Location

From Farm to Freezer

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Splitting a Half Steer from Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary

If you know me, you know I like to keep my freezer stocked and support local farms whenever I can. There’s just something satisfying about knowing exactly where your food comes from — and that it was raised with care.

Recently, my cousin and I decided to go in on half a butchered steer from Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary in Elkton, Maryland. Their beef is processed and packaged by ClarkCo Meats in Pennsylvania, and the quality really shows. Everything came vacuum-sealed, clearly labeled, and ready for the freezer. My cousin and I split it evenly, and now I’ve got about 115 pounds of fresh, local beef stuffed in my freezer.

Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary is a gem in the area; they sell beef, pork, eggs, and honey, all produced right on the farm. You can truly taste the quality and care in their products.

The first cut I decided to try was a tri-tip, and oh my goodness — it was delicious! Tender, juicy, and full of flavor. There’s nothing quite like grilling up a piece of beef that was raised just a few miles away. It feels great to support local farmers while stocking the freezer with something wholesome and genuine.

I love the sense of self-sufficiency that comes with this — knowing I have a good supply of quality meat for the months ahead. If you’re near Elkton, MD, I definitely recommend checking out Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary. Local farms like theirs are what keep communities strong, healthy, and connected.

✅ What Caught My Eye

Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary really stood out to me for several reasons:

  • They offer grass-raised, grass-finished beef with no hormones or vaccines.
  • The farm is located right here in Elkton, Maryland.
  • They also raise heritage pork, produce honey from their own apiary, and provide animal feed and farm supplies.
  • Founded in 2018 by Chris and Stephanie Dodds, along with their son, they’ve built a strong family-run operation rooted in quality and care.

Sunnybrook Farm & Apiary
360 Williams Road
Elkton, Maryland 21921
(302) 650-4688
https://sunnybrook.ag/

The Maryland Italian Festival kicks off this Friday, September 26th, at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen and runs all weekend long!

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🇮🇹 Thanks to the festival hosts for providing us with tickets — we’ll be there and can’t wait to share our experience. Hope to see everyone out there enjoying the food, music, rides, and family fun! 🎉

🎟️ When and Where

  • Dates: Friday, September 26 – Sunday, September 28
  • Times: Friday 5 PM – 10 PM, Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM
  • Location: Ripken Stadium Parking Lot, Aberdeen, Maryland
  • Admission: $12 for adults, children 12 and under are free with a parent
  • Parking: Free on-site and at satellite lots with shuttle service

🇮🇹 Maryland’s Largest Italian Festival: A Weekend of Fun for Gluten-Free Families

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My three kids (ages 14–18) and I are excited to check out the Maryland Italian Festival this year, happening for the first time at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28. We were given passes by the hosts to review the festival and share our honest thoughts, especially for families like ours who are gluten-intolerant.

🎟️ When and Where

  • Dates: Friday, September 26 – Sunday, September 28
  • Times: Friday 5 PM – 10 PM, Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 7 PM
  • Location: Ripken Stadium Parking Lot, Aberdeen, Maryland
  • Admission: $12 for adults, children 12 and under are free with a parent
  • Parking: Free on-site and at satellite lots with shuttle service

🍝 Gluten-Free Options

Finding gluten-free options at festivals can be tricky, but some vendors are making it easier:

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Crunchy Almond Cookies – Perfect for dessert.
  • Sausage and Peppers – Skip the bun and enjoy classic flavor.

Cross-contamination is always a risk, so planning ahead or bringing your own gluten-free snacks is smart.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun for Teens

The festival isn’t just for little kids, there’s plenty for teens too:

  • Bocce Tournament – Fun to play or watch.
  • Carnival Rides and Midway Games – Classic fair attractions that teens will enjoy.
  • Live Entertainment – Music, performances, and a lively atmosphere.

✅ Our Take

The Maryland Italian Festival at Ripken Stadium promises a weekend full of food, fun, and Italian culture. While gluten-free options are limited, with a little planning, families managing gluten intolerance can still enjoy everything the festival has to offer. I’m Italian, so I’m really looking forward to getting out and seeing the festival with my kids. I’ll be there that weekend, and I hope those in the area will be able to make it out as well to support this great cause.

REVIEW: Adopting Nugget and Jagger from Cecil County Animal Services

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Our visit to Cecil County Animal Services was, admittedly, absolutely chaotic. The shelter was buzzing with people, all eager to visit or adopt, especially since in August, they were waiving the adoption fees for cats and kittens due to the abundance of fur babies in need of homes.

But through the sea of excitement, we found two kittens whom we later named Nugget and Jagger. My kids and I instantly fell in love with them while at the shelter. The staff were amazing, guiding us patiently through the process and offering tips for bringing our new kittens home safely. They clearly care deeply about each animal and want to make sure every adoption is a successful, happy one.

Thanks to Cecil County Animal Services, Nugget and Jagger now have a loving fur-ever home, and our family couldn’t be happier. If you’re considering adopting a pet, this shelter is definitely worth a visit, you’ll leave with a full heart.

Cecil County Animal Services
3280 Augustine Herman Highway,
Chesapeake City, MD 21915

Office: 410-441-2040
Email: ccasinfo@ccgov.org

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