Be part of me on the Mid-Atlantic Grain Path for baked items, distinctive beers, and scenic nation roads full of meals and enjoyable.
I like an excellent meals or beverage path and have discovered a number of in my travels, however I’ve by no means seen a grain path. Subsequently, I resolved to inform the world concerning the Widespread Grain Alliance, a non-profit group that helps grain artisans, together with growers, millers, bakers, brewers, and micro-distillers.
Whereas procuring on the FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Market in Washington, DC, a few years in the past, I spied the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand. I couldn’t resist trying over the products and purchased cornmeal, pasta, beans, and popcorn, all from native small producers. On the Grain Stand, I first turned conscious of the CGA (Widespread Grain Alliance) and slowly went down the rabbit gap trying to find the most effective grain merchandise.
Every time I go to the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand I purchase as a lot good grain merchandise as I can carry. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
To this point, I’ve bought merchandise from at the least 10 CGA members and just lately determined to develop the Unofficial CGA Grain Path. Since some members solely promote on-line or wholesale, I’ll give attention to the farmers, millers, bakeries, breweries, and micro-distilleries that enable prospects to go to them and purchase their items. The CGA has members in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC, and has been attracting grain people from North Carolina and past currently.
Hit the Street
I’ll take you on a visit to devour a number of the finest whole-grain baked items on the planet, chug some distinctive beer, and thoughtfully sip tantalizing spirits. We’ll purchase a number of the finest fresh-milled flour this chef and baker has ever had. A part of the enjoyable of discovering these CGA members is the highway journey via scenic nation roads within the Mid-Atlantic. I’ll level out locations to remain, eat, and play alongside the best way to interact all 5 senses.
The Waverly Farmers Market is only one of a number of I visited to conduct my analysis. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
Beginning in Charlottesville, VA
It wasn’t straightforward to select a place to begin. Over the previous 15 years of dwelling in Maryland, Charlottesville, VA, has been one among our favourite locations for an prolonged weekend. With three nice from-scratch bakeries on the town, Charlottesville is my alternative for the primary CGA Grain Path cease.
Albemarle Baking Firm (ABC) has been an everyday cease for my spouse and me every time we’re on the town. We love their bread, hand pies, and tarts. Their customized truffles are additionally wonderful. Not removed from ABC is Althea Bread, a more moderen bakery for followers of whole-grain baked items. I’ve not shopped there but; sadly, they have been closed throughout my final Charlottesville go to, however reviewers love their pretzel croissants, sourdough bread, and almond croissants.
Like a number of the different small bakeries I’ve visited, Althea Bread is barely open just a few days per week. Name forward to verify they’re open. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
Whereas on the town, I visited Cou Cou Rachu, the place I met proprietor Rachel De Jong and tried a number of of her from scratch baked items. The plain croissant was buttery, and my nostril knew immediately what my style buds have been quickly to search out out. This croissant is value shopping for two of, so that you eat one now and take one dwelling. I additionally loved the almond croissant, which was decadently wealthy and never too candy, thus permitting the almond paste to shine.
After a brief wait in line, I used to be rewarded with 4 scrumptious Cou Cou Rachu pastries. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
Beer Time
One other cease on the town is Three Notch’d Brewing Firm, the place you will get a wide range of craft brews and check out their domestically sourced lunch or dinner menus. The brewery has a big indoor seating space and a lined outside patio. Three Notch’d Brewing makes use of malt from CGA member Murphy & Impolite Malthouse. Murphy & Impolite produces and sells numerous barley, wheat, and experimental grains for breweries, distilleries, and residential brewers.
Three Notch’d Brewery has loads of room inside and outdoors. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
Issues to Do
Whereas in Charlottesville, don’t miss a stroll down top-of-the-line pedestrian malls on the East Coast. We love the retailers, two bookstores, Crush Pad Wine Bar, and eating places like Petit Pois and Fleurie for French fare on the mall. Test into the 200 South Avenue Inn, a native mattress and breakfast, to be inside straightforward strolling distance of downtown sizzling spots.
