As demonstrators continue to take to the streets to demand justice for George Floyd and other victims of police violence, many are feeling helpless and unsure of how to show support.

One of the many ways to take action is to be conscious about spending money at local black-owned businesses. Especially in the wake of COVID-19—which caused the number of working African-American business owners to plummet 40 percent, according to the Washington Post—it’s a tangible way to support the black community while also working to achieve racial equity and better distribute wealth.

While it’s important to patronize black-led restaurants, cafes, bars, bakeries, and farms on any day, here are a few to familiarize yourself with if you’re looking for a way to show support right now.

Berries By Quicha: With locations in Federal Hill and Medford, this sweets shop from owner LaQuicha Brown specializes in chocolate-covered strawberries that can be customized for special occasions.

Black Yield Institute: Led by founder Eric Jackson, this Cherry Hill-based collective works tirelessly to address food apartheid in Baltimore City. In the wake of the coronavirus, Jackson and his team continue to organize produce distribution from the Cherry Hill Urban Garden and many other community farms.

Blacksauce Kitchen: Chef Damian Mosley has developed a die-hard following with his buttermilk biscuit sandwiches filled with everything from fried chicken to cider-braised pork with onion jam. Normally you’d be able to spot the line from a mile away at the Baltimore Farmers Market, but in the wake of its cancelation, Mosley has shifted to offering parking lot pickups in Remington on weekends.

Blondie’s Doughnuts: Owner Michelle Diggs slings her scratch-made brioche doughnuts in flavors such as lemon meringue, chai-spiced sugar, strawberries and cream, Jamaican rum custard, and raspberry swirl. Catch her at the Cross Street Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

Breaking Bread: The Pigtown cafe from husband-and-wife owners Edward and Kimberly Ellis lives up to its name with a menu of comforting burgers, pasta and potato salads, and famous sticky wings.

Cajou Creamery: Husband-and-wife owners Dwight Campbell and Nicole Foster are offering contact-free “porch drops” of their plant-based ice cream pints throughout the pandemic. Must-try flavors include cheesecake, baklava, and horchata.

Connie’s Chicken and Waffles: The fan-favorite chicken-and-waffles spot—run by brothers Shawn and Khari Parker and their mother, the restaurant’s namesake, Connie—are offering pickup and delivery from their Broadway Market location in Fells Point.

Crust by Mack: The very soon-to-open brick-and-mortar stall inside Hampden’s Whitehall Mill will offer chef Amanda Mack’s scratch-made cookies, cakes, hand pies, and more.

Creole Soul Restaurant: This R. House stall takes diners on a trip to New Orleans courtesy of chef Que Neal and her fiancé, co-founder Dedric Richardson. Menu highlights include authentic gumbo, blackened catfish, sweet potato and kale soup, and “Grandma’s Ole’ Fashion Southern Mac.”

Dovecote Cafe: Though this beloved Reservoir Hill haven—whose mission has always been “community first, cafe second”—remains closed throughout the pandemic, you can show your support for the cafe’s team and their many food justice initiatives by purchasing gift cards to use in the future.

Ekiben: Co-owner Ephrem Abebe prepares beloved steamed buns and rice bowls for the shop’s loyal fans. Carryout orders can be placed online at both the Hampden and Fells Point locations.

Freakin Sweet Jars: Husband-and-wife team Jaheel and Renate Garrett pack tons of flavor into their delectable dessert jars. They’re offering their signature parfaits—which come in featured flavors like Pineapple Crush Cake, banana pudding, and Key Lime pie—for delivery and pickup from Natasha’s Just Brittle on Harford Road.

Gangster Vegan Organics: Featuring vegan salads, bowls, burgers, and snacks, this Cross Street Market stall offers delivery via Uber Eats Thursday through Sunday from 1-8 p.m.

Granny’s Restaurant: The Owings Mills location of this family-run restaurant—which pays homage to its namesake, Lessie Wainwright, more lovingly known as “Granny”—is open for carryout and delivery Monday through Sunday.

Home Maid: The homey Key Highway brunch spot created by Derrick Faulcon offers curbside pickup Friday-Sunday.

Ida B’s Table: Named after pioneering investigative journalist and civil rights advocate Ida B. Wells, this modern soul food restaurant—a venture from The Real News Network—currently offers curbside pickup and delivery via Doordash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats.

