farm stays - new englandwe lose a self-sufficient spirit that has made our country great."...

Your Guide to an Unforgettable Farm Vacation

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Farm Stays Maine ~ New Hampshire ~ Vermont


By Marcia Passos Duffy

Farm Stays – Northern New England

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Farm Stays—Northern New England


By Marcia Passos Duffy

Copyright 2006 by Marcia Passos Duffy. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, in parts thereof, in any form, except for the

inclusion of brief quotations in a review.

Cover photo courtesy of Take it For Granite B&B Farm, Wilmot, NH

All photos in this book provided courtesy of farms listed.

Published by:

The Heart of New England Publishing

K e e n e ~ N e w H a m p s h i r e www.TheHeartofNewEngland.com


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Dedication

This book is dedicated to my great-grandfather,

who loved his farm.

“If we lose the family farm, we lose more than a piece of land or individual growers of food. We lose a self-sufficient spirit that has made our country

great." -Willie Nelson, president, Farm Aid, Inc.


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Reviews “Duffy's book is chock-full of practical information and sound advice for enjoying a safe and educational on-farm experience. Farm profiles offer information on travel distance, accommodations, setting, activities, rates, food, a brief history of the farm, and recommendations for local day trips. The basic farm animal facts enhance the learning promised through this unique vacation. You'll want to bring this book along with you on your agri-tourism adventure. What a terrific way to help support small-scale farming in northern New England!”

~ Madeleine Charney, Informational Resources Manager, New England Small Farm Institute (www.smallfarm.org) (and co-host of "Farm to Fork: The Pioneer Valley's Local Food and Agriculture Show" WXOJ-LP - Valley Free Radio, 103.3 FM)

“Thirty-five years ago, when my wife and I announced to our friends that we were taking the kids on a farm vacation, they thought we were from outer space! However, as Marcia Passos Duffy points out in Farm Stays: Northern New England...Your Guide to an Unforgettable Farm Vacation, things have certainly changed, as people are now seeking an experience that can't be duplicated elsewhere at a fraction of the cost.” ~ Norm Goldman, Editor, Sketch and Travel and Bookpleasures.com www.sketchandtravel.com, www.bookpleasures.com


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“This well organized book is more than a handy vacation guide. It is a warm invitation for families to sample life at its source, where food is grown and time slows to nature’s pace. With glorious photos, tempting recipes, maps, facts, and useful links, author Marcia Passos Duffy prepares any family for a memorable stay at one of Northern New England’s many working farms that welcome guests. Duffy, a mother of two and lifelong supporter of the small farm, knows that parents truly relax when their kids are having wholesome fun.”

~ Jeanne Prevett Sable, writer, editor, and author of Seed Keepers of Crescentville (www.SeedKeepersofCrescentville.com) — A novel about a small Vermont farming community that rallies against a giant biotech ag-corporation.

“More than a book about farm locations, Marcia Passos Duffy has provided a guide to family experiences that you and your children will never forget. A day or two on the farm is like a visit to a wondrous world of new sounds and sights, a world in a different time warp where everyone has time to enjoy the people, plants and creatures around them. Often, after you’ve shared their farm, their dinner table, and their way of life, your new farm friends will become lifetime friends, and you’ll be buying Marcia’s book to encourage the city dwellers in your life to find farm friends of their own.” ~Jane Eckert, a sixth generation farmer, published author and CEO of Eckert AgriMarketing, www.eckertagrimarketing.com, which presents workshops and seminars, and provides consultation, and Web site design to North American farms and tourism professionals.


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Table of Contents

Chapter Page

What’s in This Book 8

Why Stay at a Farm 9

Before You Book Your Stay 12

Tips 14

Farming Basics 16

Farm Safety 20

Why Stay in Northern New England 21

Lodging Tax 22

Maine Farm Stays 23

Map of Maine 24

Before You Go 25

Fern Hill Farm 26

Home Nest Farm 30

Maple Hill Farm 35

Morrill Farm 39

Nonesuch Farm 43

Pleasant Bay B&B 46

Tides End Farm 49

New Hampshire Farm Stays 53

Map of New Hampshire 54

Before You Go 55

Blueberry Farm 56

D-Acres 60


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Inn at East Hill Farm 64

Inn at Valley Farm 67

Peep Willow Farm 72

Shaker Woods Farm 75

Take it for Granite B&B 78

Vermont Farm Stays 81

Map of Vermont 82

Before You Go 83

Berkson Farms 84

Emergo Farm B&B 87

Four Springs Farm 90

Hill Farm 94

Hollister Hill Farm 97

Liberty Hill Farm 100

Shearer Hill Farm 103

Shepherd’s Hill Farm 106

Sweet Retreat 109

Farm Stays Beyond New England 113

Farm Stays Recipes 116

About the Author 125


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What’s in this Book

This book will give you tips on what to expect on your farm vacation, and lists 23 working farms in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont that cater to guests. Each listing includes photos of the farm, links to the Web site, travel distance from major metropolitan areas in the Northeast (Boston, New York City and Montreal, Canada), if kids and/or pets are welcome, costs, and what you can expect on your farm vacation.

This book was written specifically for travelers to the more rural New England states (Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont) who are looking for a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. Northern New England has traditionally been a popular vacation getaway for individuals and families from Northeast metropolitan areas who visit our seashores and lakes in the summer, our idyllic towns during foliage, and our mountains in the winter. However, you’ll find that staying at a farm offers an experience that can’t be duplicated anywhere else.


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Why Stay at a Farm?

As you plan your next vacation, do you get sticker shock from the cost of staying at a resort? Are you tired of the usual resorts or theme-parks where you are passively entertained (and constantly opening your wallet)? Are you searching for a vacation that will be relaxing for you and an unforgettable experience for the kids? Do you want to be at a place that is real and not manufactured?

What you need is a good old fashioned farm vacation.

Staying at a farm – even if you just stay a weekend – is an experience your family will never forget. If you have kids, it is a chance for them to experience firsthand where food comes from and even help with farm chores, such as feeding baby lambs and collecting eggs. It is a way out of the hustle and bustle of modern life – a retreat that brings you and your family back to America’s farm roots and a calmer, simpler way of life.

Farm vacations are not new. In fact, 50 years ago city dwellers who needed a break would call their country cousins for a respite from urban life. However, today, with less than 2% of the U.S. population now living on working farms, having a relative with a farm is unlikely for most people. But now more than ever — with the frenetic pace of suburban & urban life at full tilt — we all desperately need a vacation “away from it all.”

Luckily there still many farmers who, in addition to farming, love to play host to their urban “cousins.” These farmers are part of an ever-growing trend of agri-tourism. According to a recent article in the Boston Globe, the farm vacation is increasingly becoming a popular


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getaway among suburban families; this trend is being fueled by a surging interest in environmentally conscious tourism and the increased enthusiasm for local organic food among suburbanites and urban dwellers – who rightly believe that children ought to know and understand where food comes from.

What’s it like to stay on a farm?

Imagine for a moment waking to the sound of the rooster crowing and chickens clucking. How about rolling out of bed and collecting fresh eggs for breakfast with your kids? You can then stroll around the farm, go fishing, milk a cow, sip lemonade on the rocking chair on the porch, feed a baby lamb out of a bottle or go for a hayride.

The pace and pressures of everyday life slip away. This is a place you can really “let go” on vacation, participate in some real down-to-earth activities, eat wholesome home-grown & cooked meals, and probably have the best sleep you’ve had in years.

Now this is what you can call a vacation.

Many parents who have taken a farm vacation report it is more relaxing than a Club Med or Disney vacation – and it promotes simpler values they want to instill in their children – like hard work and respect for nature.

A farm vacation is not only relaxing, but it is a true bargain. The average middle income American family spends hundreds of dollars annually in its two weeks' pursuit of pleasure and relaxation. You probably lay out even more money on camping equipment, special vehicles, boats, motorcycles, gasoline, motels, restaurants, camping fees, portable TVs, movies, liquor, repair bills and more. Sometimes


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you need a vacation after your vacation to recover from the stress of spending all that money and not really having a relaxing time.

Your farm vacation helps not only your family, but small family farms.

It is no secret that family farms and their way of life are at risk of being lost to large factory farms and development. But being resourceful people, farmers today are looking for new income streams. Hosting farm stays is one of those ways.

For farmers the influx of guests who are willing to pay for lodging and the “farm experience” is becoming vital to their economic survival and preserving the rural landscape. In fact, farms that include some kind of “agri-tourism” (such as farm stays) are managing to stay afloat and even thrive.

With many independent farms on the verge of extinction, cash-strapped farmers are finding a good stream of income hosting urban/suburban guests — who actually want to milk their cows and gather eggs.


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Before You Book Your Vacation

on a Working Farm

Farm vacations are as varied as the farmers who run them. There is a wide variety of “farm experiences” you and your family can have: from the full-fledged dairy farm to a “gentleman” farm with a few sheep and chickens.

Before you book your farm vacation, read the descriptions of the farms carefully. Visit the Web sites, and call the farmer hosts if you have any questions or concerns. You will find the farmer hosts are very eager and willing to make sure that their farms are the right fit for you and your family. Also ask yourself these questions:

What kind of farm experience do I want? Do you really want to be on a working farm? It is not always mandatory that you work – but it is part of the fun. Check out what kind of farm you want to stay at. There are farms with animals and farms that have vegetables or maple sugaring. Some have guest houses separate from the farmers’ living quarters; others have rooms right in the farm house. It all depends on what kind of experience you’d like your family to have during your stay.

What time of year do I want to take my vacation? How does this correspond with the farming season? If you want a maple syrup experience, don’t book in the summer (sap runs in February and March). If you want to see spring lambs, book your vacation in the spring or early summer (by fall they are pretty much all grown up.) If apple picking is your thing, book in the late summer.


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So check beforehand with the farmer about what is available – and don’t be embarrassed about your lack of knowledge of the farm seasons. These farmers are all too willing to help you plan a farm vacation that is perfect for your family. They are also experts in the rural life and local places you’ll want to visit while staying at the farm.

How will my children react to farm life? Many farms welcome children and allow them to participate in farm life: from collecting eggs to milking cows. These working farms will give your children a chance to experience events – such as a calf being born – which are impossible to duplicate on any other vacation. But be aware that not all children will like being on the farm and some toddlers can be frightened of animals (such as cows which are very large in real life.). You will also need to keep your eye on your children since some farms are not toddler-friendly.

How will I react to farm life? While you may feel relief being away from the stress of the modern world, some may find the break too jarring. Some farm stays guest rooms have no phones or TVs, and bathrooms may have to be shared. You may be in an area where there is no cell phone service or high speed Internet access (or any Internet at all). Make sure when you book your vacation that you are aware of what you can (and cannot) tolerate as far as being disconnected from the “real” world.


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Tips for Your Farm Vacation

Bring clothing appropriate for farm life. Working farms are alive with sounds, smells (not always pleasant), character and a daily routine that is very different from life in the city or the suburbs. Since much of a farm is outdoors, prepare for all weather conditions. Make sure you bring rain boots, a coat, vest, and an extra layer of clothing. You (or your kids) will certainly get into mud or manure, so dress yourself and kids appropriately. Leave your fancy clothes and white tennis shoes at home. Remember to wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 every day, even on cloudy days. If the temperature drops, always dress in warm layers to protect yourself.

If there are farm animals around, ask your children to use some restraint in approaching them. While the farm animals are probably used to having guests – particularly children – around, explain to your children that they do still need to give the animals time to explore the new people (look at you, sniff you, etc.) before they are touched. (See Farm Safety, page 11)

Don’t be shy and take this opportunity to learn more about farm life. Remember that farmers who elect to open their houses to guests are doing this not only as an income stream but because they genuinely love having people around. Don’t be shy about asking questions about the farm or talking about what you do in the suburbs or city.

Take in what is in the surrounding area. While the farm might occupy your entire stay, make sure you schedule some time to visit


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the surrounding area. I’ve suggested day trips in each of the farm stays listed.

Don’t forget to support the farm in any way you can. Farmers work very long hours for relatively low pay because they love the land. If a farm you are visiting has a gift shop or farm stand, make an effort to support the farm with your purchases. You and others will make the difference in whether many small farms continue for another generation, so buy their local produce and locally crafted products. Even if you can get the item cheaper somewhere else, choose to help the farms you visit, so they will be there when your kids have kids.


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Farming Basics

Before you embark on your farm vacation, here are some facts about farm animals that you (and your children) might be interested in learning:

About Milking Cows

• Cows are milked at least twice a day. • It used to take a person one hour to milk 6 cows by hand.

