Carter & Stevens Farm

carter and stevens farm

Carter & Stevens Farm, located in the picturesque town of Barre, Massachusetts, is far more than your typical ice cream shop. This multi-generational dairy farm offers a truly unique experience, blending the rustic charm of a working farm with a diverse array of culinary delights and recreational activities. While known for its delicious ice cream, made with milk from their own cows, the farm has evolved into a comprehensive destination that attracts visitors from across Central Massachusetts and beyond. It’s a place where you can connect with the origins of your food, enjoy the beauty of rural New England, and indulge in a variety of farm-fresh products.

What truly sets Carter & Stevens Farm apart is its integrated approach to agriculture and hospitality. This isn't just an ice cream counter; it's a living, breathing farm that produces its own raw milk, grass-fed beef, and fresh vegetables. This commitment to farm-to-table freshness extends to their ice cream, ensuring a quality and flavor that is distinctively rich and authentic. The presence of Stone Cow Brewery on-site further enhances the appeal, offering craft beers brewed with a connection to the land. Additionally, the farm serves as a venue for large-scale events, including the challenging Spartan Race, showcasing its vast and varied terrain. This unique combination of an authentic farm experience, high-quality food, and dynamic entertainment makes Carter & Stevens Farm a truly special and invaluable asset to the Massachusetts community, inviting visitors to enjoy a taste of sustainable agriculture alongside their sweet treats.

Carter & Stevens Farm is located at 500 West St, Barre, MA 01005, USA. This address places it in the scenic and rural landscape of Barre, a town nestled in Worcester County, Massachusetts. While it offers a serene escape, its location is still quite accessible for many residents across the state.

The accessibility of Carter & Stevens Farm is part of its charm. While it provides a feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle, it's connected by Massachusetts' network of state routes. For those driving from surrounding towns like Petersham, Princeton, Rutland, or even larger hubs such as Worcester, the journey to West Street is a straightforward and often scenic drive through Central Massachusetts. The farm's expansive property offers ample parking, which is a significant convenience, especially during peak seasons or when major events like the Spartan Race are being held. This ease of parking allows visitors to arrive comfortably and spend their time enjoying the farm's many offerings without the stress of finding a spot. While the setting is rural, the farm is a well-established landmark, often drawing visitors through direct GPS navigation or word-of-mouth. Its appeal as a destination means that visitors are generally prepared for a short drive to experience its unique blend of farm life, delicious food, and recreational activities, making it a beloved, accessible escape for many Massachusetts locals.

Carter & Stevens Farm offers a wide array of services and products, extending far beyond typical ice cream shop offerings to provide a comprehensive farm experience.

• Old Fashion Ice Cream: Made on-site from their own raw milk, offering a traditional and rich flavor. Their ice cream stand is typically open from April to October.
• Raw Milk Sales: Direct sales of fresh raw milk from their dairy cows, a unique offering for those seeking farm-fresh dairy.
• Grass-Fed Beef: They sell their own sustainably raised, all-natural, grass-fed beef, with no dyes, preservatives, or hormones.
• Fresh Vegetables & Produce: When in season, the farm grows and sells the majority of the vegetables they serve and other fresh produce.
• Boar's Head Deli: A deli counter offering high-quality Boar's Head products.
• Farm Store: A seasonal store (April to October) selling their own farm products, local grocery items, and other goods.
• Stone Cow Brewery: Home to an on-site craft brewery offering a variety of beers, some brewed with ingredients grown on the farm.
• Outdoor BBQ Pit/Restaurant: A unique "field-to-flame" BBQ restaurant, operating seasonally from June to October, serving items like their grass-fed beef burgers cooked over a wood-fired grill.
• Indoor Barn Kitchen: Operating from November to May, providing a warm indoor dining option during colder months.
• Event Venue: Known for hosting large events, including the Spartan Race, utilizing their extensive and varied terrain.
• Picnic Areas: Plenty of space and picnic tables for visitors to enjoy their food and treats in the beautiful farm setting.

