Oxford locals seeking a cozy, community-driven fall and Thanksgiving season need to look no further than Butterfields Farm and Moon Co-op. Locally owned, these two spots capture the spirit of fall with locally-sourced produce, seasonal treats and other quality essentials for the season.
As Thanksgiving approaches, both Butterfields Farm and Moon Co-op have increased offerings to give people a chance to celebrate the holiday with items only Oxford’s small businesses can provide. From fresh turkeys and gluten-free pies to apple cider slushies and caramel apples, here’s a glimpse into what both businesses have to offer.
Butterfields Farm
Open from April through December, Butterfields Farm provides a variety of fall products and festive experiences. Run by Bryan Butterfield and his son, Branden, the family farm offers fresh produce, cheeses and meats, Amish-made breads, seasonal baked goods, an impressive 32 different apple varieties and even local art.
“We have a little bit of everything,” Bryan said. “We’re kind of known for having a variety and we have people that come in for that.”
While it’s open for a good chunk of the year, Butterfields is a seasonal favorite for fall-themed items. Starting in October, it sources baked goods like pumpkin and brownie cookies from Jungle Jim’s in Hamilton, as well as specialty breads and fried pies, in flavors like pumpkin and caramel apple, from the Amish.
Starting in November, the farm also stocks handmade chocolates and continues offering items like caramel apples and apple cider slushies through Christmas Eve, which are made fresh every day.
As Thanksgiving approaches, the Butterfields said their Amish-made bread and fried pies have become customer favorites and sell really fast. Because of how responsive people are to local products, Branden said they try to source everything locally.
“Anything that’s in here, we have tasted,” Bryan said. “We go to food shows to taste it before we bring it in. We’re always trying to find new stuff, too.”
While Bryan and Branden said business is a bit slow at the moment, once the trees, wreaths and Christmas decor arrive, foot traffic should pick up again right after Thanksgiving.
Butterfields is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday, but officially closed for the season on Dec. 24. Make sure to check the store out at 4000 Trenton Oxford Road to experience its seasonal offerings.
Moon Co-op
Moon Co-op is a locally-owned natural foods market that’s been around Oxford for years. Store manager Tom Swing said he takes pride in offering high-quality, allergy-friendly and locally sourced seasonal options.
For Thanksgiving, customers can pre-order whole turkeys, bone-in turkey breasts or even vegan roasts, catering to different preferences and dietary needs. While customers should put in their orders before Nov. 15, Swing said Moon Co-op is flexible and allows adjustments on orders to accommodate special requests.
Moon Co-op has been getting its turkeys from Bowman and Landes, located outside Dayton, for over 30 years, and Swing said he believes they are the best turkeys around.
In addition to turkeys, Moon Co-op stocks essential seasonal produce, including cranberries, yams, squash and celery, along with Thanksgiving baking staples like canned pumpkin and broth.
“Whether it’s stock or broth or jellied cranberries or whole cranberries or stuffing, marshmallows, whatever you need, we have it on that endcap display,” Swing said.
The endcap display in the store is something that rotates based on seasons and holidays.
Moon Co-op also caters to those with dietary sensitivities by offering a gluten-free pumpkin pie and non-dairy items to make it easy for everyone to enjoy holiday treats. Its deli department also features prepared Thanksgiving side dishes and smaller turkey dinners for singles or couples who prefer a simpler holiday meal.
Swing said Moon Co-op strives to source locally whenever possible, which is reflected by the community map listing 60 local farmers and vendors inside the store.
“It fills a niche,” he said. “It fills a need in the community because Walmart and Kroger can’t, they have to find farmers that can sell in volumes.”
Moon Co-op is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Moon Co-op is located at 512 S. Locust St.