Just Call Me Chef: Chef Catina Smith founded this culinary movement, which empowers female chefs of color through mentorship, networking, and education. Smith and four other chefs are currently offering special Father’s Day cookout menus that are available for pickup June 20. You also support the efforts by donating, here.

Koba Cafe: For 15 years, owner Adama Fall has been serving up coffee, all-day breakfast, and other cafe fare at his bright neighborhood spot in Riverside.

The Land of Kush: Locals rave about the vegan crab cakes and dairy-free mac and cheese at this soul food eatery near the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Midtown campus. Throughout the years, owners Greg Brown and Naijha Wright-Brown have become trusted leaders in the plant-based community.

Le Monade: Chef Carleen Goodridge, who has familial connections to Harriet Tubman, named her small-batch drink mix startup as a nod to how her son used to pronounce “lemonade.” She also operates a Liberian pop-up, Cōl Bōl, sharing recipes passed down throughout the generations.

Lemontopia: Thirteen-year-old Jamaria Crump continues to set an example for young entrepreneurs by selling her specialty lemonades (flavors include original, watermelon, and lavender blueberry ) and baked goods.

Love Puddin’: Catch Denisha “Dawn” Hightower in her mobile pudding van to savor butter crunch, strawberry cheesecake, and classic “Dirt” pudding cups, as well as other treats.

Magdalena: Owned by husband-and-wife team Eddie and Sylvia Brown, this fine-dining den inside the boutique Ivy Hotel in Mt. Vernon offers seasonal plates that explore all cultures.

Midnite Confections Cupcakery: Mother-son team Sandra and Aaron McNeil whip up 12 daily cupcake flavors at their Federal Hill bakery, which currently offers carryout, delivery, and catering. The namesake “Midnite” cupcake tops chocolate cake with a chocolate buttercream frosting and features a chocolate chip cream cheese inside.

Miss Carter’s Kitchen: Endorsed by Lamar Jackson, chef Cia Carter’s soul food concept is known for its Instagram-worthy seafood pastas and fried fish platters.

Neopol Savory Smokery: Dorian Brown and his mother and business partner, Barbara Lahnstein, are offering online ordering for diners to dig in to their famous smoked spreads, fish, and salmon BLTs. They also offer a weekly dinner special for two.

Next Phaze Cafe: The Lexington Street hub is open for curbside pickup and delivery, with dishes including catfish tacos, crab cakes, and crispy chicken sandwiches with red pepper sauce.

Off the Rox: At their Highlandtown liquor store, co-owners Jeryl Cole and Tyrekia Jackson feature a vast selection of local beer, wine, and spirits, as well as beers on tap for growler fills.

Old Major: Not only does owner Candice Bruno serve great food and drinks at her Pigtown neighborhood bar, but she’s also turned it into a hub for community fundraisers, donation drives, game nights, and live music performances. While the bar remains closed throughout the pandemic, regulars can’t wait to enjoy all of the programming when it reopens.

Papi Cuisine: Private chef and caterer Alex Perez recently opened his first brick-and- mortar restaurant in Fells Point. Try the droolworthy mac and cheese, jumbo lump crab cakes, or “Snow Cone” cocktails, all available to-go.

Pure Chocolate by Jinji: Jinji Fraser and her father, Guy, share their dairy-free, gluten-free chocolates that are produced without any refined sugar. The treats are sold at the flagship stall in Belvedere Square as well as many other markets and coffee shops around town.

Refocused Vegan: Owner Jerel Jefferies is offering his vegan bacon cheeseburgers, mac and cheese, truffle fries, and other lauded dishes for curbside pickup and delivery. Be sure to try some of the restaurant’s colorful to-go cocktails to wash down all of the eats.

SoBeachy Haitian Cuisine: Husband-and-wife owners Chanel and Leo Fleurimond are offering to-go orders from their stall inside Cross Street Market Wednesday through Saturday. Enjoy traditional Haitian dishes such as simmered oxtail, whole red snapper, fried codfish sandwiches, and, of course, the boozy rum punch.

Sophomore Coffee: Co-founder Kris Fultion is one of the most knowledgeable baristas around. At his cozy Old Goucher shop, he pours the likes of Thread and Partners coffee blends—educating patrons with every cup.

