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Top Places To Buy A Turkey In Philadelphia

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and it's time to invite your guest of honor. No, not your boss and his...lovely wife. It's time to invite your turkey. Okay, buy it, but with these choices, you're going to feel like the bird is the honored guest. There's no need to pick up a frozen bowling-ball-style roaster when there are so many fresh, organic turkeys right here in Philly.
Fair Food Farmstand
Reading Terminal Market
12th and Arch streets
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 386-5211
www.fairfoodphilly.org

The Fair Food Farmstand offers fresh food from more than 90 sustainable local farmers. As with all of the animal products at the Farmstand, its turkeys are vegetarian-fed (no animal by-products), hormone and antibiotic free, and allowed to roam the pasture. The Farmstand is offering four turkey options this year: naturally raised turkeys from Koch's Turkey Farm in Tamaqua, Pa. for $3.10 per pound; organic turkeys from Lancaster Farm Fresh in Leola, Pa. for $5.25 per pound; naturally raised heirloom bronze turkeys from Koch's Turkey Farm in Tamaqua, Pa. for $4.50 per pound; and heritage red bourbon turkeys from Griggstown Quail Farm in Princeton, N.J. for $8.40 per pound. The Farmstand is accepting orders through its website until Nov. 12, and the turkeys may be picked up fresh at the Farmstand on Tuesday, Nov. 20 and Wednesday, Nov. 21 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The Farmstand will also be stocked with heirloom cranberries, specialty squash and sweet potatoes to serve alongside your amazing turkey.

Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Road
Media PA 19063
(610) 876-7116
www.linvilla.com

Linvilla Orchards in Chester County, one of the area's most popular "U-pick-it" farms, is offering fresh turkeys for your Thanksgiving this season. Linvilla's turkeys are never frozen, never caged and no growth hormones or preservatives are used. They are available from 10 to 30 pounds, or you can order the breast only. Orders are accepted from Nov. 1 through Nov. 16. Nothing tops your feast off better than one (or more)of Linvilla's house-made pies; be sure to try the apple caramel walnut pie ($12.95) and the old-fashioned blackberry pie ($14.95). Most pies are made with Linvilla's own fruit, as is its delicious fresh-pressed apple cider.

Green Aisle Grocery
1618 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 465-1411

www.greenaislegrocery.com

The Brothers Erace (Adam and Andrew), who own Green Aisle Grocery on East Passyunk, are proud to find the freshest and purest locally-sourced groceries to share with their customers. This year, fresh turkeys are coming from Glenn Brendle's Green Meadow Farm in Gap, Lancaster County. "These birds are pasture-raised without hormones or antibiotics and have a thick cushion of skin that turns the most beautiful brown when you roast it," Adam says. Turkeys will be available in two size ranges: medium (15 to 20 pounds) and large (20 to 25 pounds) and cost $5 per pound. Green Aisle will start taking orders soon and continue to through the week before Thanksgiving, and the turkeys will be ready for pick up at the store on Tuesday, Nov. 20. Be sure to check out Green Aisle's aisles for Zahav's famous hummus, Brooklyn's Q tonic water and Philly's Little Baby's Ice Cream.

Related: Top Spots for Italian Food In Philadelphia

Percy Street Barbecue
900 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 625-8510

1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd (The Comcast Center)
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 964-9014

www.percystreet.com

Percy Street Barbecue's chef Erin O'Shea is preparing a generous gaggle of turkeys that are just waiting for you to take them home. According to O'Shea, who is one of the country's best and only female pit masters, turkey lends itself well to smoking. Befitting the spirit of the holiday, for every turkey that Percy Street sells, it donates as much cash to a local food bank. For $65, enjoy a 15-pound turkey with gravy and homemade cranberry sauce. The Smokin' Thanksgiving Feast, at $225, serves six to eight people. It includes one turkey, gravy and homemade cranberry sauce, as well as mashed sweet potatoes covered with baked apples, roasted marshmallows, cornbread sausage stuffing, collard greens and old-fashioned pecan pie. Reserve take-home turkeys and Smokin' Thanksgiving Feasts by calling (215) 625-8510 by noon on Thursday, Nov. 15. Pick up turkeys and feasts at either Percy Street location on Wednesday, Nov. 21.

Miss Rachel's Pantry
1732 W. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 798-0053
www.missrachelspantry.com

Ask any vegan in Philly where to get the best vegan "meat," and it's Miss Rachel's Pantry. For Thanksgiving, Chef Rachel Klein will put together a feast that even the pickiest vegans will love for only $22 per person. Each dish includes seitan made turkey-style with mushroom red wine gravy (herbed tofu for gluten-free eaters), green bean casserole, garlic mashed potatoes and flavorful stuffing made with thyme, rosemary and cranberries (rice stuffing for gluten-free eaters). Add a personal-sized, homemade pumpkin pie to any order for just $8 more. Place your order through Miss Rachel's website, by emailing missrachelspantry@gmail.com or by calling until Sunday, Nov. 20. Deliveries will take place on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 22 and all day on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Pick-up can also be arranged at Greensgrow Farm Market.

Related: Top Autumn Desserts in Philadelphia

 Head to Philadelphia's Best Of pages for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!

Trish Deitemyer is a freelance writer living in Philly. She covers Food & Drink and has been writing since 1986. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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