A stroll on the downtown mall in Charlottesville is a should. I like the eating places, retailers, and buskers. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
Go to a Actual Mill
South of Charlottesville is Deep Roots Milling, one among my favourite suppliers of grains for dwelling baking. The mill is known as Woodson’s Mill and has been used because the late 1700s. Virginia used to have many water-powered grist mills from the 1700s to the early 1900s, however most have light away.
A go to to Deep Roots Milling at historic Woodson’s Mill will take a highway journey to get there. Picture by Deep Roots Milling
The homeowners of Deep Roots Milling are Aaron, Charlie, and Ian. They sometimes get assist from David Woodson, who retired from the mill however nonetheless likes to assist. I’ve solely purchased their grain merchandise on-line or on the Dupont Circle Grain Stand, however I’d love to go to in particular person. One in all my favourite grains is the acorn skillet combine, which, when utilized in a pancake recipe, replaces half the flour with skillet combine and produces a scrumptious outcome.
I take advantage of Silver Bread Flour from Deep Roots Milling to make the tastiest sourdough bread. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
Deep Roots has a once-per-month Mill Race Market the place guests can purchase their grains, and different native artisanal distributors present as much as promote their items. I requested Charlie what merchandise to anticipate, and he mentioned, “We typically have a mix of distributors who provide native greens, produce, meats, and crafts.” The hours are midday to 4 PM.
Baltimore Grains
Our subsequent stops are within the massive cities of Baltimore and Washington, DC. A few of these stops are locations my spouse and I’ve been to, and a few are new. Kevin Plank of Underneath Armor fame began Sagamore Spirit in Baltimore Metropolis. Mr. Plank has proven his love of wonderful whiskey by opening up this extravagant micro-distillery. Come for a tour and tasting, and seize a bottle to take dwelling for a superb memento. Word that the model has been bought just lately to an Italian firm however nonetheless retains its Baltimore spirit.
Sagamore Spirit in Baltimore Metropolis is a good place to style Maryland rye whiskey. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
Additionally in Baltimore is CGA member Atwater’s Conventional Meals. Their 4 eating places provide artisanal bread and different scrumptious baked items for brunch and lunch. Massive Kitchen is the principle bakery and provides all 4 areas, however the Catonsville location has its personal bakery to provide an expanded record of baked items. All areas have a loyal following for breakfast, lunch, and bread.
DC Certain
I just lately visited RavenHook Bakehouse, an under-the-radar business baking facility. I met proprietor Chris Giradot, who confirmed me round and informed me tales of his years of baking bread utilizing the most effective complete grains within the area.
Chris informed me, “We bake 2,000 to three,000 loaves of bread weekly and distribute to eating places, shops, and several other farmers markets.”
I took dwelling a loaf of rye and wheat bread and located them each irresistible. Their farmers’ market schedule is on-line.
One other bakery that showcases complete grains is Seylou Bakery in DC. At Seylou, the grains are floor in-house, and a map reveals the place they get native wheat and different substances. We particularly appreciated the baguette, ache au raisin, and seasonal scones. Seylou additionally has a well-liked espresso bar and café tables the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in your purchases on-site.
Jonathan is the proprietor and head baker at Seylou Bakery in Washington, DC. We took dwelling the three loaves he was holding, which have been all wonderful. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
Go to a Historic Grain Mill
The Peirce Mill is situated in Washington, DC’s Rock Creek Park. It reminds guests of a time when water-powered grist mills have been widespread. Because of restoration efforts within the Thirties, the mill constructing continues to be standing robust. Plan your go to to coincide with one of many annual particular occasions held on the mill and get a glance inside this priceless museum piece.
I’ve seen Peirce Mill from the surface just a few instances, however I need to get inside throughout a grain milling demonstration quickly. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
Earlier than or after your go to to the mill, take a hike on the Rock Creek Path and revel in nature in the course of Washington, DC. A handy parking zone and restrooms are throughout the road from the mill. Test the Pals of the Peirce Mill web site for occasions like milling demonstrations, kids’s day, ice cream-making demonstrations, and the CGA Mid-Atlantic Grain Honest.