Shareef’s Grill: With locations in East and West Baltimore, as well as a new sister spot on Liberty Road in Randallstown, this one-stop-shop for Halal wraps and rotisserie wings takes a healthier approach to typical carryout fare. The Belair Road location even has a juice bar attached.

Sporty Dog Creations: Mother-daughter duo LaShauna Jones and Daejonne Bennett craft hot dogs that appeal to all palates, from classic ballpark to vegan and chicken franks.

Strength 2 Love Farm II: This Sandtown-Winchester farm works to combat food deserts while also creating job opportunities. The vacant plot-turned-working farm primarily grows leafy greens, as well as okra, peppers, cucumbers, squash, radishes, beets, and flowers.

Sunset Raw Juice Bar: Owned by former Ravens player Gerrard Sheppard and his family, this go-to located in the Foundry Row development in Owings Mills offers a wide selection of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, cleanses, and acai bowls.

Taste This Baltimore: Since opening in 2015, diners have raved about the stuffed salmon, honey Old Bay wings, and other drool worthy dishes at Taste This, which now operates locations in Charles Village and Hamilton-Lauraville.

Teavolve: Owner Sunni Gilliam’s serene cafe took root in Harbor East long before all of the high-rises towered over the neighborhood. Order teas, smoothies, croissant sandwiches, salads, and more online during the pandemic.

Terra Café: This Charles Village staple from owner Terence Dickson has proudly served the community with great food and plenty of live music for more than 10 years. Comfort dishes include shrimp and grits, fish and waffles, and omelets of all flavors. Terra Café is offering delivery via UberEats Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-11 p.m., and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday.

Taharka Brothers Ice Cream: Though we do love the addictive ice cream flavors (the honey graham will change your life), the most important aspect of this homegrown business is its commitment to social justice reform. Through various initiatives, the dessert wholesaler—which also operates retail shops at R. House and Broadway Market—uses its ice cream as a mechanism to spark change.

The Urban Oyster: Chef Jasmine Norton has been getting creative at her Locust Point seafood spot, rolling out special menus exploring flavors from New Orleans to the tropics. Place carryout orders Thursday through Sunday.

Union Craft Brewing: Co-founder Kevin Blodger also serves as the director of brewing operations at this homegrown facility. Though the Union Collective taproom and patio remains closed, you can order to-go beers for delivery and pickup directly from the brewery’s website.

Vagrant Coffee: After years in the United States Marine Corps, private security world, and working as a member of the clergy, Josh Dew pivoted to open this local roastery with co-founder Jared Cate in 2017. The operation has since expanded to include three retail shops across the city, including Milk & Honey Market in Station North, 3 Bean Coffee on Key Highway, and the 1100 Wicomico building in Pigtown. Milk & Honey and 3 Bean are currently open for carryout and accepting online preorders.

Serenity Wine Cafe: At this neighborhood haunt in Locust Point, diners go for the serve-yourself wine taps, but stay for the oven-fired pizzas.

Sunnyside Cafe: Order carryout or delivery from this East Baltimore favorite, which features an extensive lineup of breakfast options, wings, seafood, and an Instagram-worthy chicken and waffle sandwich.

Water for Chocolate: Chef/owner Sean Guy recently celebrated the 14th anniversary of his Butchers Hill brunch spot, which is now open for al fresco service.

With Love Co.: Officially reopening its doors on June 4, this black and female-owned vegan spot on Harford Road emphasizes the passion that goes into its food. As the hand-painted wall mural inside the shop reads: “Everything begins and ends with love.” Try the lentil burgers, scratch-made soups, and filling bowls and salads.

Whitelock Community Farm: The team behind this Reservoir Hill farm is working harder than ever to supply residents, senior centers, and group homes with organic produce throughout the COVID-19 crisis. You can purchase the produce at the 32nd Street Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

It’s that perfect time of year in Baltimore. The sun is still shining while the air is turning cool and crisp. And in the evenings when you step outside it always smells like your neighbor’s burning fire pit.

With the change in season comes a bounty of fall fun, too. For families, the autumn happenings are piling up as fast as the mountain of unraked leaves in your yard. But skip the raking (or better yet, make the kids do it) and be sure you don’t miss out on any of these local activities that only come around during this gorgeous time of year.

