Rollinsford

Take root in Rollinsford - Where a child’s love for nature and art has room to grow

In Rollinsford, a rural hamlet and former mill village wedged between Dover and South Berwick, Maine, spring is literally in the air, thanks to Brookford Farm, an organic dairy and vegetable farm sprawled out along the nearby banks of the Salmon Falls River.

Home to some of the oldest and most fertile farmland in the region, the scent of freshly tilled earth mixed with the sweetness of newly sprouted pasture grasses can only mean one thing: another growing season has begun.

And this year Brookford Farm wants to celebrate this special time of year. On May 7, when the cows finally leave their winter barns and return to the fields, visitors can welcome the heifer with a parade of flowers and then return to the (cleaned out) barns for a good old-fashioned hoedown.

Got a kid who’s curious about farming? Come back for Brookford Farm’s free monthly hayrides and educational farm tours for all ages. On a Brookford Farm tour, knowledgeable farmers explain the workings of the organic farm as visitors get a closer look at the cows, pigs, and chickens in the pastures, as well as vegetable gardens and grain fields. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of newborn calves, piglets or chicks.

The artistic side of Rollinsford can be found at the Salmon Falls Mills, a former textile mill that is now home to more than 60 artists. Home to painters, sculptors, children’s book illustrators, hat makers, recycled art makers, and even a yoga studio, the mill hums year-round with activities and classes. On May 7 (the Saturday before Mother’s Day), mill artists throw open their doors to the public for an Open Studios event. There are always plenty of creative activities for kids to take part in, but if you’ve got a budding Picasso in the family, don’t pass up this chance to see actual artists at work. 

Where else to go? On the other side of the Salmon Falls River, explore South Berwick’s quaint downtown before taking a welcome spring hike along the kid-friendly trails of South Berwick’s Vaughn Woods State Park.

For a map or brochure, contact the Greater Somersworth Chamber Of Commerce, 58 High St., Somersworth 03878, or go to www.somersworthchamber.com. 

Bold Quote: The fertile land along the Salmon Falls River in Rollinsford is some of the oldest farmland in the state.

Check out the great places in this article:

Brookford Farm: 70 Sligo Road. Stop by the farm store for milk, yogurt, artisan cheese, meats and an ever-changing selection of vegetables. The Heifer Parade and Barn Dance takes place Saturday, May 7, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. For tour and hayride information, go to www.brookfordfarm.com.

Salmon Falls Mills: 1 Front St. Open Studio Day takes place on the Saturday before Mother’s Day and the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Browse the studios, buy some art, listen to live music and take part in creative kids’ activities. www.millartists.com

Black Bean Cafe: 76 Front St. A kid-friendly stop for breakfast or soup and sandwich fare made with creative flare. Don’t skip the homemade breads and fresh-baked pastry treats, both Black Bean claims to local culinary fame. Call 740-4555 for hours.  

Wentworth Greenhouses: 141 Rollins Road. With flowering potted plants, annuals, vegetables, perennials and herbs spread out over six-plus acres of production greenhouses, chances are your family will find something good to grow. www.wentworthgreenhouses.com