Experience the joy of picking your own fruit and tasting locally grown produce at Russell Orchards in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Situated at 143 Argilla Road, this charming farm offers more than just fresh fruits and vegetables. From delicious cider donuts and fruit wines to memorable hayrides and farm animals, Russell Orchards provides a delightful escape from everyday life while promoting sustainability and supporting local agriculture.
A Farm Steeped In History And Sustainability
Russell Orchards has been a working farm since the 1920s, with the Russell family dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices that ensure the farm’s viability for future generations. Spanning 120 acres, the farm minimizes its environmental footprint by using biodiesel fuel filtered from the oil used to fry their famous cider donuts, and by avoiding synthetic chemicals on their fruits, vegetables, and herbs. By harvesting produce at peak ripeness, they offer unparalleled flavors that rival supermarket options.
Sustainability at Russell Orchards goes beyond farming practices. The farm embraces biodiversity, cultivating a wide array of fruits and vegetables that have vanished from many grocery stores and dinner tables. Alongside popular apples, berries, and vegetables, they grow lesser-known fruits like black raspberries, jostaberries, and sour cherries. The orchards also support pollinators like bees by growing flowers that not only beautify the landscape but also contribute to the farm’s honey production, available in the barn shop.
A Local Shopping Experience
Russell Orchards thrives on the philosophy of buying and selling local. The barn shop is a treasure trove of local produce, cheeses, and ice cream from nearby dairy farms, as well as regionally made candy, soap, and small gifts. Each visit offers something new as the selection changes with the seasons, showcasing the best of Massachusetts and New England.
The shop operates from 9 am to 6 pm, May through November, offering visitors a chance to stock up on fresh produce, try homemade goods, or simply indulge in a sweet treat like ice cream or cider donuts. As the last stop for ice cream before Crane Beach, Russell Orchards is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
Family-Friendly Fun And Farm Animals
Russell Orchards is more than just a place to buy fruit; it’s a family-friendly destination where memories are made. Kids will love visiting Big Boy the Pig and other farm animals, including goats, chickens, sheep, and ponies. The farm also features a recycled toy playground where children can play while parents enjoy a moment of relaxation. Beware of the geese, though—they’re known for being a bit feisty!
A hayride to the pick-your-own (PYO) orchards is a must-do experience at Russell Orchards. Available from June through October, hayrides depart every half hour, giving families a fun and scenic way to reach the orchards. Once there, guests can pick a pint or a peck of fresh, seasonal fruit and then walk back along a beautiful half-mile trail. Keep an eye out for poison ivy and mosquitoes, especially in late summer.
Pick Your Own Apples And Berries
The pick-your-own season at Russell Orchards is a highlight for many visitors. With the orchards open from 9 am to 5 pm every day, it’s best to arrive before 11 am to beat the heat and avoid crowds. Entry to the orchards costs $3 USD (2010 rates) for anyone ages two or older, with the fee deducted from the price of the fruit picked.
June kicks off the season with strawberries, followed by raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries in July and August. September and October are all about apples, with twenty varieties available for picking. Each season offers a unique experience and a chance to enjoy the freshest fruits straight from the farm.
Festivals And Seasonal Events
Russell Orchards also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, making it a lively spot for family outings. During the summer and fall, local musicians perform outside the barn on Saturday afternoons, providing a festive atmosphere for visitors enjoying an ice cream cone or a bag of cider donuts.
In mid-June, the Strawberry Festival brings a burst of color and flavor to the farm, featuring live music, hayrides, face painting, and of course, strawberries. As fall approaches, the Apples and Wine Festival in early November celebrates the harvest with tastings of fresh and frozen apple pies and crisps, perfect for Thanksgiving. Visitors are encouraged to pre-order to ensure they don’t miss out on these holiday favorites.
Supporting A Community Tradition
Russell Orchards embodies the spirit of local agriculture, sustainability, and community. By supporting this farm, you’re not just buying produce; you’re participating in a tradition that values the land, the environment, and the people who work tirelessly to bring fresh, delicious food to your table. Whether you’re picking apples, enjoying a hayride, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the farm, Russell Orchards offers a wholesome, enriching experience that connects you with the bounty of New England.
Visit Russell Orchards for a taste of tradition, sustainability, and the best that local farming has to offer. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, there’s always something new and delightful waiting for you at this Ipswich gem.