Tag: farms

Rockport Farmers Market on Saturday!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Supporting Local Food

The Rockport Farmers Market has been setting up at the Community House in Rockport this winter as a new venture in local food, and it has been an interesting and exciting experiment so far to hold a farmers’ market every month from January all the way into the summer when the weekly market returns. The Cape Ann community supports local food producers in a big way, and the farmers’ market vendors are looking forward to seeing all of you on Saturday at the March market!

Local food patrons can pick up fresh greens and locally-raised meats from Arrowhead Family Farm, First Light Farm and Rockport’s own Seaview Farm. Plus, there will be loads of other foods from local producers: smoked fish from Sasquatch Smokehouse, locally-roasted direct trade coffee from Valverde Coffee, dried fruits from All-Fruit, soups from The Soup Guy, granola and more from The Yellow Plum, fresh baked goods from Cake Ann, pickles from Ma & Pa’s Pickles, and dahlia tubers from Roving Radish and much more!!!

RWinterFMposter (1)FREE Tote with $50 Purchase!

At Saturday’s Rockport Winter Farmers Market (March 19th from 9am to 1pm at the Rockport Community House), patrons who spend $50 or more will receive a Rockport Farmers Market tote: a high-quality screenprinted reversible fabric bag with inside pocket – perfect for carrying all your delicious farmers’ market goods.

Pick up a “farmers’ market patron” card at the Rockport Exchange booth at the market and vendors will check off each $10 increment you spend. If you spend $50 at tomorrow’s market, simply present your card back at the Rockport Exchange booth for redemption at the end of your Rockport Farmers Market visit.

Enjoy fresh, local food and support the work of local food producers, PLUS get a handy tote in the process: a winning situation!

For more info visit http://www.rockportexchange.org

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Forced Family Fun Fall Farm Tour

Posted on by Nichole S.

The last official day of summer marks the date for what we consider to be one of our favorite fall events. And when I say “we” I really just mean myself and the boys, because my husband isn’t necessarily fond of being on tour for the entire fall season. But, he does it….so, brownie points there.  This year’s Family Farm Day at Appleton Farm in Ipswich is happening on Sunday, September 21st from 10-3…oddly enough it may reach into the 80s.  Sadly, the Schraffts will most likely be no-shows this year due to an 11:30 hockey game…go figure.  But, you should all go!

Check out the Event

Our fall days at an assortment of farms continue to be some of my favorite memories with the boys. We are, and always will be, “summer people” but, that having been said, there is something about the crisp weather, the pick-your-own abundance of super yummy fruit, the music, the changing leaves….the cider donuts, etc. that gives me super warm fuzzies.  I am a stickler for tradition and there is something sentimental about the annual trip to each place that makes me happy.  I love seeing how much the boys have grown from autumn to autumn and see what parts of each farm draw them in each season.  My boys have also always been a bit obsessed with farm animals.  There are no fewer than 50 goats, cows, and pigs that could tell you tales about a Schrafft boy’s finger being shoved into places they don’t belong.  Primarily noses….but, there was that one time….   Bygones.

This year our Farm Tour will take a significant hit due to conflicting hockey schedules, but, we still have a few “must do” romps that I’m not willing to skip. Our favorite farm of all is Applecrest Farm in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. First of all, I kind of like that it is a bit of a drive.  A little known secret is that I’m a wicked Sunday driver. Again, my husband may disagree that the ride is a bonus, and…if I’m being honest here…it did lead to quite a marital tiff one year. The words “remind me again what exactly is wrong with the apples that are 20 minutes away from home?” were uttered in traffic on the way home….and we may or may not have missed the first quarter of the Patriots game.  I digress. Applecrest is a fantastic destination and if you take the back roads, the drive is stunningly gorgeous.  If you check out their event calendar you may get lucky enough to catch their super cute “Story Book Hayrides” that are put on by the drama students of a local high school to help pay for their annual school trip. They also host car shows, a field plowing day, and other events in addition to the already excellent activities that can easily fill a whole day.  I’m a giant fan of the petting farm (small barnyard animals, peeps….seriously) and the excellent blue grass music.  The good eats don’t hurt either!  There’s also some good shopping to be done in their barn.  We always come home with some classroom snacks for the boys and some sinful treats for the house.

Applecrest

We have lots of close runner-ups when it comes to local farms, but I’d rather hear yours!  So, with fall approaching, where do you and yours always head?  I’d really like to know!