9 best farms to visit in Berkshires, Massachusetts 


 

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Berkshires, the county on the west of Massachusetts is very well known for its nature- parks, forests, trails, hills, and water areas. People love Berkshires because of the various activities one can do there- from camping to water sport activities, to fishing, to hiking. So, apart from doing all these, you probably should check out the farms there. Acres upon acres of land hold some of the most amazing farms produce in the country.

You will get to see farm animals and their products, as well as vegetables and fruits. Here are nine of Berkshire’s farms you need to check out!

1. Ioka Valley Farm

Image: Pinterest

Ioka Valley Farm has a real farm feel and vibe- a wide variety of meats and produce. Ioka Valley has been in existence since and has farm produce such as pure maple syrup, hormone-free beef, Christmas trees, pumpkins, and squash and one can make reservations to tour the place. You will be able to talk to the sugar maker and know the process of making maple syrup! Interesting. The owners revived the plant in 1992, and even though they now have 14,000 taps, they started with just 13 taps of maple syrup!

2. Otis Poultry Farm

The Otis Poultry Farm has been operating since 1904 when the first owners started by selling chicken and eggs. Now, the Otis Farm even has a very wide selection of sugar-free products. Get to check out several kinds of cheese and cheese spreads, gourmet food, bread, candy, fudge, cookies, and wine selections. They also have pies, including what is called the ‘Fruits of the Forest’. The farm also has an interesting selection of non-food items like candles, ship skin slippers, moccasins, and other gift items!

3. Taft Farms

Image: Taft Farms

In the beautiful area of Berkshires, is the Taft Farm, on the backdrop of a picturesque landscape. Taft Farms have the best crops, fresh and healthy. The crops grown at the Tafts Farms are grown without any pesticides. When you visit the Tafts Farms, you will have an opportunity to sit and be served some great food, prepared by their resident chef, Chef Paul, who prepares the food from ingredients harvested straight from the farm. They also have the tastiest sandwiches, which you will get at the Farm Deli, located at the farm. If you love landscaping and gardening, you will find succulents, herbs, specimen plants, vegetables, fruits, pumpkins, and berries among others! This is a must-visit farm!

 4. Rawson Brook Farm

Image: Trover

Ever had Monterey Chevre Cheese? If you have, you might not know that it is made at the Rawson Brook Farm, which is owned and operated by Susan Sellew. If you haven’t, you need to try it out! The cheese has been in existence since 1984, prepared by the farm. The farm has about 40-50 goats who have kids every year so they have about 120 kids per year. The farm is very clean and follows proper processes in the production of the famous goat cheese which they sell at the farm, and also in local supermarkets and stores.

5. Joshua’s Farms 

Brigitte Ruthman runs the 36-acre farm in Massachusetts, where she rears chicken. Brigitte, a journalist by profession, had practiced for 30 years before deciding to venture into farming, her childhood dream. She now has the farm which now has free range Araucana, Bantam, and Barred Rock chicken, cows, pigs and provides raw milk to several customers in the town! She is very passionate about her farm, so you can be assured of a clean and well-kept place, and happy animals as well!

6. Bartlett’s Orchard

Image: WAMC

For over fifty years, Bartlett’s Orchard has been growing apples. Visiting the farm, you will have the opportunity to pick apples from the over 20,000 bushels on 52 acres. The farm has six scenic orchards and has 13 different varieties of apples to choose from. The farm has been in the family for generations and also has a farm shop that sells apples, baked goods, wine, apple products, donuts, and other good stuff. You really should try this!

7. Sweet Brook Farm

People with a sweet tooth will find the Sweet Brook Farm extremely fascinating. They have the best maple syrup, Sweet Brook Bread, and Maple Cream. Pete and Beth manage the farm, which also manufactures soft yarn products and knit-cold winter wear. There is a ton of vegetables as well. The place is also massive, and oftentimes, people book it to hold events such as weddings!

8. Hilltop Orchards

Image: Pinterest

The 200-acre farm was bought by John Vitorri and Wendy, who are siblings, way back in 1987. Vitorri studied Cider making in Europe, and after they acquired the land, they decided to produce hard cider. The farm now produces maple products as well as wines. There are over 2,200 varieties of trees, as well as 15 acres of woodlands. This means that you get plenty to do and see at the Hilltop Farm, one visit might not be enough, you might need to plan another trip! The Hilltop scenery is also very beautiful and the winery and store remain open every day. They also have trails where people can go for a hike.

9. Samascott Orchards

Samascott Orchards is a divine place to be. Get to pick your produce. When you get to the farm, you will get a basket at the entrance and a harvest map. You will get to know what is available for picking, and apart from taking home the products you have picked, you will get a chance to purchase some things at the farm shop as well. The farm grows fruits like peaches, plums, pears, cherries, grapes, raspberries, strawberries, sour cherries and apples, and vegetables like rhubarb, beans, peas, peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins, and squash. 

There is also a Samascott’s Garden Market, which has over 30 varieties of vegetables and herbs, 60 varieties of annuals as well as 30 of perennials. It also has gardening supplies, like soil and mulch, gardening gloves and decorations, and even has ice cream, baked goods, apple cider donuts, salads, soups, and grain bowls.

 

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