What to Expect for Sponsored Events

• Apples: Depending on the date, we have McIntosh, Courtland, Paula Reds, Red Graven steins and Macoun.  We also have a bunch of other varieties in our nursery (smaller quantities).
• Animals: sheep, chickens, ducks, goats, pigs
• Food: Local vendor will be providing a limited array of food items.
• Apple Stuff: Caramel apples, cider donuts, freshly-pressed apple cider and hot apple cider if it gets cold or rainy.
• Hay Rides: Your 15-minute ride on the hay wagon will be the only time all day when you will know exactly where your children are.  Watch as the hawks circle overhead on a crisp fall day.
• And Lots of Fun! Rain or Shine!
• Other activities will be available and are provided by the sponsoring organizations.

Quick FAQs

- Who can come? Anyone can come to any of our public events. 

- Is there access to public transportation?  Unfortunately, no.  There is a commuter train that stops in Ayer (next town over) but from there you would need a taxi for a 3 miles journey.

- What forms of payment do we accept?  We do not have ATMs on site.  We are going to try and accept credit cards this year but it will be on a trial basis.  So bring cash - lots of it! Note: Farm Stand is on the honor system and accepts only cash.

- What about bad weather? All events go on as scheduled, regardless of weather.  Like the U.S. Postal service. Rain or Shine... We have tents to eat under and you can bring your boots!

- Can I bring my pet?  Please do not bring alligators or pit bulls or gerbils.  But dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash.  Please pick up after your dog.

- When I get there, how do I tell which apples are which? Going up the orchard road, the first rows of mature trees on either side are Courtland (on the right side, there is a row of smaller trees in front.  These trees are young Macouns).  The next two rows of mature trees are McIntosh.  Then Courtland again, then twoMcIntosh..etc.. until you get to the top of the hill.  At the top of the hill, is the nursery with 12 different types of apples, all in early stages of production.  Over the back of the hill, are the Macoun apples.   Macoun speak in October whereas theCourtland and the McIntosh are best in September. Over to the far left are our "early apples": Paula Reds andRed Gravensteins.  These ripen in August and are usually gone by the time of our fall events.  We use these apples for the cider and apple pies. Nevertheless, try some of everything!

- Do you spray your apples? Yes. We do spray the apples to protect them against apple scab, plum curculio, a host of other fungi and flies and, least of all, apple maggot. We follow Integrated Pest Management [IPM] principles to minimize excess spraying.

- What does stuff cost?  Apple bags range from $6-$22.  Fresh-pressed Cider is 1/2 Gallon: $5 and  a gallon: $8.  Caramel Apples: $3. 

Directions

Little Rascals Orchard is approximately 40 minutes west of Boston. Drive west on Route 2 to exit 38A (Route 110 W/Route 111 S towards Harvard/Worcester).  Merge onto Ayer Road/Rt 110/Rt 111.  The Farm is about 1/2 mile down on the left. 

If you are going to MapQuest it or Google it, use the address: 116 Ayer Road, Harvard MA 01451.