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Growing up, my family always bought our Thanksgiving turkey at a grocery store two or three days before the holiday. I was the designated shopping helper and so I’d offer assistance as my mom dug through the freezer case, trying to determine whether 16 pounds would be enough or if we should upgrade to a twenty pounder.

Problem with those turkeys was that you never knew how long they’d been frozen solid, where they’d come from and how they’d been treated while they were alive. In recent years, I’ve learned that if you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can order a fresh, local turkey that has never been frozen, was treated humanely and always tastes better than your average Butterball. Many will even have heritage, free-range and organic distinctions

Here in the Philadelphia area, we’re fortunate to have a number of options when it comes to ordering fresh turkeys. Just keep in mind that if you’re interested in this option, you’ve got to act soon; otherwise, all the available turkeys will be spoken for.

-The newly expanded Fair Food Farmstand at Reading Terminal Market offers a number of different options for Thanksgiving birds, including naturally-raised, organic and heritage breeds. Prices start at $2.99 and go up accordingly.

-The Food Trust has an entire page of their Web site devoted to Thanksgiving resources. Consider expanding your order to include pies, cakes and bread.

-Also at Reading Terminal Market, Godshall’s has been in the poultry business for generations. They’ll hook you up with just the right bird for your Thanksgiving needs.