Carter & Stevens Farm stands out as a unique and multifaceted destination in Massachusetts, distinguished by several key features and highlights that enhance its appeal to locals.

• Farm-to-Table Experience: A primary highlight is the genuine farm-to-table ethos. Visitors can enjoy ice cream made from the farm's own raw milk, grass-fed beef from their pastures at the BBQ pit, and fresh vegetables grown on-site. This direct connection to the source of food is a rare and valued experience.
• Integrated Business Model: The combination of a working dairy farm, an ice cream shop, a deli, a farm store, and the on-site Stone Cow Brewery creates a comprehensive destination. This allows visitors to enjoy multiple activities and products in one visit, from sweet treats to craft beer and fresh groceries.
• Beautiful Setting: Customers consistently praise the "beautiful setting" of the farm. The expansive land, rolling hills, and rural charm provide a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing outing, whether enjoying a meal or exploring the property.
• Versatile Venue for Events: The farm's capacity to host large-scale events, such as the Spartan Race, highlights its ample space and varied terrain. This makes it a dynamic location for both daily visits and significant community gatherings, offering a "blast" of an experience for participants.
• Stone Cow Brewery Integration: The presence of Stone Cow Brewery on the farm is a major draw. It offers locally brewed craft beers, providing an adult beverage option that complements the food and farm atmosphere, even featuring convenient cup holders at race events.
• Delicious Food Beyond Ice Cream: While the ice cream is a draw, the "delicious food" from the outdoor BBQ pit, featuring their own grass-fed beef, adds a significant culinary appeal, offering a full meal experience.
• Fifth-Generation Family Farm: The deep roots as a "fifth generation dairy farm" underscores a long-standing commitment to sustainable farming and community. This heritage adds to the authentic charm and appeal for locals who value tradition and enduring local businesses.
• Sustainable Practices: Mention of the dairy barn being "powered by solar and wind power" indicates a commitment to modern sustainable practices, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

To connect with Carter & Stevens Farm and Stone Cow Brewery, or to plan your visit, please use the following contact information.

Address: 500 West St, Barre, MA 01005, USA

Phone: (978) 355-4940

Mobile Phone: +1 978-355-4940

Given its multifaceted nature and strong connection to the local landscape, Carter & Stevens Farm is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in Massachusetts. It offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to a wide range of interests, making it far more than just a place to grab an ice cream cone; it's a complete outing.

For families in Massachusetts, the farm provides an expansive and engaging environment. Children can enjoy the open spaces, see where their food comes from, and participate in events like the Spartan Race Kids' events. Parents can relax in the "beautiful setting," enjoy quality farm-fresh food from the BBQ pit or indoor kitchen, and even savor a craft beer from Stone Cow Brewery. The farm's commitment to producing its own raw milk, grass-fed beef, and fresh vegetables means that locals have direct access to high-quality, sustainably sourced products, supporting a regional agricultural heritage.

The integration of Stone Cow Brewery on the premises makes it an ideal spot for adults and couples as well, offering a unique venue for socializing and enjoying locally brewed craft beverages amidst a charming farm backdrop. The occasional mention of minor inconveniences, such as finding a non-beer drink at the outdoor BBQ, are generally outweighed by the overall positive experience and the sheer breadth of offerings.

Moreover, as a fifth-generation dairy farm, Carter & Stevens Farm embodies the resilience and spirit of Massachusetts' rural communities. Supporting this establishment means directly contributing to the preservation of local agriculture and traditional farming practices. Its role as a venue for significant events like the Spartan Race further cements its status as a dynamic and integral part of the local recreational landscape. For anyone in Massachusetts seeking a genuine, wholesome, and enjoyable experience that combines delicious food, refreshing beverages, and engaging activities in a beautiful farm setting, Carter & Stevens Farm is an unparalleled local gem that truly has something for everyone.

Carter & Stevens Farm

500 West St, Barre, MA 01005, USA