Why the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts is the Perfect Foodie Destination

Discretely situated in Western Massachusetts in the rich soil along the Connecticut River surrounded by forested hills, the Pioneer Valley may be the most overlooked food destination on the East Coast.  It is located in the midsection of the Connecticut River Valley, stretching from near the Vermont border to the city of Springfield and is full of farms, deep green forests, beautiful vistas and an abundance of great food. That is precisely why we are excited about our Pioneer Valley Paradise Bike-Away tour and to work with Ciclismo alumni and passionate Foodie Deborah Cristakos who will not only lead a Foodie Walking Tour of Northampton but will bike along with us to share her connections with her Foodie network.

An Area with Amazing Access to Local Agriculture and Artisanal Food Producers.

As a former chef, Deborah Christakos of Pioneer Valley Food Tours has lived in many places and believes the Pioneer Valley strikingly has better access to local agriculture and artisanal food producers than any of them.  The farmers and makers choose to be there because of the fertile glacial soil, the mild climate (for New England anyway) and the community’s appreciation for high quality and locally sourced food that allows a passionate dedication to their craft.

Deborah began Pioneer Valley Food Tours to celebrate the incredible food community in the Valley, introducing both visitors and locals to the farmers, producers and chefs through guided local food tours.  Among the places Pioneer Valley Food Tours explores are artisan producers like Jonathan Stevens at Hungry Ghost Bread in Northampton who sources much of his grain locally and also has it ground at a local mill.  He is committed to making bread using only sourdough and fermentation (no added yeast) and he is a master at baking in his wood burning oven imported from Spain.  When you listen to him talk about the different grains in their loaves and the way their bread is leavened, you will never overlook the crisp toasty crust, the light spring and textured interior of a Hungry Ghost loaf.

Bike Trip Stops at Farms, Vineyards, Orchards and Breweries.

On our bike trips into the fields and hills, our tours go directly to the source, stopping by farms, vineyards, orchards and breweries.   One beautiful stop is Glendale Ridge Vineyard, where guests taste a selection of the locally made wines along with a picnic while gazing at the Mount Tom Range.

Visiting local farms reveals the hard work and year-round dedication to the land, the animals, and the food they produce.  At Thomas Farm and Dairy, Laurie and Jim have a herd of 80+ much-loved goats (each called by name) to make their delicious goat cheese, as well as several cows to make their cheddar cheese and gouda.  They grow a variety of seasonal produce, flowers and they stock a farm stand filled with favorite local products.  They are undoubtedly busy, but always welcome guests to visit their successful and happy farm.

The Pioneer Valley is home to the 2020 winner of the  SBN (Sustainable Business Network) Sustainable Business award, Barstow’s Dairy Farm and Store, owned and operated by six and seven generations of the Barstow family.  The farm provides the best possible care to their cows yielding healthier animals, better quality milk, higher milk yields, and reduced vet bills. Barstow’s uses rotational cropping, cover crops, and, in 2019, completed a four-year transition to becoming 100% no-till on their 450 acres of wide-open Massachusetts farmland.

Visit to Red Fire Farm: The folks at At Red Fire Farm have been growing with certified organic practices since their opening in 2001. Farmer Ryan Voiland started farming when he was 12,  in 1991, in his back yard in Montague. He immediately certified his field as organic with NOFA/Baystate Organic Certifiers, and thus became one of the first certified farms in Massachusetts. Organic is part of their core! The farm produces a wide diversity of vegetables, flowers, fruit, and a high-quality selection of vegetable and bedding plant flowers for your home garden in the spring.

Not far from major cities of the Northeast, the Pioneer Valley is well worth the short trip to find unspoiled natural beauty and exceptional food from its local farms and food producers.

Deborah Christakos, Owner and Guide
Pioneer Valley Food Tours
www.pioneervalleyfoodtours.com