Abigail's Bakery

For residents of New Hampshire seeking high-quality, artisanal baked goods, especially those with a focus on organic ingredients and unique bread varieties, Abigail's Bakery in Weare has long been a notable name. This local establishment prides itself on crafting products that are both delicious and often cater to specific dietary preferences, making it a valuable resource for many in the community. While known for its excellent breads, including their famous Millet & Rice loaves, it's important for locals to be aware of the specific nuances of their offerings, particularly concerning gluten-free considerations. This overview aims to provide a comprehensive and factual look at Abigail's Bakery, helping New Hampshire users understand what to expect from this unique local business.

Abigail's Bakery, run by Jenny Chartier and part of a four-generation family baking tradition (with Hannah Chartier recently taking over a café extension in Henniker), operates with a philosophy centered on simplicity, clean living, and hard work. They are renowned for milling their own wheat berries for their whole grain loaves, a testament to their dedication to fresh, wholesome ingredients. Over the years, they have built a reputation for producing "fabulous" products that stand out in the New Hampshire market. While their commitment to quality remains, like any evolving business, there have been changes to recipes over time that warrant attention from customers, especially those with strict dietary requirements. Understanding these aspects ensures that every visit to Abigail's Bakery meets expectations and continues to be a positive experience for the local community.

Abigail's Bakery is located at 352 S Sugar Hill Rd, Weare, NH 03281, USA. This address places it in a more rural, scenic part of New Hampshire. For locals navigating to the bakery, it's crucial to note that finding the exact location can sometimes be a challenge. As highlighted by customer feedback, the bakery might be "hidden from the road, zero signs showing where it is," and there could be confusion with nearby driveways. Visitors are advised to pay close attention to directions and perhaps use GPS carefully. It's a destination that often requires a bit of intentional navigation rather than a casual drive-by. Given its location in Weare, accessibility primarily relies on personal vehicles. While less convenient for those relying on public transport, its rural setting contributes to the charm and unique character of the business. Locals planning a visit should factor in the potential for slight delays in locating the entrance, especially if it's their first time.

Abigail's Bakery primarily focuses on artisanal bread production, with a strong emphasis on organic and wholesome ingredients. Their offerings cater to those seeking traditional, high-quality loaves and specific dietary alternatives. Here are some of the services and products you can find:

• Artisanal Breads: They offer a variety of organic and classic breads, including:
  • Country Loaf
  • Rustic Wheat
  • Country Seed Bread
  • Cinnamon Swirl
  • Jewish Rye Bread
  • Jalapeño Cheddar
  • Garlic Rosemary
• Millet & Rice Breads: A signature offering, particularly popular among those seeking gluten-conscious options. However, customers should be aware of ingredient changes, such as the recent addition of malted barley, which can affect those with strict gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease. Varieties have included Millet Cinnamon Swirl, Millet & Sweet Brown Rice, Millet Hamburger Rolls, and Millet & Brown Rice Dinner Rolls.
• Sourdough Products: Abigail's Bakery is known for its sourdough, offering items like a "Dehydrated Sourdough Start" for home bakers and a "7 Step Sourdough Training Video" for those looking to learn.
• Wholesale and Retail Sales: They sell their breads directly from their retail outlet in Weare and also supply to various locations, including some local markets and co-ops in New Hampshire.
• Special Orders: Customers can call ahead to request specific loaves, which is advisable given their production schedule.
• Farm-Fresh Ingredients: Some menu items, particularly at their café extension (if applicable), incorporate ingredients from the owner's family farm, Lucky 7.
• Pizzas: While not their primary focus, a customer review mentions ordering pizza, suggesting it may be an occasional or special offering. However, experiences with toppings and consistency may vary.

Abigail's Bakery distinguishes itself in the New Hampshire baking scene through several key features and highlights:

• Organic and Wholesome Focus: The bakery prides itself on using organic ingredients and milling its own wheat berries, ensuring a high-quality, nutritious product. This appeals greatly to health-conscious consumers in New Hampshire.
• Unique Bread Varieties: Their selection of artisanal breads, including the well-known Millet & Rice loaves, offers distinct options not commonly found in larger chain bakeries.
• Family Legacy: With roots dating back to 1978 and a four-generation family involvement, Abigail's Bakery carries a rich history and a strong sense of tradition in its baking.
• Dedication to Craft: The focus on "simplicity, clean living and hard work" reflects a commitment to the craft of baking, producing bread that is "nurturing and satisfying."
• Gluten-Conscious Options (with caveats): They have historically provided a good option for those avoiding gluten, particularly with their Millet & Rice bread. However, recent ingredient changes (e.g., malted barley addition) mean customers with severe gluten allergies or Celiac disease must verify ingredients carefully for their specific needs, as this product may no longer be suitable for strict gluten avoidance.
• Local Distribution: Beyond their Weare location, their breads are available at various local markets and co-ops across New Hampshire, increasing accessibility for consumers.
• Direct-to-Consumer Model: Customers can pick up bread directly from the bakery, fostering a direct connection between producer and consumer.

For those looking to contact Abigail's Bakery or plan a visit, here is their information:

Address: 352 S Sugar Hill Rd, Weare, NH 03281, USA

Phone: (603) 289-1717

Mobile Phone: +1 603-289-1717

Their retail outlet hours are typically Monday - Friday, 6 am - 12 pm. It is recommended to call ahead, especially for specific loaf requests or to confirm availability. Their website (abigailsbakery.com) is a good resource for updated information, product lists, and potentially online ordering.

In conclusion, Abigail's Bakery is a suitable and distinctive option for New Hampshire locals, particularly those in and around Weare, for several key reasons. While its location might require careful navigation for first-time visitors due to limited signage, its focus on organic, artisanal, and unique bread offerings, including its signature Millet & Rice varieties, makes the journey worthwhile for many. The bakery's deep family roots and commitment to a traditional, wholesome approach to baking resonate with residents who value local craftsmanship and quality ingredients. For those seeking "fabulous" non-gluten bread options, it's crucial to be aware of the updated ingredient lists, as the inclusion of malted barley might affect those with strict gluten avoidance needs. However, for those who appreciate delicious, organic, and locally-made breads for general gluten avoidance, Abigail's remains a strong choice. It embodies the spirit of a dedicated local producer, providing New Hampshire residents with nourishing and satisfying baked goods that stand apart from mass-produced alternatives.

Abigail's Bakery

352 S Sugar Hill Rd, Weare, NH 03281, USA