There’s nothing more delicious than local produce and artisan goods. Merrimack Valley is especially lush with farms, ranches, and wineries that provide that local flavor that can’t be beaten. So when you’re visiting, be sure to hit the farm stands and tasting rooms so you can taste the local produce and experience why New England is such a popular place to visit during the harvesting season.
Verrill Farm
Verrill Farm in Concord is among the oldest agriculturally sustained lands in the U.S. It provides a veritable bounty of local produce, with more than 40 crops grown on over 150 acres of land. You can pick up the majority of these goods from the farm stand, or you can visit the farm for special pick-your-own experiences.
Pick Your Own Strawberries
Strawberry picking season in New England is often one of the most popular times to visit the farm. Grown on over five acres of beds, Verrill Farm lets you pick your own strawberries, with an annual Strawberry Festival to kick things off. If you don’t have time to do your own strawberry picking, you can just grab some at the Verrill Farm farm stand while in season.
Pick Your Own Pumpkins
There is nothing like fall in New England, especially at Verrill Farm. Every autumn you can come pick your own pumpkins on the weekends from 10 am to 4 pm. Whether you are looking for big or small, the farm offers one of the best pumpkin selections in the Greater Boston area. Select your pumpkin from the patch and bring it home to carve a spooky jack-o-lantern. During the week, the farm stand offers a large variety of decorating pumpkins with a broad selection of colors, styles and sizes!
Wilson Farm
Still in operation since 1884, Wilson Farm spans 33 acres in Lexington, and even has an additional 500 acres in Litchfield, NH. On this land, they grow 125 varieties of fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Become a “locavore” by checking out the seasonal produce or the prepared dishes sold at the farm stand. Nearly everything the farm grows is sold within hours of being harvested, so you know you’re only getting the freshest fruits and vegetables.
Bring Local Recipes Home
The worst part about going home is missing the amazing food you’ve enjoyed while traveling. Well, you can get the taste of the Merrimack Valley with recipes from the Wilson Farm Country Cookbook. You’ll find incredible recipes for some of the favorite dishes created by the great chefs at the farm.
From baked goods to appetizers to sauces and dressings to drinks, you’ll have full access to the awesome local cuisine you tried at the farm stand. There are even dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan recipes so you’ll be able to share the locally-inspired dishes you make with everyone!
Marzae Wines
You might think of Italy, Spain, and Portugal when you think of wine, but Marzae Wines in Acton has been producing great local wine right here in Massachusetts. The fruit, honey, and other ingredients used to make their wine are as local and sustainable as possible so you’ll get the unmistakable taste of true New England with each glass of wine.
Book a Wine Tasting
It’s not enough to buy a bottle of local wine to bring home with you – you deserve to taste an assortment so you can share your favorites with friends and family! That’s why you should book a tasting experience. Book for two or a group of six people and share your love of wine with the people you love. It’s an unbeatable experience and a great way to sample the different local wines they produce.
Eating and buying local produce and goods is an excellent way to fully immerse yourself in whatever place you’re visiting. During your next trip to the Merrimack Valley, be sure to stop at the farms and wineries of the area to taste the local flavor.
