7 wonders - #43 and #44

by Bobby Blair

You can almost get a feeling of serenity as you drive down Highland Street towards Ashland, passing open fields, apple orchards and wine vineyards. For it is here, in a distance of less than one mile from Hollis Street to the Ashland border, that much of the town’s agricultural products are produced.

Highland Farm is owned by Jack Blais. The dwarf apple trees are lined up as if they were an army marching off to war. The farm is a work in progress. According to Billy Hennesey, the farm currently has 10,000 (that’s ten thousand) apple trees -- with about 6,000 trees currently producing. Known in the past few years for their locally known Honey Crisp apples, the farm also sells, along with their u-pick operation, no less than ten other variety of apples. Along with the fruit to keep the doctor away, Highland Farm also raises its own corn, tomatoes, squash, beans, pumpkins, and rumor has it that this year cattle will be grazing in the fields. Cord wood is another mainstay at Highland Farm, if you sign up early enough in the year.

Just down the road on the opposite side of the street lies the Broad Hill Vineyards, a joint venture between land owner Jim Poitras and winemaker Geoffrey Zeamer. This particular vineyard is the largest of three which comprise Broad Hill’s local operation. Two more vineyards are located on Winter Street and another on acreage between Winter and Highland Streets. And yes, Zeamer actually has his own winery, located on Winter Street. The wines are sold locally.

Thanks to Billy Hennesey for the Highland Farm nomination and to Betsy Varga for Broad Hill.