Nikas Culinaria

(Apple Dumpling with vanilla ice cream and cheddar cheese)

Here in central Massachusetts, we have an abundance of apple orchards. When tourists come to this region in the summer, they expect to do a few very specific things - buy antiques, pick apples, visit 18th century New England at Old Sturbridge Village, and enjoy a rural landscape. Those of us who live here year round can become rather inattentive to our the local charms but the coming of spring usually pulls us back out of our ruts.

Today has been just a stellar day weather-wise so my oldest daughter and I took a trip to one of those local orchards, Brookfield Orchards, in North Brookfield, MA. This place is a fair hike from our house and is situated in the middle central part of the state.

For those of you who may not know where Massachusetts is -

This map shows you where North Brookfield is in Massachusetts

Their address is 12 Lincoln rd, North Brookfield, MA 01535

(508) 867-6858

Their website is www.brookfieldorchardsonline.com, where you can see all about their mail-order options. They ship apples, preserves, relishes, mustards, jams, gift baskets, and more.

To learn more about the other offerings in the area, check out the “Browse the Brookfields” site for other attractions, like:

• The Salem Cross Inn (I can not recommend this place highly enough, follow the link!)
• The Riverbend Gallery
• The Warren Farm
• The Purple Onion (antiques)
• Tip Top Country Store (whole foods and organic produce)

The following photos gives you a bit of a photo tour through the outside orchard and the store. Enjoy!

The specialty at Brookfield Orchards is hot apple dumplings, served with vanilla ice cream and/or a chunk of cheddar cheese. (seen at top)

Dormant apple trees that will have stunning blossoms in a few weeks time.

Some of the store.

Loads of antiques and charm.

The ceiling

More antiques.

Some fun kitchen stuff too.

Sites of Interest:

• Brookfield Orchards
• Browse the Brookfields
• The Salem Cross Inn
• The Riverbend Gallery
• The Warren Farm
• The Purple Onion
• Tip Top Country Store

Related Posts:

• Local Foods: Auntie Cathies Bakery - Gluten-free to order
• Local Foods: Another visit to Auntie Cathie’s Bakery

Technorati Tags: Apple Dumpling, vanilla, ice cream, cheddar, cheese, Massachusetts, apple orchard, antique, New England, Old Sturbridge Village, rural, Brookfield Orchards, North Brookfield, The Salem Cross Inn