The Barnyard at Weber’s Cider Mill Farm
Fall is the absolute best time to take a trip to Weber’s Cider Mill Farm. You can grab some delicious donuts and cider while you shop for produce or Halloween decor, but the outdoor barnyard is truly the place to be.

With its haunted house, massive slides, hay maze, and, of course, barnyard animals, kids will want to stay and play all day. Feed the goats, stuff a scarecrow, or hop on a hayride. But whatever you do to pass the time—don’t leave without a pumpkin or five.

Pumpkinfest at Irvine Nature Center
If you’re looking to get in the fall spirit, Irvine Nature Center has all the outdoor fun you can handle. It’s yearly festival which celebrates the offerings of autumn has music, food, magic shows, face painting, and more. You can get crafty painting pumpkins, hop ‘till you drop in a sack race, interact with the animals, or just relax the day away at one of Baltimore’s most scenic spots.

Great Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival in Patterson Park
It’s almost time for one of the city’s best yearly parades, produced by the Creative Alliance and Friends of Patterson Park. It happens on Saturday, October 27, and you can expect things to get spooktacular. This event comes with lanterns and costumes and candy, oh my. The festival starts at 3 p.m. and the parade lines up at 6:30. If you need assistance with your lantern-making, you can head to one of Creative Alliance’s several workshops to make sure your lantern is properly lit.

Pick Pumpkins at Gaver Farm
While it’s a bit of a hike, heading to Gaver Farm in Mount Airy this time of year is worth the trek. The pumpkin patch is now open every day to pick your own and hayrides to get you there are free. Apple picking is only open on Saturday and Sundays, so if you’re in need of a bussell for all those pies, make sure you stop by the orchard on the weekend. While you’re there, enjoy all the attractions (open until November 4) like giant slides, pedal carts, corn mazes, and more.

Honey Harvest Festival at Oregon Ridge
On October 6-7, come celebrate all things honey at the annual festival where bees are the headliners. Learn about the incredible creatures by watching honeybee hive demos. And, if you get hungry, enjoy all the food trucks have to offer, then go ahead and make some honey-flavored ice cream for dessert. The best part about this all-ages gathering (aside from the fact that you’ll take home more honey than Pooh) is that admission is totally free. How sweet is that?

Apple picking at Butler’s Orchard
Butler’s Orchard in Germantown is another sweet spot to hit up this time of year. It has some of the best harvesting around including apples galore (Stayman and Golden Delicious) for $1.99 a pound. Now that’s a lot of applesauce! There are, of course, pumpkins to pick and flowers, too. While you’re there, the kids can enjoy the fun of hayrides, pony rides, and even visiting the farm’s two miniature donkeys.

As temperatures begin to dip below 70, there’s no denying that fall is officially here, and what better way to welcome the nip in the air than by handpicking a pumpkin or cracking open a craft beer on a crisp autumn afternoon. From apple picking and beer fests to leaf peeping and farm visits, the Baltimore region boasts plenty of ways to frolic into fall.

Apple and Pumpkin Picking

10/3: MILLSTONE APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL Stroll around the woodsy grounds of Genesee Valley while sipping signature ciders, cysers, (fermented apples and honey) and mead from Monkton-based Millstone Cellars. The second annual fall fest also highlights hayrides, eats from The Local Oyster, Jinji’s Chocolates, and HEX Ferments, and a live bluegrass lineup. 1717 Rayville Road, Parkton, 410-343-0101

10/3: ALL THINGS APPLE As its name suggests, this afternoon event invites guests of all ages to celebrate the harvest by learning new ways to cook and craft with apples. Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, 300 Oella Ave., Catonsville, 410-887-1081

10/3: DARLINGTON APPLE FESTIVAL Harford County locals frequently flock to this annual get-together where apple-themed treats consistently reign supreme. Enjoy live music, browse the wares of local vendors, root for your favorites in the apple pie eating contest, and dig in to signature snacks like apple cake, candy apples, and the festival’s claim-to-fame ‘Apple Delight’ (a spiral sliced apple topped with warm caramel and whipped cream.) 1024 Fifth Ave., Darlington, 410-457-4189

