Struggling to put together a spread for your holiday gatherings? We’ve got you covered.
North Carolina is a state of grand fortune, with scores of local farms and farmers markets from which to source all of our necessary produce. We also have reputable farms for turkeys, ample bake shops for pies and cookies, and a couple of places that are willing to cook the entire meal!
The Best Holiday Bakeries in North Carolina
While it is convenient to buy from Costco or Whole Foods, ordering pies and sides from one of these North Carolina businesses means supporting your local economy while ensuring higher-quality food.
Samantha’s Pupusas
Where: 117 Cornelius St, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Best for: Cakes
Yellow Dog Bread Company
Where: 219 E Franklin St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Best for: Cookies
Groovy Duck Bakery
Where: 3434 Edwards Mill Rd #110, Raleigh, NC 27612
Best for: Pies
Dom Bakeries
Where: 908 D St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Best for: Pastries
READ MORE: The 6 best bakeries in North Carolina
The Best Farm-Fresh Turkeys in North Carolina
It’s no coincidence that the sound a turkey makes and the verb for devouring said turkey are the same: “Gobble, gobble!”
But if you ask us, turkeys taste even better when you know they’ve been raised in nearby pastures by friendly North Carolinian farmers.
Check out these 13 local farms and get ready for a true farm-to-table Christmas dinner. (Note: Quantity is limited, especially if the meat is served fresh, so most farms require deposits to secure your bird. Don’t procrastinate.)
The Best Farm-Fresh Turkeys in Western North Carolina
Hickory Nut Gap Farm
Where: Fairview
How Much: $6.99 per pound, with turkeys ranging from 14-25 pounds each
What To Know: Because the farm has a limited supply, you must pay a $20 deposit in advance to guarantee you get a bird.
What’s To Love: The Broad Breasted turkeys at this farm are pasture-raised—with rotational grazing—and free from added hormones and antibiotics.
Woven Roots Farmstead
Where: Black Mountain
How Much: $7.50 per pound, with turkeys weighing 9-18 pounds
What To Know: To order, call or text 828-231-9336, email, or message on Facebook or Instagram. Orders require a $20 deposit via cash or Venmo.
What’s To Love: All turkeys are pastured, non-GMO-fed, and Broad Breasted Whites.
Wild East Farm
Where: Marion
How Much: $10 per pound, with turkeys weighing 10-15 pounds
What To Know: You must pay a $50 deposit online.
What’s To Love: The working farm also has an agricultural education center that holds workshops and events.
The Best Farm-Fresh Turkeys in Central North Carolina
Carolina Pastures
Where: Hurdle Mills
How Much: Half-turkey, $19.50; turkey wings, $16; bone-in turkey breast, $35; leg quarters, $24
What To Know: Home delivery is available anywhere in the Triangle area.
What’s To Love: Half-turkeys cook better and have better proportions than small, whole birds. All the turkeys are pasture-raised and free from chemicals, antibiotics, and GMOs.
Evans Family Farm
Where: Mount Ulla
How Much: $8 per pound, which comes out to $64-$160
What To Know: All turkeys are sold frozen and come with cooking tips. An online deposit will secure your bird.
What’s To Love: The free-range turkeys on this farm are grass-fed and supplemented with non-GMO feed.
Little Way Farm
Where: Siler City
How Much: $13.74 per pound, with turkeys weighing 12.5-17.5 pounds
What To Know: Products ship to you or can be picked up at the farm or the Siler City Growers & Makers Market.
What’s To Love: With five stars on Google Review, the farm is transparent about its ethical farming practices.
Jimmy Acres Farm
Where: Chapel Hill, Lake Hyco, and Greensboro
How Much: $8 per pound
What To Know: You can order your bird by visiting the farm stand or Eno River Farmers Market, or by emailing [email protected].
What’s To Love: All turkeys are fed organic feed from a nearby local farm.
Ninja Cow Farm
Where: Raleigh
How Much: $8.75 per pound
What To Know: Deposits of $40 can be made in the farm store.
What’s To Love: The funky name of this family farm has a hilarious backstory.
Rocky Run Farm
https://www.instagram.com/p/CktAIAFrLK7/
Where: Mebane
How Much: Whole birds for $8 per pound, half-birds for $9 per pound
What To Know: A non-refundable $25 deposit is required to reserve your turkey.
What’s To Love: The Broad Breasted White turkeys are rotated on fresh pastures and fed non-GMO feed.
The Best Farm-Fresh Turkeys in Eastern North Carolina
Shenk Family Farm
Where: Newport
How Much: $8.49 per pound, with turkeys weighing 10-20 pounds
What To Know: You must pay a $50 deposit to secure your bird.
What’s To Love: The farmers claim you’ll be “spoiled for life” once you try one of their flavorful turkeys.
North Carolina Restaurants Open on Christmas
Not everyone is putting together an elaborate spread for Christmas. Some folks just want to go out for a quick bite. That’s why we put together a list of a few well-reviewed restaurants you can visit on Christmas Day.
Chima Steakhouse
139 S. Tryon St., Charlotte
This Christmas, enjoy a decadent feast without all the hard work. Chima Steakhouse will be serving up over 15 delicious grilled meats, including salmon, chicken, lamb, and filet mignon via its full rodizio. Also on offer is its gourmet salad bar, which features salads, cold cuts, cheeses, soup, and traditional Brazilian hot dishes. Enjoy its holiday ambiance on Christmas Eve from 4-8 p.m. and Christmas Day from noon-8 p.m. To reserve your spot, call or book online.
So Hot
1937 High House Rd., Cary
The weather outside may be frightful, in which case you need some hot pot. Easily customizable and available with an array of meats, veggies, and seafood options, this spot boasts free meals for kids under five years of age, while kids between five and 10 can enjoy half-price meals. And it’s all you can eat format never goes out of style.
