Planning a turkey this year? Let us help you find the perfect bird for your table.
Buying the right turkey can mean the difference between a good Thanksgiving and a legendary Thanksgiving. And while you can’t go wrong with any of our birds, shopping for a specific size or certification can be tricky. Rest assured, we’re here to help simplify the process. Below, learn more about our birds, plus get expert buying and storing tips.
Order online and schedule a time for pickup in store. Menu and location availability may vary. While supplies last.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s time to start thinking about the main event – finding and preparing the perfect turkey! While frozen supermarket turkeys are convenient, nothing beats a fresh, locally-raised bird. The flavor and texture of a farm-fresh turkey simply can’t be matched.
But where exactly can you source a fresh high-quality turkey in your area? Don’t worry I’ve got you covered. Here is the ultimate guide on where and how to find fresh, local turkeys near you this Thanksgiving season.
Check Your Local Butcher Shop
My first recommendation is always to check with your local butcher or meat market, These specialty shops work closely with regional farms and providers to offer the highest quality local meats,
Many butchers source fresh turkeys from small family farms in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. I recommend calling your trusted local butcher early to ask when they expect to have farm-fresh turkeys available
You’ll often find heritage and organic turkey breeds with your local butcher. Their skilled staff can advise on selecting the ideal size turkey and preparations like trussing. Buying local from a butcher means getting exceptional service, expertise, and quality.
Some top local butcher shops to find fresh turkeys include:
- Fatted Calf (Napa, CA)
- The Meat Hook (Brooklyn, NY)
- Olde World Meat Market (Plano, TX)
- Holcombe’s Meats (Lawrence, KS)
Shop early, as their Thanksgiving turkeys sell out quickly!
Look for a Farmers Market Stand
Another place to buy a just-harvested turkey is from farmers market stands. Many small poultry and turkey farms will sell fresh birds on select days or by pre-order pickup.
Check schedules for upcoming turkey availability at your local farmers market. Talk to farm stands early to reserve your fresh turkey – these tend to go fast! Select your ideal size bird and pick it up direct from the farm.
The fun, festive setting of farmers markets also makes buying a turkey a more enjoyable, memorable experience. Some exceptional farmers markets to buy turkeys include:
- Dupont Circle FreshFarm Market (Washington DC)
- Santa Monica Farmers Market (Santa Monica, CA)
- Clearwater Farmers Market (Clearwater, FL)
- Portland Farmers Market (Portland, OR)
Visit a Local Turkey Farm
For the absolute freshest turkey possible, buy direct from a local turkey farm. Many small family farms sell turkeys onsite in the weeks before Thanksgiving.
Search online farm directories by location to find turkey farms near you. Reach out to confirm when they’ll have fresh turkeys available for purchase. You’ll be able to hand select your bird from their pasture-raised flock.
Buying straight from the source means you can meet the farmers, see how they raise the turkeys, and get an incredible quality bird. It’s rewarding and memorable for the whole family!
Some exceptional local turkey farms to buy from include:
- Yonder Way Farm (Madison, WI)
- Diestel Family Ranch (Sonora, CA)
- Slate River Ranch (West Fork, AR)
- Rainbow Meadows Farm (Evington, VA)
Check Your Grocery Store
Not every grocery store sells fresh local turkeys, but some do! Scan the poultry section or ask the butcher counter if they source any regional, farm-fresh turkeys.
Larger chains like Whole Foods, Kroger, Wegmans, and Albertsons will often highlight local farms and brands. You can call ahead to ask when they expect to get local turkeys in stock as well.
While selection is more limited than a dedicated butcher, it’s a more convenient option for one-stop Thanksgiving shopping. Look for organic and heritage turkeys whenever possible.
Use Online Butcher Delivery
Don’t have time to make it to a butcher shop? Check for local online butcher delivery options in your area. Companies like Porter Road Butcher and Crowd Cow partner with regional farms to deliver locally raised turkeys.
While not as close as visiting a farm, it’s still supporting small-scale local farms. Look for pasture-raised heritage breeds free of antibiotics and hormones. Order early to ensure you get the size bird you need.
This is also a great option for sending turkey as a holiday gift! Just account for shipping lead times.
Order Direct From an Online Farm
Another approach is to order fresh turkeys direct from family farms with e-commerce shops. Brands like Virginia’s Harmony Farms, Cambridge Poultry, and Cedar Valley Farms ship fresh turkeys nationwide.
While not next-door, buying farm-direct still supports small producers. Select organic, free-range turkeys and order early to secure your preferred size.
This is a handy option if local sources are scarce or you need turkeys shipped as holiday gifts out of state. Factor in shipping days.
Use Grocery Delivery Services
Online grocery delivery services like Instacart allow you to shop turkey inventory at multiple markets near you. Search for “fresh turkey” and filter by local stores.
Compare availability, pricing and sales between stores in your area. While you won’t get butcher expertise, it simplifies finding fresh local turkeys at neighborhood grocers. Fast and convenient for last-minute needs!
