Apple Picking, Pumpkin Patch Plentiful at Jane and Paul's Farm, Norfolk, Mass.

We had a chance this weekend to visit Jane and Paul's Farm in Norfolk, Mass., and are happy to report that the pumpkin and apple picking opportunities are quite good, at this writing.

This small, friendly family-owned farm offers a good supply of Macoun, Mac, Daybreak and Cortland apples, all within within easy walking distance from the parking lot and farm stand. A tractor ride will get you out to the large fields of pumpkin patches, but you'll also find many pumpkins for sale just outside the farm stand. The pumpkins looks great and come in all different sizes.

We like Jane and Paul's Farm a lot. It's not as high profile as some of the other local farms, the prices are reasonable, owners very pleasant and knowledgeable, and the place feels like one's own secret discovery. The farm stand also still has many fresh vegetables and fruit for sale, as well as local breads, eggs and honey. You'll also find a complex corn maze here (for a nominal fee) -- it took us a half-hour last time to figure it out.  Hope you can get to this "hidden gem" in this southwest Boston rural-suburban town!

Jane and Paul's Farm
33 Fruit St. Norfolk, MA 02056
Tel. (508) 528-0812


Editor's note: we recommend calling Jane and Paul's Farm first before setting out on the planned itinerary as conditions can change quickly!



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A Corny New England Travel Destination

Article and Photo by Eric H.

Readers, lend me your "ears" about a fun, fall travel destination at Jane and Paul's Farm in Norfolk, MA.

Jane and Paul's Farm offers an intriciate corn maze that some say has them baffled for 20, even 30 minutes. The stalks are high, the paths diverse and there's even a bridge to throw a monkey wrench into figuring out how to reach the end of the maze.

We've been to those wimpy "around the knees" hay mazes that can be figured out with both eyes closed, but Jane and Paul's maze will surely be a challenge to anyone -- unless you cheat with a GPS or take a helicopter above and map out the premises. For the rest of us honest souls, Jane and Paul's corn maze will have you saying "Oh, shucks," on how to complete this rural challenge course.

Of course, add some apple picking (Macintosh, Daybreak and Empire), wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, a chance to commune with the farm animals and purchase some fresh-from-the-farm produce at the farm stand and you have a wonderfully spent morning or afternoon at this special farm, tucked away in a pleasant neighborhood in an equally pleasant suburban Boston town, Norfolk.

Jane and Paul's Farm, 33 Fruit St., Norfolk, MA. Tel. (508) 528-0812

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Berry Picking at Jane and Paul's Farm, Norfolk, MA

Article and Photo by Eric H.
One of the great joys of a New England summer is the fun and nutritious activity of picking berries. In New England you'll find many farms that grow their owns berries and allow you to load up on these tasty fruits, usually at a low price. One of our favorite Boston-area places to pick berries is the 110-acre Jane and Paul's Farm in the southwest suburb of Norfolk. Jane tells us that strawberry picking has begun on their two-acre berry field and will last until approximately July 4th. Then, blueberry picking will start, lasting until the end of August. Each years differs in regards to how long the season lasts, so call ahead at (508) 528-0812 to get the latest updates.

Besides being a fun activity, the ellagic acid in strawberries and anthocyanins in blueberries are just a few of the myriad compounds in these revered fruits that may offer health promoting properties. Some scientists believe that blueberries might encourage improved memory function, so don't forget to pick some berries here this summer!

Looking ahead, apple picking typically starts at Jane and Paul's Farm around September 10, until everything is picked. Pumpkin picking starts in the the last week of of September and lasts into the first two weeks of October. It's a fun experience going on the tractor ride into the beautiful fields and finding the best pumpkins.

Quietly tucked away in this typically pleasant New England small town, we enjoy this scenic farm for its relaxing, non-tourist-trap atmosphere. Many other farms have become overcrowded and overcommecialized. Jane and Paul's Farm reminds us of the old-fashioned, down-to-earth, family-owned farms that we grew up with, but are currently harder to find in the Boston area.

Jane and Paul's Farm also has a small animal area with rabbits, goats, and hens, some marvelous plants and fresh produce including seasonal corn, lettuce, red and green peppers and tomotoes.

The overall experience at Jane and Paul's Farm is great -- it's a place that makes you feel like you made your own discovery -- and an enjoyable one, at that -- berries, produce, flowers and more!
Jane and Paul's Farm, 33 Fruit St. Norfolk, MA 02056. Tel. (508) 528-0812

Do you have a favorite New England place to pick berries? Please let us know through this post!

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