Nancy's Airfield Cafe, Stow MA

302 Boxboro Road, Stow MA 01775

978.897.3934

nancysairfieldcafe.com

We went out for breakfast at Nancy's Airfield Cafe in Stow, MA this morning. They source many of their ingredients locally, and have a list of their local providers on their website.

I usually get the vegetarian eggs benedict, which has kale (one of my favorite greens) in place of the ham. Today, however, I couldn't pass up raspberry pancakes with cinnamon pecan butter and real (of course) maple syrup.

Talia went for the breakfast bear: a bear-shaped pancake with chocolate chip eyes and a sausage patty mouth.

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!

Derby Orchard, Stow MA

Derby Orchard

438 Great Rd Stow, MA 01775

978.897.7507

Derby's has my favorite apple cider in the whole world. I may be biased, since it's what I grew up drinking, but I'm not the only one who thinks it's delicious. It's unpasteurized, which is hard to come by these days. If you've never tried unpasteurized cider, I recommend doing so--it just tastes so much better.

Cider aside, they also have a large variety of apples. Each is labeled with its flavor and best uses. Helpful if you're making a pie and not sure which variety would work best. Or if you're just curious.

This being February, they had just apples and cider available. However, they also sell pears, plums, peaches, pumpkins, Christmas trees, and various other items, depending on season and availability.

Alpacas of Springbrook Farm, Stow MA

PO Box 626; 1 Apple Blossom Way

Stow MA 01775

978.897.5969

www.springbrookalpacas.com

This alpaca farm is in the most random place. To get here, you drive through McMansion land and then, all of a sudden: ALPACAS!!! They were really cute. And very interested in watching us--like we were at the zoo and they were visitors.

Springbrook Farm breeds these award-winning alpacas, so if you're in the market for one, they've got 'em. Besides breeding and selling alpacas, they also have a farm store where they sell various alpaca items (yarn, blankets, etc.) It's on a residential property, or at least across the street, so it's a good idea to contact them ahead of time if you'd like to visit the store. It wasn't open when we visited, so we'll have to go back (I emailed them and they were very nice). We just wandered around and watched the alpacas watch us.

You can also have your birthday party here, if you are 3-6 years old. Too bad I can't pass for six...