Visiting Adams Farm proves that Boston area residents and visitors don't have to travel long distances to get an authentic, scenic, rural New England taste of what you'd typically find in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. With 365 acres of bucolic splendor every step of the way, Adams Farm remains one of the few publicly accessible, pristine community-owned lands in suburban Boston. For starters, the Monarch Trail -- between the big red barn and community gardens -- offers an easy hike that features scenic grassy fields,a footbridge and vernal pool. A few hundred feet from the Monarch Trail is a well developed and defined butterfly garden with, typically, an abundance of butterflies in mid to late summer. Volleyball courts, the only element that stray from the pristine farm concept,nevertheless, remains an unobtrusive, pleasant attraction for those that enjoy the sport. The real appeal of Adams Farm, however, is walking the trails farther in through the forest, en route to pleasing open fields. Here all the typical sounds of suburbia -- vehicle noise, leaf blowers, mowers, construction, etc. -- are left far behind. It's an amazing experience, just hearing the bird chirping while breathing in the farm-fresh air just 18 miles from Boston!