Massachusetts is home to 95 dairy farms that annually contribute about $61 million to the local economy. In an effort to highlight the crucial role that such farms play in the state’s food ecosystem, state officials have teamed up with local dairy farmers to create the first-ever Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail. The trail is a compilation of more than 100 Massachusetts businesses, whether they’re beachside ice cream stands or year-round ice cream parlors, that use locally produced milk to for their ice cream. The trail is designed to celebrate the rich history of ice cream making in Massachusetts coupled with supporting the local businesses that make it possible, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism Executive Director Kate Fox said. “To help you navigate this delicious adventure we’ve created a user-friendly online and printable map that guides you to all of the participating locations so you can plan your own personalized ice cream trail adventure,” she said. “This is the perfect way to explore Massachusetts. You’ll discover hidden gems, charming towns, and unique ice cream shops with incredible flavors and beautiful farm settings.” Participating locations were required to submit an application to the Office of Travel and Tourism, as well as requiring them to use local milk and cream from local dairy farms, ensuring that from cow to cone, their ice cream represents the state’s best. “This particular trail is ensuring that we’re benefiting our Massachusetts dairy farms, the folks who are working hard every day to provide these sweet treats,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said at a launch celebration at Richardson’s Farm in Middleton. “We are the ice cream capital — we eat more ice cream per capita than just about any other place, and we’re here to demonstrate why these products are so great.” Earlier this year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration proposed the Mass Leads Act that prioritizes investing in many capital improvements across a variety of business sectors in the state, including workforce and talent development and transitioning to climate tech. One of these capital improvements includes $40 million for Destination Development Grants to support critical capital improvements at tourism assets statewide. “As a part of the Mass Leads Act we’re focusing really meaningfully on small businesses, the creative economy, and tourism,” Undersecretary of Economic Strategies Sarah Stanton said. “With all of these beautiful farms and great food, agro-tourism is the future. Great ice cream is great for young and old alike, and this administration’s economic development bill supports great efforts like these, while also making sure we keep this ecosystem flourishing.” The North Shore is heavily represented on the trail map with 19 different locations available. The full trail map and further information can be found at visitma.com/ice-cream-trail Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202
MIDDLETON — Massachusetts is home to 95 dairy farms that annually contribute about $61 million to the local economy.
In an effort to highlight the crucial role that such farms play in the state’s food ecosystem, state officials have teamed up with local dairy farmers to create the first-ever Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail.
The trail is a compilation of more than 100 Massachusetts businesses, whether they’re beachside ice cream stands or year-round ice cream parlors, that use locally produced milk to for their ice cream.
The trail is designed to celebrate the rich history of ice cream making in Massachusetts coupled with supporting the local businesses that make it possible, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism Executive Director Kate Fox said.
“To help you navigate this delicious adventure we’ve created a user-friendly online and printable map that guides you to all of the participating locations so you can plan your own personalized ice cream trail adventure,” she said. “This is the perfect way to explore Massachusetts. You’ll discover hidden gems, charming towns, and unique ice cream shops with incredible flavors and beautiful farm settings.”
Participating locations were required to submit an application to the Office of Travel and Tourism, as well as requiring them to use local milk and cream from local dairy farms, ensuring that from cow to cone, their ice cream represents the state’s best.
“This particular trail is ensuring that we’re benefiting our Massachusetts dairy farms, the folks who are working hard every day to provide these sweet treats,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said at a launch celebration at Richardson’s Farm in Middleton. “We are the ice cream capital — we eat more ice cream per capita than just about any other place, and we’re here to demonstrate why these products are so great.”
Earlier this year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration proposed the Mass Leads Act that prioritizes investing in many capital improvements across a variety of business sectors in the state, including workforce and talent development and transitioning to climate tech. One of these capital improvements includes $40 million for Destination Development Grants to support critical capital improvements at tourism assets statewide.
“As a part of the Mass Leads Act we’re focusing really meaningfully on small businesses, the creative economy, and tourism,” Undersecretary of Economic Strategies Sarah Stanton said.
“With all of these beautiful farms and great food, agro-tourism is the future. Great ice cream is great for young and old alike, and this administration’s economic development bill supports great efforts like these, while also making sure we keep this ecosystem flourishing.”
The North Shore is heavily represented on the trail map with 19 different locations available. The full trail map and further information can be found at visitma.com/ice-cream-trail
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202
Michael McHugh can be contacted at mmchugh@northofboston.com or at 781-799-5202