Thanksgiving shopping in Baton Rouge usually means a crowded big-box lot and a cart with a wobbly wheel. There is another way, and it sits in Bocage Village on Jefferson Highway.

Calvin's Bocage Market has been family owned and operated since 1996. Owners Calvin and Rhonda Lindsly are hands-on, and the store says they are often the first to greet you at the door and the last to see you out. The story behind it is a good one: a segment the store shares on its History page is titled "Former Bagger Calvin Lindsly Becomes Owner of Food Store." A second generation, Brandon and Kayln, helps out at the store too.

Start with the bird

The meat department sells only USDA Prime or Choice cuts, and Calvin's says no meats are treated with chemicals to make them look fresher. For the big day, the poultry section carries fresh and frozen turkeys, whole or in parts, from Honeysuckle White, Butterball and others. Ham people will find Bryan's, Smithfield and John Morrell, and the butchers offer a full line of custom-cut beef and pork if your family goes with tenderloin instead.

Let someone else handle the sides

The deli and bakery are long-time favorites with local party planners. Look for cakes, pies, pastries, cookies and homemade cobblers and puddings in the take-out display. Party trays cover cheese, meat and olives, fresh vegetables with dip, chicken tenders, catfish fingers, mini po-boys and cookies, and the deli makes potato salad and cole slaw fresh daily. Then there is the homemade chicken salad the store calls world famous. Tray pricing is by phone, so call ahead.

Specialty and boutique wines are on displays throughout the store, and there are gift and gourmet items if you need a hostess present.

Plan your trip

Calvin's is at 7675 Jefferson Highway, open Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Seniors get 5% off every Wednesday. Call 225-927-2051 for trays and holiday orders, and give yourself one less crowded parking lot this November.

Photo courtesy of Calvin's Bocage Market.