By 4Squares Residential Group in Partnership with Judi 411
Now that the dog days of summer are behind us, the opportunity to create quintessential New England memories awaits! Gorgeous foliage, glorious crisp days, sweater weather, pumpkin spice vs. apple cider. Whatever fall means for you, we at 4Squares are here to help you make the most of the season with our day trip suggestions for fun down on the farm, where all the elements of fall come together!
Smolak Farms - 315 South Bradford Street, North Andover, MA 01845
This 300-year-old homestead in North Andover overlooks sprawling orchards and fields ripe for Pick-Your-Own adventures the whole family can enjoy. You can catch the tail end of peach and plum season and get in early on apple-picking before the crowds start gathering in early October.
If a PYO experience isn’t in the cards for you, then pop into the Farmstand and snag a bag of apples to make goodies at home. Or throw caution to the wind and grab a whole apple pie and some sweet bakery treats (apple cider donuts, anyone?) and call it a day!
No matter how you gather your goodies, be sure to swing by the animal/playground area to visit and feed the goats, sheep, and geese. Don’t mind the free-roaming ducks and chickens; they just work there.
Speaking of farm work, if you’ve ever wanted to learn about beekeeping or animal husbandry, consider one of the Educational Tours offered at Smolak and learn some barnyard basics.
4Squares Smolak Farms Favorite: We heart alpacas and never miss an opportunity to chill with our buddies Ande and Al and their moms Nora and Lillian.
Lookout Farm 89 Pleasant Street, South Natick, MA 01760
Are you looking to take a break from cooking dinner mid-week? Head westward on the Pike to Lookout Farm in Natick and savor a farm-to-table outdoor dining experience.
Look out (see what we did there?) over 180 scenic acres from the comfort of the spacious, covered Greenhouse restaurant. Menu offerings range from virtuous to downright sinful. Choose from an array of hearty farmers' salads, Wagyu burgers with porcini jam and dijoinnaise, Detroit-style deep-dish pizza for the grownups, and kid-friendly fare like chicken fingers and hot dogs and fries. Pair your meal with a Lookout Farm craft beer or hard cider while the younger set sips Del's Lemonade or a signature Lookout Lime Rickey.
Of course, no trip to the farm is complete without a stop at the Farm Stand! Bring a little bit o’ honey – Lookout Farm honey, that is! – and fruit preserves to enjoy at home. 4-packs of Lookout Farm brews are also available for purchase.
For more traditional daytime Fruit-U-Pick adventures, you can make reservations via the Lookout Farm website. Brunch and lunch options are also available; reservations through RESY are strongly recommended.
Photo Credits: Above, apples are ripe for the picking at Lookout Farm, Sauchuk's Corn Maze has a different theme each year, and, at Smolak Farms, Andee the Alpaca greets you with a smile. At top, Smolak farm advertises PYO. And below, burger & beer at Lookout Farm, corn field at Sauchuk's.
Sauchuk’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch 200 Center Street Plympton, MA 02367
Nothing says “New England” like apple and pumpkin picking in early autumn. Up the ante with a full day of adventures at Sauchuk’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Plympton, MA.
Most well-known for their epic corn maze, Sauchuk’s vast open expanses of farmland will give kids of all ages a breath of fresh air and physical activity they need while making memories to last a lifetime.
Admission includes a hayride to the pumpkin patch and access to two corn mazes, but that’s not all. Jumping Pillows, Skee-Ball, Ziplining, and the Log Playground mean a little fun for everyone in your pack, and the added spectacle of the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is bound to provide some jaw-dropping entertainment.
Planning a trip to Sauchuk’s is something to prepare for in advance, regardless of the times we are living in. Purchase tickets online, and be sure to read Sauchuk’s tips to make the most of what is sure to be an afternoon you’ll be talking about for a long time to come!
Are you Team Pumpkin Spice or Team Apple Cider? No matter where your tastes lie, the 4Squares Team offers the inside scoop on how to #lovethewayyoulive in Medford and beyond. Sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss a morsel!
Please note that many establishments have modified their hours and/or operations in response to COVID-19. 4Squares recommends that readers check for the latest information before making travel plans.