15 Farms Near Boston to Visit This Summer
When:
Thursday, Jun 01, 2023 9:00a -
Saturday, Sep 30, 2023 5:00p
Thursday, Jun 01, 2023 9:00a -
Saturday, Sep 30, 2023 5:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
FREE
Categories:
Date Idea, Drinks, Farms, Festivals & Fairs, Food, Good for Groups, Meetup, Music
Event website:
thebostoncalendar.com
Summer’s a great time to get out of the city and visit a good ol’ fashioned farm. With the summer festival season at its peak, you can enjoy a cold cider at an outdoor taproom; sample fresh meals made from local produce; and even pick your own fruits and veggies so you can recreate that perfect summer dish at home. Check out our picks for the best farms to stop by this July, even before the apple season begins.
By Kenneal Patterson
Cider Hill Farm 🍹 (pictured)
Where: Amesbury | 42.6 miles from Downtown
Why: Cider Hill Farm’s the best place for family fun. Whether you’re shopping at the farm market, picking produce, or grabbing food (either at the daily food trucks or their very own restaurant, The PitchFORK), there’s something for everyone. This summer, PYO blueberries and enjoy the festivities of the Blueberry and Flower Festival, work out during their pure barre Saturdays; try their free family yoga; or stay all night at the hard cider bar and jam out to live music.
Where: Harvard | 34.1 miles from Downtown
Why: Carlson Orchards isn’t just for apple picking. Blueberries are growing fast, and the PYO will be opening soon! Check out their farm stand, with top notch sweet cider; grab a hard cider cocktail or flatbread pizza at their expansive Cider Barn taproom; and don’t miss out on the upcoming Artisan Fair with tons of amazing craft vendors!
Where: Douglas | 56.9 miles from Downtown
Info: Douglas Orchard and Farm has the ultimate blueberry picking experience. Your mouth will be watering just looking at pints of the bright and juicy bluebs. Get your day started with some yoga on the farm, or even check out their summer concert series, complete with the state’s best rock n’ roll cover bands.
Where: Hudson | 28.2 miles from Downtown
Why: Although Ferjulian’s Farm doesn’t offer any PYO produce opportunities, it's worth a mention for cutting your own beautiful, fresh-cut flowers. Create your own bouquet— a perfect gift for a loved one. And when you get hungry, the market offers all the fresh fruits that your heart desires, plus some crisp seasonal veggies.
Where: Stow | 27.7 miles from Downtown
Why: On July 17, blueberries will be ripe and ready at this adorable farm. You can celebrate them all at the annual Blueberry Festival, which returns in July for a weekend of delicious fun. When you visit, make sure to say hi to the farm animals, or relax with a night of Cider at Sunset and taste the self-proclaimed “addictive” blend.
Where: Sterling | 44.9 miles from Downtown
Why: PYO opens the second week of July, and the Orchards are also well-known for their delicious restaurant (including the iconic Thursday night BBQ, with vegetarian options included)! And when you’re not devouring food, you might be playing disc golf on their 100-acre property.
Where: Phillipston | 65.7 miles from Downtown
Why: Red Apple Farm offers PYO experiences for blueberry and raspberry lovers, with a Blueberry Jamboree Festival during the second and third weekends of July. Plus, for anyone looking for a bouquet, PYO sunflowers will be back and better than ever this August, so make sure to stop by the famous annual Sunflower Festival! The Farm also offers PYO apples starting in late July, a taproom with delicious food (and often live music), and all around good vibes.
Where: Sharon | 27.2 miles from Downtown
Why: You won’t need to go grocery shopping for weeks. At Wards Berry Farm, strawberries, blueberries, peas, and lots of beautiful flowers are in excellent picking condition. They also have hayrides, picnic areas, a bounce pillow, pigs, play areas for the kiddos, and plenty of food opportunities, including a smoothie bar and sandwich counter.
Where: Millis | 31.5 miles from Downtown
Why: Tangerini’s Farm has a heavenly harvest. Head over now to pick your own blueberries, sunflowers, and gorgeous wildflowers. The farm also offers some of the best ice cream around— scoops straight from Maple Valley Creamery. Plus, don’t forget to check out their amazing restaurant, The Farmer’s Porch.
Where: Tyngsboro | 37.5 miles from Downtown
Why: Blueberry, apple and flower picking galore! There’s so much to choose from at Parlee Farms, and blueberries are perfectly ripe for your homemade crumble. Plus, check out the animal barn and Mary’s Country Kitchen, where you can grab a strawberry shortcake!
Where: South Natick | 19.4 miles from Downtown
Why: Make sure to be on the lookout for South Natick’s Lookout Farm. They have brews and tunes at the farm’s restaurant. The outdoor dining experience includes picnic tables spread across the beautiful farm, serving country comfort food and deep-dish pizza. Plus, they offer fun ice cream days for your kiddos.
Where: Northampton | 104.9 miles from Downtown
Why: At Pie in the Sky, the fields are turning blue. You can pick your own delicious berries, and pretty soon you’ll have pints upon pints for your own deserts, blueberry pancakes, blueberry lemonade, and whatever else your heart desires.
Where: North Andover | 28 miles from Downtown
Why: Stay tuned for the opening date of PYO blueberries and cut-your-own flowers. In the meantime, the farm offers so much more. Check out activities such as hop-on hayrides; tie-dying and ice cream sundaes; unique pop-up dinners in the tuckaway tavern; birdhouse making; concessions on the farm (with the grill fired up); storytelling events, and so much more.
Where: Bolton | 44.1 miles from Downtown
Why: Do wineries count? With Nashoba’s commitment to the farm-to-table experience, we think so. PYO is closed over the summer, but stop by to try their vino: there’s no better way to cap off a farm day than with a fruity wine tasting. You can also take a tour of the grounds and dine at The Vintner’s Knoll.
Where: Ipswich | 36.5 miles from Downtown
Why: Sure, all the pick-your-own opportunities are currently closed for the season. But that doesn't mean a visit to Russell Orchards isn't worth it. People flock from all over just for the Orchards' wine tastings, which occur every Friday through Sunday. Trust us, the fruit wines and hard ciders are next level!
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Don’t wait until fall to head to our fave farms. There’s no better time than July to explore outside the city!
