Your Cape Cod vacation can take many forms, as you might spend your days lounging on the beach, hiking the trails, or enjoying the world-class culinary scene. However, a unique way to see even more of the region is to check out a couple of farms.
Farms on the Cape are an excellent source of local produce if you’ll be cooking at your vacation rental, and many hold special events throughout the year. You can also take a tour and learn about Cape Cod’s significant farming history during your stay.
Towns like Falmouth, Bourne, and Sandwich have an abundance of local farms. Here’s a look at five farms on the Upper Cape you won’t want to miss.
1) Coonamessett Farm
Coonamessett Farm in East Falmouth is a bit of a hidden gem, but well worth checking out on your vacation. It sits on the shores of Coonamessett Pond and is relatively secluded, providing the perfect backdrop for a day away from it all on Cape Cod.
The farm has a petting zoo with goats, llamas, and other animals you can visit, in addition to a farm stand where you can pick up some fresh produce for your vacation rental.
Depending on when you visit, you might also have the chance to take an educational tour of the property, pick your own fruits or vegetables, or check out the Jamaican buffet. There’s an on-site cafe and bakery, too, if you’re hungry or want some baked goods to enjoy later on.
Coonamessett Farm has one of the Cape’s largest selections of fruits and vegetables, as they grow dozens of different items. If there’s something specific you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.
2) Tony Andrews Farm
Tony Andrews Farm is another East Falmouth spot you might want to check out. This facility is best known for its u-pick strawberries, as you can head out to the fields and grab the freshest fruit possible right from the source.
In addition, you can pick your own peas at the farm or grab some ready-to-go corn, sunflowers, tomatoes, apples, squash, and peaches.
During the summer, the farm hosts a Corn and Tomato Festival, where you can sample these items, go on a hayride, or buy some other fruit and vegetables. If you visit the Cape for Halloween, they also have pumpkins in the fall.
Tony Andrews Farm has picnic areas and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a place to spend the entire day during your Cape Cod vacation.
3) Peterson Farm
Peterson Farm is a little different than others on this list because it isn’t a working farm. Instead, this range is a historic site in Falmouth that is one of the Cape’s oldest farm sites.
The Town of Falmouth owns Peterson Farm today and is devoted to protecting the site and its 300 years of local history. You can visit the farm and hike its nearly seven miles of trails, which take you past the foundations of old barns, streams, marshes, ponds, and forests, creating a wonderful day on Cape Cod.
You might see some sheep on the farm, too, as the town brought them in to keep grass and weed levels low.
Overall, Peterson Farm is a wonderful facility to visit because you can feel the history from the moment you step out of your vehicle.
4) Bogside Farm
Bogside Farm in Bourne’s Cataumet Village offers fresh produce and cut flowers between June and September. You can stop by for items like beans, tomatoes, peas, carrots, peaches, corn, blueberries, and radishes, all grown on-site.
There are some friendly llamas on the farm, as well, which is always a treat for the kids, and the property enjoys a convenient location off Route 28, making it easily accessible.
5) Crow Farm
Crow Farm in Sandwich is a 50-acre property that’s mostly a wholesale supplier. They no longer operate a stand for the public, but you can stop by at various times throughout the year to pick your own produce.
Typically, Crow Farm allows you to pick apples and pumpkins in the fall, but they sometimes offer pears, tomatoes, and corn. There’s a corn maze every fall, too, and it’s one of the Cape’s largest, making it well worth a visit if you’re around in September or October.
Visit a Cape Cod Farm
Stopping by a farm or two might not be high on your priority list as you visit the Cape, but it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. All of these venues are ready for you to explore, and most have fresh produce available, so you can set up your vacation rental just the way you want it.
The Upper Cape has something for everyone, and these farms are another piece of the puzzle that makes this region such a special place.
