One of my favorite Somerville memories happened almost exactly one year ago. It was a crisp November day and I walked to the Union Square Farmers Market to shop for the upcoming Thanksgiving meal that we were hosting in a few days. We picked up sweet and regular potatoes, Brussels sprouts, acorn squash, apples and a fresh turkey from Stillman’s at the Turkey Farm.

I’d always wanted to purchase a fresh, local turkey and since I was cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the first time, I figured it was time to go for it. I’m so glad I did because nearly one year later, everyone in our family is still talking about how it was the best turkey ever. And they’re asking whether we’re getting one this year too. Of course, the answer is yes.

Fresh, local turkeys tend to be more expensive than what you find at the grocery store, but as with all of the incredible local food we have access to, it’s so worth it. By purchasing a fresh, local turkey, you’re getting a high-quality product, you know exactly what you’re getting and you’re supporting the local economy.

There are a few options for where to buy a fresh, local turkey if want one for your own Thanksgiving meal and it’s important to start planning this now, as they usually need to be pre-ordered. If you know of another place to get a fresh, local turkey with easy pick-up for city residents, leave a comment and I’ll add it to the post!

Dave’s Fresh Pasta

While Dave’s may specialize in pasta, the shop sells all kinds of delicious local products, including holiday turkeys. The turkeys come from Stonewood Farm in Orwell, Vermont, and are raised without antibiotics or growth hormones. Sizes range from 10 pounds-20 pounds (with larger ones available upon request) and are priced at $4.39 per pound. Order by calling 617-623-0867 with a credit card number to reserve your bird. Turkeys will be available for pick-up on Tuesday, November 26 and Wednesday, November 27.

M.F. Dulock

This whole-animal butchery on Highland Ave. has a limited number of Massachusetts pasture-raised turkeys available for Thanksgiving. The birds come in a few sizes–13 pounds-15 pounds ($90), 16 pounds-20 pounds ($120) or 20 pounds-25 pounds ($150). Orders must be place by Wednesday, November 20 by calling the shop at 617-666-1970. A $25 deposit is required and the turkeys will be available for pick-up on Tuesday, November 26 and Wednesday, November 27.

Something Gud

Local grocery delivery service Something Gud has teamed up with the locavore chefs at Cuisine en Locale to bring Thanksgiving to your door. Cuisine is preparing all of the sides, like garlic mashed potatoes and apple sage stuffing, and you get to cook the turkey (from either Grassroots Farm or Stillman’s). The meal is available in two sizes (two-four people for $280 or six to eight people for $450), you can also get booze and gluten-free baked goods delivered with the meal.

Sherman Cafe & Market

Local food supplier and preparer, Sherman Cafe & Market (257 Washington St.), is selling free-range, naturally raised turkeys from Misty Knoll Farms in Vermont this Thanksgiving. The turkey sizes range from 12 pounds up to more than 20 pounds and they’re $6.99 per pound with a $20 deposit required. The birds can be ordered at the cafe or by phone (617-776-4944) or email (shermanmarket@gmail.com), but the deposit must be dropped off by the Monday, November 18 order deadline. The turkeys will be available for pick-up on Wednesday, November 27.

Stillman’s at the Turkey Farm

Hardwick-based Stillman’s sells eggs and meat each week at the Union Square Farmers Market and right now you can order a fresh turkey from them for your holiday meal. The farm offers several sizes ranging from 10 pounds ($75) all the way up to 25-plus ($150). Stillman’s also has heritage birds ($115) as well as special cuts of lamb, beef and whole roasting chickens available throughout the holiday season. There’s a $25 non-refundable deposit required when you order (via phone, email or in person) and pick-up is at the Union market on Saturday, November 23 (other locations and days available).

The photo above is the only shot I took of last year’s bird, though I promise it looked way prettier once it was cooked. And best of all, it was delicious!