Today, modern machines can milk 100 cows in an hour. • A good milk cow gives 80-100 glasses of milk a day. • A cow produces milk for her calf and the actual milk

production begins with the calf’s birth. • A cow produces milk approximately 10 months before

“drying up” for a two-month rest period, prior to her next delivery.

• With artificial insemination and advanced technology, a few hundred bulls serve millions of cows.

• A calf drinks milk for six to eight weeks, then is gradually weaned to solid foods like grain and hay.

• Cows are ruminant animals – they have a four-compartment stomach that enables them to consume foods not digestible in humans.

• Most calves would grow horns, however, farmers remove early growth for their safety.

• Corn silage is an entire corn plant, chopped and fermented or pickled. This increases the protein and energy available to the cow (the “silage” is what you will see stored in farm “silos”)


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• Haylage is slightly dried grass that is chopped and

fermented. • Other common dairy feeds include: hay, soybean meal,

cornmeal, brewer’s grain (a waste product of beer production) and minerals.

About Sheep & Goats

While there are many similarities between sheep and goats, here’s how to easily them apart: Goat’s tails go up, sheep either have no tails (docked for sanitary reasons) or go down; goats are independent and often playful and frisky, sheep are always seen together in a herd; goats are “browsers” and like to eat twigs, leaves, vines and shrubs and will even stand up on their hind legs to reach something they want, sheep, on the other hand are grazers and can be found with their heads down while eating. And (your kids will enjoy this), goats say “maaa” and sheep say “baaaa.”

More on Sheep…

• “Ewes” are adult female sheep. “Rams” are adult males. “Lambs” are their babies.

• Ewes can weigh between 99 to 220 pounds, rams weigh between 155 and 340 pounds.

• Some, but not all, sheep have horns, some curved, that grow throughout their lives.

• Sheep are herbivores (plant-eating), and graze on grasses, leaves, twigs and young plants. They, like cows, are ruminants, and digest their food in two steps: once when they chew their food, then they regurgitate it in the form of “cud” and repeat the chewing to further break down the food for digestion.


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• Lambs are born sometime between January and May. Shearing of sheep (which does not hurt the sheep but is a process of shaving their coat of wool off for the summer) usually takes place in mid-Spring.

• The wool is cleaned and can be spun and made into yarn for sweaters, blankets and other items.

• “Fleece” is the wool from one sheep.

More on Goats…

• Goats have beards and pointed black horns. A “nanny” or a “doe” is the female goat, a “buck” or “billy” is the male. Their children are called “kids.”

• Goats live in groups called “tribes.” • Goats also are ruminants and chew their cud to aid

digestion. • Goats are a lot of fun because they can be curious,

intelligent, and playful. • Goats produce several products, depending upon the

breed. Dairy goats produce milk for consumption, cheese production, etc. Angora goats produce a fiber used for clothes. Meat goats produce kids raised for meat. Many goats are kept as pets or for show.


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About Chickens

• There are basically two kinds of chickens: eating chickens and egg-laying chickens.

• Egg laying chickens are used to lay eggs for people to eat.

They start laying eggs between 22 and 24 weeks old, and lay about one egg a day until they are 65 weeks old.

• Chickens raised for food are called broilers. They also start

laying eggs at 22-24 weeks of age, but these eggs are used for hatching to produce broilers that are young chickens used for meat. Broilers are raised until they are about 6-9 weeks old and weigh about four to seven pounds.

Thanks to Stonewall Farm of Keene, NH www.stonewallfarm.org for a portion of this farm information.


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A Word about Farm Safety

Always approach animals from the front so as not to startle them, and make a mental note of ways you can escape safely if an animal behaves unpredictably. Though farm animals may look harmless and even cute, they can severely injure people if they become confused or feel threatened. Approach animals quietly and respectfully. Loud noises or sudden movements may startle an animal, causing it to become upset.

Do not climb on or use farm equipment. And make sure your children don’t either. Farm equipment, including tractors, is extremely tempting for children to climb and play around. But unless you get permission from the farm hosts to explore the equipment, please don’t expose yourself or your children to a dangerous and potentially tragic situation.

Also be aware of Zoonoses (pronounced: zoo-uh-no-seez), infections that animals may spread to humans which can be a concern on a farm. To protect yourself, always wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap if you've touched or fed a farm animal.

Beware of fencing on the farm. “High tensile electric fencing” may look like an innocent piece of bare wire, but it gives a powerful zap if it is touched. Most electric fences are marked by bright flagging, but it is good practice not to touch any fence unless you ask the farmer if it is okay.

Containers should never be touched. Some containers, particularly those found on dairy farms where cows are milked, are used to store liquids to sterilize milking equipment and should never be touched or moved.


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Why Stay in Northern New England?

This book concentrates on the northern New England states because I believe it is a special region, steeped in history and loaded with charm. It is what people think of when they say “New England” (white-steepled churches, covered bridges, old barns and scenic farms).

It is also a convenient region for a farm vacation if you happen to live in the major metropolitan areas of Boston, New York City or Montreal, Canada. The northern New England states – Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont — have managed to retain much of their rural character – more so than their New England neighboring states to the south. Many of these northern New England farms have been in existence for hundreds of years, are imbued in history, and are in areas where there are a lot of things to do and see. Plus, you can’t beat New England hospitality.

As publisher of The Heart of New England, an online magazine about northern New England (www.TheHeartofNewEngland.com), I admit I have a strong bias and soft spot for this region. However, you will find many farm stays throughout the country and the world. As a bonus to you, I’ve included Web sites where you can find these farm stays at the end of this book.


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Lodging Tax for Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont

Please note that lodging rates stated in this guide do not include hotel tax. These are, by state:

Maine – 7%

New Hampshire – 8%

Vermont – 9%

All rates are per-night double occupancy unless noted otherwise.

Links in this e-book are active and are underlined.

Please note that at time of publication the information in this book was accurate and fact-checked. However, please call ahead to make reservations and double check occupancy rates and conditions as these may change without notice. Inclusion in this book does not imply any endorsement of a farm stay or bed and breakfast. All effort was made to include all the farm stays available throughout northern New England, however, new farm stays are being created all the time. If you know of a farm stay in Maine, New Hampshire or Vermont that should be included in a future updated version of this book, please e-mail the editor at [email protected]


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Maine

Fern Hill Farm (Naples)

Home Nest Farm (Fayette)

Maple Hill Farm (Hallowell)

Morrill Farm (Sumner)

Nonesuch Farm (Bangor)

Pleasant Bay B&B (Addison)

Tides End Farm (Georgetown)


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Map of Maine

To purchase road maps, please visit:

www.theheartofnewengland.com/travel/maps/maine.html


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Maine: Nice to Know…Before You Go

“Maine: The Way Life Should Be” is the state's motto, and once you spend some time in Maine, you can't help but agree. There is an ease and expansiveness to Maine that has a lot to do with its seafaring past. An attitude of adventure stretches all along its rugged coastline and deep into untamed inland that reaches far into the North Woods.

Maine is the largest of the New England states, measuring 300 by 200 miles at its extremes. It is a state of intense natural beauty... from Bar Harbor's Acadia National Park to mile-high Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park. There are lots of unspoiled landscapes, delicious lobsters, stately lighthouses, (very cold.) sandy beaches, plus some great bargains at Freeport's outlets. Don't forget, Maine is also the home of LL Bean.

For more information on travel to Maine visit:

www.theheartofnewengland.com/travel/Maine.html


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Fern Hill Farm

Naples, Maine

Fern Hill Farm

150 Wiley Road

Naples, ME 04055

Phone: (207) 693-4320

E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: http://www.fernhillfarm.com

Travel Region of Maine: Lakes & Mountains

www.visitmaine.com/region/region_lakes.php

Your Farm Hosts: Amy & Robert Jensen


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Driving Distances:

From Boston, Mass.: 2 hours, 40 minutes (133 miles)

From midtown Manhattan, N.Y.: 6 hours, 20 minutes (342 miles)

From Montreal, Canada: 4 hours, 44 minutes (251 miles)

Fern Hill at a glance

What they farm/make: Nubian Dairy Goats and chickens. Produce cheese & soap.

Guestrooms: Four, all with private baths. Owners have separate living area.

Acres of land: Five

Seasons: Year round

Rates: $75-95

Rates include: A big homemade breakfast (with farm fresh eggs)

What kind of food served: Fresh fruit and fresh baked goods, egg dishes, pancakes and French toast.

Child Friendly? Yes

Pet Friendly? Yes

History of Farm: The Jensens have owned the farm since 1995; the farm itself dates back to 1870.

House Rules: No smoking in the house. Smoking is allowed on grounds.

Amenities: Rooms do not have any high-tech amenities (no phone or TV). But common rooms do have television and a DVD player. Guests can use the farm’s computer with Internet access to check e-mail.


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When You Visit Fern Hill Farm

Fern Hill Farm is located halfway between Portland, Maine, and North Conway, New Hampshire, in the heart of the Lakes Region. The 1870 home is a unique vacationing experience for individuals and families alike, blending comfortable, country accommodations with a small working farm atmosphere.

Amy Jensen prides herself on her hearty homemade breakfasts cooked to order. Meals are prepared using the farm’s own resources, from the artisan goat cheeses to the farm fresh eggs gathered daily.

The small herd of American Dairy Goat Association registered Nubian goats produce the milk for the farm’s artisan cheeses and handmade goats’ milk soaps. The cheese processing facilities are inspected regularly by the Maine Department of Agriculture. You can find Fern Hill Farm’s fine goat cheese in upscale restaurants and specialty shops in the Greater Lakes Region of Maine. The farm’s goats’ milk soaps are available in local stores as well.

What to do on the farm:

The farm frequently hosts families because there is a lot for children to do, such as help milk the goats and collect eggs. The Lakes Region is a perfect area for autumn leaf watching. The view of the snow- capped Mt. Washington (www.mtwashington.org) from Fern Hill Farm is especially striking in October. The wintertime offers its own activities as well: the farm is twenty minutes from Shawnee Peak’s downhill ski trails. The Jensens also offer cross country skiing at the farm, and there are snowmobile trails adjacent to the property.


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What to do in the region:

Naples, Maine offers many activities in all seasons. Long Lake and Sebago Lake are the features in the summertime, with fishing, boating and swimming available. There are also numerous golf courses in the region, as well as charming antique stores, fine restaurants, and living history museums such as the last remaining Shaker Village at Sabbathday Lake (www.shaker.lib.me.us) and Bridgton's Naramissic Farm (www.megalink.net/~bhs ).

What is unique about staying at Fern Hill Farm?

“Because it’s a working farm the guests get to interact with the whole rhythm of the place,” says Amy. “Guests can milk, help catch a turkey, collect eggs.” Despite the down-home farm atmosphere, the rooms are decorated in pretty country Victorian décor. “We’ve taken pains to make it comfortable and pretty.” The bathrooms are done in period style with antique tubs.


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Home-Nest Farm Fayette, Maine

Home-Nest Farm

76 Baldwin Hill Road,

Fayette, ME 04349

Phone: (207) 897-4125

Web site: www.megalink.net/~homenest/B&B/facilities.htm

Travel Region of Maine: Kennebec & Moose River Valley Region

www.visitmaine.com/region/region_kennebec.php

Your Farm Hosts: Arnold & Leda Sturtevant


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Driving Distances:




Home-Nest Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: Home-Nest Farm has sheep, horses, sheep dogs, llamas, a donkey, barn cats and a Pomeranian. The Sturtevants also grow a vegetable garden, high-bush blueberries with a large variety of wild native berries, hay and pasturage for animals; they also harvest wood on lands under long-term tree farm conservation management.

Guestrooms: East wing of the 1784 main farmhouse has three bedrooms and two baths; the 1830 Red Schoolhouse has two bedrooms and one bath; Lilac Cottage (1800) has 3 bedrooms and two baths. All units have fully-equipped kitchens.

Acres of land: 250 acres

Seasons: Year round

Rates: $100-$120; weekly rate is 5-times the daily rate.

Rates include: A complimentary stock of food is enough for several days of self-prepared breakfasts; linens, cookware, wood for fireplaces, fully-equipped kitchens, washers/dryers, utilities, canoes and kayaks for use on nearby lakes & ponds.

What kind of food served: All food is self-prepared by the guests.

Child friendly? Yes

Pet friendly? No, but can bring your own horses.


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History of the Farm: The Sturtevants’ grandchildren are the eighth generation to call the Home-Nest Farm home. The couple has been farming since 1974; the farm itself dates back to 1783. The Sturtevants opened up the farm to guests to supplement their retirement income.

When You Visit Home-Nest Farm Home-Nest Farm has three historic homes located on a secluded 250-acre farm off the well-beaten tourist track. Its inspiring 60-mile view is protected by a Maine conservation easement for generations to enjoy. Stone walls, open pasture, grazing animals and expansive views distinguish a rural property reminiscent of a time when much of the state’s countryside was open land.


