At last, the holiday season is upon us! We’ve composted our farm-picked pumpkins and gourds, cleared off our Thanksgiving tables, and now it’s time to start checking off that December bucket list. First up, picking out and cutting down your very own Christmas tree! It’s not as daunting as it may seem – New York state is filled with Christmas tree farms within a couple hours from the city. Grab some hot cocoa, jump in the car, crank up your favorite holiday tunes and make a day out of it! See below for a list of farms just a hop, skip and a jump from NYC. POSSIBLE TREE SHORTAGE: Please visit the individual websites and/or call ahead for farm hours, tree availability, and tree-cutting regulations. DUTCHESS COUNTY Battenfield’s Christmas Tree Farm 856 Rte 199, Red Hook, NY 845-758-8018 Primrose Hill Farm 203 Fiddlers Bridge Rd, Staatsburg, NY 845-889-4725 Saltsman Tree Farm 214 Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 845-876-8801 WESTCHESTER COUNTY Stuart’s Fruit Farm 62 Granite Springs Rd, Granite Springs, NY 914-245-2784 LONG ISLAND Dart’s Christmas Tree Farm 2355 Main Bayview Rd, Southold, Long Island, NY 631-765-4148 Elmwood Pumpkin and Christmas Tree Farm 1500 E Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, NY 631-368-8626 Lewin Farms 812 Sound Ave, Calverton, NY 631-929-4327 Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm 30105 Main Street, Cutchogue, NY 631-734-8641
At last, the holiday season is upon us! We’ve composted our farm-picked pumpkins and gourds, cleared off our Thanksgiving tables, and now it’s time to start checking off that December bucket list. First up, picking out and cutting down your very own Christmas tree! It’s not as daunting as it may seem – New York state is filled with Christmas tree farms within a couple hours from the city. Grab some hot cocoa, jump in
Revel in the fall foliage and orchards of Dutchess Tourism, Inc.and pick apples till the cows come home! The bus will make stops in the quaint town of Rhinebeck for lunch on your own. Then we’ll stop at the friendly petting zoo and get lost in the corn maze at local favorite, Kesicke Farm Cattle. Next, we’ll travel to historic Rose Hill Farm for apple picking. NEW for 2019, they have added a cider tasting room. We’ll then proceed to the idyllic Greig Farm for pygmy goat feeding, the indoor farmer’s market and café (and more apple picking if you wish.) Tour includes guide, farm entrance fees, corn maze and transportation. Pick up at 9am and return to Bryant Park on NW corner of 6th Ave. / 42nd St. by 7:30pm. $79/pp.
Revel in the fall foliage and orchards of Dutchess Tourism, Inc.and pick apples till the cows come home! The bus will make stops in the quaint town of Rhinebeck for lunch on your own. Then we’ll stop at the friendly petting zoo and get lost in the corn maze at local favorite, Kesicke Farm Cattle. Next, we’ll travel to historic Rose Hill Farm for apple picking. NEW for 2019, they have added a cider tasting
Revel in the fall foliage and orchards of Dutchess Tourism, Inc.and pick apples till the cows come home! The bus will make stops in the quaint town of Rhinebeck for lunch on your own. Then we’ll stop at the friendly petting zoo and get lost in the corn maze at local favorite, Kesicke Farm Cattle. Next, we’ll travel to historic Rose Hill Farm for apple picking. NEW for 2019, they have added a cider tasting room. We’ll then proceed to the idyllic Greig Farm for pygmy goat feeding, the indoor farmer’s market and café (and more apple picking if you wish.) Tour includes guide, farm entrance fees, corn maze and transportation. Pick up at 9am and return to Bryant Park on NW corner of 6th Ave. / 42nd St. by 7:30pm. $79/pp.
