Uncovering hidden gems often feels like hitting the jackpot – especially when those gems are as beautiful and as diverse as Hollis Hills Farm in Massachusetts. With a full menu of activities, jaw-dropping views, and a restaurant that dishes up a variety of scrumptious meals, the 100-acre farm has become a prime destination for a day of family fun.
Perched atop a hill, Hollis Hills Farm boasts sweeping views of downtown Fitchburg. On clear days, you can even see as far as Wachusett Mountain. However, those breathtaking views are just the beginning of the magic that awaits at this family-owned farm.
Jim and Allison Lattanzi purchased the 100-acre Marshall Farm, a historic farm and significant part of the local community, in 2014. Marshall Farm became Hollis Hills Farm, the beginning of a dream come true for the couple and their family.
Visitors flock to the farm for a number of its activities, including its u-pick events throughout the warmer months. Bring the family along for a leisurely adventure picking flowers, apples, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Fall means picking the perfect plump pumpkins.
“Our pick your own fruits provide the community with locally-sourced fruit they can easily obtain,” says Jim Lattanzi.
Even if you don’t have the time to pick your own fruit, but are craving fresh apples and strawberries, for example, just head to the farm’s retail store. The retail store makes it easy to pick up the freshest goods – from fruits to eggs.
Every spring the focus on the farm turns to maple. Hollis Hills Farm, in fact, has earned distinction as the largest producer of maple in eastern Massachusetts. It produces an estimated 80,000 gallons of maple every year.
Visitors have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see how the maple process works by visiting The Sugar House on select weekend days during March. “Our maple boiling is also very unique as there are not too many places left that offer maple demonstrations and boiling like we do,” says Lattanzi.
March is also a downright delicious month for the farm. An added bonus to visiting the Sugar House during maple season is the opportunity to indulge in scrumptious maple goodies, apple cider donuts, and breakfast items.
Most people would expect the freshest fruits from their local farm, but Hollis Hills Farm isn’t your average farm. It offers so much more than just a shop to pick up the freshest foods; it’s a destination.
If you’re craving a delicious meal, you’ve certainly come to the right place. The farm offers more than 100 picnic tables on the lush green lawn, perfect for spreading out with family and friends.
“Our outdoor restaurant and bar are incredibly unique, built out of concrete under our building overlooking a massive lawn area with hundreds of picnic tables and a stage for live music,” says Lattanzi.
Just make sure you bring a hearty appetite with you. Hollis Hills Farm Restaurant’s menu is brimming with deliciousness, including salads, hot dogs, and handhelds. You definitely don’t want to pass by a tasty ice cream treat either.
The outdoor restaurant also offers plenty of space to kick back, relax, and catch the live entertainment that’s scheduled throughout the season. If you don’t feel like snagging a picnic table to eat or to watch the entertainment, bring an old-fashioned lawn chair or a blanket.
Hollis Hills Farm has become a treasured part of the community, and Lattanzi attributes its success to the community.
“We feel that hard work and the support of the community have been huge keys to our success. We’ve had so many community organizations help us over the years, and the support of our customers has been instrumental in getting where we are today,” says Lattanzi.
"Farmers aren’t afraid of hard work for sure, but to be able to do what we have set out to do took a village for sure."
The Lattanzi's and their team have worked hard to make Hollis Hills Farm a fun and welcoming destination for their guests, including dogs. Dogs are allowed on the farm as long as they remain on a leash.
Today, the farm is thriving, and the future looks even brighter with expansion always on the family’s mind. “We feel there is always room for our business to grow and expand, and we plan to never stop working hard to better ourselves,” Lattanzi says.
Hollis Hills Farm in Massachusetts offers an idyllic backdrop for a day outdoors, offering everything from picking your own fresh produce to digging into a delicious meal. It’s perfect for the family, couples, and anyone who wants to drink in the fresh air and enjoy a full menu of activities.
Learn more, including open hours and days, on the official website of Hollis Hills Farm, or check out its page on Facebook.
Of course, Hollis Hills Farm is just one of many Massachusetts small businesses that is doing great things in the state. If there's a local business you'd like to see featured, please nominate them here! And be sure to follow Only In Massachusetts on Facebook and Instagram to learn about more wonderful places in the Bay State.
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