7 Generations Of Harvest: What Makes Brookdale Fruit Farm In Hollis, NH A Must-Visit Destination

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Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis, New Hampshire, is far more than just a farm stand; it is a living piece of New England agricultural history, a cornerstone of the local community, and a major regional supplier of fresh produce.

As of December 22, 2025, the farm continues its legacy as one of the state's largest retail, pick-your-own, and wholesale growers, offering a fresh, unique, and family-friendly experience that changes with every season. This comprehensive guide dives into the farm’s deep roots, its diverse offerings, and the latest updates for the upcoming season.

The Deep Roots: Brookdale Farm's History and Family Legacy

The story of Brookdale Fruit Farm is a remarkable tale of enduring family dedication spanning over 175 years.

Founded in 1847 by Edward Hardy, the farm initially focused on subsistence farming, with early crops centered around summer vegetables and apples.

Over the last seven generations, the Hardy family has continuously adapted and expanded the operation, transforming it from a small, local endeavor into one of New Hampshire's most significant agricultural businesses.

This multi-generational stewardship is a testament to the family's commitment to quality produce and sustainable farming practices, making Brookdale a true landmark in the Freedom's Way National Heritage Area.

A Timeline of Agricultural Excellence

  • 1847: Farm is founded by Edward Hardy, focusing on subsistence farming.
  • 19th & 20th Centuries: The farm evolves, expanding its orchards and vegetable fields.
  • Modern Era: Brookdale becomes a major retail, pick-your-own, and wholesale operation, serving a wide regional market.
  • 2022: The farm receives national attention, hosting U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for a major funding announcement.
  • 2025: The farm continues to host educational events, such as the Tree Fruit Twilight Meeting, reinforcing its role as an industry leader.

The Brookdale Experience: Pick-Your-Own and Farm Stand Offerings

Brookdale Fruit Farm is renowned for its diverse offerings, catering to both the casual visitor seeking a fun family outing and the commercial client needing wholesale quantities. The key attractions are the expansive pick-your-own fields and the fully stocked Farm Stand.

The Seasonal Pick-Your-Own (PYO) Schedule

The PYO experience is a major draw, allowing visitors to harvest their own fresh fruits and vegetables directly from the fields. The availability is highly dependent on the season and weather, but typical offerings include:

  • Early Summer: Strawberries and certain early vegetables.
  • Mid-to-Late Summer: Blueberries, raspberries, and a wide variety of summer vegetables.
  • Fall Harvest: Apples (a major crop), peaches (depending on the year), and pumpkins.

Visitors are encouraged to check the farm's official website for the "Now Picking" schedule, as crop readiness can change daily. The farm is known for its extensive pumpkin patch, offering various types like sugar pumpkins, mini pumpkins, and Ironsides (Cannonball) pumpkins for the autumn season.

The Brookdale Farm Stand: More Than Just Produce

The retail Farm Stand is a hub of local and regional goods, offering a vast selection that goes beyond the farm’s own fields.

Inside, you can find a curated selection of specialty items, perfect for stocking your pantry or finding unique gifts. The stand supports local producers and offers a true taste of New England.

The Farm Stand’s diverse inventory includes:

  • Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: The farm's own field-fresh produce, often harvested that very morning.
  • Baked Goods: Freshly baked breads, pies, and other treats.
  • Local Staples: New Hampshire maple syrup and locally sourced honey.
  • Pantry Items: Pasta, sauces, and other gourmet food products.
  • Seasonal Decorations: Mums, gourds, corn stalks, and Christmas trees, depending on the time of year.

The Business Side: Wholesale and Agricultural Leadership

While many visitors know Brookdale for its retail and family-friendly activities, the farm is also a significant player in the commercial agricultural sector. It is recognized as one of the state's largest wholesale growers of fruits and vegetables, supplying many other businesses and markets.

Entity Focus: Wholesale Growers NH

The wholesale division is crucial to the farm's operation, ensuring that fresh, high-quality New Hampshire produce reaches a broader audience. This commercial scale requires sophisticated planning and management, covering everything from planting schedules to logistics. The farm also operates a farm supplies division, providing equipment and materials to other agricultural businesses, further cementing its role as a leader in the regional farming community.

Recent Updates and 2025 Outlook

The farm maintains a dynamic presence, with new information constantly emerging to reflect the changing agricultural seasons and business needs. For those planning a visit or a commercial partnership, the latest news is essential:

  • 2025 Season Preparations: Mentions of the "Brookdale Farm Supplies 2025" catalog indicate active preparation and investment for the upcoming growing season.
  • Industry Events: The farm is scheduled to host the Tree Fruit Twilight Meeting & Cookout in August 2025, a key event for fruit growers in the region, showcasing the farm's commitment to agricultural education and innovation.
  • Farm Stand Status: While the farm stand typically closes for a brief period in the deep winter, its reopening is a highly anticipated event, signalling the start of the next season.

Whether you are looking for a fun day of picking apples, a source for high-quality wholesale produce, or simply a taste of authentic New England farm life, Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis, NH, offers a rich and rewarding experience that honors its 175-year history while embracing the future of farming.

7 Generations of Harvest: What Makes Brookdale Fruit Farm in Hollis, NH a Must-Visit Destination
brookdale farm hollis nh
brookdale farm hollis nh

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