Miracle Acres Farm, Milford NH

Miracle Acres Farm

523 Mason Road, Milford NH03055

603.673.9077

www.miracleacresfarm.net

For the third year in a row, we went to Miracle Acres Farm, in Milford, NH, to cut our own Christmas tree. It's a bit of a drive, but it's a family event involving breakfast with cousins, and is centrally located for all of us. After breakfast, we all go and pick out trees.

To go along with the cut-your-own-tree activity, the farm offers free hot chocolate, hot cider, and wagon rides, which are always fun. Last year, Talia was not at all interested in the wagon ride, but this year it was a big hit. That and hot chocolate, of course!

Chestnut Farms, Hardwick MA

Chestnut Farms

P.O. Box 545; 404 Turkey Street

Hardwick MA 01037

www.chestnutfarms.org

Turkey pick-up day at Chestnut Farms! Their resident barn rooster was strutting his stuff around the pigs, not at all bothered by us poking around.

Before getting our bird, we had fun chasing baby pigs everywhere.

We were able to get a heritage bird, which I am really looking forward to cooking. Well, maybe not cooking, but definitely eating. I think I'll try a cider brine this year...

Alpacas of Springbrook Farm, Stow MA

PO Box 626; 1 Apple Blossom Way

Stow MA 01775

978.897.5969

www.springbrookalpacas.com

I finally managed to get to the store at Alpacas of Springbrook Farm! Not that it was difficult, I just kept thinking I should contact them and see when they are open, and finally did. I spoke with with one of the owners, Dick Bolton, via email, who was very accommodating with times. My sister and I went this morning and spent some time talking with Dick about their alpacas and business. And of course, I left with a large bag full of beautiful alpaca yarn. Each skein has a tag telling you about the specific animal the fiber came from. I can't wait to knit some warm hats and mittens with it.

Honey Pot Hill Orchards, Stow MA

Honey Pot Hill Orchards

144 Sudbury Road, Stow MA 01775

978562.5666

www.honeypothill.com

Although I grew up in this town, I had never actually been to this orchard until today. We had two orchards within walking distance, and this one is all the way on the other side of (this tiny) town, so I sort of have an excuse. But, not really.

So, we went today. Besides a huge selection of apples, they also have apple cider, apple cider donuts (have I ever mentioned how much I love those?), free coffee and hot cider, a small selection of fall vegetables (mostly squashes), animals to watch and feed (chickens, bunnies, and goats), and two mazes. We went into the hedge maze, which was pretty fun. There is also a tunnel maze, but we weren't in the required age range (just for kids--no adults allowed), so no tunnel maze for us. That's all right, though. The cider donuts more than made up for that.

We brought home some donuts and a HUGE bag of seconds for $10.00. I'll be baking and cooking with apples for the next couple of weeks!