While it’s true that there’s currently still a lot of Halloween candy around and decorations up (that are likely to disappear this weekend), Thanksgiving is not that far off. If Montgomery County home chefs intend to use a farm-raised turkey rather than one frozen and wrapped in plastic, the window of time to order one will soon close. Jenn Ladd filed this Philadelphia Inquirer story on Oct. 20, 2021, earning a feather in her cap for her reporting.

Quarry Hill Farm at 620 Quarry Road in Harleysville offers two varieties of fresh turkeys. Purchasers can choose from its selection of either a Bourbon Red or a standard Heritage Bronze.

The former was a Thanksgiving mainstay around tables in the U.S. in the 1930s and 1940s. It was eventually replaced in popularity by the Broad-Breasted White.

But local chefs who want to hold a retro-style Thanksgiving feast may want to try the legacy variety.

The latter turkey breed, Heritage Bronze, was brought to the Colonies from Europe. It also was eclipsed, in this instance by the Broad-Breasted Bronze.

In addition to these two historic turkey breeds, Quarry Hill also sells a variety of chickens, guinea fowl, ducks, and rabbits, should families wish to gather around a different category of protein.

Alternatively, Merrymead Farm at 2222 S. Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, offers a selection of fresh turkeys. Whole birds start at just over 30 pounds and go up from there; the farm also offers turkey breasts for smaller gatherings.

And Merrymead also top-notch options for after the wishbone has been picked clean: Its baked goods are renown for quality, freshness, and taste.

Read more about the available selection for a Thanksgiving turkey at Quarry Hill Farm and Merrymead Farm at The Philadelphia Inquirer.