Visit with farm animals, pick fruit for breakfast in the blueberry field or at the neighboring strawberry fields and orchards, or milk a cow at a neighbor's dairy farm. You can also explore the grounds of the farm which has a rich history and read epitaphs on old stones in a graveyard behind the still active 200-year-old Fayette Baptist Church located at the end of the main pasture. The farm has many acres of pasture land with good animal fencing. The owners welcome guests bringing a horse or two along. Scores of miles of great trails are ready to be explored.


You can go swimming, fishing or boating on one of the beautiful clear lakes and streams that surround the farm, (the hosts provide free canoes and kayak rentals). Find fabulous mountain climbing, hiking and beaching at Mount Blue State Park, (just a 45 minute drive away). Try out one of the many golf courses in the area or bring your bike and ride throughout the countryside — be forewarned, however, the farm is in hill country, so be prepared for a workout.


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Take easy day trips to the coastline, (1 hour drive). Ride up Mount Washington's cog railway (www.mtwashington.com/cog/). Visit Maine's state capital with its award-winning museum, 18 miles away. Get out your camera and go moose hunting while enjoying a drive through the scenic countryside. (If you're one of the few lucky ones, you may not have to go far — they've been known to amble quietly by the back door). Or go back in time at the Norlands Living History Museum (www.norlands.org).

Visit the historic town of Hallowell (30 minutes away), and take in their lovely Main Street lined with antique stores. Find “culture” at Monmouth's magnificent, high-turreted Victorian summer theater (www.theateratmonmouth.org) or Brunswick's summer music theater.

In winter, you can ski at Saddleback (www.saddlebackmaine.com), Sunday River (www.SundayRiver.com), or at Sugar Loaf (www.SugarLoaf.com), and Mt. Abram (www.skimtabram.com) — all easy day trips. There are well-maintained cross-country trails at the farm, (you can cross-country right out the back door). Skate on the farm’s own pond, or snowmobile on well-traveled trails. Wagon and sleigh rides (conditions permitting) can be arranged through local services for special family events such as anniversaries, birthday parties and weddings. Inquire early for availability and pricing.

What is unique about staying at Home-Nest Farm?

“Guests can experience laid-back country living and farm life in an unspoiled environment with hosts who are genuine native Mainers having long-term knowledge and love of the area,” said host Arnold Sturtevant. There are unusual libraries in each of the rental homes that include published diaries, poems, letters, old photo collection and exciting true stories of the hosts’ ancestors who lived at Home-


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Nest Farm. The Sturtevants themselves are renowned authors with published books such as the Home-Nest Chronicles (www.megalink.net/~homenest/index.htm), Josiah Volunteered (emphasis on the family’s Civil War experiences), Ripe Berry Moon (emphasis on Leda’s Native American blood), and Tales from Labrador.

“In moments of leisure, sit out on the porch or curl up in front of a cozy fire with a good book… Look closely, and you'll find a couple about the colorful ancestors who used to live here,” said Arnold.


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Maple Hill Farm & Conference Center

Hallowell, Maine

Maple Hill Farm

11 Inn Road (off the Outlet Road)

Hallowell, ME 04347

Toll Free (Reservations Only) 1-800-622-2708

Incoming Calls for Other Inn Business (207) 622-2708

Incoming Calls for Registered Guests (207) 622-7605

Web Site www.MapleBB.com

E-mail [email protected]

Travel Region of Maine: Kennebec & Moose River Valley Region

www.visitmaine.com/region/region_kennebec.php

Your Farm Hosts: Scott Cowger & Vincent Hannan


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Driving Distances




Maple Hill Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: Llamas, goats, sheep, cows, a pony and chickens (eggs produced). They hay the fields to get winter feed for the animals, and cut lots of firewood from the woods.

Guestrooms: Eight

Acres of land: 131

Seasons: Year round

Rates: $75 - $195

Rates include: Full cooked-to-order country breakfast, anytime coffee/tea and baked goodies, common computer access, free high- speed wireless Internet access, cable television, common guest kitchen with refrigerator, sink, and microwave, use of all trails, tour of the barn with farm animals, in-room telephone with free local calls, private bath. Offer custom catering to groups who wish to gather at the inn.

Child Friendly? Best for older children who understand antiques and valuable things that are not their own.

Pet Friendly? No pets inside the inn.

History of the Farm: The hosts have owned the property since 1991 and have been farming since 1994. The farm itself was built in 1906. The land was originally settled many years earlier.

House Rules: No smoking in the house. Children need to be supervised.


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Amenities: High-speed wireless Internet is available throughout the facility. Each room has cable television, VCR, telephone with data port, hair dryer, ironing board and iron.

When You Visit Maple Hill Farm: This Augusta-area inn was named “One of 30 Great U.S. Inns” by the June 2002 issue of Travel and Leisure magazine, was also an Editors’ Pick noted as the “Best of Both Worlds” by the 2002 and 2003 Yankee Magazine Travel Guide to New England. In 1997, and it was rated “Best bed & breakfast hands down" by a statewide newspaper poll. In 2004, Maple Hill Inn received the Maine “Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.”

The Inn is full of amenities for the business traveler as well as the vacationer. There are meeting and special event facilities at the property for groups of any size… from casual meetings to full-service weddings with complete custom catering and bar service.

The rooms are spacious and furnished with antiques, all with air conditioning and individually zoned heat control. Some rooms have king-sized two-person whirlpool tubs, gas fireplaces, and several with private outdoor decks. The inn’s full custom-cooked breakfast is served from 7 to 9 each morning.


You can take tours of the barn, collect eggs from the chickens, visit the large animals up close (only when farm hosts are present), and walk the many trails in the woods.


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The farm, located in the Kennebec Valley (www.kennebecvalley.org), is adjacent to an 800+ acre wildlife preserve with more walking trails, and a pristine pond for canoeing. Maple Hill Farm is just minutes from varied dining opportunities and antique and specialty shops in the National Historic District of downtown Hallowell on the banks of the Kennebec River. The historic state capitol and acclaimed Maine State Museum are just upriver, along with Old Fort Western (www.oldfortwestern.org) and other entertainment options in Augusta.

The location provides an excellent “base camp” to easily see the rest of Maine, with many coastal, lakes region, or mountain trips, even Freeport shopping (www.freeportusa.com) within an easy hour’s drive.

What is unique about staying at your farm?

“We offer the best accommodations…double whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, decks…yet we are surrounded by 131 acres of serene fields and woods, and we have a large barn with a varied animal menagerie,” said Scott Cowger, farm host and also a Maine state senator, who added: “Soaking in a large whirlpool and then having a tour of the barn the next morning is truly a unique experience.”


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Morrill Farm

Sumner, Maine

Morrill Farm

85 Morrill Farm Road

Sumner, ME 04292

Phone: (207) 388-2059


Web site: www.morrillfarmbnb.com

Tourism Region of Maine: Lakes & Mountains


Your Farm Hosts: Larry & Pat Perron


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Driving Distances


From Midtown Manhattan, N.Y.: 6 hours, 50 minutes (375 miles)


Morrill Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: Grow vegetables, raise meat, and harvest hay. They have milking cows, beef cattle, goats, laying chickens and meat chickens, pigs, a horse, three cats and a dog.

Guestrooms: Three

Acres of Land: 217

Seasons: Mid-March to December 1st. During the winter months Morrill Farm is open to large groups for a minimum of two nights.

Rates: $65 - $85

Rates include: Full breakfast and refreshments in the afternoon

Food Served: All home-grown, home-made foods, including home-made bread made by Pat, farm-fresh butter Larry makes, bacon and sausage from their own pigs, and, in season, some of the farm’s fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.

Child friendly? Yes

Pet friendly? Yes, the hosts’ daughter, who is a certified veterinary assistant, has a boarding kennel right on the premises for a small fee of $15.

History of Farm: The Perrons have owned the farm since 1989, and have been farmers together since they married in 1970; Larry has been a farmer all his life. The farm itself dates back to the late 1790s – early 1800s.

House Rules: No smoking in the house or barn.


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Amenities: No television or computer in rooms, no laundry facilities. Hosts have a computer guests can use for e-mail access.

When You Visit Morrill Farm The Perrons invite you to step back in time in their 217-acre working farm. They have an old-fashioned rustic kitchen complete with an old slate sink, a wood cook stove, water pump, lanterns and an ice box. In the living room, they have an upright piano and an old Victrola. Winter time pleasures include flannel sheets and a warmed soapstone to keep your bed toasty. In the morning enjoy a full farm breakfast with homegrown bacon or sausage and fresh eggs with Pat's homemade bread. In the barn they have lots of old buggies and sleighs and other horse-drawn equipment. In addition, they have two barn cats, a horse named Princess, eight goats, a milking cow and several head of cattle, chickens and plenty of fresh eggs.


Guests are welcome to try their hand at milking or picking the eggs up for their own breakfast. They can also help bring in hay in the summer.

What to do in this region of Maine:

The farm has miles of nature trails for hiking, or for cross-country skiing in the winter. The west branch of the Nezinscot River flows through the property and provides great fishing. Additional fishing, as well as swimming, can be enjoyed at many nearby ponds and lakes. For a great hiking day, Speckle and Bald Mountains are only five minutes away and provide spectacular views. For downhill skiing, Mt. Abram (www.skimtabram.com) is about 20 minutes away, Sunday River (www.SundayRiver.com) is about 45 minutes away, and New Hampshire skiing is only 45 minutes away.


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After you've rested up from all the outdoor activities, you might like to explore the local establishments. Hedgehog Hill Farm (www.hedgehoghillfarm.com) is only a few miles away, and has beautiful gardens and a lovely shop with dried flowers, perennials and annuals. Perham's Jewelry Store is worth a visit with mineral rocks, jewelry, and maps to several of their mines, which are open to the public.

The Norlands Living History Museum (www.norlands.org) in nearby Livermore is a unique experience and fun for the whole family. Other local shopping is located in Buckfield, South Paris, Norway, and Oxford. Driving time to L.L. Bean (www.llbean.com) flagship store in Freeport is about 90 minutes.


The farm has a lot of old-fashioned touches and a relaxing way for families to explore farm life, says Pat. “We are a very diversified farm offering a good farm experience… we believe that people don’t have the opportunity to go to farms anymore, particularly youth.”


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Nonesuch Farm

Bangor, Maine

Nonesuch Farm

59 Hudson Road

Bangor, ME 04401

Phone: 207-942-3631


Web site: www.bangorsfirstbedandbreakfast.com

Tourism Region of Maine: Maine Highlands

www.visitmaine.com/region/region_katahdin.php

Your Farm Hosts: Jim and Mary Louis Davitt


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Driving Distances

From Boston, Mass.: 4 hours (235 miles)



Nonesuch Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: The Davitts breed Jacob sheep and raise Japanese Silkie chickens. They have two horses, a llama, 11 sheep, nine chickens and two dogs. Farm products include lamb and eggs and they will soon add herbs and flowers.

Guestrooms: Three

Seasons: Year-round

Rates: $85-$118 — Special rates apply for longer stays and group bookings. Ask about last-minute specials.

Rates include: Private bath, full breakfast and robes, chocolate, flowers and laundry facilities. Will also provided limited transportation if necessary.

What kind of food served to guests: Eggs, waffles, pancakes, bacon, sausage, fruit, coffeecake, and popovers.

Child-friendly? Very child-friendly. “And open, friendly people are always welcome,” says Mary Louis.

Pet-friendly? Depends…on the pet. Its size and whether it’s crated and whether all the other rooms are full. Ask first.

History of the farm: The couple has owned the farm since 1990; the farm itself goes back to 1855.

House rules: No smoking in the house.

Amenities: Picnic tables, chairs and a charcoal grill are available in the gardens seasonally. There are also laundry facilities. “…Bring the


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tired hiking and camping clothes,” they say. They also ask that you tell them your food allergies, intolerances and dislikes since they can accommodate you (with enough notice). They will also provide area transportation, a crib, and a roster of reliable sitters.

When You Visit Nonesuch Farm

Nonesuch Farm was built around 1855 and was a farm since its early beginnings in the small but thriving community of Six Mile Falls, which had a post office, school, saw mill, general store and blacksmith shop. Believe it or not, the commercial descendents of the general store and blacksmith shop are still in business.

While the house has changed with its families and businesses, there are still the original windows, horsehair plaster, and pine floors throughout the guest rooms, as well as period lighting fixtures and furnishings. New additions to the house include an enclosed sun porch and an unenclosed hot tub, where you are welcome to watch the farm’s resident flock of wild turkeys and transient Canada geese.


Feed the sheep and llama, collect eggs.


