Massachusetts

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Nature|Wildlife & Farms

Hang Out With Alpacas At This Charming Country Farm In Massachusetts

Colonial Hill Alpacas in Massachusetts offered a visitor-friendly experience to get up close with alpacas.

Published May 28, 2019

Written by 

Sophia

What’s cute, fuzzy, and often mistaken for a llama? An alpaca! And if you’ve ever wanted to get up close and person with these adorable creatures then you’re in luck, because there’s a visitor-friendly alpaca farm right here in Massachusetts. Here’s what you need to know about Colonial Hill Alpacas.

Unfortunately, since this article was published, Colonia Hill Alpacas is no longer in business. Click here to learn about other Alpaca farms in Massachusetts.

alt
Getty/Nadia Kompan / EyeEm

Colonial Hill Alpacas at Stonehedge Farm is a lovey farm located in Hardwick. The area was first settled in 1737 and the farm itself has been in business since the mid-1800s! It was actually used to raise mules for the Civil War. Today, alpacas are the cutest four-legged critters around the farm.

advertisement
alt
Google/Colonial Hill Alpaca Farm

The farm raises alpacas for their coats, which are humanely shaved and allowed to regrow. They’re gentle and intelligent animals that are much friendlier than their llama cousins. Alpacas do not bite or ram, and they almost never spit at people unless provoked.

alt
TripAdvisor/ Anders N.

Visitors to Stonehedge Farm can hang out with the alpacas and get to know these cuddly creatures. You can tour the farm, learn about the animals, and get an insider look at how the farm’s owners care for their herd of more than 20 alpacas. And yes, you can pet the alpacas!

alt
Google/Colonial Hill Alpaca Farm

You can also pop into the farm’s country store to load up on awesome alpaca wares such as socks, hats, gloves, and scarves. Alpaca fiber is actually stronger, softer, lighter, and five times warmer than wool. It make for the coziest sweaters and is also hypoallergenic, so it’s safe for even the most delicate skin. The store is open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment.

To learn more about Colonial Hill Alpacas at Stonehedge Farm, including opening hours and visitor information, check out their website. If you love animals, be sure to visit one of our favorite Massachusetts zoos.

Address: 796 Greenwich Road, Hardwick, MA, 01331

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The Audubon Center in Massachusetts Where You’ll See More Than 20 Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

Looking for a great place to view a variety of bird species? Head to Great Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary in Concord for fantastic bird watching and outdoor fun.

Published Oct 5, 2024

Written by 

Kim Falchek

As I have gotten older, I have developed a stronger appreciation for the creatures and critters that live in the great outdoors. Bird watching has become a new hobby and I have added feeders, regional bird guides, and binoculars to my collection of personal possessions. While I love watching the various species of birds that visit my window feeder throughout the day, I also enjoy getting outdoors to view birds in their natural habitats. Did you know there are over 500 species of birds in the Bay State? There are tons of wonderful local nature trails and sanctuaries where you can view these creatures. Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Concord and Sudbury is one spot where you will see a variety of beautiful birds.

advertisement
alt
KenCanning/iStock /Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

The Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a 12-mile-long conservation area on river wetlands. The two primary units of the refuge are Sudbury and Concord. Both offer a variety of beautiful landscapes and activities, but you will want to head to the Concord unit for the best bird watching. Please be aware there is an entrance fee.

alt
danlogan/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Over 220 species of birds have been sighted and recorded at Great Meadows. The species and numbers vary throughout the year. In the summer, you may spot geese, red-winged blackbirds, and mallards in the wetlands. Some hawks remain in the area in the fall and songbirds such as the black-capped chickadee can still be seen in the winter. Spring is the best time to view migratory birds such as ring-necked ducks, tree swallows, and warblers.

alt
KenCanning/iStock /Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images

And the wildlife sanctuary is not just for the birds! There are also foxes, frogs, bats, deer, black bears, and beavers. A large group of endangered Blanding’s turtles can also be found here. The sanctuary offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, and cross-country skiing, too.

