Following Maryland's "Buy Local" Bounty Tour

In conjunction with Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s “Buy Local Challenge” kick-off event, the Travel’n On Radio Show embarked on a “Buy Local” Bounty Tour of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and surrounding counties.  Governor O’Malley has challenged Marylanders to incorporate at least one locally-grown produced or harvested product into their meals each day.

As our listeners know, one of the values of our show is sustainability and buying locally is key to ensuring a smart, green and growing future for Maryland families (Virginia and other states throughout the country have also initiated similar campaigns).   It preserves farmland, protects the environment, bolsters local economies, and provides wholesome, nutritious, great-tasting fresh food.  Likewise, participating in local agri-recreational activities, like fishing, not only supports the local economy but it also offers fresh seafood fare.  So we were on a quest to discover some of Maryland’s best from produce, seafood, specialty foods and grains to nursery items and agri-recreational activities, among others.  What we discovered were just a handful of Maryland’s many culinary and historical treasures. 

Along our travels we discovered a couple of wine trails—one which will be launching in the near future so stay tuned for more info.  In the interim, follow the path of our “Buy Local” tour below and create your own culinary and tour experience:

Captain Ed O'Brien and his crew taught us all the tricks to catching the famed rockfish (aka striped bass), Maryland’s Official State Fish.  Captain Ed has hosted sports fishermen and women from all over the world including former President George W. Bush.  (This author had a fish but it got away from me.)

 Established in 1966, this family-run establishment has earned a reputation for serving the freshest blue channel crabs—most of which are caught that day in the Chesapeake Bay.  The spiced and steamed crabs are served at wooden picnic tables covered in brown paper and diners can elect to eat out on the waterside deck or indoors in air-conditioned comfort.  (We perfected the art of de-shelling our crabs and can personally attest that these crabs were the best we’ve ever had—just enough Old Bay was used to add to the taste but not burn our lips.)

 The Clark Family has long been involved with farmland preservation; in fact, Maryland State Senator James A. Clark, Jr., was instrumental in passing open space and farmland preservation bills.  The family farm is now a prime example of sustainable agri-tourism—it is home to the rescued Enchanted Forest storybook characters, a petting farm, fresh produce stand, pine tree maze, gift shop and more.  (Ian had a great time revisiting a place from his childhood.  This was my first visit to the Enchanted Forest but it won’t be my last.)

 Offering the best in handmade crafts, antiques and specialty boutiques, Main Street is a study in the “Buy Local” and adaptive re-use trends.  From boarding house to boutique, from lumber yard to brew pub (a haunted pub at that), Ellicott City’s Main Street is a wonderful place to discover why tourists are flocking to the mill town and why some visitors from centuries past have never left!

 Established as Chez Fernand Restaurant on Main Street in 1975, the family-owned business was forced to relocate to Baltimore after a devastating fire in the historic district in 1984.  After a five years, however, Chef  Fernand and his wife Odette reopened in historic Ellicott City as Tersiguel’s.  In 2005, son and Executive Chef Michael purchased the restaurant from his parents.  The restaurant offers the freshest of foods from its own garden and from local producers.  (Love the escargot!)

 This family-run nursery sells honey, fresh flowers, herbs, annuals, bedding plants, perennials, ornamental grasses and a large variety of vegtables/produce.  Seasonally they offer Halloween & Thanksgiving décor, pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, pony and hay rides.  This farm is a great example of direct-to-the-consumer markets as well as local farmers selling through chain stores.

 Boordy Vineyard, established in 1945, is Maryland’s oldest winery.  The Vineyard has organized the ultimate in “Buy Local” events for the summer.  Visit Boordy’s every Thursday evening to enjoy a farmers market, sustainable happy hour, wine tastings, local musicians and cooking demonstrations.  Admission is free.  (Try the Ice Wine and Vidal—yum!)