Washington, DC, is fortunate to have Rock Creek Park for mountaineering, biking, and different outside actions. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
A Particular DC Farmers Market
As talked about above, the FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Market options the Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand. Of all of the farmers markets I’ve attended within the Mid-Atlantic, that is the most effective marketplace for veggie and meals distributors and the grain stand, which gives all kinds of well-liked grains.
I like to recommend staying on the Tabard Inn within the space so you’ll be able to stroll to the farmers market and store to your coronary heart’s content material. Parking is a problem in and round Dupont Circle, so in case you’re driving, enable time to discover a parking area.
I finished on the Grain Stand in July 2024 for beans, rice, and pastry flour. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
Word: the Grain Stand can also be obtainable in Arlington, Silver Spring, and Mosaic. Test the FRESHFARM web site for particulars.
Close by Spirit Cease
Not removed from DC is Hyattsville, MD, a cool outdated city with a deep historical past. Sang Froid, situated within the Arts District, is a brand new participant in Mid-Atlantic distilleries. The 2 homeowners are brothers-in-law who love distilling Dutch-style gin, rye whiskey, and fruit brandies. I appreciated the fruit brandies finest and love that they get the fruit from both their orchard or different no-spray orchards within the area.
I loved my tour and tasting at Sang Froid Distilling. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
Since you’ll in all probability imbibe, it’s good to know that the School Park Marriot Resort is simply minutes away by ride-share. After I visited just lately, Jeff informed me they plan to maneuver the distillery a brief distance from the present location. Test their web site for updates on the transfer and days/hours of operation.
Out within the Nation
A few of my favourite stops on the CGA Grain Path are in Brunswick, MD, on the outskirts of Frederick, MD, and Lovettsville, VA.
In Brunswick, MD, Maple and Rye Bakery is within the historic downtown space. Abby Levine owns and is the baker behind this Mid-Atlantic bakery that opened within the spring of 2024. After testing native farmers’ markets for the general public’s acceptance of her whole-grain baked items, Abby and her associate discovered the classic storefront on the principle drag in Brunswick and are settling into the area properly. Clients can seize an out of doors or indoor desk to devour these tasty whole-grain items.
Whereas within the space, take a hike or convey your bike to discover the C&O Canal Path that runs via city alongside the mighty Potomac River.
Wheatland Spring Farm Brewery
What I like about Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery, moreover their beer, is the occasions held on the farm. John and Bonnie Branding personal this farm brewery and observe regenerative farming strategies for the grains they develop. It doesn’t get extra native than the native wheat grown on their farm.
The historic Wheatland Spring Farm is a good place for a brewery. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
I liked attending their Saturday Farmers Market, the place a number of native producers got here to promote fruit, veggies, flowers, honey, lavender merchandise, and meat. Maple and Rye Bakery additionally attends the WSFB Market, open each Saturday (April via October) from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Maple and Rye Bakery is one among a number of distributors on the Wheatland Spring + Farm Brewery Saturday market. Picture by Kurt Jacobson
Take into account coming to Wheatland Springs Farm + Brewery in September for Octoberfest, a two-day, mid-month occasion. Stay leisure, video games, beer, and loads of meals will make this a enjoyable day for all. Exterior food and drinks usually are not allowed, however leashed, well-behaved canines are welcomed.
Wheatland Springs Farm has a cottage on website that’s obtainable to hire. The cottage has a washer and dryer, a touchless keypad, high-speed Wi-Fi, streaming TV, a full kitchen, and scenic views of the circa 1832 property. Take into account staying at their cottage on a Saturday, loading up on contemporary produce and meats from the farmers market, and having a meals and beer fest of your personal.
Articles Associated to Mid-Atlantic Culinary Journey
Final Crumb
I consider you’ll love visiting these CGA members. All the bakers, millers, brewers, grain growers, and micro-distillers give attention to utilizing the most effective grains attainable so you’ll be able to style the distinction between typical grain merchandise and true artisanal items. Discover these grain mills on the CGA web site to order regional Mid-Atlantic grains from dwelling.
We invite you to discover Wander With Surprise for extra of our favourite culinary excursions and different issues to do once you go to the Mid-Atlantic states.
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