The farm is in the gateway to Downeast (www.downeastguide.com) and the Maine Highlands. It is a 1 ½ hour drive to Camden (www.camdenme.org), Acadia National Park (www.nps.gov/acad/) and Baxter State Park (www.baxterstateparkauthority.com). Bangor has three museums, an antique mall and three urban upscale restaurants, a microbrewery, a pub, wine and cheese shops, and three ethnic restaurants all within walking distance of one another. The University of Maine is 13 minutes away and so is Eastern Maine Medical Center.


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Pleasant Bay Bed & Breakfast

Addison, Maine

Pleasant Bay B&B and Llama Keep

PO Box 222 386 West Side Road Addison, ME 04606

Phone: (207) 483-4490 E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.pleasantbay.com

Tourism Region of Maine: Downeast Acadia

www.visitmaine.com/region/region_downeast.php

Your Farm Hosts: Joan and Leon Yeaton


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Driving Distances




Pleasant Bay Bed & Breakfast at a glance

What they farm/make: Llama and Red Deer and chickens.

Guestrooms: Four

Acres of land: 110

Seasons: Year-round

Rates: $50 - $135

Rates include: Full breakfast.

Food served: French toast, egg soufflé , wild blueberry pancakes, pumpkin waffles.

Child friendly? Yes.

Pet friendly? No.

History of farm: The Yeatons have owned the property since 1989.

When You Visit Pleasant Bay Bed & Breakfast The farm is located on a knoll by the shores of Pleasant River and Pleasant Bay in Addison, Maine. This is a place to enjoy watching the rise and fall of the tides while gazing at the many shore birds and seals. You can walk along the property’s trails accompanied (or not) by a gentle llama, or explore the shoreline in quiet seclusion. You can relax at day's end by the hearth while enjoying the sunset, or enjoy the deck and screened porch in the summertime. All of the gues


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t rooms overlook the water. The property is listed in the “Best Places to Stay in New England,” “Maine Explorer's Guide”, “B&B USA,” “Yankee Magazine's B&B Directory,” and “Coucher-De'Jeunere Guidebook of Canada.”


You can take walks with the llama ($15 charge for each llama walk), watch feedings.


The farm is located in the midst of Downeast Maine's coastal splendors — between Campobello Island, Canada and Bar Harbor, Maine and is a wonderful jumping-off point to many area attractions. Visit Schoodic Peninsula, the mainland section of Acadia National Park (www.acadia-national-park.com) – for all of the splendid views of nature — without the people. Also visit some of the nearby lighthouses including Prospect Harbor Lighthouse, Egg Rock Lighthouse and Winter Harbor Lighthouse.

Historic Ruggles House (www.ruggleshouse.org) was built in 1818 with a flying staircase that speaks for itself, penknife wood carving that took three years and, next door, the Columbia Falls Pottery (www.columbiafallspottery.com).


“Our gentle llama, red deer, the beautiful views, and over two miles of shoreline to explore,” say the hosts.


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Tide’s End Farm

Georgetown, Maine

Tides End Farm

98 Knubble Road

Georgetown, ME 04548

Phone: (207) 371-9050


Web site: www.tidesendfarm.com

Tourism Region of Maine: Mid-Coast

www.visitmaine.com/region/region_midcoast.php

Your Farm Hosts: Liia Becker and Giosi Farace


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Driving Distances




Tide’s End Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: This is a working horse farm which breeds a critically endangered breed, the Cleveland Bay.

Guestrooms: Three

Acres of land: The farm is on a 48 acre island.

Seasons: Year round.

Rates: $100 - $180. Whole house is available for $500 per night. Along with the B&B, Tide’s End runs special package rates for weekends, a week or more. That would include: accommodation, one to three mounted sessions a day, un-mounted sessions, breakfast and lunch for adults and all meals for children. Packages range from $350 up per person. Non-riding rates are available too. The farm also offers a package called Retreats for Women.

Rates include: A full country breakfast.

Child friendly? Yes.

Pet friendly? No.

History of farm: Says host, Liia Becker: “I was just one of those horse crazy little girls. No, I didn't have the opportunity to grow up on a farm, didn't even have one very close by. I was simply born with the desire to devote my life to working with horses and people. My parents finally let me have my first horse Smitty at the age of 12 after spending a summer at Hitching Post in Vermont. I had taken five years of Saddleseat lessons in Maine before the change to dressage and eventing at Hitching Post Farm….” In 2000 Liia moved into the


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1776 farmhouse that had been her grandparents’ summer home and converted it into a B&B and horse farm.

House Rules: No smoking in the house.

Amenities: All the rooms have views of the ocean, with one also looking across to the riding facility. The bedrooms are a combination of private and shared bathrooms. Upstairs is a reading nook surrounded by hundreds of books.

When You Visit Tide’s End Farm Tide's End Farm Bed and Breakfast is located in a very unique location. This working horse farm sits at the top of a hill on a 48-acre island connected to beautiful Georgetown Island by a causeway. The 1770s farmhouse is bright and airy and offers cozy surroundings including the original wooden floors and fireplaces. The bedrooms are distinctive, there is a central reading room upstairs and a lovely large screened-in porch overlooking the fields that roll down to the ocean. For those interested in the horses, there are riding programs available. Tides End Farm breeds a critically endangered breed, the Cleveland Bay and they are used in the farm’s programs. The property is lovely to hike, swim, even fish if you desire.


You can enjoy the farm’s riding programs, learn more about Cleveland Bays and raising horses or just vacation on a working farm surrounded by wonderful horses and at a beautiful serene location by the sea.


Your stay may or may not be centered on horses, but when you are ready for a break, there are many activities to choose from. You can hike, go to the beach, swim, sail, or just sit on the big screen porch and


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catch up on reading. There are many great local attractions including two excellent restaurants within 1 1/2 miles. Sea kayaking and bike rentals are just three miles away, the Five Islands wharf is five miles and beautiful Reid State Park Beach is four miles from the farm.


“We like this to be your home away from home,” writes host Liia. “We also can book only one party, or family, at a time so the feeling is that you really do have the run of a beautiful home on the Maine ocean to yourself. We also do special mother/daughter weekends.”


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New Hampshire

Blueberry Farm (Lisbon)

D-Acres (Dorchester)

Inn at East Hill Farm (Troy)

Inn at Valley Farm (Walpole)

Peep Willow Farm (Marlborough)

Shaker Woods Farm (Sanbornton)

Take it for Granite B&B (Wilmot)


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Map of New Hampshire

To purchase road maps visit

www.theheartofnewengland.com/travel/maps/newhampshire.html


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New Hampshire: Nice to Know Before You Go…

New Hampshire has a bit of a crusty image compared with its neighbors to the east and west that is a bit undeserved — the state can be as folksy as Vermont and laid-back as Maine. Still, there is a strong streak of a “Live Free or Die” attitude...then again, name one northern New England state doesn't have a fiercely independent edge. New Hampshire’s independent spirit, mountain peaks, sparkling lakes and rugged beauty have attracted trailblazers, artists and writers for generations. There is so much to see and do in this diverse state — from the driving back-country roads through covered bridges, to climbing Mt. Washington (by foot or car), to the historic seaport of Portsmouth, to the vast lakes in the north.

For more information on travel to New Hampshire visit: http://www.theheartofnewengland.com/travel/NewHampshire.html


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Blueberry Farm Bed & Breakfast Lisbon, New Hampshire

Blueberry Farm Bed & Breakfast

442 Route 302

Lisbon, NH 03585

Phone: (603) 838-5983


Web site: www.BlueberryFarmBNB.com

Travel Region of New Hampshire: White Mountains


Your Farm Hosts: Margaret & Michael McKenna


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Driving Distances



From Montreal, Canada: 3 hours (177 miles)

Blueberry Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: 1,200 cultivated “hi-bush” blueberry bushes, 30 laying chickens and two llamas. Sell pesticide-free blueberries, homemade blueberry jam, farm-fresh eggs and seasonal fresh vegetables.

Guestrooms: Four, all with private baths

Acres of land: Eight

Seasons: Year-round

Rates: $75-$95

Rates include: Full country breakfast

Food Served: The breakfast menu features… what else... blueberries. They also offer hearty country breakfast items such as eggs, homefries and assorted breakfast meats. For lighter appetites they provide bagels, blueberry muffins and homemade breads. All accompanied by a healthy dose of their homemade blueberry jam.

Child-friendly? Offer accommodations for families with children (slight charges apply)

Pet-friendly? Pets are welcome in the upstairs rooms (slight charges apply)

History of farm: The farm was established in 1850 and was previously a dairy farm; the McKennas have been farming since 1985.

Amenities: All four rooms offer private bathrooms. Upstairs rooms include shared amenities such as a refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave oven and a work station. If you need to plug in your


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laptop just ask and the hosts can make arrangements. All rooms have TV and air conditioning. One downstairs room has its own private Jacuzzi.

When You Visit Blueberry Farm Bed & Breakfast The Blueberry Farm Bed and Breakfast is tucked into the western side of the White Mountains next to Sugar Hill and Franconia, New Hampshire. The farmhouse is surrounded by fields, 1200 blueberry bushes, mountains and a pond across the street. The area has several golf courses and challenging hiking trails within 20 miles. On site you can also hike, swim in the pool or just plain relax. In the winter the farm is close to ski areas (10 miles from Cannon Mountain) and snowmobile trails border the farm on both sides.


Gather eggs, interact with the llamas (the farm hosts say their llamas are very photogenic and like children better than adults) and pick blueberries.

What to do in this region of New Hampshire?

There is a major Lilac Festival in the region every Memorial Day weekend, a celebration of New Hampshire's state flower. The festival features a parade, carnival rides, street vendors, golf tournament, fireworks and much more (for more information on the festival call 603-828-6336). Also, be sure to visit scenic town of Sugar Hill, Franconia Notch State Park, (www.franconianotchstatepark.com) and, of course, the White Mountain National Forest (www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain)


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“We are down-to-earth hosts… We love guests and look forward to visitors,” said Elizabeth. “I think after being around us for a while you will realize that we truly enjoy what we are doing.” The McKennas say that they will cater to all food likes and dislikes: “Please challenge us the night before and we will make anything you want. We also love to pamper vegetarians and dieters….You can count on our hens to come through with farm fresh eggs daily and our own fresh or frozen blueberries are grown without pesticides.”


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D-Acres of New Hampshire

Dorchester, New Hampshire

D Acres of New Hampshire

218 Streeter Woods Road

Dorchester, NH 03266

Phone: 603-786-2366


Web site: www.dacres.org

Tourism Region of New Hampshire: Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee

www.lakesunapeenh.org/

Your Farm Hosts: The Staff & Interns at D Acres


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Driving Distances




D Acres at a glance

What they farm/make: Raise pigs and laying hens, and use goats and a team of oxen to help with the farm work. The farm also grows an array of fruits and vegetables including: rhubarb, zucchini, apples, blueberries, shiitake mushrooms, corn, squash, pumpkins, raspberries, culinary herbs, kale, salad greens, chard, beets, Asian greens, chicory/radicchio, escarole, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, daikon, radishes, peas, green beans, carrots, fennel, kiwi, parsnips, cherries, June berries, cucumbers, turnips, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, onions, blackberries, peppers and tomatillos.

Guestrooms: Four indoor rooms; unlimited camping.

Acres of land: 180; most of the land is forest, with about three acres of cultivated gardens, and several acres of pasture.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, (Winter - very limited).

Rates: $15-$45

Rates include: Indoor rates include use of all facilities. Camping rates do not include use of kitchen and indoor shower facilities, though campers are welcome to use them for a small fee.

Food served: Meals are 95% organic. Dinners feature whatever vegetables harvested that day from the gardens, plus some form of protein (dried beans, tofu, tempeh) and a grain. Generally speaking, meals are vegetarian, though from time to time they will serve pork that has been raised on the farm.


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Child-friendly? Yes. The hosts request that parents keep a close eye on children, especially around the gardens. All large animals have large outdoor areas surrounded by electric fencing.

Pet-friendly? No.

History of farm: The farm has been in the family since the 1940s. The original structures – a barn built in the 1830s and the original 1850s era homestead – are the most visible connection with the past.

When You Visit D Acres of New Hampshire D Acres of New Hampshire is an organic farm and educational homestead based in rural Dorchester, New Hampshire. It is a non-profit organization created as a demonstration organic farm for education and recreation. The 180 acres are used for: organic gardening, sustainable forestry, alternative eco-building, renewable energy, organic food preservation, animal husbandry and wood crafting.

The farm offers 25-30 workshops each year and two internship/work-study programs. It also maintains walking, snow shoeing, off-road biking, and cross country ski trails for public use and operates a hostel during the spring, summer and fall. Guests can stay in private indoor rooms, or camp outdoors on tent platforms nestled in the woods. Income from the guests supports the educational programming at the farm.


