Summertime is when the growing season is in full swing. This makes it the perfect opportunity to visit the farms, ranches, and farmers’ markets of Merrimack Valley. From fresh fruits and veggies to newborn animals to delicious baked goods, there’s no shortage of farm fun to be had.
Wilson Farm
For over 135 years, Wilson Farm in Lexington has been committed to producing fresh, local, and affordable produce for the community. Growing more than 125 varieties of flavorful fruits, vegetables, and herbs, almost everything is sold within hours of being harvested so customers get the highest quality produce around.
During spring and summer, the Wilson Farm hosts hour-long kid’s farm tours so they can enjoy a free, scenic tour of the 33-acre farm. They’ll even get to do a little planting themselves to keep their interest growing at home. Besides the tours, the farm also hosts events and activities throughout the year that are fun for the whole family.
Harvard Alpaca Ranch
Animal lovers and crafters alike love the Harvard Alpaca Ranch in Harvard. The 5.7 acres of farmland are home to a herd of happy, healthy alpacas. You can book ranch tours and visits for up to eight people on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. These tours are free, but a donation of $10 per adult and $5 per child is encouraged.
The ranch is also sustainable, being solar-powered and growing its pasture grass to feed the alpacas. This allows the alpacas to produce high-quality fiber that is then turned into first rate products in the Alpaca Shop, like plush toys, yarn, and apparel.
Verrill Farm
Verrill Farm in Concord boasts more than 40 crops grown across 150-acres and they’re all sold at the farm stand. You can check what’s in season each month and what’s currently being harvested so you’ll get the freshest produce in the area. Also at the farm stand are goods from their bakery, local artisan cheeses, prepared meals, and even daily soups, sandwiches, and salads. You can even pick up fresh flowers from the greenhouse.
The farm is absolutely worth a visit both for picking up your regular fresh produce and for the various special events they host. You can pick your own strawberries starting in early June, attend family-friendly summer festivals, pancake breakfasts, hay rides, and more!
The Farm Market
Every Sunday at Mill No. 5 in Lowell, come check out The Farm Market from 10 am – 1 pm. This weekly gathering puts a focus on local farmers and makers from the Merrimack Valley. You’ll find farm-fresh offerings like fresh produce, cheeses, local honey, picked goods, fresh baked bread, hot sauce, and more. The vendors change regularly, so you’ll find something new to try every time you visit.
Don’t miss out on the farm fun this summer. Take a trip up to Merrimack Valley and meet farm animals, enjoy fresh produce and artisan goods, and get a closer look at how local farms sustain themselves and you.
