A Farm-to-Fork Road Trip Through the South Shore

If your ideal getaway includes scenic backroads, local flavor and unforgettable food stops, the South Shore delivers. Think farm-to-table dining, small-batch breweries, artisanal cheeses and U-pick farms that change with the seasons. Come hungry and leave happy (...and full!)
 

First Stop: Fair Oaks Farms 

At Fair Oaks Farms, tour the dairy, grab lunch at The Farmhouse Restaurant, then stock up on cheese, ice cream and other local goods at the Dairycatessen. If you’re interested in learning where your food comes from, tours like their Dairy Adventure, Pig Adventure and Crop Adventure showcase modern farming practices. 

In the fall, don’t miss the Apple Fest and Pumpkinfest, and in the winter, mark your calendar for the annual Wine & Bourbon Dinner. 
 

Harvest Your Own Goodies: U-Pick Stops Along the Way

If filling your own basket sounds more fun than browsing a shelf, the South Shore has plenty of places where you can do just that. During the harvest seasons, The Orchard at Fair Oaks Farms offers U-Pick experiences where you can harvest your own apples, pumpkins and sunflowers—no reservations required!

Johnson’s Farm Produce in Hobart is one of the most popular U-pick farms in the region, where you can pick berries, tomatoes and sweet corn in the summer, then sunflowers and pumpkins when fall rolls around. They also have a bakery and market on-site if you want to take something home.

At Harvest Tyme down in Lowell you can pick your own pumpkins plus go on hayrides, and explore their corn maze.

And if you’re visiting in early March, check out Maple Syrup Time at Deep River County Park. You’ll see how sap is collected and turned into syrup, then taste it fresh while it’s still warm!
 

Sip Something Local: Wineries, Distilleries & Small Breweries

After a day of picking, tasting and exploring, slow things down with a refreshing drink. For wineries, Carpenter Creek Cellars in Remington is a great place to start. Their small-batch wines and tasting room are perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Further north, Four Corners Winery in Valparaiso pairs great wine with live music and gourmet snacks. 

Nearby, Journeyman Distillery at the American Factory serves handcrafted whiskey, bourbon, gin and more, plus amazing food including a weekend brunch at their Union Hall Restaurant.

For beer lovers, Byway Brewing in Hammond and Crown Brewing in Crown Point are both worth a stop, whether you're into hoppy IPAs or dark, rich stouts. Find more breweries to visit here.
 

Farm-to-Table Dining Worth the Drive

There’s something to be said about eating a meal that was grown or raised just down the road. The Farmhouse Restaurant at Fair Oaks Farms is a great example, serving comfort food made with ingredients sourced right from the property.

In Hobart, Bon Vie sits inside a 19th-century Victorian home on the banks of Lake George. It’s cozy, seasonal and constantly sourcing fresh ingredients from nearby farmers.

Craving more local flavor? Keep an eye out for seasonal events, new openings and food-focused happenings all across the South Shore.