If you want to see a different side of Cape Cod while on vacation, consider visiting one of the many local farms. Although not all farms are open to visitors, the ones that allow visitors are well-worth the trip. Here are some of the best farms to visit on the Cape!
1. Cape Cod Lavender Farm, Harwich: Nestled in Harwich on several secluded acres, Cape Cod Lavender Farm overlooks Island Pond and is a real delight for the senses. The farm is one of the biggest lavender farms on the East Coast and is home to over 14,000 plants. The farm offers over 20 different lavender products for sale, and they also have a beautiful Enchanted Garden that adults and children alike will enjoy exploring.
Cape Cod Lavender Farm is located at 41 Weston Woods Road in Harwich, 508-432-8397.
2. Coonamessett Farm, Falmouth: This farm is a pick-your-own-farm, which means that members and visitors with a day pass can come and pick their own produce, as well as visit with the animals. There are alpacas, babydoll southdown sheep, miniature Mediterranean donkeys, and Nigerian dwarf goats. Day passes are $8/person aged 2+.
Even if you don’t want to purchase the pass, you can still visit the farm stand, sit under their pavilion, purchase gifts and plants, and enjoy lunch on the farm.
Coonamessett Farm is located at 277 Hatchville Road in East Falmouth, 508-563-2560. The farm is open from 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week.
3. Hokum Rock Blueberry Farm, Dennis: This “pick your own blueberry farm” has hours that vary, so be sure to visit their website for the most up-to-date information.
Hokum Rock Blueberry Farm is located at 1215 Rt.134 in East Dennis, 508-385-2768.
4. Island Alpaca, Oak Bluffs: This alpaca farm is a real great time. To get up close with the alpacas, sign-up for a Discovery Class. Cost for children to participate is $25 and children under age 8 need to have a parent or guardian attend with them (extra $20). The class is offered on most mornings in the summer from 9:30am to 11am. Participants get to learn the basics of alpaca care, meet the herd, and get involved with hands-on activities. To sign-up, click here.
Otherwise, visitors can come and visit the farm and check out the various alpaca products.
Island Alpaca is located at 1 Head of the Pond Road in Oak Bluffs, 508-693-5554. In the summer, they are open daily from 10am to 5pm and admission is $5/person.
5. Cedar Spring Herb Farm, Harwich: This 7-acre herb farm, located in Harwich, is an “organic herbal oasis”. The farm has walking trails, herb identification gardens, a classroom, a picnic area, and meditation and ceremonial spaces.
Groups are welcome for tours and the tours can include being taken around by a guide, having tea and lunch, and lectures and demonstrations. To arrange a tour, call 508-430-4372.
Cedar Spring Herb Farm is located at 159 Long Pond Drive in Harwich, 508-430-4372.
6. Taylor-Bray Farm, Yarmouth Port: Part of historic Cape Cod, Taylor-Bray Farm is managed by an association. The farm is open during daylight and there are picnic tables available. Visitors will get to walk around and see the animals, as well as walk on the boardwalk out to the Black Flats Marsh. This is a fun stop for kids and a great place to have an outdoor lunch!
Taylor Bray Farm is located at 108 Bray Farm Road North in Yarmouth Port, 508-385-9407. The farm is free to the public, but donations are welcomed to help support the animals.
7. The FARM Institute, Edgartown: Another delightful stop on Martha’s Vineyard, the FARM Institute is an educational non-profit that is dedicated to connecting people of all walks of life to agriculture through the diverse operations of a working farm.
Between June 15 and Labor Day, the FARM Institute offers weekday guided tours at 10am and 2pm (no tour on Friday afternoons). If possible, the FARM Institute asks visitors to call ahead of the tours. If you wish to visit at a different time, visitors are welcome for self-guided tours. Visitors can sign in at the farmstand and learn what is available to see.
Hayride tours of the farm are also being offered Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 11:30am for $10/family or $5/individual. Space is limited.
Although it is free to visit the farm, a $10 donation is requested to help with the day to day operations. No dogs are allowed on the farm and visitors are not allowed in the cow barn without a staff member being present. It is also requested that visitors do not go into the animal pens and instead enjoy them from outside their pens. The FARM Institute also uses many electric fences, so it is advisable not to touch them.
The FARM Institute is located at 14 Aero Avenue in Edgartown, 508-627-7007.
So take a day to get away from the hustle and bustle of the beach and explore a calmer and more country side of the Cape and Islands.
ARTICLE | 08/15/2014 - 1:00PM | BY MATILDA BROWN
You never know who you will meet down on the (Cape Cod) Farm. Here, a Taylor-Bray Farm rooster. Photo by Maggie Kulbokas.
Massachusetts: Boston
Other States: Connecticut Maine Massachusetts New Hampshire Rhode Island
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