Farms embody the circle of life. They honor the land which grows food; care for and manage the animals and livestock that provide food and services; and they employ a team to oversee the operation, twenty-four seven. In the case of Appleton Farms in Ipswich and Hamilton, Massachusetts, one of the oldest continuously working farms in the United States, there’s also an educational program to ensure that younger generations fully grasp the importance of farms, working with and respecting nature, and, hopefully, sparking future farm and agricultural studies. And this farm, despite the intensity of its mission, is super fun—all year long.
Appleton Farms “honors the very fertile history of farming and agriculture well before we started dating history,” shares property director Ellie Harbeck. “I want to acknowledge that it is the unceded ancestral lands of the Pawtucket people.…Our first recorded history began when Samuel Appleton came over in 1635 from England and was granted a parcel of land. Since that time, it was maintained by nine separate generations of Appleton family members until 1998 when it was gifted to the Trustees [of Reservations]…to ensure that this space, the history, the working agriculture of the farm, and all [the Appletons] had preserved for hundreds of years was still kept in perpetuity.”
Harbeck’s role serves this mission and honors the land, which comprises approximately 1,000 acres. “It’s a living history,” she continues. “History is always changing and growing, and we are now part of that morphing while still maintaining the integrity of this land.” This is accomplished by providing daily access to nature, wildlife, sports, farming education, food, and special events. The creativity behind the Farm’s programming harmonizes with every aspect of (and species living on) the land itself, from extensive cross-country skiing trails in winter, Maple Strolls (during syrup season), Owl Prowls, hay rides, storytelling, hiking, cooking workshops, festival days, yoga, and a nine-week summer education program.
It’s a destination that’s always in season and appeals to solo visitors looking for a contemplative walk to families introducing their kids to farm animals, whether participating in an established program or enjoying a spontaneous visit.
“We have a beautiful education garden that mirrors the work being done in our thirty-five acres of organic crop fields so that you’re getting a hands-on tactile experience in a garden that reflects what we’re doing on a larger agricultural scale.” The website offers a full explanation of the farm’s programming whether you have a full day for a curated experience or a few hours to simply exhale.
If you’re still undecided, consider Cow Connections, an adult program where a small group enjoys an “up close and personal experience” with the Farm’s cows.
“We want to make sure that the work we’re doing is reflected and accessible… these are all spaces that can be visited without having to register for a program.… You can visit barnyard animals, hike over twelve miles of trails, bring a picnic blanket, visit the farm store…”
The store is a destination all its own. An intimate space full of farm-made baked goods, meats, produce, maple syrup, and other local treasures, it’s a smart first or last stop in your visit. And if you’re lucky, you’ll be greeted by Casey Hawkins, one of the store’s associates. If you pop into the store first, Hawkins will help plan your day; if you pop in toward the end, she’ll have you set to return or signed up for a class.
An avid gardener and beekeeper herself, Hawkins effuses warmth, joy, and gratitude. “It’s a really special place to come to work every day.” Hawkins’ husband is also part of the farm crew at Appleton. “Now I get to see behind the scenes what the farm crew does.…They are superheroes!
“One of my favorite parts of the job,” she continues, “is talking to people about…the importance of knowing where your food comes from.” Hawkins points out a box of tea this writer was unfamiliar with. “This is Tulsi,” she explained. “It’s also called holy basil. It’s one of my very favorite new things. I learned about it here because we have a plant sale in the spring, and so my first year, I bought a Tulsi plant. I’m obsessed with it. It smells incredible. It’s called holy basil, but it’s not really basil an herbal detoxifier and helps calm and de-stress. See you at the plant sale this spring.]
The beauty of Cape Ann extends into all four seasons. At the time of this writing, late winter snow abounds yet the farm is a bustle of activity. “Agriculture doesn’t ever sleep,” Harbeck explains. “It pauses, but you have a softness and quietness to the trails, and you see the farm at rest when the land is regenerating for the next season’s growth. It’s a really beautiful time to just physically be here and be present.”
Harbeck and her team balance business operations with the visitor’s personal experience. “We’re operating a large volume vegetable production, meat production, culinary production, farm store, retail. We are all these things yet we are also open and wanting visitors to see an actual production farm.…This is the value of being here.” One of Harbeck’s work challenges, however? “My office is above the kitchen, so whenever they’re recipe testing, I have to help taste.… It’s torture,” she laughs.
In addition to selling produce, Harbeck mentions the Farm’s robust CSA program and that they donated more than 80,000 pounds of food in their last growing season across the state, perpetuating both the Agawam’s and the Appleton’s commitment to the land and extending the reach of its impact. It all circles back to the region itself.
“We’re really blessed to be part of [the Cape Ann community] and to have people cherish that they live here and support us.…Cape Ann is such a generous location. It has so much to offer that are real, true connected offerings, from what the land is giving, what the local businesses are giving, and what the local communities provide.…So much thought and care has been put into keeping parts of Cape Ann original to what the land wants to be. That’s an incredible offering for the people of this community, and the farm is one example of that.
“You’re [having] a full circle experience when you’re here. This is your space and you are welcome to it.”
