Parlee Farms: Massachusetts' Premier Pick-Your-Own & Family Fun Destination

Nestled in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, Parlee Farms stands as a beacon of agricultural excellence and family entertainment, earning accolades as the #1 apple orchard in the US by Newsweek and the best pick-your-own fruit farm in Massachusetts by Yankee Magazine. This family-owned and operated gem has cultivated a reputation not just for its bountiful harvests but also for creating cherished memories, making it a beloved local treasure where families can truly enjoy a day out.

For decades, Parlee Farms has been more than just a farm; it's a vibrant community hub that welcomes visitors from across New England and beyond. With its commitment to sustainable practices, a wide array of seasonal offerings, and an abundance of engaging activities for all ages, it’s no wonder that this farm continues to thrive and evolve, celebrating its 38th season in 2024 with a fresh new look to its online presence, ensuring visitors can easily plan their perfect farm adventure.

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Introduction to Parlee Farms: A Legacy of Excellence

Parlee Farms, located conveniently in Tyngsboro, MA, just outside of Boston and Southern NH, has become synonymous with quality produce and unparalleled family experiences. Its reputation as a premier destination for farm-fresh fun is well-deserved, built on decades of dedication by the Parlee family. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the vibrant energy of a working farm, meticulously maintained fields, and the promise of a day filled with laughter and discovery. The farm's commitment to providing a wholesome and engaging environment is evident in every aspect of its operation, from the friendly staff to the diverse range of activities available. This is not just a place to pick fruit; it’s a place where traditions are born and memories are made, solidifying its status as a beloved local treasure.

The Pick-Your-Own Experience at Parlee Farms

At the heart of the Parlee Farms experience lies its renowned pick-your-own program, offering visitors the unique opportunity to connect directly with their food source. This hands-on activity is a fantastic way for families to spend quality time together, teaching children where their food comes from while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery. The farm is open mid-June through the end of October, ensuring a continuous bounty of seasonal delights. Whether you're a seasoned picker or a first-timer, the joy of plucking ripe, juicy fruit directly from the vine or branch is an experience that truly defines the charm of Parlee Farms.

A Seasonal Bounty: What to Pick When

The agricultural calendar at Parlee Farms is a vibrant tapestry of colors and flavors, with different crops reaching their peak at various times throughout the season. Planning your visit around specific harvest times ensures you get to enjoy your favorite fruits and vegetables at their freshest. Here’s a general guide to what you can expect:

  • Strawberries: Kicking off the season in mid-June, these sweet, red berries are a summer favorite.
  • Cherries: From late June to mid-July, Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro, MA, is a cherry picking farm that offers delightful pick-your-own cherries.
  • Blueberries: Mid-July until early September brings the abundance of over eight acres dedicated to pick-your-own blueberries.
  • Flowers: Throughout the summer, you can pick beautiful blooms to brighten your home.
  • Peaches: Enjoy the succulent taste of fresh peaches as they ripen.
  • Corn: Experience the taste of freshly picked sweet corn.
  • Apples: As autumn approaches, the apple orchards become a prime attraction, solidifying Parlee Farms' reputation as a top apple orchard.
  • Pumpkins: Rounding out the season, the pumpkin patch offers the perfect opportunity to find your Halloween jack-o'-lantern or decorative gourds.

Each picking season offers a unique charm, from the warmth of summer berry picking to the crisp air of autumn apple and pumpkin harvesting. The farm’s website, parleefarms.com, is regularly updated with "Todays farm news," providing real-time information on what's available for picking, ensuring you have the most current details before your visit.

Integrated Pest Management: A Commitment to Quality

Parlee Farms is not only committed to providing fresh, delicious produce but also to sustainable and responsible farming practices. Certified as a Commonwealth Quality Grower, Parlee Farms practices Integrated Pest Management (IPM) on all crops. IPM is an environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. It uses comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This method minimizes risks to human health and the environment by reducing the use of pesticides while still ensuring the health and productivity of the crops. This dedication to quality and environmental stewardship underscores the trustworthiness and expertise that Parlee Farms brings to its operations, ensuring that the fruits and vegetables you pick are not only tasty but also grown with care and respect for the land.

Beyond the Fields: Family Fun at Parlee Farms

While Parlee Farms is widely known for its excellent fruit picking, the experience extends far beyond the orchards and fields. The farm has cultivated a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of activities designed to entertain visitors of all ages, making spending time at Parlee Farms a truly great activity for the whole family. From engaging animal encounters to delicious farm-made treats, there is so much more that you can do to fill your day with joy and discovery.

Annie's Animal Barns: A Delight for All Ages

A visit to Annie’s Animal Barns & The Sandbox at Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro, MA (near Lowell), is an absolute must-see for children and adults alike. This beloved section of the farm offers a wonderful opportunity to interact with a variety of farm animals in a safe and engaging environment. Children delight in seeing and learning about the different creatures, often getting the chance to feed them. The animal barns provide an educational and heartwarming experience, fostering a connection between visitors and the agricultural world. Coupled with the nearby sandbox, it creates a perfect spot for younger visitors to play and explore, adding another layer of fun to the Parlee Farms adventure.

Mary's Country Kitchen: Farm-Fresh Delights

No farm visit is complete without indulging in some delicious, freshly made treats, and Mary’s Country Kitchen at Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro, MA, delivers just that. This charming kitchen offers farm-made treats related to each picking season, ensuring that the flavors of the farm are celebrated in every bite. Imagine biting into a warm apple crisp made with apples picked just moments away, or savoring a strawberry shortcake bursting with the sweetness of fresh berries. In addition to these seasonal delights, Mary's Country Kitchen also offers a great selection of ice cream and refreshing drinks, perfect for cooling down on a warm day or simply enjoying a sweet moment after a busy day of picking. It’s a culinary extension of the farm experience, rounding out your visit with delightful flavors.