10/10: PUMPKINFEST AT THE IRVINE NATURE CENTER Bundle up the little ones and enjoy painting pumpkins, shooting down hay bale slides, listening to live music, and petting alpacas at this community fête. 11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, 443-738-9200

10/10-11: MARYLAND PUMPKIN FESTIVAL With more than 30 seasonal activities, Summers Farm is a can’t-miss attraction all season long, but the Frederick mainstay throws extra fun into the mix for its annual Maryland Pumpkin Festival. In addition to pumpkin picking and corn mazes, attendees can enjoy a gourd hunt, pumpkin sculpture demonstrations, and watching candy blast out of a massive cannon. 5620 Butterfly Lane, Frederick, 301-620-9316

TO 10/31: 35th ANNUAL PUMPKIN FESTIVAL AT BUTLER’S ORCHARD Weekends through October, this Germantown orchard features classic attractions like corn mazes and pumpkin picking, while also putting a unique spin on farm fun with pony rides, an apple slingshot, and a pumpkin cannon. 22200 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, 301-972-3299

Beer Fests

10/3-10/4: FREDERICK OKTOBERFEST If you’re looking to get a little taste of Munich by way of Frederick, make your way to the Frederick Fairgrounds to chow down on bratwurst, strudel, soft pretzels, and German potato salad while sipping authentic brews. 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick, 301-663-5895

10/10: DAS BEST OKTOBERFEST The lots surrounding M&T Bank Stadium will serve as the venue for this massive beer bash that highlights German eats and drinks and beer belly competitions. For the price of admission, guests can sample more than 150 international, domestic, and local varieties of beer, wine, and schnapps. And, as an added bonus, the event will host the exclusive Baltimore Beer Week kick-off party for VIP ticketholders. 1101 Russell St., 410-261-7283

10/17: OKTOBEARFEST Live polka tunes, German-inspired eats, and plenty of beer will be featured at this highly-anticipated fall event at the Maryland Zoo. Guests can take advantage of unlimited beer sampling and all-day access to the zoo’s exhibits. 1876 Mansion House Drive, 410-396-7102

10/17-18: MARYLAND OKTOBERFEST This large-scale beer fest is taking over the Maryland State Fairgrounds with two days of German food, live entertainment, and even a wine and schnapps garden. 4-H Home Arts Building, 2200 York Road, Timonium, 410-252-0200

10/9-10/18: BALTIMORE BEER WEEK Back for its seventh year, this weeklong celebration boasts upwards of 300 events to honor Baltimore’s bounty of craft beer. The jam-packed schedule includes tap takeovers, pint nights, and happy hours at bars all over town.

10/24: BALTIMORE CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL The Brewer’s Association of Maryland is hosting this inaugural craft beer event, where more than 30 local breweries will pour their signature selections for guests to sample. Throw on some shades and take in the picturesque views of Canton Waterfront Park while sipping seasonal beers and digging in to eats from food truck favorites like Kooper’s Chowhound, The Smoking Swine, and Gypsy Queen Café. 3001 Boston St., 410-396-7931

10/17: CHESAPEAKE REAL ALE FESTIVAL Fifteen craft breweries from across the region are bringing their best booze to this party at Pratt Street Ale House. Pull up a barstool and sample beers from favorites like Union Craft Brewing, Southern Tier Brewing Company, and Handsome Beer Co., while nibbling on tasty hors d’oeuvres. 206 W. Pratt St., 410-244-8900

11/14: CARROLL COUNTY CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL If cold beer and pit beef sandwiches sound like a match made in heaven, this event at the Carroll County Agricultural Center is a must-try. Sip samples from more than 30 brew houses, get down to live music, and enjoy a top-notch list of fall food offerings. 706 Agriculture Center Drive, Westminster, 410-848-6704

Family Fun

10/3-10/4: HONEY HARVEST FESTIVAL Pumpkins and apples might steal the show at most fall festivals, but this sweet soiree puts an emphasis on the bounty of the bees. Stroll around the Oregon Ridge Nature Center to watch open hive demonstrations, learn how to create your own mead and honey ice cream, and browse the work of local craft vendors. 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, 410-887-1815

