What Makes Bolton Spring Farm Special?

ust a short drive from the city, Bolton Spring Farm offers visitors a rare step back in time to the feeling of old New England country.

Set across more than 150 acres of rolling orchards, open farmland, and woodlands, the farm has been welcoming families to experience the beauty of the seasons for generations. The Stephenson family has owned and operated the farm since 1937, and today John Stephenson and his daughter Lori Stephenson continue the tradition as the second and third generations caring for the land. From pruning the apple trees in early spring to baking fresh cider donuts throughout the harvest season, the work of the farm remains deeply personal and hands-on.

A Farm with Deep Roots in Apple Country

Bolton Spring Farm has played an important role in the history of New England orchards. The farm was one of the first in the region to invite the public to pick their own apples, creating the kind of fall tradition many families now cherish each year.

The orchard itself is home to large, mature apple trees, some more than 100 years old. These older trees are remarkable producers, which means the farm continues to have apples available even late in the picking season when other orchards have finished their harvest.

In addition to classic favorites, the farm also grows unique apple varieties that rarely appear in grocery stores, including early-season apples like Gravenstein that are prized for their flavor but difficult to transport long distances.

Acres of Orchard to Explore

One of the things visitors notice most when they arrive is the space and peacefulness of the orchard. The trees stretch for acres across the hillside, and even on the busiest fall weekends, it’s easy to wander a little farther and find your own quiet corner of the countryside.

For school groups and families alike, the orchard is meant to be a place to explore, learn, and enjoy the outdoors. Children are encouraged to move through the orchard, discover the trees, and experience the simple joy of picking fruit right from the branch.

The Historic Country Store

The heart of the farm is the historic barn built in the late 1800s, now home to the farm’s Country Store. Inside, visitors will find baskets filled with fresh fruit and vegetables grown on the farm, along with gourmet foods, gifts, and seasonal decorations.

Look closely as you browse and you’ll discover pieces of farm and family history tucked throughout the barn — antiques resting in the eaves, along the beams, and even in the old hayloft spaces above. Each visit reveals something new… or perhaps something wonderfully old.

A Harvest Tradition

From late May through the end of the year, the farm’s Country Store offers an ever-changing harvest from the fields and orchards. Visitors will find:

• Native peaches, pears, plums, and nectarines

• More than 25 varieties of apples throughout the season

• Homegrown vegetables and over 50 varieties of squash, gourds, and pumpkins

• Decorative Indian corn, broom corn, sunflowers, mums, asters, and dried flowers

And of course, no visit is complete without the farm’s beloved cider spiced donuts, a treat that Bolton Spring Farm helped pioneer long before they became a fall favorite across New England.

A Place to Make Traditions

For generations, families have come to Bolton Spring Farm to slow down, breathe in the country air, and share simple moments together — picking apples, wandering the orchard, or browsing the old barn filled with harvest treasures.

The Stephenson family warmly invites you to visit and experience the beauty, history, and traditions that make this farm such a special place.