The Quiet Boston Suburb: Norfolk, MA

Article by Eric H., Photo by Joan H., at VisitingNewEngland.com


Rare is the opportunity to live in a suburban Boston town like Norfolk, MA, with its population of less than 10,000 and no areas that touch a major highway. Anchored by a nice town common with gazebo, a brand new library, a big white church with a tall white steeple, and the surrounding area with ponds, lakes and country roads, Norfolk has little commercialism, and isn't on any EPA Superfund list. There's a skating rink, Jane and Paul's Farm for fresh produce and three good full-service, family-oriented restaurants -- the Eagle Brook Saloon, Guido's and Horse and Carriage. Stony Brook Reservation features an impressive boardwalk system that allows you to walk the edge of Teal Marsh for a great view of turtles, fish, muskrats, and great blue herons.

With some good-looking homes under 400K, a great school system (part of the King Phillip Regional public schools at the middle and high school levels) and very low crime for the Boston area, we highly recommend southwest suburban Norfolk as an affordable, quiet oasis that is within 45 minutes of Boston, MA and Providence, RI.

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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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