Ten years ago when we decided to house hunt in Frederick County, the area was a much different place.

Realtor: Well, technically, Frederick is a “rural” county.

Me: “Rural?” What do you mean by “rural” exactly? Like, they have a Target right?!

*insert panic face*

Realtor: Target? Yes, of course we have a Target, I didn’t say we were cave people. But, we also have a bunch of farms.

*insert sigh of relief*

Me: Oh, ok. Well, just don’t find me a house by one. I can’t smell cows forever.

Realtor: Okay, well how do you feel about a lake?

We settled on our Lake Linganore home a few weeks later and have been happy members of the community ever since.

And, while I still make my biweekly…fine…WEEKLY Target runs, I also spend an awful lot of time on farms. With so many in the area offering amenities, edible goodies, and experiences you can’t really enjoy when you ensconce yourself too deeply in suburbia, I figure it’s a great way to enjoy all of the awesome our “rural” county has to offer.

Here are some of my favorite Frederick farms and why I love them.

For Getting Up Close And Personal With The Animals

South Mountain Creamery: Every year since we joined the Frederick family, we’ve spent our summers driving out there to take part in the 4 p.m. baby calf feedings. It’s a little disconcerting to think that you could be buying them in burger form in a few months (I don’t know for sure, I’ve never asked so as not to be forced to face the harsh realities of my carnivorous lifestyle), but we operate on a don’t ask, don’t tell philosophy that makes popping that bottle into the hungry baby’s mouth a highly pleasing one. Also, they have ice cream!

For The Full Cowboy Experience

J Bar W Ranch: Heading to the rodeo is a summer tradition that our family has partaken in since we discovered the existence of J Bar W Ranch a few years ago. It’s an exciting, all-American experience that draws thousands of visitors each year. Plus they have pretty delicious snacks. I will go anywhere for snacks.

For the joy of kids

Green Meadows Farm: Keeping it real, this is a pricey option, but one those with kids, particularly the preschool set, are sure to enjoy. I’ll be the first to admit that even I get into cheering on the pigs when they race. Plus they let you milk the cows.

For Getting Your Pick On

Larriland Farms: Technically, this one is located in Howard County, but super close to Frederick and, with their nearly year round production schedule, it’s worth a little bit of a drive to get farm fresh, hand picked (by you) fruits and veggies. Technically you don’t have to pick it yourself (they have a store where they’ve done most of the work), but that’s also part of the fun.

For The Holidays

Gaver Tree Farm: We cut our own tree from this location every year. They are reasonably priced, have a large selection and, thanks to their on site hot donuts and hot chocolate, they offer a wonderful experience for the family to turn into a tradition.