Farm stands are a familiar sight around the Bethel area — especially in summer — brimming with fresh produce, eggs and firewood. But tucked along back roads and driveways are smaller, more niche stands offering unexpected treasures: hand-sewn dog collars, home-roasted coffee, vibrant “Pour Art”pour art, and the Maine whoopie pie.

These small-scale stands, often unmanned and self-serve, are less about farming and more about creativity and cottage industry. They’re as much a part of the local culture as the mountains and rivers — low-key, community-minded, and a bit quirky.

While cash is still preferred, many vendors now accept Venmo, adding modern convenience to these rustic enterprises.

Though certainly not a complete list, here’s some of what you will find along the roadways:

Firewood

The going rate for firewood is $5 per bundle — typically five logs wrapped in shipping tape. Some stands offer better deals: in Andover, it’s sold by the “armful,” and in Woodstock, banana box bundles might stretch your dollar further. But beware: if you wait to buy firewood at a convenience store near campgrounds, you could pay double.

Dog Collars and Leashes

In Newry, Selectwoman Mandy Berry hand-sews a variety of stylish dog collars and leashes, sold from a stand at 119 Bear River Road. Her one-of-kind collars and leashes are available in a variety of patterns and sizes.

Coffee beans: Whole and ground

Greenwood Coffee, located at 286 Howe Hill Road in Greenwood, sells whole and ground beans from a cheerful yellow trailer decorated with flags and lights. While their coffee is available in stores, the roadside trailer offers a broader selection at the source. 

Kams and Dilly Beans

Out on Flat Road in West Bethel, a modest, tarp-covered table hides a delicious secret: homemade strawberry, blueberry and raspberry jams, plus crisp dilly beans. The setup at #63 is modest, but the products are locally made and well-prepared.

Whoopie Pies

At Puzzle Mountain Farm Stand, 806 Bear River Road in Newry, visitors can buy a variety of baked goods, including the standout item: whoopie pies, Maine’s official dessert. The stand sells the tri-level snack in both chocolate and vanilla filling.

Eggs and Art

Eggs are available throughout the area, generally priced between $5 and $6 per dozen. But at Blake Farm, 384 Walkers Mills Road in Bethel, your carton comes with a side of art. Harper Landry, the farmer’s granddaughter, sells her vibrant “Pour Art” paintings alongside the eggs — a perfect blend of breakfast and beauty.