6 Top Agritourism Spots to Visit in New Hampshire
New Hampshire brings to mind images of sweeping woodland views, impressive colonial homes and beautiful coastal scenery. But did you know some of the state’s top crops include hay, maple syrup, apples and sweet corn? You can also find an abundance of cattle and chickens throughout this idyllic state. If you want to learn more about the Granite State’s agricultural industry, look no further than this list of top New Hampshire agritourism spots.
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1. Mac’s Maple Farm
Nestled away on the banks of the Connecticut River in Plainfield, Mac’s Maple Farm is a family-owned and -operated company that produces milk, maple syrup and farm-fresh eggs. They even have a small herd of beef cattle. While you can’t go wrong with any of their products, you’re in for a real treat if you stop by the farm store to sample their incredible maple syrup. Each bottle is 100% wood-fired and comes in a variety of flavors, from traditional to bourbon. They even have maple sugar shakers and all-natural maple cream.
See more: What’s Growing? New Hampshire Produce Calendar
2. D Acres
D Acres is a permaculture farm and educational homestead. Founded in 1997, their aim is to provide educational resources that help people better understand and apply the skills of sustainable living and small-scale organic farming. While this is a particularly strong asset to people who live in the community, it’s also a wonderful place to visit if you’re in the area for a vacation. They offer farm tours throughout the year, a wide variety of seasonal events, and all kinds of unique and local products for sale in their farm store. You can even enjoy a farm-to-table breakfast or dinner while you’re there.
3. Hemingway Farms
If you follow the agricultural industry, you know all about CSA (community-supported agriculture) programs and their importance to local communities. There are several CSA programs throughout New Hampshire, including the one at beautiful Hemingway Farms. Located just a few miles north of Charlestown, this breathtaking property grows produce, plants and flowers in addition to operating a plentiful farm stand with products straight from their own backyard. They also sell quality goods from other regional producers like West River Creamery, Orchard Hill Breadworks and Grandma Miller’s Pies and Pastries.
See more: 6 Spectacular New Hampshire Food Festivals
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4. Patch Orchards
When the Patch family says they have a tradition of family farming, they mean business. Why? Their family has been farming the same land for eight generations – and you can bet they’re proud of their agricultural roots. They’re more than happy to share the beauty of their farm with others, too. Visitors to Patch Orchards can enjoy a pick-your-own apple orchard and pumpkin patch, peruse the farmstand for a variety of maple products, or visit the tasting room to try a fresh batch of hard cider.
5. The Rocks
The Rocks may be most commonly known as one of the state’s most popular Christmas tree farms, but this 1,400-acre property offers so much more than decorations when Dec. 25 rolls around. The Rocks also serves as the North Country Conservation & Education Center for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. This means you can visit the property all year long for self-guided tours and educational programs that will teach you everything from how maple syrup is made to what creatures live in the vernal pools that form throughout the forest.
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6. Black Bear Vineyard
If you drive a short 20 minutes outside of Concord, you’ll find yourself at Black Bear Vineyard. This beautiful estate rests on 18 acres of rolling hills in Salisbury and is actually one of the largest of its kind in the entire state. Guests can enjoy leisurely tours among the vines, sample some of the seven varieties of wines from grapes grown on site or linger on the patio in the company of good friends. No matter how you want to spend your time at this idyllic and charming vineyard, be sure to pick up a bottle or two to take home before you leave.