From the field to your plate, within just a few miles and hours -- it doesn't get much fresher than that.

Whether it's an organized farmers market with an opening bell and the same vendors each week, or a grower selling his or her crops from a roadside wagon, Frederick County residents have ample opportunity to be part of the eating local movement. The thriving markets also reinforce that Frederick is predominantly an agricultural county.

The county is up to nine markets, with the oldest being operated every Saturday at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Market master Rob Fogle said peopleare frequenting the more than 30-year old market because they want locally grown products.

"They also want to support local farmers and talk to the producers. People want to know where their food comes from," Fogle said.

The county's only year-round market has five vendors, including Dorsey's Meat from Woodsboro, hand-made ice cream, baked goods, a coffee bar, fruits and vegetables and maple syrup and pancake mix.

Dorsey's Meat and Hattie Wars, who offers baked goods, were two of the first vendors, Fogle said.