Ice Cream. Grandma’s Favorites. Paddling Fun. And Putting Your Green Thumb to the Test

From delicious treats, opportunities to learn about gardening, and even a salt room to enjoy for a little self-care, our region’s small businesses are ready to welcome you and your family (and even your pets!) to engage, rejuvenate and enjoy the best our region has to offer this summer.

So, grab your hat and some sunscreen, and check out these small businesses and the many others found in our Member Directory to plan a summer of fun here in North Central Massachusetts.

Farm, food, and ice cream, oh my!
Rota Spring Farm
www.rotaspringfarm.com

What started as a family dairy farm in 1911, Rota Spring Farm expanded its offerings in 1997 after David Rota wanted to diversify his business.

“As milk prices would fluctuate, I realized I needed to do something to diversify and maintain my cash flow,” said Rota, owner of the farm. “I talked with friends in the farming industry who opened ice cream stands and built a four-window stand 27 years ago. Now, we are an eight-window stand providing ultra-premium ice cream you cannot purchase anywhere else.”

In addition to ice cream, Rota dishes out traditional family favorites to customers, including his Italian grandmother’s meatballs and meat sauce. “We have tomatoes that were brought here from Italy by my grandfather many, many years ago,” he added. “We also offer on-the-go meals featuring Shepard’s pie, chicken pot pie, soups, grass fed beef, and our roast beef sandwiches are second to none.”

The farm boasts more than 15 acres of vegetable fields, which include honeybees that provide honey for purchase in the Farm Store. Visitors can explore the property, watch the cows and goats, and in the fall, enjoy pick-your-own pumpkins and hayrides.

Building teams and having fun on the Nashua River
Nashoba Paddler
www.nashobapaddler.com

Located in Groton, Nashoba Paddler has been offering canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboard experiences on the beautiful, friendly Nashua River for nearly 30 years. Owner Diane Carson said the business offers something for people of all ages who want to enjoy nature and the beauty of the river.

“There is so much opportunity for outdoor recreation in our area, and I think this is something more people have become interested in,” she said. “Kayaking and canoeing are great for families, and we also welcome groups and businesses who want to get out of the office for team building activities, especially in a canoe.”

Nashoba Paddler also offers a summer camp for children aged 6 to 14, instruction for kayaking and canoeing, and they partner with the Nashua River Watershed Association’s River Classroom school programs. “We offer guided tours on the river, full moon canoeing, and there’s always the opportunity to rent boats on your own from our rental base to explore and check out wildlife, too!”

While there are no specific places to enjoy a picnic on the river, Carson said they have a couple of picnic tables at their rental base for people to grab a bite.

“The thing about the Nashua River that is really unique is that there is very little development along it so you can feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, but still be very close to home.”

Perfecting your green thumb
The Good Earth Farm and Garden Center
www.thegoodearthfgc.com

The Altobelli Family is all about education and community, so it felt natural for them to purchase the former Agway in Gardner with the aim of helping people, whether it be with plants or animals, and implementing workshops designed to educate or just be fun.

The Good Earth Farm & Garden Center, which still displays the old Agway sign on its east wall as a nod to the past, was founded by Jacquelin Altobelli and five other family members in 2022.

“North Central Massachusetts needed this store to keep going,” she said “And while the old Agway provided high-level service, we’ve taken it to a different level. We realized we needed to improve offerings and make the business more community oriented with educational classes that bring people together. And don’t get me started talking about the plants in our side-yard and local pollenators—it’s my Zen place come Spring! I drink a cup of coffee here every morning before we open.”

In addition to a vast array of annuals, perennials and vegetable plants, and everything to grow them successfully, the store offers farm animal feeds and supplies (they are a direct distributor of Poulin Feeds, a local, family-owned company), pet foods and supplies, lawn care products and a variety of classes on everything from mineral mixing, raised bed and container planting, growing herbs, as well as some workshops for kids.

“We recently held an Easter egg decorating class and a May Day basket making class,” she added. “We offer classes aimed at different interests because we want to build a bigger sense of community. And we love it when customers bring their pets in—they’re part of our community, too! Plus, even if you don’t have a green thumb, we believe anyone can grow anything with the correct information and we’re here to help.”

At the heart of the store? “Our staff,” said Altobelli. “From ages 17 to 70, they’ve thrown themselves into this with a humbling amount of heart. We wouldn’t be anywhere without them.”

Home. Health. Hibiscus.
Sage Home Collections
Salt and Sage on Main
Debonis and Davin Florists

When Kayla Nault learned about an available vacant building with a greenhouse in Leominster, she found an opportunity to bring her passions to the community. Now six years later, Nault is leading three businesses offering home décor, fresh flowers, plants, crystals, and holistic health in our community.

She first opened Sage Home Collections in Leominster, which provides plants, crystals, and other goods, and then expanded to open Salt and Sage on Main in Townsend, which offers a salt room, stationary, and easy-care plants, among other items. Most recently, Nault acquired Debonis and Davin Florists, a long-standing business in Fitchburg, where she offers fresh flower arrangements and plants, as well as a large gift shop.

“I’ve always loved plants and crystals, so my business is a natural progression of my hobbies,” said Nault. “And with Debonis and Davin, we are able to offer beautiful flower arrangements, as well as grab-and-go bouquets at our Leominster location.”

The flower shop also affords Nault a creative outlet to play with a variety of locally grown, beautiful flowers to make unique arrangements. “We have a small piece of land where we are growing our own flowers right here in North Central,” added Nault.

While orchids are her favorite flower, Nault also loves to surround herself with fluorite, her favorite crystal. “Fluorite comes in so many colors, green, purple and blue,” she said. “But honestly, it’s hard to pick just one favorite crystal!”

This summer, Sage Home Collections will offer their popular “Wine Down Wednesdays” event once a month on a Wednesday evening in the summer, which features local vendors, food, and wine, beer, and other beverages for purchase. “It’s a great meeting spot after work,” she added. “We just want people come hang out in the backyard, do a little shopping and enjoy great food.”

Chamber of Commerce | North Central Massachusetts | New England Town | Small Town Economy | Worcester County | Local Business | Visit North Central Massachusetts | Rota Springs Farm | Sterling, MA | Nashoba Paddler | Nashoba, MA | Good Earth Farm & Center | Gardner, MA | Salt & Sage on Main | Leominster, MA | Massachusetts Business