Guests can check the farm’s Web site (www.dacres.org) to see if there are any workshops that are scheduled during their stay. All visitors are encouraged to take a guided tour of the farm during their stay.

Several miles of marked and maintained woodland trails are open for self-guided recreation.


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What to do in this region of New Hampshire:

Located within 5 miles of the Rumney Crag — a rock climbers’ paradise. Also within ten miles of Tenney Mountain Ski areas. Guests can also hike, bike, snow shoe and cross-country ski for miles out the back door.


D Acres offers hospitality and comfort that immediately put guests at ease. The crew of hard-working young people that staff and learn at the farm create positive energy that is contagious. Evaluations from guests say that D Acres is very relaxing, and comment that the people are extremely friendly and welcoming. Weekdays and more often than not on the weekends, a crew of hungry, dirty young farmers will join guests around the large kitchen table, telling stories and getting to know visitors. Regulars have learned that, though they are always greeted with an enthusiastic welcome, the D Acres crew has a special affinity for guests that arrive with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream (something with lots of chocolate) to share.


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The Inn at East Hill Farm

Troy, New Hampshire

The Inn at East Hill Farm

460 Monadnock Street

Troy, NH 03465

Phone: 1-800-242-6495


Web site: www.east-hill-farm.com

Tourism Region of New Hampshire: Monadnock Region

www.monadnocktravel.com/

Your Farm Hosts: Dave & Sally Adams & family


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Driving Distances

From Boston, Mass.: 1 hour, 48 minutes (75 miles)



The Inn at East Hill Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: Meat and wool for sale. The farm also has cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, donkeys.

Guest rooms: 70

Season: Year-round

Rates: $90-$125 per adult per night; $70-$108 per child per night.

Rates include: Three meals daily, use of all facilities and any recreation activities. There are Internet specials, senior midweek stays and one-day events.

Child-friendly? Yes

Pet-friendly? Yes

History of farm: The farm has been in existence since 1834; the family has owned the farm for over 40 years.

When You Visit The Inn at East Hill Farm Located at the base of Mount Monadnock in the tranquil southwestern corner of New Hampshire, the Inn at East Hill Farm maintains its tradition as a destination resort where families and friends can meet in a relaxed atmosphere. Rooms are available in the main building or in any of several modern and well-appointed cottages. Wholesome and delicious meals are home-cooked and served family style. Specialties include homemade breads, cookies,


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fritters and hearty country breakfasts. Youngsters may enjoy the adventure of collecting the eggs they eat for breakfast.

What to do at the farm:

Cow and goat milking, egg collecting, butter churning, horseback riding, animal feeding. No matter what the season, there is always something to do at the farm: swimming indoors or outdoors, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, water skiing, hay or sleigh rides, Nordic skiing and ice skating. And when vigorous activity is not on your agenda, there are plenty of comfortable and inviting spaces for reading a good book or having a quiet conversation. Activities are planned specifically for children, as well: crafts, campfires, and games among them. They'll also have a chance to milk a cow and to help feed the farm animals.

What to do in the Monadnock Region:

You can climb Gap Mountain, Mt. Monadnock (www.theheartofnewengland.com/travel/nh/mt-monadnock.html), visit downtown Keene (www.ci.keene.nh.us) and the Cathedral of the Pines (www.cathedralpines.com); browse antique shops, museums, and historical New England villages; and simply enjoy natural beauty of the area’s lakes, streams and forests.


“The hands on experience with the animals the guests have and the child-friendly, safe environment we provide.”


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The Inn at Valley Farm

Walpole, New Hampshire

The Inn at Valley Farm

633 Wentworth Road

Walpole, NH 03608

Phone: (603) 756-2855 or reservations (877) 327-2855


Web site: www.innatvalleyfarms.com


www.monadnocktravel.com

Your Farm Host: Jacqueline Caserta


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Driving Distances


From midtown Manhattan, N.Y.: 4 hours (220 miles)


The Inn at Valley Farms at a glance

What they farm/make: This is an organic farm that raises a wide variety of herbs, edible flowers, garlic, produce, and some berries —much of which they use in their gourmet breakfasts served to guests. The farm raises chickens for fresh eggs, cashmere goats for fiber, and also lease a large sugar maple grove to a family whose four generations of family members work together to make the syrup which the farm then uses in its breakfast (and is available for sale). The farm also leases fields to a neighbor who has his pregnant dairy cattle summer in the farm’s pastures.

Guestrooms: One suite and two guest rooms in the inn all with private baths. There are also two, three-bedroom cottages which are self-sufficient and have their own kitchens, living/dining room, satellite TV, and room to sleep six. The cottages are perfect for families or guests staying for an extended visit.

Acres of land: 105

Seasons: April thru December

Rates: $150-$189, with discounts for mid-week and multiple night stays.

Rates include: A three-course gourmet breakfast for guests in the inn and a homemade continental breakfast for cottage guests.

What kind of food served? The breakfast items change with the season, but some of the guests' favorites include strawberry rhubarb compote with fresh orange and local cream, baked apples with


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homemade granola and fresh chocolate mint, crème brule French toast, chocolate amaretto pound cake, decadent popovers with homemade jams, and Swiss chard and leek frittata to name a few. Cottages are stocked with breakfast basics such as milk, juice, coffee, tea, cereal and oatmeal when guests arrive and a basket with homemade baked goods and breads is delivered to their doorstep each morning. Cottage guests are invited to gather fresh eggs from the hen house, pick fresh garlic, chives, basil, green zebra heirloom tomatoes, Swiss chard or any other produce in season from the extensive organic gardens.

Child Friendly? Yes. Cottages are great for families as they have kitchens, multiple bedrooms, satellite TV, and next to a great yard with a safe grassy area for play with a swing set/jungle gym, large sand box and picnic table. Guests are welcome to help the farm hosts feed the animals and collect eggs in the evenings.

Pet Friendly? No.

Farm history: The farm was established in 1774. Jackie has owned the farm since 1998.

When You Visit Inn at Valley Farms The Inn at Valley Farms is 105-acre organic farm with lots of green rolling hills as well as woodland. The farm dates from 1774 and consists of the inn as well as several outbuildings and barns. The main barn is an amazing three-story post and beam structure built 100 years ago. Animals and gardens surround the farm and guests can experience as much or as little of the farm they want to.

The farm offers either elegant accommodations for those wanting to be pampered or cottages to accommodate families or a longer stay. The farm is located just three miles from the center of Walpole, said to be one of the most picturesque towns in all of New England and home to world-famous Burdick Chocolates


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(www.burdickchocolate.com), fine dining, several unique shops, a challenging nine-hole golf course, and Sunday concerts on the common.

Guest rooms in the inn are large and spacious offering antique furnishings, air conditioning, telephone, internet access, and local world-famous handmade Burdick Chocolates at bedside. Plenty of common areas are available in the house for guests to socialize or relax in including a plant-filled sunroom with views overlooking the farm and gardens, a library with working fireplace and stocked with numerous books on local and regional history, a comfortable living room with views of the terraced gardens, a formal dining room with raised hearth, and a game room with all the perennial favorites. A butler's pantry is available 24/7 with homemade cookies, a guest refrigerator, hot water and coffee maker, sink, wine glasses, wine opener, silverware, etc. Each cottage comes complete with a full kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, pots/pans, dishes, etc.) full bathroom with a two-person shower, living/dining area, air conditioner and fans, satellite TV, telephone/data port, mini-library, and private entrance.

What to do on the farm

The farm is very tranquil and is the perfect place for guests to unwind. You can walk through the extensive gardens sampling seasonal produce or pick your own bouquet of flowers, collect fresh eggs right from the source, visit the goats and cows, hike through the pastures and woods, and enjoy great stargazing at night.

What to do in this region of New Hampshire

The Monadnock Region is made famous by Mt. Monadnock — the most climbed mountain in the world. There are many quaint towns and villages in the area with unique features to visit such as


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museums, outdoor summer concerts, summer theater, cheese makers, antique shops, covered bridges and tax-free shopping.


“Our inn is very elegant, but comfortable and we strive to pamper our guests so guests can experience a farm but also feel they've had a vacation as well,” said farm hostess Jackie. “Our cottages are really great for families traveling with young children. We're known for our great breakfasts and guests can see how their food is grown and experience the thrill of feeling a warm fresh egg against their cheek, digging their own heirloom potatoes or pulling fresh yellow carrots from our organic gardens.” Jackie noted that the farm is bordered on two sides by a 500-acre orchard which grows over 60 varieties of apples as well as a wide variety of other fruit such as peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, grapes and pears, and guests can walk to the orchard and pick their own fruit in season.


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Peep Willow Farm Marlborough, New Hampshire

Peep-Willow Farm

51 Bixby Street

Marlborough, NH 03455

Phone: (603) 876-3807


Web site: www.peepwillowfarm.com


www.monadnocktravel.com

Your Farm Host: Noel Aderer


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Driving Distances




Peep Willow Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: This is a horse farm. They also have dogs and cats, and wildlife often wanders through—deer, fox, turkeys, moose, etc.

Guestrooms: Three

Acres of land: 18

Seasons: Year-round

Rates: $50-$100+. Special family and extended stay rates

Rates include: Bed and breakfast and taxes

Child-friendly? Yes

Pet-friendly? Yes

History of farm: The horse farm has been in existence since 1980.

When You Visit Peep-Willow Farm Peep-Willow Farm is an 18-acre working horse farm bed and breakfast where thoroughbreds are born, raised and trained to be top competition horses. The atmosphere encourages relaxation enjoyment of the outdoors and a chance to meet new and interesting people. The tempo at the farm changes with the seasons: spring is foaling; summer and fall are competition and training; winter is for relaxation


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and renewal. The breathtaking view from the farm and the activities available in the region also reflect the march of the seasons.


Guests are welcome to help with chores, wander around and talk to, feed, or pat the livestock, or sit on the terrace and enjoy the view all the way to the Connecticut River Valley...while the newborn foals and their moms frolic before them, but there is no riding. The 20-year-old colonial farmhouse is a charming small establishment with lots of wood accents and some antiques.

The highlights of the area

Many people come to this area to climb the world famous Mt. Monadnock, which is two miles down the road from the farm. There is also swimming, tennis, nature walks in the myriad state parks, riding, canoeing, or golf at any of several renowned courses, cross country skiing and when you are finished, sitting on the terrace at the farm and enjoying a glass of wine or cold beer. The area also boasts a huge variety of exceptionally fine dining, from the nationally famous Lindy’s Diner to the “haute cuisine” of Nicola's Trattoria (both in Keene, NH).

Cultural offerings abound, from one of the nation’s finest summer stock repertory theaters to the intimate chamber renditions of Monadnock Music to the grander scale of the New Hampshire Symphony. The Colonial Theater (www.thecolonial.org) and Keene State College’s Arts Center on Brickyard Pond (www.keene.edu/racbp/) offer a variety of greater and lesser performers and performances throughout all seasons. Throughout the summer, the Main Street in Keene hosts several festivals the most famous is the Keene Pumpkin Festival (www.pumpkinfestival.com) .


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Shaker Woods Farm

Sanbornton, New Hampshire

Shaker Woods Farm

30 Lower Smith Road

Sanbornton, NH 03269

Phone: 603-528-1990


Web site: www.shakerwoodsfarm.com

Tourism Region of New Hampshire: Lakes Region

www.lakesregion.org

Your Hosts: Eva Dunn & Jack Potter


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Driving Distances




Shaker Woods Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: Organic fruits and vegetables. Have dairy goats & horses (summer). Make home-made goat milk soap.

Guestrooms: Summer, two B&B rooms and three hostel style rooms; Winter, two B&B rooms

Acres of land: Five and a half

Seasons: Year-round

Rates: $30-$105

Rates include: Breakfast

Child-friendly? They take children on a “by exception” basis (please check with the Potters before making your reservation).

Pet-friendly? No.

History of farm: The couple have owned the farm since 1994.

When You Visit Shaker Woods Farm Shaker Woods Farm was selected as a New Hampshire Farm of Distinction in 2005 and has been featured on WMUR’s “unique country inn series.” The rooms are furnished from the couple’s worldwide Air Force assignments. Nestled against the woods on a quiet road, the farm offers private rooms with baths, and a home- cooked country breakfast.


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Highlights of the area

All the recreational amenities of the Lakes Region, as well as, Gunstock Recreational Area (www.gunstock.com) , the Canterbury Shaker Village (www.shakers.org), Loudon NASCAR (www.nhis.com) track, the Tanger Outlet Shops (www.tangeroutlet.com) in Tilton.


Soap & cheese making lessons, goat keeping lessons, and garden tours.