Be sure to bring a helpful bird guide, such as the "Birds of Massachusetts Field Guide" by Stan Tekiela, and a good pair of binoculars. You can view wildlife from the trails, an observational platform, and an observation tower.      

Have you visited Great Meadows National Wildlife Sanctuary? Where else do you like to bird watch? More information about the sanctuary can be found at the Great Meadows National Wildlife Sanctuary website. Visit Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Wellfleet and the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard for more fantastic local birding.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The Best Apple Cider Donuts in Massachusetts Come From This Farm

Are you craving a delicious warm cider donut? Head to Smolak Farms in North Andover for some of the best cider donuts in Massachusetts.

Published Sep 13, 2024

Written by 

Kim Falchek

There is just something about fall that has me craving (I mean really craving) cider donuts. While plenty of local bakeries sell these treats all year long, there is nothing like devouring a fresh, warm cider donut straight out of the oven as you sport your favorite flannel and breathe in the crisp autumn air. A visit to any local farm, fall festival, or autumn event is always a great excuse for a delicious cider donut, and the best in the state can be found at Smolak Farms in North Andover, Massachusetts.

advertisement
alt
Smolack Farms/Facebook

One bite of this delicious sweet treat and you will instantly know why the donuts are flying off the conveyer belt at Smolak. The farm sold approximately 450,000 cider donuts last year and returning customers are already running back for more this fall.

One of the best things about the cider donuts at Smolak is that they come in three different varieties. Not only does the farm bake traditional cider donuts, but they also make sugar and cinnamon sugar and honey-glazed options. I suggest trying all three!

alt
Smolak Farms/Facebook

The donuts are perfectly sweetened on the outside and are soft and tender on the inside. Smolack Farms has received several awards and accolades for its cider donuts, including an impressive “second best in New England” and "best sugar-coated cider donut."  

You can grab your donuts hot off the belt or purchase them to bring home with you. Smolak also has an online bakery ordering system that allows you to order ahead of time. The delectable treats are available all year long.

alt
Smolak Farms/Facebook

If you enjoy the donuts at Smolak, you may want to try their muffins, pies, breakfast sandwiches, and quiches. The farm also makes weekly meals-to-go and a variety of delicious ice cream flavors, including one called Cider Donut Supreme.

Many people come to Smolak specifically for the donuts, but there is more to enjoy. The farm is a great place to go apple picking, take a hay ride, or visit the farm animals. Smolak also holds fun fall festival weekends and hosts birthday parties, weddings, and corporate events. 

So what do you think? Are the cider donuts at Smolak Farms the best of the best or do you prefer the donuts from a different farm or bakery? Find out more about Smolak Farms at the Smolak Farms website and Smolak Farms Facebook page. You can find more great donuts at The ANGRY Donut in Newburyport and Kane's Donuts in Saugus and Boston. If you really love donuts and can't get enough of them, you may wish to embark on this utterly delicious Massachusetts Donut Road Trip.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Food

Seattle Was Recently Named The Country’s Top Pizza City, But Is This Really True?

by Andrea Verschuyl
on Nov 6
A square pizza covered with sauces, sprigs of cilantro, and pickled cabbage sits on a white cutting board.
Nature
Hiking

Skip the Crowds: Explore Indiana’s 5 Quietest Trails and Parks This Month

by Tori Jane
on Nov 6
alt
Experiences
Attractions

Colorado’s Bishop Castle Was Built By One Man Over 60 Years and It Will Blow Your Mind

by Christy Articola
on Nov 6
Exterior shot of Bishop Castle in Rye, Colorado
Experiences

I’ve Been A Miami Resident All My Life, Until This Small Rural Town in Florida Captured My Heart

by Megan Todaro
on Nov 6
alt
Trip Ideas
Day Trips

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Virginia, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

by Kelly Carroll
on Nov 6
View of Lynchburg, Virginia skyline with trees and blue sky.