Have you ever wondered what it’s like to step back in time while enjoying modern-day fun? At DeMeritt Hill Farm in Concord, New Hampshire, visitors can do just that. This 200-year-old farm, steeped in history yet brimming with contemporary attractions, offers a unique blend of past and present. As autumn paints the landscape in vibrant hues, the farm comes alive with excitement, inviting families and individuals to create lasting memories amidst the picturesque fall foliage.
Key Takeaways
– DeMeritt Hill Farm in Concord, New Hampshire, has a rich history dating back to 1820, originally focusing on dairy, wool, and vegetables before transitioning to apple farming in the 1940s.
– The farm was revitalized in 1992 by Mary Ellen and Roy Wilson, who expanded it and added new fruit varieties, earning the ‘Farm of Distinction’ award in 2007.
– Today, the farm is known for its autumn activities, including pumpkin patches, hayrides, and play areas for children, attracting visitors from afar.
– DeMeritt Hill Farm offers year-round attractions such as cross-country skiing trails, an indoor riding arena, and a logging tool museum, making it a popular destination in all seasons.
– The farm is actively involved in the New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association, contributing to the improvement of fruit growing practices in the state.
– Despite challenges like the 2023 weather impact on crops, the farm remains resilient, continuing its legacy of family farming and community engagement.
– DeMeritt Hill Farm is a place where history and modern fun blend, creating shared experiences and lasting memories for visitors of all ages.
A Journey Through Time: From Dairy to Apples
The story of DeMeritt Hill Farm begins in 1820 when the DeMeritt family first started their farm. At first, they focused on dairy, wool, and vegetables, playing a big role in the local economy. But in the 1940s, the farm made a big change. They started growing apples instead. This wasn’t just a change for the farm. It showed how farming in New Hampshire was changing too.
Historical records show that apple growing in New Hampshire has an interesting past. Early settlers brought apple seeds and young trees with them from Europe. This led to many apple orchards growing across the state. These early orchards started New Hampshire’s love for growing apples. DeMeritt Hill Farm became an important part of this tradition, much like how Spacious Skies French Pond in Henniker has become a cherished destination for modern campers seeking a connection with nature.
The Wilson Era: A New Chapter in Farm History
In 1992, something new happened at DeMeritt Hill Farm. Mary Ellen and Roy Wilson bought the property. They saw great potential in this historic farm and started running it in 1998. Under their care, the farm grew bigger. They added new types of apples, peaches, and blueberries.
The Wilsons worked hard to make the farm better. In 2007, their efforts paid off. The New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food gave DeMeritt Hill Farm a special award. They named it the ‘Farm of Distinction.’ This award showed that the farm was doing a great job. It also highlighted how important the farm was to New Hampshire’s farming history.
The DeMeritt Experience: A Family Tradition
Today, DeMeritt Hill Farm is famous for its fall activities. People come from far away to visit. The farm has two big pumpkin patches. Visitors can take hayrides to get to them. These rides go through beautiful fields. On some weekends, people can even ride in carts pulled by mules. This adds a special touch to their visit.
Families with kids love the farm too. There are two play areas where children can run around and have fun. The farm also has animals. There are goats, chickens, horses, and a friendly pig. Visitors of all ages enjoy seeing these animals up close. It helps them learn about life on a farm.
Beyond the Harvest: Year-Round Attractions
Autumn might be the busiest time, but DeMeritt Hill Farm has things to do all year. The farm has trails for cross-country skiing and nature walks. This lets visitors enjoy the beautiful land in every season. Concord’s cross-country skiing reputation is well-known, and the trails at DeMeritt Hill Farm help make it even better.
People who love horses will like the farm’s facilities. There’s an indoor riding arena. History fans can check out the Timber Harvest Camp and logging tool museum. These places show what logging was like in New Hampshire long ago. These year-round attractions make sure that DeMeritt Hill Farm is always a fun place to visit, no matter the season.
Community Roots and Industry Impact
The farm does more than just grow food. Ryan Wilson, who’s part of the next generation running the farm, is active in the New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association. This helps not just the farm, but all fruit growers in the state. It shows how the farm is working to make fruit growing better for everyone.
DeMeritt Hill Farm also cares about teaching people. They have many events and programs. These don’t just entertain visitors. They also teach them about farming, how to grow food in a way that’s good for the earth, and the history of farming in New Hampshire.
Like many farms, DeMeritt Hill Farm has faced tough times. In 2023, the weather was really bad. They lost their peach and apple crops. But the Wilsons didn’t give up. They found ways to keep going, just like the farm has done for over 200 years.
This shows how the farm stays strong and keeps growing, even when times are tough. It proves that family farms are important. They keep old farming traditions alive while also changing with the times.
What makes DeMeritt Hill Farm special is that it’s fun for all ages. Grandparents who visited when they were young now bring their grandchildren. This creates a chain of shared experiences and memories. The farm mixes its long history with new, fun activities. This makes it exciting for visitors today while still honoring its past.
As the sun sets on another autumn day in Concord, DeMeritt Hill Farm stands as a living testament to New Hampshire’s rich agricultural heritage. It’s more than just a farm; it’s a bridge between generations, a keeper of traditions, and a creator of new memories. Whether you’re picking apples, choosing the perfect pumpkin, or simply soaking in the autumn atmosphere, you’re not just visiting a farm – you’re becoming part of a story that’s been two centuries in the making. So, as you plan your next autumn adventure, consider DeMeritt Hill Farm, and for those seeking a complementary experience, why not extend your stay at Spacious Skies French Pond in nearby Henniker? Their year-round camping options and amenities make it the perfect base for exploring all that New Hampshire’s farms and natural beauty have to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FFAQ)
Q: What is DeMeritt Hill Farm known for?
A: DeMeritt Hill Farm is known for its apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and fun fall activities like hayrides and play areas for kids.
Q: When did DeMeritt Hill Farm start?
A: The farm started in 1820 when the DeMeritt family began farming dairy, wool, and vegetables.
Q: Who owns DeMeritt Hill Farm now?
A: Mary Ellen and Roy Wilson bought the farm in 1992 and began running it in 1998. Their family continues to manage it today.
Q: What activities can you do at DeMeritt Hill Farm?
A: You can pick apples, visit pumpkin patches, enjoy hayrides, see farm animals, and explore trails for cross-country skiing and nature walks.
Q: Does DeMeritt Hill Farm operate year-round?
A: Yes, the farm offers activities throughout the year, including skiing, horse riding, and visiting the logging tool museum.
Q: How has DeMeritt Hill Farm contributed to the local community?
A: The farm is involved in the New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association and hosts educational events about sustainable farming and local history.
Q: How did DeMeritt Hill Farm adapt to tough times in 2023?
A: Despite losing their peach and apple crops due to bad weather, the Wilsons found ways to continue operations and keep the farm thriving.