“We’re not a fancy Victorian B&B,” said Jack. “You definitely don’t stay with us because you want to stay in a posh, Martha Stewart-type place.” But there is a relaxed atmosphere and a great country breakfast. Farm hosts invite guests to make a cup of tea in the guest kitchen and relax on the inviting sun porch. “The farm features home made goat milk soap from our own dairy goats and a large herb and vegetable garden,” said Jack. Soap making and home use cheese classes are available (seasonally). In the winter, guests can cross-country ski in the pastures. The farm is also central to the amenities of the Lakes Region and located 6 miles from Exit 20 at I-93. Smoke-free and open year round with air conditioned rooms in the summer.


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Take it for Granite Farm B&B

Wilmot, New Hampshire

Take it for Granite B&B Farm

55 Campground Road

P O Box 53

Wilmot, NH 03287

Phone: 603 526 6376


Web site: www.granitebb.com

Tourism Region of New Hampshire: Dartmouth-Sunapee Region

www.lakesunapeenh.org

Your Farm Hosts: Craig and Lindy Heim


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Driving Distances




Take it for Granite B&B Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: Raise flowers and pumpkins. Please Note: there are no farm animals, however, the hosts lead visits to neighboring farms that include feeding chickens, visits with miniature donkeys, horses and pigs, all within easy walking distance of B&B.

Guestrooms: Four suites all with private bath, king or queen sized beds and room for whole families

Acres of land: Ten

Seasons: Year-round

Rates: $100-$140

Rates include: Lodging for two and breakfast

Food served: Healthy buffet breakfasts that include cereals, juices, good coffee, fresh fruit and yogurt, and homemade baked goods

Child-friendly? Yes.

Pet-friendly? No

History of farm: Farm has been in existence since the 1840s; the hosts have owned the farm since 1996.


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When You Visit Take it for Granite

Take it for Granite B&B Farm is an 1840s farmhouse B&B in the village of Wilmot, New Hampshire on about ten acres. While the hosts raise only pumpkins and flowers, they do lead visits to neighboring farms that include feeding chickens, and visiting with miniature donkeys, horses and pigs, all within easy walking distance of the B&B. They do have a frog pond on the property as well as a walking path through the woods and a playhouse. Local maple syrup and fruits picked in season are featured at the breakfast table. Take it for Granite’s own farm history reflects what was true for all the farms in the area: it began in the 1800s as a sheep farm, then, in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s continued as an egg farm. Certificates are displayed in the barn along with an informal museum of farm tools and “treasures” found in on the property over the years.


Feed the chickens, miniature donkeys, horses and pigs across the road and catching and release frogs at the pond.


Nearby skiing, hiking, town pond recreation including canoes, kayaks, sandy beach, float, playground and biking country roads.

What is unique about staying at Take it for Granite?

“Take it for Granite combines the amenities of a lovely inn with the quiet and beauty of village and farm life,” says Lindy. She adds that it is also centrally located, for easy day trips to the Maine and New Hampshire coasts, the White Mountains, the quaint villages and farms of Vermont, and even Montreal, which is only 3 ½ half hours away by car.


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Vermont

Berkson Farms (Enosburg Falls)

Emergo Farm B&B (Danville)

Four Springs Farm (Royalton)

Hill Farm (Arlington)

Hollister Hill Farm (Marshfield)

Liberty Hill Farm (Rochester)

Shearer Hill Farm (Wilmington)

Shepherd’s Hill Farm (Taftsville)

Sweet Retreat (Northfield)


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Map of Vermont

For Vermont road maps visit:

www.theheartofnewengland.com/travel/maps/vermont.html


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Vermont: Nice to Know…Before You Go…

There is an image of timelessness to Vermont, where cows (used to) outnumber people. Not sure if this is true anymore — but there are still lots of open farmland, rolling hills, covered bridges, cozy country inns, and immaculate New England villages dotting the landscape. This is the state where outdoor enthusiasts flock to enjoy a myriad of opportunities to bike, hike, cross country or downhill ski in its many resorts (Killington/Pico, Stowe, Rutland and others). Vermont (like the other northern New England states) has a reputation for being the state with a “mind of its own,” and, politically, tends to lean more to the left than its northern New England neighbors to the east.

For more travel information about Vermont visit:

www.theheartofnewengland.com/travel/Vermont.html


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Berkson Farms B&B and Farm Vacation

Berkson Farms B&B and Farm Vacation

1205 West Berkshire Road

Enosburg Falls, VT 05450

Phone: (802) 933-2522


Web site: www.berksonfarms.com

Tourism Area of Vermont: Islands & Farms

www.vermontvacation.com/region01/index.asp

Your Farm Hosts: Lisa & Sam Hogaboom


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Driving Distances:


From midtown Manhattan, N.Y.:6 hours, 38 minutes (375 miles)

From Montreal, Canada: 1 hour, 43 minutes (71 miles)

Berkson Farms B&B at a glance

What they farm/make: Dairy farm that produces milk from 235 cows. The farm has small animals including chickens, ducks, and sheep. They also maintain a sugarbush and tap approximately 2,200 trees to make their own maple syrup.

Guestrooms: Four guest rooms, three with shared bath, one with private bath

Acres of land: 700

Rates: $65 per night for room with shared bath; $75 per night for room with private bath

Rates include: Full country breakfast

Child-friendly? Yes

Pet-friendly? Yes

History of farm: The farm is actually three small farms joined as one about 35 years ago. It is owned by Sidney Berkson who was a clothing manufacturer in Montreal, Canada. Berkson retired at the age of 40, sold his business to move to Vermont and fulfill his life-long dream of becoming a farmer. The farmhouse itself is a century old.


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When You Visit Berkson Farms B&B Berkson Farms is situated on 700 beautiful acres, one mile from the village of Enosburg Falls. Scenic roads take you through the farmlands of the Missisquoi River Valley. The farm stay is open year round and offers a Vermont-style breakfast in the sunny dining room made with farm-fresh eggs, milk from the dairy, fresh creamery butter and their own maple syrup.


Kids can feed the sheep and chickens. People can participate in or view the milking operations.

What to do in this region of Vermont:

Berkson Farms is only 1.5 miles from the local 18 hole golf course, 70 miles to Montreal, Canada, 20 miles to two major ski resorts (Jay Peak and Smuggler's Notch (www.smuggs.com) and 14 miles to cross country skiing trails and the Long Trail. (www.greenmountainclub.org/page.php?id=2 ).

What is unique about staying at Berkson Farms?

“We are a classic Vermont farmhouse on a working dairy farm where you are welcome to participate in the farm operations,” write the hosts. “You are also welcome to visit our ranch where we have various animals to pet including horses, chickens, peacock and ducks, pigmy goats and more. This is a great way to introduce young children to farm life.”


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Emergo Farm B&B

Danville, Vermont

Emergo Farm B&B

261 Webster Hill Road

Danville, VT 05828

Phone: (888) 383-1185 or (802) 684-2215


Web site: www.emergofarm.com

Tourism Area of Vermont: Northeast Kingdom

www.travelthekingdom.com

Your Farm Hosts: Bebo and Lori Webster


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Driving Distances




Emergo Farm B&B at a glance

What they farm/make: Holstein milking cows (90 head)

Guestrooms: There are several options: double occupancy with shared bath; double occupancy with private bath; family rate (2 adults with children) and a five-room family suite.

Acres of land: 230

Rates: $90 - $165

Rates include: Full breakfast with organic products, homemade breads and buttermilk pancakes drizzled with pure Vermont maple syrup.

Child-friendly? Yes

Pet-friendly? No

History of farm: Sixth-generation working dairy farm in existence since 1858.

When You Visit Emergo Farm B&B The 230 acres is still in use today in picturesque Danville Village in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. The Websters’ great-great-great grandparents hand-built the farm buildings fastened with pegs in traditional post-and-beam construction, including a three-story barn used for hay storage and to milk 15 Jerseys. Today, the Webster family milks 90 head of Holsteins in a modern free stall parlor.


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Guests are encouraged to tour the buildings, help feed the calves and “awake early” to lend a hand at milking. Hike to the picnic area on Webster Hill with panoramic views of Burke Mountain, Willoughby Gap and Danville Village or simply relax in the hammock on the porch and enjoy the views of green pastures, enjoy country comforts, local period furniture, and family antiques year round with private baths or in the two-bedroom Homestead Suite.

What to do in this region of Vermont:

In addition to experiencing life on the farm, there is a lot to do in the Northeast Kingdom....Cabot Creamery Tours (www.cabotcheese.com) the Great Vermont Corn Maze (www.vermontcornmaze.com), covered bridges, spectacular fall foliage, antique & specialty shops, maple sugaring, country fairs, Ben & Jerry's (www.benjerry.com), hiking the Green Mountains, and don't forget sledding on Webster Hill and the many country stores and villages to visit.

What is unique about staying at Emergo Farm?

The house features local period furniture, family antiques and country treasures. Views of the green pastures, Danville Village, the Green Mountains and the White Mountains can be seen from every room. Guest are encouraged to tour the “Dairy of Distinction,” or just sit on the porch and watch the cows graze from the Vermont-made hammock. “If you are feeling energetic, though, as always, there is no extra charge for helping with the farm chores.” says Lori.


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Four Springs Farm

Royalton, Vermont

Four Springs Farm

776 Gee Hill Road

Royalton, VT 05068

Phone: (802) 763-7296


Web site: www.fourspringsfarm.com

Tourism Region of Vermont: Central

www.central-vt.com

Your Farm Host: Jinny Hardy Cleland


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Driving Distances


From midtown Manhattan, N.Y.: 5 hours (283 miles)


Four Springs Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: Organic vegetables, flowers, herbs, spring greenhouse; also have a bakery, eggs, turkeys and chickens.

Guestrooms: One cabin and seven tent sites

Acres of land: 70

Seasons: April through October

Rates: $20-$25 tent camping and $60-$75 cabin camping

Rates include: Overnight camping and use of the farm for recreation and chores with the farmers in the morning.

Food served: Does not serve food but guests can purchase fresh vegetables, eggs and its farm-raised pastured chicken.

Child-friendly? Yes

Pet-friendly? No

History of farm: The farm has been in existence since 2001; Jinny has farmed for 25 years.


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When You Visit Four Springs Farm: The farm is a working organic vegetable farm. Owner and host Jinny Hardy Cleland, a seasoned farmer of more than twenty years, purchased Four Springs Farms in 2001 and has since developed it into a productive organic vegetable farm and campground. With her family and apprentices; she raises certified organic vegetables, herbs and flowers to sell at area farmers' markets and to fifty local families through its CSA program (Community Supported Agriculture). In addition, Jinny grows pansies and bedding plants in her greenhouses, raises chickens and turkeys, and maintains a flock of laying hens for eggs. In the off season, she bakes and sells delicious cookies and sweet rolls under the label of Buttermilk Bakery. Although farm work keeps the staff busy, they delight in showing campers around the farm and encourage them to tag along on chores. Evenings, with the assistance of the staff, guests can purchase and harvest vegetables for dinner — nothing tastes better than fresh veggies right off the vine.

What can guests do on the farm?

Many “tag along” chores, pick your own veggies, Valley Quest educational treasure hunt on the farm, and custom programs for groups (see below on “What’s unique about your farm?” for more detailed information on these programs.)

What can guests do in the region?

The farm is near the Green Mountain National Forest, many swimming holes, Bethel Granite quarry, Vermont Institute of Natural Science (www.vinsweb.org) and many other farms.

Why did you decide to open up your farm to guests?

“It's a natural expansion on my CSA program and I believe in sharing land if you own it,” says Jinny. “I also want to give families the


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opportunity to learn what is happening on small family farms today.”


The accommodations at Four Springs Farm are low-cost, close to nature, with each site isolated from the others. The farm is set high on a west-facing slope with spectacular views of the Green Mountains and expansive open skies. “In early summer the fireflies compete with the sunsets for the most dazzling show,” says Jinny. Four Springs Farm is part of the Valley Quest program of Treasure Hunts (www.vitalcommunities.org/ValleyQuest/ValleyQuest.htm) to people’s favorite places all over the region.The farm has a self-guided tour with map and clues available for guests. “The type of farm education that is available at Four Springs Farm is a unique experience enabling families to be welcomed into the midst of a working farm while their farmer hosts go about their everyday tasks,” says Jinny. “Family and group gatherings on this diversified organic farm are a wonderful vacation idea….We welcome all types of family groups, including home school families and family celebrations.” You can reserve part or the entire campground for your event. Programs for groups that come to the farm can be custom designed, and farm-generated programs for families that wish to have a more structured learning experience are offered.


