5 Fantastic Farms Along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway

Fall is in the air and there is no better time to stop by a quaint New England farm to pick up fresh apples, the perfect pumpkin, or to visit the adorable animals. In Essex County, Massachusetts, we are fortunate to have so many picturesque farms and farm stands that offer the fall family fun you’re looking for, and many are located along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. Read on to learn more about some of the best spots to visit, and don’t forget to get a cider donut too!

Russell Orchards

Address: 143 Argilla Road, Ipswich

Russell Orchards has been in operation since 1920 and provides your classic New England farm experience! They offer a wide variety of apples for picking, barnyard animals, and a world class farm store complete with local products, in-house baked goodies (including delicious cider donuts), and even their own award-winning wines. This place is great to visit any time of year, but be sure to stop by in the fall to fully enjoy the many special qualities of the season, including lovely pastoral scenery and foliage.

Colby Farm

Address: 50 Scotland Road, Newbury

If you’re looking for a farm with a focus on seriously fresh and locally grown produce, Colby Farm is the place for you! This 200-acre farm is a favorite for not only the extensive offerings at the farm store, but also for their breathtakingly beautiful sunflower fields in August and September. So if you’re looking to support a local farm that offers deliciously fresh produce, stop by Colby Farm – and be sure to catch their sunflower fields in late summer/early fall. They are a must-see experience!

Marini Farm

Address: 259 Linebrook Road, Ipswich

Marini Farm is another gem in Ipswich. In addition to it’s farm stand which offers a full selection of vegetables, fruits, herbs, fresh picked flowers, and baked items, something that sets Marini Farm apart is it’s impressive corn maze and play area! This spot is great for families especially with young kiddos, and you can check out their Facebook to stay up to date on different fun themed corn maze events. If you visit this fall, be sure to stop by again towards the holidays – Marini’s is also known for their Christmas trees.

Tendercrop Farm

Addresses: 108 High Road, Newbury

This next spot on our list is one of the bigger local growers in the area with three farm stands located in Newbury, Wenham, and even one in Dover, New Hampshire. Their Newbury location is right off Route 1A and includes a nice big farm store with lots of their own fresh produce, locally made cheeses, jams, and jellies, and delicious prepared foods that are perfect for a busy day. One of the best things about Tendercrop Farm is their greenhouse and flower selection, they have everything you will need to decorate your home for the fall season!

Appleton Farms

Address: 219 County Road, Ipswich

Don’t miss your chance to wander through the fields and cow pastures of one of the country’s oldest continuously operating farms at Appleton Farms. This historic institution was established in 1638 and is comprised of hundreds of acres, spanning both Ipswich and Hamilton. This beautiful property includes scenic trails that are open year round, sunrise to sunset (trail map viewable here), and is also home to a diverse population of plant and wildlife species. Their farm store features products and items from their own farmhouse kitchen, along with a wide variety of other local artisan goods and pantry staples. Be sure to check out the great programming and events taking place this fall and all year long!

While you’re driving along the Byway exploring the local agricultural scene this fall, don’t miss the opportunity to visit some of the best museums the North Shore has to offer!