Frank and Mary Napoli started Idylwilde Farm upon their emigration from Italy in 1898. They raised vegetables, poultry, and eggs upon 40 acres of land in Lexington, Massachusetts and sold them door to door by pushcart with the help of their son Thomas.

Thomas turned in the pushcart for a farmstand in 1930 and officially dubbed the business Idylwilde Farm. He and his wife Catherine ran the business for 36 years before passing it on to the third generation of Massachusetts farmers in 1969. Brothers Thomas, Richard, and David Napoli relocated the business to its current location in Acton, then replaced the small log cabin market with a Dutch barn and greenhouse in 1985.

This locally crafted post and beam structure quickly became a recognizable local landmark. So quickly, in fact, that the owners never bothered to put up a sign. Instead, Idylwilde welcomes visitors with a wide selection of produce, gourmet foods, baked goods, and deli items. They also sell seasonal home and garden items — from plants and interior accents to wreaths and firewood. Still, the farm remains locally famous for its produce: including a rare squash known as golden zucchini. Whatever produce Idylwilde is not able to grow on its 80 acres, it sources from other local farms.

Idylwilde Farm has recently entered its fourth generation, with cousins Matthew, Patrick, D.J., Thomas, Steve, and Joe Napoli following in the footsteps of their fathers.

Photo courtesy of Idylwilde Farm

Sources: idylwildefarm.com, bostonglobe.com