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Hill Farm Arlington, Vermont

Hill Farm Inn

458 Hill Farm Road

Arlington, VT 05250

Phone: (802) 375-2269 or (800) 882-2545


Web site: www.hillfarminn.com

Tourism Region of Vermont: Southern Vermont

www.vermontvacation.com/region11/index.asp

Your Farm Hosts: Lisa & Al Gray


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Driving Distances




Hill Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: Chickens produce eggs that are served at breakfast, and the innkeepers give away wool from the sheep. The summer garden produces a bounty of vegetables also served at the Inn. The farm has sheep, goats, chickens, a horse and a barn cat.

Guestrooms: Five rooms, six suites and four cabins, all with private baths

Acres of land: 50

Seasons: Open all year, cabins closed in the winter

Rates: $100 to $220. In winter they offer a mid-week ski package, sleigh ride packages, and shopping specials. In summer they have a Great Outdoor Package that includes canoeing.

Rates include: Rates include a full country breakfast and afternoon/evening tea, coffee and home baked goodies

Food served: Full cooked-to-order breakfast – guests select from a menu of breakfast favorites including blueberry buttermilk pancakes with real local Vermont maple syrup, French toast, eggs, bacon, sausage. Even the toast is made from homemade bread.

Child-friendly? Yes

Pet-friendly? No. Hosts say, “Because our chickens run around freely, and our sheep are a bit spoiled and used to people but not pets, we cannot accept guest pets.”


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History of farm: The property was a land grant to Abner and Sarah Hill from King George III in 1775, and the Hill family operated it as a dairy farm from then until well into the 1980’s. The current owners purchased the property in 2002.

Amenities: All rooms and suites have TV, VCR, AC. All cabins (except one) has a microwave and refrigerator.

When You Visit Hill Farm The farm is a former dairy farm, no longer in operation. But the farm hosts use the barn and pastures for animals that currently include sheep, goats, a horse, chickens and a barn cat. The farm was operated by one of the Hill brothers into the 1980s. Another brother operated the inn, which first welcomed guests in 1905. Hill Farm has a variety of guest rooms, family suites open all year, and four cabins are open from May through October. Guests are welcome to visit the historic old barn and animals. The farm also has 50 acres of protected open space on which there is a maintained a 2 ½ mile nature trail.

What to do in the area

The outdoors are the greatest attraction, with hiking, biking, horse back riding, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in spring, summer and fall, with down hill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, etc. in winter. For a complete list of activities in the area, visit: www.hillfarminn.com/activities.html


“We are in an area with lots of bed and breakfasts, but our guests experience more of the outdoors on Farm Hill than other properties,” said Lisa. “Guests love our farm animals, enjoy exploring the barn, and our nature trails.”


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Hollister Hill Farm

Marshfield, Vermont

Hollister Hill Farm Marshfield, VT 05658

Phone: (802) 454-7725 E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.hollisterhillfarm.com


www.central-vt.com

Your Farm Hosts: Lee & Bob Light


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Driving Distances


From midtown Manhattan, N.Y.: 5 hours, 45 minutes (327miles)


Hollister Hill Farm at a glance What they farm/make: The farm produces: organically raised, grass-fed Beefalo beef, naturally raised pork, free-range chickens and turkeys, free-range eggs, maple syrup and honey. The pigs and Beefalo are slaughtered and processed in a Vermont-inspected slaughterhouse. The meat is cut to the farm’s specifications, labeled with Hollister Hill Farm label and quick-frozen.

Guestrooms: Two large double bedrooms with queen size beds, one of the rooms has a fireplace and the other room has a sauna. The family suite's main room has a queen size bed and fireplace and an adjoining room for children or an extra adult.

Rates: $90- 110; $20 extra per child or extra adult. $150-165 a night family suite (up to two adults and three children)

Rates include: Breakfast

Food served: Country-style breakfasts are served family style in the large farm kitchen at 8:30 each morning. They serve as much of their own farm-raised food as possible in the preparation of meals. Lunch and dinner are available at several local casual restaurants. More sophisticated dining is available in Montpelier and Barre, a 20 minute drive from the farm.

Child-friendly? Yes

Pet-friendly? No

History of farm: Farm was established in 1825 as a dairy farm. Current owners have farmed on Hollister since 1983 (and were farmers 10 years before that).


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When You Visit Hollister Hill Farm The farm was established in 1825 by Josiah H. Hollister. By the early 1800's, Hollister Hill Farm was one of the largest, most prosperous farms in the area. Through the years and various owners, the farm became predominantly a dairy. The current owners purchased Hollister Hill Farm in 1983 and milked cows here for 15 years with their son and his family. The couple had owned a smaller dairy farm for 10 years before moving up here on the hill. By 1997, the dairy business had changed, and the farm hosts decided that it was time that they all did something different. After making that decision, the cows were sold and their son moved on to a new life. “We weren’t ready to retire or give up on farming. Our 12 room farmhouse was too big for just the two of us, so we decided to convert the front part of our house to accommodate guests. We officially opened our bed and breakfast in the summer of 1999,” said Lee. On the farm, they raise Beefalo, hogs, and poultry and sell the meat from these naturally raised animals from the farm store right at the farm. They also make maple syrup in the spring and hay in the summer.


Visitors are free to just relax or lend a hand in the organic kitchen garden that features abundant vegetables, fruits and herbs. Guests are also welcome to join in helping feed and care for the animals.

What to do in this area of Vermont

Hollister Hill Farm B&B is centrally located and within easy driving distance to Vermont’s most popular attractions. The farm is 20 minutes from Montpelier and Barre, 45 minutes from Stowe, and one hour from Burlington. Goddard College is two miles away.


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Liberty Hill Farm

Rochester, Vermont

Liberty Hill Farm

511 Liberty Hill Road

Rochester, VT 05767

Phone:(802) 767-3926


Web site: www.libertyhillfarm.com

Tourism Region of Vermont: Central, Green Mountains

www.central-vt.com

Your Farm Hosts: Beth and Bob Kennett


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Driving Distances




Liberty Hill Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: Milk; the farm is a member of the Cabot cheese cooperative and provides milk for Grafton cheese, and Three Owls' Liberty Blue cheese. There are 170 Holstein cows on the farm, plus chickens and kittens.

Guestrooms: Seven

Acres of land: 200

Seasons: Year-round

Rates: $80- $85 per adult, $40 per child

Rates include: Dinner, lodging, and a full breakfast

Food served: “We have awesome food.” says Beth. “New England style with lots of fresh local products with flavor.” (The farm’s meals were featured in Gourmet magazine in May 2001). The farmers grow some of the food served themselves and also use neighboring farms’ produce. The meals are served family style, with everyone sitting down to one table. Dinner, served at 6 p.m., is usually a roast, three vegetables, homemade breads, and homemade pies or cakes for dessert. Breakfast is served between 8 and 9 a.m. and consists of fruit, juice, bacon and eggs, or pancakes and sausage, homemade coffee cake or muffins.

Child-friendly? Yes, they have three cribs and high chairs…ask about family rates.

Pet-friendly? No


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History of farm: The farm has been in existence since 1780. The Kennetts have owned the farm since 1989 and have been involved in farming since 1955.

When You Visit Liberty Hill Farm Liberty Hill Farm is a working dairy farm providing lodging and meals. The farm is located in the Green Mountain National Forest region with miles of frontage on the White River.


Guests are welcome to go down to the barn and help with feeding calves, milking cows, and participating in chores. Children can enjoy feeding calves, helping to milk cows, playing in the hayloft and hunting for eggs

What to do in this area of Vermont:

Plenty of year-round activities make the farm a natural choice for those who want to hike, ski, snowshoe, fish, swim, visit shops, museums or relax with a book.


“We are a real dairy farm…a real farm family working together on a farm,” says Beth.


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Shearer Hill Farm B&B

Wilmington,Vermont

Shearer Hill Farm

PO Box 1453 Shearer Hill Road

Wilmington, VT 05363

Phone: (802) 464-3253 or toll-free (800) 437-3104


Web site: www.shearerhillfarm.com

Tourism Region of Vermont: Mt. Snow/Southern Vermont

www.travel-vermont.com/region11/index.asp

Your Farm Hosts: Bill & Patty Pusey


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Driving Distances




Shearer Hill Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: Raise White Faced Hereford cows, make maple syrup in the spring, and raise raspberries in the summer Guestrooms: Six large rooms with either king or twin beds/private baths in each room

Seasons: Year round (including mud season.)

Rates: $70 - $105

Rates include: Room/private bath/full delicious Vermont breakfast

Food served: Start with baked apples and ice cream and then baked fresh scones and bread everyday.

Child-friendly? Yes.

Pet-friendly? No.

History of farm: The couple has owned the farm for 35 years; the main house itself is 225 years old.

When You Visit Shearer Hill Farm This is your country home away from home. The farm hosts will make you freshly brewed coffee every morning, as well as their award-winning scones and breads. This is a small working farm with White Faced Hereford cows, located on a pristine country road. The farm, just five miles from the center of Wilmington, have large guest rooms with private baths.


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Help with making maple syrup (March to mid April), feed the cows, help harvest the berries and vegetables in the garden.


For winter fun, guests can downhill ski at nearby Mount Snow and Haystack, or cross country ski on the groomed trails on the property that are connected to vast trails; there also are snowmobile rentals and sleigh rides nearby. In the summer Marlboro Music Festival is just five miles away. There are also many outstanding golf courses, swimming, hiking, boating, horseback riding, mountain biking and many fine restaurants nearby.

What is unique about staying at Shearer Hill Farm?

“Staying here is like ‘coming home’...we have never met a guest we did not like,” says Patty. “I believe ‘we’ are the best part because we genuinely enjoy each guest and make them feel special.” The couple has also discovered that their guests love waking up not only to freshly brewed coffee and fresh-baked muffins, but the smell of baked apples with their own maple syrup. “We've perfected a recipe and baking process that results in a simply delicious breakfast. Best of all, when the weather cooperates, you can enjoy your Vermonter breakfast on the back deck, where you can listen to the cows mooing in the pasture. There's just something relaxing about the loud bellow of cows off in the distance. They're actually calling for breakfast too, waiting patiently for Farmer Bill to bring them their morning hay,” says Patty.


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Shepherd’s Hill Farm

Taftsville, Vermont


Taftsville, VT 05073 (near Woodstock, VT)

Phone: (802) 457.3087


Web site: www.shepherdshillfarm.com


www.central-vt.com

Your Farm Host: Ellen Terie


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Driving Distances




Shepherd’s Hill Farm at a glance

What they farm/make: Sheep, lambs, eggs, honey

Guestrooms: Two plus a two-bedroom family suite with a kitchen

Acres of land: 36

Seasons: Year-round

Rates: $135 - $350 (suite) Rates are discounted for stays longer than two nights

Rates include: Full breakfast & “spectacular views,” say the hosts.

Food served: Full breakfasts are served, dinner upon request and prior arrangement. The fresh eggs are from the farm’s free-range hens, the vegetables used in omelets are grown seasonally, the breakfast sausage served is from the farm’s all natural, hormone/antibiotic-free lambs, the honey is gathered from the farm’s apiary.

Child-friendly? Yes

Pet-friendly? No

History of farm: The farm is relatively new. The barn was built in 2000, the sheep arrived in 2001, and the farmhouse built in 2003.


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When You Visit Shepherd’s Hill Farm The farm sits high on a hill overlooking the Ottauquechee River Valley. It is home to a ewe-flock of 100 Polypay sheep, two barn cats, one border collie and a seasonal assortment of lambs, birds and frogs. Guests may walk the pastures, pet the sheep, swim in the pond (seasonal), or relax on the veranda and “do nothing”. The farm is conveniently located near shopping, fine dining, art galleries, historic sites and ski areas as well as hiking, bicycling and canoeing facilities.


Guests may help out with the animal chores if desired (feeding, etc.), help pick veggies grown in the garden, collect eggs from the hens. Guests can also swim in the pond and children love to catch the frogs that live there, or just kick back, sit on the porch and enjoy the view.

What to do in this area of Vermont

Visit Woodstock, Billings Farm & Museum (www.billingsfarm.org), Dartmouth College, Killington ski area (www.killington.com) Okemo ski area (www.okemo.com) Mt. Ascutney ski area (www.ascutney.com) Suicide Six ski area, seasonal apple/berry picking farms in close proximity, canoeing, hiking, bicycle routes, hot-air ballooning (weather dependent) seasonal craft fairs, antiquing, fine dining


“Shepherd’s Hill Farm provides guests with an ‘up close and personal’ experience to learn where food comes from while enjoying all the comforts of home in elegant surroundings,” says Ellen.


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Sweet Retreat Guesthouse & Sugarworks

Northfield, Vermont

Sweet Retreat Guesthouse & Sugarworks

329 Frost Road

Northfield, Vermont 05663

Phone: (802) 485-8525, (800) 707-8427


Web site: www.SweetRetreat-Vermont.com


www.central-vt.com

Your Farm Hosts: Hannah & Ray Morvan, Sr.


