Shoreline Sourdough produces a variety of carby goodness, with flavors like Cheddar Old Bay and Cinnamon Raisin. (Photo courtesy Shoreline Sourdough)

We’ve all known the folks in the neighborhood who are amazing bakers. With recently updated cottage bakery laws, their talents will be hidden no more!.
In Maryland, it is now easier for home bakers to earn more income, offer more of a variety and sell from their residences- and all of us taste testers can reap and eat the benefits as more cottage bakeries pop up!
In Cordova, my family’s hometown hero is Olive’s Orchard.
The little shed has become our favorite spot to pull over for a treat after a long day on the boat, when we have friends over, or really, when we just want a low key trip out of the house!
The dress code is probably defined when someone’s either in pajamas or barefoot. Or both.
We first saw Olive’s pop-up last summer on social media, and then our circles of friends started to buzz about the “cookie shack.”
Before long, it seemed that everyone’s sweaty little summer angels were stuffing cash in the cash box or racking up a Venmo bill trying out the many rotating flavors of the week. (With Lemon Crinkle, Cookie Monster, Lava cake and more, I highly suggest trying each child’s cookie when unwrapping them!)
Owner Sunshine Simmons says, “We had no idea it would be what it is today! I’ve made so many connections with people in our community by opening this stand. It replaced my job and allowed me to focus on my degree. Genuinely one of the coolest things I’ve ever done!”
Simmons had worked in a bakery before, and had always wanted to create a produce stand of sorts.
Her idea morphed into a bakery stand which was built by her fiance Ben, and business grew from there while she successfully completed her radiology degree.
Now instead of heading out into the beach traffic for a trendy, over-priced summer treat, the community can swing by the magical little stop for an easy way to show kids a small business and support one to boot.
Cookies, Cinnamon rolls, breads and jams — it all just tastes better.
As it turns out, Cordova, or “God’s Country,” as I like to call it, is not the only town with literal slices of heaven on the roadside — Cottage bakeries are popping up all over the Shore. Want to go somewhere but not really? Try an old fashioned cruise to a new bakestand!
(Located at 32440 Geib Road in Cordova, Olive’s is open Saturday and Sunday.)
From What I Gather
22540 Pot Pie Road, Wittman
Even if you don’t have much of a reason to ride through Wittman, “From What I Gather” stand may have you grabbing the car keys to “run errands.” The mother and daughter owners whip up everything from cookies to donuts to apple pie cinnamon rolls. They also have a rotating variety of the popular, yet hard to find, Smith Island cake slices.
If you’ve lured your teen halfway to the car, tell them they even have dirty soda kits and you are sure to have a riding buddy. Their stand is open Friday at 2 p.m. until sell-out on Monday.
The Four T’s Cottage Bakery
Clayton Farms, Magnolia
Hill Rd. in Denton pick up
The Four T’s in Denton offers all the varieties of sourdough, muffins, cookies and bagels! Can’t make up your mind on a sourdough variety and or feel a little worried you may eat four entire loaves by yourself? Owner Amanda Wright also offers custom sourdough flights so you can try the Cracked Black Pepper & Parmesan and also the Maple Pecan! You can find them at Clayton Farms in the summer, at their home stand when Clayton’s is in the off-season or reach out to pre-order and pick up on social media.
First Light Baking Company at A Little Farm & Nursery, Monocle Meat Company in Stevensville
Think past sandwiches with First Light’s offerings of sourdough cookies and brownies with flavors like S’mores, Pecan and more. (But yes, all the staples like sandwich bread and brioche rolls too!) Get their fresh goodies after their drop offs on Fridays.
Honey Blossom Pantry
Glebe Road, Easton
While you can’t just pull up for a sugar fix, plan ahead and preorder a bundle of cookies and cinnamon rolls. If you have an Oatmeal Cream cookie fan in the house, owner Robyn Caldwell’s are a must try! Though, you’ll likely have some converts after everyone tastes them. Go online to schedule an order and pickup window, and weekend you will definitely be thankful.
Leigh Allen Farms, 119
Governors Way, Queenstown
Leigh Allen Farms has it all for everybody — They provide the large range of sourdough items but are also fully stocked with other local friends to include Voyager Coffee, Lucky Dog Treats, Kent Island Spice Company and more. It’s a one stop farmer’s market. Pistachio Baking is coming in hot with oversize cookies in Dot Cake, Key Lime, Old Bay Toffee, Root Beer float and other flavors, with mini muffins and cinnamon rolls to boot. (You can also find Pistachio at the St. Michael’s Farmers’ Market and they deliver to Talbot County).
Anna’s Elegant Desserts has some seriously show stopping decorated chocolate and unique & lovely Zephyr, or “Russian marshmallows.” Somewhat of a mix between a meringue and marshmallow, Anna’s also creates elaborate flower bouquets with the dessert. Other sugar rushes include Carrie Sue’s Cupcakery, Shore Sweet Treats and to balance it all out, you can also pick up granola varieties from Oats & Grace. Bring all the money as this stop also has craft and bath items. Stop in Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Flora’s Farmstand 31693 Clarks Wharf Road, Trappe
In Trappe, Monterey Farms has also created a collaboration of local artisans with a one stop shop on Friday 11 a.m. to dusk and Saturday 8 a.m. to dusk. Pull up to farm grown flowers and bouquets from Monterey Farms and Busy Blooms, perfect for bringing to a summer party hostess or perking up your own table. Shoreline Sourdough weekly produces a variety of carby goodness, with flavors like Cheddar Old Bay and Cinnamon Raisin. Grab a Sourdough loaf to take your BLTs to the next level! The Homestead at Windy Hill provides fresh eggs, jellies and veggies with baked goods pre-orders around the major holidays. They’ll have your traditional staples like lollipops, hard candies, buckeyes, cookies and more, not to mention peanut brittle!
Connie’s Cottage: Breads & Baked Goods, Stevensville
While Connie’s cottage offers a huge variety of sourdough available for pre-order, they also have unique offerings like the trendy Dubai chocolate with traditional pistachio filling. Connie started making them last year after all the Dubai chocolate was hyped up everywhere, yet quite expensive for a bar. They are always a favorite for customers to gift — to others or themselves, and her puck style version is a must try. She’s also got pizza dough and all the fun cake pop flavors. The best way to score some of her goodies is to follow her social media and look for pre-orders and extras.
The Twin Grain, 1112 Bennett Point Road, Queenstown
Named for her twin children, Amanda Carney at The Twin Grain is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, baking up gut-healthy sourdough breads and treats. She also does custom party cookies with gluten free options. Her stand is open daily at 9 a.m. but as she says, “baked fresh, gone fast!”
The best way to check offerings and double check hours is to follow their pages on social media. As they are small businesses, sometimes you’ll get a “Closed, Gone to baseball,” or similar message and honestly, that makes it even more endearing. Keep your eyes peeled and your sweet tooth hungry for cottage bakeries!