carved pit beef, blue crab Benedicts with tomato hollandaise, a smoked salmon display, and a variety of cheese and charcuterie. Finish it all off with desserts ranging from tiramisu to housemade pie. 1715 Thames St., $105

Rusty Scupper: The Key Highway stalwart’s annual all-you-can-eat event is back in full force for the holiday. Snack on your usual French toast, scrambled eggs, and bacon, while indulging in a made-to-order omelet bar, carving station with fresh meats, and an iced seafood station. Other menu highlights include Old Bay-roasted chicken with honey butter, smoked gouda grits and lobster, and a spiced roasted salmon with charred corn and crab fondue. 402 Key Highway, $79

RYMKS: This inviting community spot in Little Italy will be featuring Belgian waffles and velvety blue corn cheese grits, plus proteins like catfish, salmon, and lobster. With an entree purchase, you’ll have access to endless mimosas to make your holiday boozy and bright. 819 East Pratt St., $25-38

The Capital Grille: If you want to go all out with a steakhouse brunch, head to this Inner Harbor classic for special crab cake Benedicts, 8-oz center cut filet mignon, dry-aged New York strip and eggs, and lobster frittata—all served with asparagus and white cheddar hash browns. Wash everything down with a glass of Champagne or a mimosa, and be sure to save room for a scoop of ice cream for dessert. 500 East Pratt St., $47-50

The Manor Tavern: Located in Monkton, this charming destination inside an 18th-century stone farmhouse is perfect for snapping family photos. During the holiday brunch service, fill your plate with options like citrus chili-glazed salmon, pan-fried Tuscan chicken with parmesan butter sauce, and “Corn Jumble”—a tavern tradition with sautéed smoked bacon, onions, fresh corn on the cob, and a touch of cream. Plus, enjoy the specialty omelet bar and a carving station featuring brown sugar bourbon-glazed ham. 15819 Old York Road, Monkton. $54.95

The Turn House: This fine-dining destination on a golf course in Columbia will fill its chafing dishes with worldly selections like tabouli and couscous salad, pastrami salmon, and crackle-dyed deviled eggs. Plus, enjoy carving stations and choose from an endless assortment of pastries like pain au chocolate, fruit turnovers, mini croissants, and house-made biscuits. 11130 Willow Bottom Drive, Columbia. $65

Twist Fells Point: At this stylish neighborhood bistro in Fells Point, new à la carte brunch specials are being introduced just in time for the big day. Look out for Mediterranean-inspired dishes including traditional shakshuka, lamb, and feta quiche with salmon and zucchini. 723 S Broadway.

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