Get Your Fresh Turkey Before It’s Too Late!
With some planning and insight into the best places to buy near you, you’ll be ready to serve up the star of your Thanksgiving meal. Support local farms, get the freshest possible turkey, and make unforgettable memories this season!
How to Thaw a Frozen Turkey
If you do choose one of our frozen birds, make sure to leave plenty of time for thawing. Use this handy chart to plan ahead.
|
Turkey Size |
Days in Fridge |
Hours in Cold Water |
|---|---|---|
|
14 pounds |
3 |
7 |
|
20 pounds |
4 |
10 |
We recommend thawing your turkey one of two ways:
Most Reliable Way: Put a tray or pan underneath the bird (in its packaging) to catch drips and place it in the refrigerator on the lowest shelf for 1 full day for every 5 pounds of turkey.
Fastest Way: Short on time or fridge space? This is your best option. Make sure the turkey is sealed in a leakproof wrapper and place it in a vessel large enough to completely contain it. Add cold water to cover. Change the water every 30 minutes and allow 30 minutes of thawing time per pound.
Need to stock up on turkey essentials like spices, fresh herbs and more? You can shop holiday groceries for pickup or delivery opens in a new tab with Prime.**
For plenty of inspiration, check out our Turkey Recipe Collection for menu ideas and our Essential Turkey Cooking Tips for expert pointers.
How to Store Your Turkey
Whether you’ve picked up your turkey from our stores or you’re having it delivered, it’s important to store your bird properly before cooking. Follow these tips for success.
Our fresh turkeys are kept in a deep chill to maintain a crust of ice on the surface. This ensures that you can safely store your bird at home until you’re ready to cook. Keep your turkey deep-chilled (35°F) in the coldest spot in your fridge, turned down as low as possible, or store in a secondary fridge. The ice will easily melt over time, but be sure to check your bird the day before Thanksgiving. If it looks a bit crisp, place under cool running water to ensure it’s perfect by your feast.
Store frozen birds in your freezer (ideally in a secondary freezer if you have one) until you’re ready to thaw. Depending on how much time you have, you can thaw your turkey in your refrigerator or by submerging it in cold water.
This Whole Foods Turkey Farm was awarded $300,000+ after suing me for exposing their sham farm.
FAQ
When can I buy a fresh turkey?
Butterball Turkey Talk-Line Expert Tyler Loranger says turkeys should be available in stores beginning in early November, and the best time to buy your turkey …Nov 4, 2023
Do supermarkets sell fresh turkeys?
Fresh Turkey – Tesco Groceries.
Can I pre-order a fresh turkey?
Most local farms and retailers require customers to pre-order and place a deposit on their turkeys in advance, generally from September to early November. Browse the list below or contact a farm near you to reserve a local turkey for your Thanksgiving table.
Are fresh turkeys available at Costco?
Plainville Farms and Butterball turkeys are fresh, and Costco sells both, but they are whole birds, not breasts. The only turkey breast Costco sells is the Kirkland Signature Turkey Breast. While it meets the standard of not being frozen, it’s processed turkey containing salt and other preservatives.
Where can I buy fresh turkeys?
Some of the best local butcher shops I’ve found fresh turkeys at include: Shop early, as their inventory tends to move quickly closer to the holidays! Another great option for buying local turkeys is heading to your weekly farmers market. Many family farms and stands will sell fresh turkeys by pre-order or on select days.
Do grocery stores carry local turkeys?
Not every grocery store carries local turkeys, but some do! Scan the meat department or ask at the butcher counter if they have any fresh turkeys from regional producers. Larger chains like Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Albertsons often highlight local brands and farms. You can even call ahead to ask if and when they will get local turkeys in stock.
Where can I buy Turkey at Kroger?
Shop for Turkey in our Meat & Seafood Department at Kroger. Buy products such as Kroger® 85% Lean 15% Fat Ground Turkey for in-store pickup, at home delivery, or create your shopping list today.
What kind of Turkey should I buy?
Classic Turkeys: These tasty, tender turkeys are a great choice for value, quality and flavor. Organic Turkeys: These birds receive organic, non-GMO feed and have specific requirements for the amount of access to the outdoors. If you’re looking to try something different this year, don’t miss our assortment of unique, special birds.
Should you buy the right Turkey?
Buying the right turkey can mean the difference between a good Thanksgiving and a legendary Thanksgiving. And while you can’t go wrong with any of our birds, shopping for a specific size or certification can be tricky. Rest assured, we’re here to help simplify the process. Below, learn more about our birds, plus get expert buying and storing tips.
How much does a turkey cost?
For $175.00 per bird, you and your family can enjoy a Thanksgiving experience like never before and it covers the cost of your turkey plus harvesting/butchery instruction. Apart from harvesting the turkey yourself, they also sell by the pound at $12.99/lb. Their hens range from 8 to 12 lbs while their toms are from 14 to 18 lbs.