Get To Know Your Local Farms!

Ever since Native Americans planted corn along the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord rivers, our area has been a haven for farming.  In the 1830s the town of Concord had acres of fertile farmland and when the railroad arrived in the 1850s, the town became an important agricultural market town.

The passage of time has changed the face of our communities in many ways, but residents of Concord, Carlisle and Acton are still lucky enough to be graced with numerous choices for locally grown produce.  As we all know – local is fresh and fresh is always better in the daily quest to eat healthfully. Plus, there’s nothing like our much anticipated corn and tomato season!

Here we share some of our favorite farm options that make living here a real treat in the summertime.  If you’re new to the area, we hope that you’ll frequent these stands and get to know their hardworking owners – your neighbors.  (Click on the bold farm names below for direct links to their websites!)

Hutchins Farm, 754 Monument St, Concord
Hutchins Farm is a 65-acre certified organic fruit and vegetable farm.  The farm sells numerous vegetables and herbs as well as strawberries, blueberries, apples. They have a handy PDF calendar that will help you know what the farm is selling in each season.  Produce that is not sold is donated to soup kitchens or returned to the land as compost.  The farm also attends several local farmer’s markets.Open seasonally, Tuesday thru Sunday 11am-6pm.  978-369-5041.

Marshall Farms, 171 Harrington Ave, Concord
Marshall Farms, run by 3 generations of the Marshall family, is one of West Concord’s hidden gems.  It’s a wonderful destination for vegetables, herbs and specialty-Heirloom Tomatoes. They also have a wide selection of potted perennials & annual flowers – plus firewood and strawberry picking in season!  The farm is open daily from 9am-6pm. 978-369-4069.

Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Road, Concord
This large Concord institution has about 200 acres of farm land in Concord and Sudbury. Verril Farm hosts popular agriculture/food related events like their Strawberry Festival and the Corn and Tomato Festival!  The stand has a prepared food and bakery department, plus cheeses, honey, milk and other grocery items. 978-369-4494.

Cucurbit Farm, 32 Parker St, Acton
This farm has vegetables including corn tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, cucumbers, green beans, garlic, peppers, eggplant, onions potatoes, and lettuce.  Seasonal fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches are also available here! Plus annuals, perennials and hanging baskets!  It’s open 7 days per week beginning at 9am. 978-263-4506.

And last but not least…Carlisle residents are lucky enough to have the weekly Carlisle Farmer’s Market each Saturday from 8am-12pm.  It’s held on the grounds of  Kimball Farm on Rt. 225  in Carlisle.  It runs all summer thru mid-October.  Locals sell produce plus baked goods and even some crafts.

Enjoy!