FARMS
When you escape to the South Berkshire Mountains, you're not just entering a realm of natural beauty; you're embarking on a journey through lush farms and bountiful orchards. Many farms offer a variety of agricultural experiences, from picking your own fruits to exploring farm markets. While popularity can vary depending on the season and individual preferences, here are some well-known and beloved farms in the region:
Some of our Favorites
Bartlett's Orchard
Taft Farm
Richmond
Great Barrington
Bartlett's Orchard has been a family-owned operation for over five generations, making it a cherished Berkshire institution with a rich history of apple cultivation.
Known For: Apple orchards and pick-your-own apples in the fall, farm store with cider, baked goods, and local products.
Taft Farms is famous for its vibrant sunflower fields, which bloom during the summer, creating a stunning sea of yellow that's perfect for photos.
Known For: Family-owned farm with fresh produce, flowers, and specialty foods. A wide selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
High Lawn Farm
Woven Roots
Tyringham
Woven Roots Farm places a strong emphasis on sustainability and regenerative farming practices. They focus on soil health and biodiversity, creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits both the land and the community. Visitors can engage in farm tours and educational events to learn about their sustainable farming methods.
Known For: Woven Roots Farm is a community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm specializing in organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers. They provide locally grown produce to members who subscribe to their CSA program.
Lee
High Lawn Farm's commitment to sustainable farming practices includes rotational grazing and minimizing its carbon footprint, making it a leader in environmentally conscious dairy farming in the Berkshires. Visitors can enjoy tours of the farm to witness these practices in action.
Known for: High Lawn Farm is renowned for its premium dairy products, especially its Jersey cow milk, cream, and award-winning cheeses.
Hilltop orchards
Richmond
Hilltop Orchards is not just about apples; it's also a winery. They produce award-winning wines, including reds, whites, and even apple wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours of the vineyards, making it a unique farm experience with a touch of wine culture.
Known For: Hilltop Orchards is famous for its apple orchards, producing a wide variety of apples that you can pick yourself during the fall season. They also have a farm store offering delicious apple products, baked goods, cider, and local artisanal items.
Hancock Shaker Village Farm
Pittsfield
Hancock Shaker Village Farm boasts a unique round barn, one of the few surviving Shaker round barns in the United States, which provides a captivating glimpse into Shaker engineering.
Known For: Preserving the Shaker heritage and lifestyle. Explore the farm, meet farm animals, and learn about the Shaker community.
Cricket Creek Farm
Williamstown
Cricket Creek Farm practices sustainable agriculture and is committed to regenerative farming techniques, ensuring the health of the land for generations to come.
Known for: artisanal cheeses made from the milk of grass-fed cows. Visitors can tour the farm and taste award-winning cheeses.
Fort Hill Farm
Hancock
Fort Hill Farm is committed to environmental stewardship and soil health. They employ regenerative farming techniques, such as cover cropping and no-till farming, to improve soil fertility and reduce the farm's carbon footprint. Visitors can explore the farm, attend educational workshops, and purchase a variety of fresh, organic vegetables directly from the farm.
Known For: They are renowned for their diverse range of organic vegetables, including heirloom varieties and seasonal produce.