Flanagan Farms

What would Thanksgiving be like without Flanagan Farms? How could one ever consider a grocery store turkey when they’ve experienced a farm to table fresh bird.
I’ll admit that I have some issues with my turkey having a leisurely stroll in early morning, then be carried in my vehicle on the same day to its ultimate demise in my oven on Thanksgiving Day. Thank you Virginia Indian Tribes for beginning the tradition & validating my actions.
Turkey Day at Flanagan Farms is a special experience. It must begin extremely early, since the number of turkeys dressed & ready for one’s choosing is constantly replenished as early as noon. The farm is filled with vehicles of the chosen purchasers & what must be those whose labor climaxes on this special day. The children of the farm owners & workers are not at school. It’s a special & important day for them also. There were over a half dozen who worked extremely hard.
The process begins with a telephone call to those on the list to assure that a fresh turkey is wanted this year. I also expect that the call is to assure that the long time purchasers are still living. The date & times of pickup are given. And the anticipation begins.
There is nothing that tastes as delectable as a fresh turkey. That prize is not easy to obtain. My Uncle began ordering a Flanagan’s turkey decades ago. His legacy has now been passed on to me, always with his instructions & reminders. Ours now rests in his secondary refrigerator tonight. Soon it will make its way to its final destination in my oven. There is a waiting list for those who haven’t been on the turkey list for years.
The open sided shed with tables holding the prized birds is surrounded by a Who’s Who of Old Pungo & Princess Anne. No one seems anxious to choose their turkey & bring an end to the experience. It’s a time to visit and savor the experience.
Tempting one beyond belief are the tables filled with fresh produce, designed to add to the dining experience. I can never pass up the beautiful sweet potatoes, bagged or boxed, and the fresh collard greens. Today, added to the mix were amazingly huge turnips, along with the accompanying greens. As one walked into the turkey shed, it was impossible to pass the homemade jelly & jam display without stopping. I chose the strawberry-​rhubarb, which I greatly anticipate.
The individuals working turkey day were very diligent. Once I pointed out my choice, it was immediately moved to the checkout table, a young pre-​teen bagged my choice, including the collards that were a «must have», and carried the treasures to my car. I had also selected a bag of sweet potatoes & 2 jars of jam.
You can’t go wrong with Flanagan Farms. They will highlight my Thanksgiving with the turkey & sweet potatoes for many years to come. I’m anxiously awaiting cooking the collards. And the strawberry-​rhubarb jam is calling me. Yum… I can’t wait.
By the way, leaving with my treasures, I absolutely had to do one more thing. A field with lots of turkeys who lucked out today was visible. «Hi guys!» I shouted. «See you next year!!»