Farms & Agriculture
Farm life is alive & thriving on Cape Ann
Across Cape Ann, farm life is alive and thriving — fresh, flavorful, and just waiting to be explored! Cape Ann’s farm stands and agricultural scene are full of surprises, blending seaside charm with homegrown goodness at every turn.
In Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea, you’ll find classic roadside farm stands offering fresh-picked vegetables, sweet berries, and homemade pies — the kind of places where you can grab a bunch of sunflowers and a pint of strawberries straight from the source. It’s all about local pride and simple, delicious flavors that taste like summer in every bite. New in 2025 is the Marshview Farm General Store in Essex, which showcase produce, eggs, meats, and more from Marshview Farm in Ipswich, along with local essentials and delicious treats carefully curated from neighboring New England purveyors.
Rockport is home to Seaview Farm, a 7th-generation family farm, bringing sustainable foods from their family to yours. Their products feature grass-fed beef, pasture-raised lamb, vegetables, eggs, honey & more.
Ipswich is truly a farm lover’s paradise. Marini Farm is a must-visit for everything from sweet corn and strawberries to their legendary fall corn maze and family-friendly festivals. Russell Orchards brings even more to the table with pick-your-own fruit, fresh cider donuts, award-winning wines, and a farm store brimming with local products. And for an unforgettable farm experience, Appleton Farms — one of the oldest working farms in the country — offers rolling pastures, farm-fresh cheeses, a bustling farm store, and scenic walking trails that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Whether you’re picking apples, hiking through fields, or loading up on produce, Ipswich farming delivers a true taste of New England.
In Gloucester, agriculture thrives in backyards and community gardens thanks to the incredible work of Backyard Growers, a nonprofit that helps residents grow their own fresh food right at home. Through school gardens, community plots, and backyard coaching, they’re making farm-to-table a daily reality across the city. It’s grassroots farming at its best — fresh, local, and grown with love by the community itself.
Community Supported Agriculture & Farmer's Markets
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs on Cape Ann offer a meaningful way for residents to support local farms while enjoying the freshest seasonal produce and goods. When you join a CSA, you purchase a “share” of a local farm’s harvest at the start of the season, and in return, receive regular boxes filled with fruits, vegetables, and sometimes herbs, flowers, eggs, dairy, or meat—depending on the farm. It’s a win-win: farmers receive upfront support to plan and grow their crops, and members get nutrient-rich food straight from the source. Many Cape Ann farms offer weekly pickups or deliveries from June through October, fostering a stronger connection between neighbors and their food sources. In addition, CSAs such as Three Sister’s Garden Project in Ipswich also offer programs targeted toward food insecurity.
Farmer’s markets on Cape Ann are vibrant community hubs that celebrate the region’s agricultural roots and coastal charm. From the Backyard Growcery in Gloucester to the Rockport Exchange Farmers Market, each market offers a lively mix of fresh produce, baked goods, locally made crafts, flowers, and specialty foods—all sourced from nearby farms and artisans. These markets provide more than just great shopping; they’re gathering places where neighbors catch up, musicians play, and families explore together. Held weekly in season, Cape Ann’s farmers’ markets help sustain local farms, support small businesses, and offer residents and visitors alike a chance to eat fresh, shop local, and experience the heart of the community.