10/18: HARBOR HARVEST This Inner Harbor fun fest offers tons of activities for kids to make the most of the season. Decorate pumpkins and cookies, visit the petting zoo to catch a glimpse of furry friends up close, and watch live performances by kid-friendly musical groups. West Shore Park, 401 Light Street, 410-752-8632

TO 11/8: CLARK’S ELIOAK FARM With a giant pumpkin patch, “Enchanted Dinosaur Forest,” hayrides, live animals, and guided tours of the grounds, this longtime Ellicott City attraction offers something for everyone. 10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, 410-730-4039

TO 11/1: WEBER’S CIDER MILL FALL HARVEST DAYS Through October, this Parkville farm features fall activities on a daily basis. Gather some friends and run around the straw maze, grab a seat on a hayride, stuff a scarecrow, or shoot down the farm’s new hillside slide. Food and drink offerings include Webers’ signature apple-cider donuts and cider slush. 2526 Proctor Lane, Parkville, 410-668-4488

Leaf Peeping

10/7-11: AUTUMN GLORY FESTIVAL Celebrate the spirit of the season with this huge community celebration that is habitually held in Garrett County. Now in its 48th year, the five-day-long itinerary features a farmer’s market, fine arts exhibits, a car show, daily crafts, and even an ice cream eating contest to close out the festival’s run. 15 Visitors Center Drive, McHenry, 301-387-6171

10/10-11: CATOCTIN COLORFEST This juried arts fest celebrates its 52nd season this year, featuring hundreds of art exhibits, demonstrations, and live music performances in the beautiful Catoctin Mountains. Thurmont, 301-271-7533

ONGOING: POTAPSCO VALLEY STATE PARK Nothing says fall like feeling the leaves crunch underneath your feet, so trek across one of the many trails at this bucolic park to get a good look at colorful foliage. 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, 410-461-5005

Corn Mazes

Getting lost in a crazy corn maze is one of the most iconic seasonal activities of all, so grab some friends and spend an afternoon navigating your way around the parting paths at these local farms.

• Bowles Farms, Clements, to 10/25
• Carroll County Ag Center, Westminster, Fri.-Sun. to 11/1
• Lawyer’s Farm, Thurmont, to 11/1
• Madison Fields, Dickerson, to 11/1
• Milburn Orchards, Elkton, Sat.-Sun. to 11/1
• Rodgers’ Farms, Stevenson, to Nov. 8
• Sharp’s Farm, Brookeville, Sat.-Sun. to 11/2
• Warrington Farm, Queenstown, to 10/31

At harvest time, people are naturally drawn to the fields. We can’t
help it, says Steve Weber, a third-generation farmer in Baltimore
County.

“It was explained to me a number of years ago,” he says. “People have
an inborn need to get back to the farm in the fall.” It’s a throwback,
he says, “to a time when everyone worked during the harvest.” The source
of this insight, he points out, “was a farm wife and also a
psychologist—so I put some stock in it.”

But the thousands who, each weekend, visit Weber’s Cider Mill Farm—a
stone’s throw from Perring Parkway—aren’t coming just for the
agri-vibes: most take a bit of the scene home with them. Along with
selling bales of hay and cornstalks popular for dressing up houses,
Weber’s has become famous for its scarecrow-making classes. Each year,
Weber buys stacks of flannel shirts and old denim jeans from a
not-for-profit for his workshop participants to stuff with straw.

Weber may be onto something: There’s something about the fall, the
transitional time of both lush produce and nascent decay, that inspires
people to decorate their front stoops with ripe orange pumpkins and
their lamp posts with brittle stalks of corn.

Local farmers understand this attraction, and are happy to indulge,
throwing open barn doors, hitching up the teams for horse-drawn wagon
rides, letting us wander their fields in pursuit of fall décor.

Sharp’s at Waterford Farm in Brookeville is all about pumpkins, says
Cheryl Nodar, manager of the country store there. Farmer Chuck Sharp has
been growing pumpkins in western Howard County for more than 40 years,
she says, and sells not only to the visitors who come on fall weekends
but also to local farms and festivals. Along with the pale-hued,
oversized fruits favored for jack-o’-lanterns, says Nodar, the farm
sells plenty of pumpkins for cooking—though she remains somewhat
perplexed at the number of people who buy all manner of squashes and
gourds “with no intention of cooking them.”