Planning Your Visit to Parlee Farms

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at Parlee Farms, a little planning goes a long way. The farm is located in Tyngsboro, MA, just outside of Boston and Southern NH, making it an accessible destination for many. You can easily find contact information and directions to Parlee Farms on their updated website. It’s always a good idea to check their website, parleefarms.com, for the latest "Todays farm news," which includes real-time updates on picking conditions, operating hours, and any special events. This helps you get excited for Parlee Farms’ 38th season (2024) and find out what they have going on in the coming weeks and months.

When it comes to payment, Parlee Farms accepts a variety of options for your convenience. They accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express, with a $5 minimum charge for card transactions. Cash is also a welcome form of payment. However, it's important to note that they do not accept checks or debit cards. Another crucial detail for visitors: please leave your pets at home. For the safety and well-being of all visitors and farm animals, only certified service animals are permitted on the farm. Adhering to these guidelines helps ensure a pleasant experience for everyone at this wonderful family farm.

The Parlee Farms Legacy: A Story of Growth and Community

The enduring success of Parlee Farms is a testament to its deep roots as a family-owned and operated pick-your-own fruit farm. Unlike many commercial enterprises, the farm maintains a personal touch, fostering a sense of community and tradition. We are excited to kick off our 38th year of growing with a brand new look, reflecting the farm's continuous evolution while staying true to its core values. This winter, they gave their website a fresh look, ensuring that visitors have easy access to all the information they need to plan their visit. This longevity and continuous improvement speak volumes about the dedication of the Parlee family to their land, their crops, and their visitors. They have cultivated not just fruits and vegetables, but also a loyal following of families who return year after year, eager to partake in the unique charm that only a place like Parlee Farms can offer. It’s a living example of how a family business, committed to quality and community, can thrive for generations.

Why Parlee Farms Stands Out: Awards and Recognition

The reputation of Parlee Farms is not merely anecdotal; it's backed by significant recognition from reputable sources. Being named the #1 apple orchard in the US by Newsweek is a monumental achievement, highlighting the exceptional quality of their apple crops and their orchard management. Furthermore, being recognized as the best pick-your-own fruit farm in Massachusetts by Yankee Magazine underscores their excellence across a broader spectrum of fruit offerings and the overall visitor experience. These accolades are a testament to the farm's unwavering commitment to agricultural best practices, customer satisfaction, and creating a truly memorable environment. Such widespread acclaim reinforces the farm's authority and trustworthiness in the agricultural and tourism sectors. The consistent positive feedback from visitors, reflected in their robust online presence with 42,994 likes, 277 talking about this, and an impressive 99,757 who "were here" on social media, further validates their standing as a top-tier destination. This combination of expert endorsement and public affection truly sets Parlee Farms apart.

Making the Most of Your Parlee Farms Adventure

To fully immerse yourself in the Parlee Farms experience, consider these tips. First, dress appropriately for farm conditions: comfortable shoes, hats, and sunscreen are highly recommended, especially on sunny days. Bringing your own water bottle is also a good idea to stay hydrated while out in the fields. While picking, remember to follow the farm's guidelines for harvesting to ensure the longevity of the crops and a fair experience for all. Don't rush through your visit; take time to explore beyond the picking fields. Visit Annie's Animal Barns to interact with the friendly farm animals, and make sure to stop by Mary's Country Kitchen for a well-deserved treat. The farm is known for excellent fruit picking, but there is so much more to do at Parlee Farms that warrants exploration. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in designated areas, or simply find a quiet spot to relax and take in the serene farm atmosphere. Remember, spending time at Parlee Farms is a great activity for the whole family, offering not just fruit and flower picking, but a holistic rural escape.

Parlee Farms: A Beloved Local Treasure and Destination

In conclusion, Parlee Farms is much more than just a place to pick fruit; it is a cherished institution that embodies the best of New England's agricultural heritage and family-friendly entertainment. Fondly referred to as a place where families can enjoy a day out, Parlee Farms has established itself as a beloved local treasure, drawing visitors from Tyngsboro, Lowell, Boston, and beyond. Its commitment to quality, sustainable practices, and providing a diverse range of activities ensures that every visit is memorable. From the sweet taste of freshly picked strawberries and the crisp crunch of apples to the joyful squeals from Annie's Animal Barns and the delicious aromas from Mary's Country Kitchen, Parlee Farms offers a sensory feast and a heartwarming escape from the everyday. As they embark on their 38th season, their legacy of excellence and dedication to community continues to grow, promising many more years of farm-fresh fun.

Have you visited Parlee Farms? What was your favorite part of the experience? Share your stories and tips in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, please consider sharing it with friends and family who might be looking for their next great family adventure. And for the latest updates on picking conditions and farm activities, always check out parleefarms.com before your visit.

Boston MA Area Apple Picking Farm - Parlee Farms

Boston MA Area Apple Picking Farm - Parlee Farms

Tyngsboro MA Pick Your Own Farm and Farm Stand – Parlee Farms

Tyngsboro MA Pick Your Own Farm and Farm Stand – Parlee Farms

Tyngsboro MA Pick Your Own Farm and Farm Stand – Parlee Farms

Tyngsboro MA Pick Your Own Farm and Farm Stand – Parlee Farms

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