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Driving Distances




Sweet Retreat Guesthouse at a glance

What they farm/make: Train and show Brown Swiss oxen throughout the year, and make maple syrup in season. Produce Pure Vermont Gold® Maple Syrup and balsam trees.

Guestrooms: One private guesthouse for one couple (also has a pull- out couch)

Acres of land: 400

Seasons: Year-round

Rates: $220. The hosts run a number of packages throughout the year: Sweet Chocolate Retreat, Sweet Peony Retreat, Sweet Golf Retreat, Sweet Pumpkin Retreat, Sweet Balsam Retreat, Sweet Mountain Biking Retreat, Sweet Cross-country Skiing Retreat, Sweet Snowshoeing Retreat, Sweet Shopping Retreat, Sweet Labor Day Retreat, Sweet Musical Retreat.

Rates include: Breakfast fixings (guests cook their own), maple syrup throughout their stay, fresh veggies from the garden in season, full kitchen and laundry, access to miles of private maintained recreational trails, and an ox cart ride if you’re game.

Food served: Provide breakfast fixings for their first few breakfasts and maple syrup throughout their stay, but leave the cooking up to the guests. Food shopping is six miles away and fine dining is within 10 minutes of the guesthouse.

Child-friendly? With restrictions, please contact the hosts.

Pet-friendly? No.


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History of farm: The Morvans have owned the property since 1975; prior to their arrival the land was part of a dairy operation and used for grazing cattle.

When You Visit Sweet Retreat Guesthouse & Sugarworks In early spring, when the sap begins to run in Sweet Retreat’s 200-acre sugarbush, an extensive tubing system carries sap from more than 5,500 taps to the state-of-the-art sugarhouse, nestled in the woods, where the Morvans transform it into more than 2000 of gallons of Pure Vermont Gold® maple syrup each year. The couple sells bottled syrup and custom-etched Italian glass bottles filled with syrup for corporate, personal, and wedding gifts. The farm is home to four Brown Swiss show oxen; the couple shows the two teams in competitions around Vermont, and offer ox cart rides to visitors. The farm also has balsam trees and the hosts encourage guests to tag and cut a tree for the holidays.

Sweet Retreat Guesthouse is a private, spacious guesthouse with full kitchen, laundry, and garage—suitable for two-day, week- or month-long stays, and small business meetings. The guesthouse door opens out to the vegetable garden (available to guests throughout the summer) and giant pumpkin patch, along with more than 7 miles of maintained, private trails, throughout 400 acres, for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing.


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In season, watch syrup being made (February-March), and pick vegetables from the garden in season, tag and cut a balsam tree, visit the oxen barn and take an ox cart ride.

What to do in this region of Vermont

Norwich University, five covered bridges, Countryman’s Peony Farm in Northfield, the Capital building in Montpelier, Rock of Ages Granite Quarry and the Vermont Granite Museum in Barre, Chandler Music Hall in Randolph, Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour and Cider Hollow in Waterbury, Stowe Mountain Resort (www.stowe.com) in Stowe, Sugarbush Mountain Resort (www.sugarbush.com) and Sugarbush Soaring in Waitsfield, and Bolton Valley Resort (www.boltonvalley.com) in Bolton.


“The sugaring operation, the oxen, the seven miles of maintained private recreational trails on 400 acres, the balsam grove, the pond with beaver and bird-watching opportunities, and the complete privacy of the guesthouse, offering spectacular mountain views from the porch—just minutes from I-89,” says Hannah.


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Farm Stays Beyond Northern New England

Links to Information on Farm Stays throughout the U.S. & Canada:

Agritourism World

http://www.agritourismworld.com/search.php?sid=587902

U.S. Farm Stays Vacation

http://www.malibuwater.com/oFarmStays.html

Farm/Ranch Retreats Online

http://www.retreatsonline.com/guide/farm.htm#USA

Farm Stops

http://www.farmstop.com/

Canada Farm/Ranch Vacations

http://albertacountryvacation.com/fly-drive.htm

http://www.retreatsonline.com/guide/farm.htm#CANADA6132


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If you plan a trip overseas:

England and Wales

Some of the more popular counties for farm vacations, such as Devon and Cornwall, have Web sites. These can be found at www.devonfarms.co.uk and www.cornish-farms.co.uk . For the Isle of Wight see www.wightfarmholidays.co.uk and for Wales, www.farmbreaks.org.uk. For a country break not too far from London, accommodation in Northamptonshire can be found at www.northantsfarmholidays.co.uk

Ireland

The Web site www.irishfarmholidays.com gives plenty of options for bed and breakfast farm stays in each county in Ireland.

Italy

The farm holiday experience in Italy is known as “agriturismo” and has a Web site, www.agriturismo.com. It has an English language option, though the descriptions of the properties are in Italian. You are less likely to find animals on farm stays as they are more typically set around castles and wineries. If the Italian limits your searches on the former Web site, a fully English language alternative to try is www.italyfarmholidays.com.

Germany

The German region of Bavaria is farming country and so offers plenty of places to stay suitable for families and couples. There are hundreds of German farm stays listed at www.farmholidays.de.


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France

You can find out more about farm stays in France at www.agrisport.com or specifically in the Brittany region at www.bretagnealaferme.com. In Normandy, visit: www.normandy-france.net.

Switzerland

More than 260 farms offer accommodation throughout Switzerland. The Web site Swiss Holiday Farms www.bauernhof-ferien.ch/englisch is an excellent resource, though the accommodation search is in German so knowledge of the language is useful.


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Farm Stays Recipes


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(www.shepherdshillfarm.com)

Lamb Stew 2 TBS unsalted butter 1 TBS olive oil 3 lbs boneless lamb shoulder cut into 1 ½” cubes (may be dredged in flour if thicker sauce is desired) 2 onions, chopped salt fresh ground pepper ½ tsp allspice ½ tsp cinnamon 2 tsp chopped thyme 2 tsp minced garlic 2 cups peeled, chopped tomatoes 1 cup chicken stock (or water) as needed ½ cup red wine Optional, carrots, cut in chunks, 1 yam (or sweet potato) cut in chunks, 2 tsps. tomato paste to thicken. In heavy pot with lid melt butter with oil over medium flame. Add onions and garlic, brown, then add meat and brown well on all sides. Add spices and tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes to combine. Add stock and wine, reduce heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Serve over noodles or rice, garnish with fresh chopped parsley.


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(www.shepherdshillfarm.com)

Lamb and Black Bean Chili 2 lbs ground lamb (or mutton) 1 large yellow onion, coarsely chopped 4 cloves garlic minced 2 cans chopped tomatoes 1 can tomato paste 1 8-oz. package mushrooms, sliced 1 lb black beans (soaked overnight) 4 TBS chili powder 2 TBS cumin salt fresh ground pepper Optional, finely chopped jalapeño pepper, 2 tsp chopped cilantro. Brown onion, garlic, and mushrooms in 2 TBS olive oil, add lamb and brown slowly. Add spices, tomatoes and tomato paste and beans. Stir well. Simmer for several hours. Add water or red wine if it seems becomes too dry. May be served as is, or over rice. Garnish with sour cream, chopped onions and chopped cilantro or parsley. May substitute kidney beans if preferred. Basic marinade, may be used for roasts, chops, kabobs: ¼ cup soy sauce, ½ red wine, chopped garlic, ½ tsp each garlic powder, oregano and/or marjoram, 2 TBS olive oil.


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Hill Farm (www.hillfarminn.com)

Our Favorite Maple Muffins

2 cupa white flour

½ cups light brown sugar

½ tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

¾ cup milk

½ cup butter (melted)

½ cup maple syrup

¼ cup sour cream

1 egg

½ tsp. vanilla

Topping:

3 TBS. flour

3 TBS. sugar

2 TBS. chopped nuts (optional)

½ TBS. cinnamon

2 TBS. butter (cold)

In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt and set aside. In another large bowl, combine the milk, butter, syrup, sour cream, egg, and vanilla. Stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture and mix until smooth. Fill a greased muffin pan 2/3-full with batter. Bake at 400 F for 16-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing. Cool on rack. For topping, combine flour, sugar, nuts, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly.


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Morrill Farm’s Favorite Muffins.

www.morrillfarmbnb.com

Makes One dozen

1 egg

¼ cup vegetable oil

½ milk whole

1.5 cup flour

½ cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ tsp. salt.

Add ½ cup blueberries, or raspberries, if desired

Heat over 400 F. Grease the bottom or add muffin paper. Beat egg and vegetable oil. Fold in dry ingredients. Add blueberries or raspberries, if desired, stirring gently. (Mixture will be lumpy). Pour into greased or lined muffin pan. Bake 20-25 minutes.


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The Inn at Valley Farms

www.innatvalleyfarms.com

Our Very Best Chocolate Chip Cookie

A family favorite for years before we opened our bed and breakfast, now our guests’ favorite too. I usually double this recipe, then freeze any extra dough so I can bake fresh cookies at the drop of a hat.

5½ oz. butter

¼ tsp. salt

1 egg

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. vanilla

1 2/3 cup sifted flour

½ tsp. water

½ cup flake coconut

½ cup sugar

½ cup chopped pecans

½ cup packed brown sugar

8 oz. chocolate chips

Place butter, egg, vanilla, water, both sugars, salt, and baking soda in a bowl and mix at medium speed until blended. After flour and blend. Then add coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips.

Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Makes 1½ dozen large cookies.


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Gap Mountain Stew

Created by chef Devin Ells of The Inn at East Hill Farm

Serves 8-12

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup diced celery

1 cup diced bell peppers

1 cup diced onions

1 tsp. minced garlic

¼ cup of vegetable stock base

1 cup tomato paste

1 tsp. Cajun seasoning

1 tsp. salt-free herb seasoning

2 cup cooked macaroni

In a 4 quart saucepan, sauté the carrots, celery, peppers, onions and garlic over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until lightly browned. Add 2 quarts water and the vegetable stock base. Bring to a boil and whisk in the tomato paste and seasonings. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let simmer for 30 minutes. Add the macaroni, and serve.


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Chicken Monadnock

Created by Chef Mark Drury of The Inn at East Hill Farm

Serves 8

8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

2 eggs

1 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 tsp. granulated garlic

½ tsp. freshly ground pepper

½ tsp. herb seasoning

3 large tomatoes

8 slices provolone cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap, and pound. Flatten to a uniform thickness of ½ inch. Place the chicken on a greased sheet pan. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, eggs, broth, parmesan cheese, garlic, pepper and herb seasoning thoroughly. Dice one of the tomatoes into ¼ inch cubes, and stir into the crumb mixture. Spoon the mixture evenly over each chicken breast, and gently pat to a ½- inch thickness. Cut the remaining tomatoes into ¼-inch slices. Place a slice on top of each chicken breast. Cover with parchment paper, and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove paper, and place one slice of Provolone cheese on top of each chicken breast. Continue baking for ten minutes. Serve immediately.


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Mark’s Brownies

Created by Chef Mark Drury of The Inn at East Hill Farm

Serves 18-20

1 ¼ cup butter softened

2 ½ cup sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

5 eggs

1 ¼ cup flour

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 13x9 inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour, mix until thoroughly blended. Gradually add the cocoa, mixing thoroughly. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the chocolate chips. Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove from oven, and let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. Serve with ice cream.


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About the Author | Marcia Passos Duffy

The first time Marcia stayed on a farm was when she was 18 years old and traveled to Portugal with her grandmother to the family farm. Marcia’s great-grandfather was well into his 90s and still running his farm in a small town called Cadoico. He tended sheep and goats, had chickens, a rooster, a mule and a thriving vegetable farm. Those two weeks on the farm had a profound impact on her life and launched her lifelong passion and respect for sustainable agriculture and the farmers who labor to put food on our tables.

Marcia, who lives in New Hampshire with her husband and two children, has been a writer for over 20 years and has specialized in writing local, regional and national stories about sustainable agriculture, small businesses, parenting, and food. She has been a contributing writer to American Small Farm and Farming: The Journal of Northeast Agriculture. She is also the author of “The Insiders Guide to Freelance Careers” (published by WetFeet, Inc., 2006) and an upcoming book about relocating to New Hampshire.

She is also the publisher of The Heart of New England, (www.TheHeartofNewEngland.com), an online magazine that celebrates (and aims to preserve) the unique character the northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, and is a member of Stonewall Farm (www.stonewallfarm.org) where her children attend summer camp, a board member of Hannah Grimes (www.hannahgrimes.com), and NH Made (www.nhmade.com), and is a certified Granite State Ambassador.

Contact her at [email protected].

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