Nodar herself bakes a mean pumpkin pie and helps to educate the
pumpkin-patch amblers about the fleshy fruit’s culinary potential. The
farm sets up grills in October, offering slices of grilled pumpkins and
squash, and Nodar likes to describe the centerpiece of her own
Thanksgiving table: a squat, green Jarrahdale pumpkin, its seeds
removed, stuffed with walnuts, honey, chopped apples, and apple cider.
The recipe comes with the purchase of a pumpkin, she says.

Harman’s Farm Market is recognizable by the mural on the side of the
wooden building in Churchville. Local zoning restrictions prohibit
lettering on agricultural buildings, explains farmer Paula Harman, so
the larger-than-life images of two happy farm boys (her sons) beckon
travelers on Churchville Road. The farm’s fall activities tend to be
low-key. “We’ve intentionally kept an old-fashioned touch,” says Harman,
with activities like a straw-bale maze and wagon rides, plus a special
pumpkin patch designed for families with small children. As for
decorations, says Harman, “Except for the apples, everything we sell is
grown here,” including straw bales, ornamental gourds and pumpkins, and
corn shocks.

At Baugher’s Orchard & Farm store in Westminster, along with the
pick-your-own pumpkin patch and tractor-pulled wagon rides to get you
there, the cavernous farm store sells planters of mums in autumnal hues,
dried corn, gourds, and home items such as pottery and candles. The
place is also fully stocked with canning and preserving supplies, in
case you’re inspired by the bins of apples and piles of produce for
sale.

Finally, while decorating for fall, Maggie Wiles, nursery manager at
Greenstreet Gardens in Lothian, suggests you should still be thinking
spring. “Fall is the best time to plant anything and everything,” she
points out. “A lot of people don’t believe that.” The fall plants she
stocks at the nursery have thick roots, so once spring rolls around,
“you’ll be amazed by the color,” she says. And, of course, lots of folks
know enough about fall planting to put in some bulbs.

In our search for local farms that offer the goods for fall
decorating (and more), we found lots of other destinations, too. Here
are the ones we think are more than worth the drive:

Applewood Farm

Look for hay rides, pumpkin picking, a petting zoo, train rides, a
corn maze, cider, and fall decorations. 4435 Prospect Rd., Whiteford
410-836-1140,
applewoodfarm.org.

Baugher’s Orchard & Farm

Pick your own apples and pumpkins. There’s also a petting zoo, market
with homemade ice cream, fresh-baked goods, jellies, jams, and produce,
plus flowers and home décor items. 1015 Baugher Rd., Westminster,
410-848-5541,
baughers.com.

Brad’s Produce

There’s a corn maze, wagon rides to pick-your-own pumpkins, scarecrow
making, pumpkin painting, apples, apple cider, and fall
decorations. 550 Asbury Rd., Churchville, 410-734-4769,
bradsproduce.com.

Greenstreet Gardens

Shop for pansies, mums, pumpkins, cornstalks, and ornamental
cabbages. Weekend entertainment includes a dog Halloween costume contest
this month, live music, and corn maze. 391 West Bay Front Rd., Lothian,
410-867-9500,
greenstreetgardens.com.

Harman’s Farm Market

Great place for local produce, hay rides to the pumpkin patch, straw
maze, gourds, decorative winter squash, corn shocks, Indian corn, mums,
and straw bales for fall decorating. 2633 Churchville Rd. (Rte. 22),
Churchville, 410-734-7400,
harmansfarm.com.

Sharp’s at Waterford Farm

Take hayrides to pick-your-own pumpkins, then check out the country
store, farm animals, corn and cotton maze, and scarecrow making. 4003
Jennings Chapel Rd., Brookeville, 410-489-2572.
sharpfarm.com.

Spring Meadow Farms

Enjoy playground, pony rides, and a farm market including cider,
food, scarecrow making, and corn bundles, as well as outdoor and indoor
decorations. 15513 Hanover Pike, Upperco, 410-239-8505.
springmeadowfarms.com.

Weber’s Cider Mill Farm

Don’t miss the apple cider, baked goods, fudge, and ice cream, then
check out the fall festival, wagon rides, hay maze, and scarecrow
workshops. 2526 Proctor Ln., Parkville, 410-668-4488.
weberscidermillfarm.com.