All in the Farm Family
- Visit North Central
Branches laden with red apples. Fields dotted with bright orange pumpkins. Farmstands overflowing with
just-picked vegetables. Animals waiting to be petted. Music filling the air. North Central Massachusetts has a centuries-old history of farming—rocky soil that’s been cultivated by generations of families, while constantly evolving to keep up with the times. What’s new down on the farm these days? Check out these familiar
spots today!
Bolton Orchards
As years went on, the farm added corn, peaches, pumpkins and more to its fields—and that oh, so popular, beverage, apple cider, said Sarah O’Toole, who with her husband Joel represents the sixth generation of the Davis family to farm the land.
Bolton Orchards is known for its expansive year-round farm stand featuring not only fruits and veggies grown by the family, but produce from neighboring farms, along with deli items and ice cream. “We’re still farmers at heart,” Sarah says, and offering a variety of locally-produced, healthy foods is a way of life here.
Davis Farmland/Mega Maze
Just down the road, Davis Farmland and Mega Maze in Sterling is a seventh-generation, 165-year tradition that has evolved over recent decades into, well, the “Adventureland” that has become part of its name.
The 300-acre Farmland isn’t a typical New England farm these days: the 300 acres are home to all manner of wildlife—from deer to coyotes, turkeys and bobcats—along with the largest sanctuary of endangered and heritage livestock in North America! “Sustainability” has become a hallmark of the Davis property, where green projects include a 15-acre solar farm.
The “Davis Farmland” side of this family operation is totally kid-oriented, with farm-oriented activities, playgrounds and entertainment. Across the street, Davis Mega Maze is an adventure for the entire family. Picture it: twisting paths through eight acres of corn, with bridges, games and activities to explore along the way.
But wait! There’s more! As the Davis spread evolved from a farm to an endangered farm animal sanctuary to an awesome playground to a world-class corn maze, fifth-generation farmer Larry Davis also grew the entertainment side, with zip lines, barbecue to help “sustain” visitors, and entertainment to add to the farm fun!
Red Apple Farm
Of course, there are apples at Red Apple Farm in Phillipston—along with blueberries, pumpkins, goats, chickens, and oh, don’t forget the cider donuts! Fourth-generation farmer Al Rose and his family keep the farm humming year-round these days.
No longer a seasonal orchard enterprise, as it was when his grandfather cared for the land, the hillside farm now draws visitors throughout the year. “Each of us has been given caretaker status, to keep the farm going,” Rose says, and the challenge has been to keep the New England farm relevant in a changing world. Over the decades, the family has embraced “ag tourism”—helping visitors to appreciate the New England farm experience.
So along with family-oriented pick-your-own apples, animals to visit, and hayrides through the orchard, Red Apple has a large farm store featuring local products, and, more recently, a Brew Barn where both food and live entertainment are on the menu, beer from Moon Hill Brewing and cider made right on the farm. Hiking, cross-country skiing, dazzling holiday lights … the farm is a four-season venture for the Rose family.
Carlson Orchards
Yes, there’s a good reason they call this Johnny Appleseed Country! Local communities have been home to generations of orchardists—although these days, apples are joined by a host of other popular fruits on the
rolling hillsides.
Founded in 1936 by Walter and Eleanor Carlson, the farm has changed over the decades. In the thirties and forties, the Carlson family made their living from a diversified farm that included chickens, cows, potatoes and apples.
In the late sixties, apples became the main crop, as the farm evolved and specialized in fruits.
Today, granddaughter Katie Carlson runs the farm that has 100 acres producing apples, peaches, nectarines, blueberries, raspberries, sweet cherries and pumpkins. And don’t forget the fresh-pressed cider! Like many area farms, Carlson Orchards invites visitors to “pick your own” fruits in season—and will keep you entertained with live music, “Themed Thursdays” in the Cider Barn, and even smoked BBQ during food truck season.
Smith’s Country Cheese
A few years ago, the Smith family in Winchendon, famous for their locally-produced cheese, decided it was time to retire—but they didn’t let the popular farm just fade away. The local dairy farmers worked with two new families—Jake & Allie Catlin and Mike & Leah Catlin—to teach them everything, from caring for the cows to making their award-winning cheeses.
Nearly a decade has passed since the Catlins became dairy farmers, caring for hundreds of cows and creating cultured butter, cheddar, farmer’s cheese, Gouda, Havarti and more to sell in their farm store, in shops throughout the region, and by mail. Love cows? Love cheese? Visitors are welcome to stop by the farm, see the cows and even watch the cheese being made!