Revel in the fall foliage and orchards of Dutchess Tourism, Inc.and pick apples till the cows come home! The bus will make stops in the quaint town of Rhinebeck for lunch on your own. Then we’ll stop at the friendly petting zoo and get lost in the corn maze at local favorite, Kesicke Farm Cattle. Next, we’ll travel to historic Rose Hill Farm for apple picking. NEW for 2019, they have added a cider tasting
Hop on MTA Metro-North Railroad and revel in the fall foliage and orchards of Dutchess Tourism, Inc. and pick apples till the cows come home! The bus will make stops in the quaint town of Rhinebeck for lunch and then travel to historic Rose Hill Farm for apple picking. NEW for 2019: a cider tasting room! We’ll then proceed to the idyllic Greig Farm for pygmy goat feeding, more apple picking and the indoor farmers market and cafe. Last, we’ll explore the friendly petting zoo and get lost in the corn maze at local favorite, Kesicke Farm Cattle!
Hop on MTA Metro-North Railroad and revel in the fall foliage and orchards of Dutchess Tourism, Inc. and pick apples till the cows come home! The bus will make stops in the quaint town of Rhinebeck for lunch and then travel to historic Rose Hill Farm for apple picking. NEW for 2019: a cider tasting room! We’ll then proceed to the idyllic Greig Farm for pygmy goat feeding, more apple picking and the indoor farmers
Take a ride on MTA Metro-North Railroad and explore the culinary mecca and historic town of Rhinebeck and visit the bountiful pick-your-own berry and fruit farms of Dutchess Tourism, Inc.. Stops include Greig Farm, with its cozy café, indoor farmers market, pygmy goats and fruit fields and Rose Hill Farm, with its fruit orchards and – NEW for 2019 – a cider tasting room! Pending fruit availability, pick blueberries, blackberries, peaches and more to your heart’s content. Then we’ll explore the friendly petting zoo and stocked farm market at Kesicke Farm Cattle! Cap off your day with dinner in Poughkeepsie before you head home with your farm fresh bounty.
Take a ride on MTA Metro-North Railroad and explore the culinary mecca and historic town of Rhinebeck and visit the bountiful pick-your-own berry and fruit farms of Dutchess Tourism, Inc.. Stops include Greig Farm, with its cozy café, indoor farmers market, pygmy goats and fruit fields and Rose Hill Farm, with its fruit orchards and – NEW for 2019 – a cider tasting room! Pending fruit availability, pick blueberries, blackberries, peaches and more to your
Oh, sweet summertime, how we've been longing for you! With your bright shining sun, long days and - most importantly - your seasonal produce! Is it just me, or does your diet automatically become healthier come warmer months? I'm just constantly surrounded by fresh ripe berries, bright leafy greens, colorful summer squash, and more. The raw deliciousness is a no-brainer. So while perusing the market this week, I was inspired by an abundance of colorful produce: tuscan kale, speckled zucchini, plump blueberries and peaches. What could I make that was satisfying and delicious, while still preserving the raw, ripe flavors? Enter: the Summer Farmers Market Smoothie Bowl. After stumbling across a bag of crispy, golden local granola, I knew this was the answer. I scooped up one giant zucchini ($1.50), a quart of peaches ($3), one bunch of tender kale ($3), one container of blueberries ($4.50) and a small bag of granola ($6) and off to the blender I went! Now, I know leafy greens in your smoothie are a tale as old as time these days. They create a superhero-esque green hue and pack a punch with protein and vitamins. But you may be wondering: what the heck are you doing with a zucchini? Let me tell you. An absolute perfect way to bulk up your smoothies without adding the extra sugar and fat of additional fruits like banana or avocado: steamed zucchini! When you get it home from the market, wash it and chop it (into coins or spears, whatever you prefer) and cook in a steamer basket for 5-10 minutes over a pot of boiling water. Then let the zucchini cool and pop it in the freezer in an even layer. Once it's frozen, throw it in an airtight container or bag. Then next time you're looking
Oh, sweet summertime, how we’ve been longing for you! With your bright shining sun, long days and – most importantly – your seasonal produce! Is it just me, or does your diet automatically become healthier come warmer months? I’m just constantly surrounded by fresh ripe berries, bright leafy greens, colorful summer squash, and more. The raw deliciousness is a no-brainer. So while perusing the market this week, I was inspired by an abundance of colorful
When Memorial Day comes around each May, the excitement is palpable. Summer is here and our lists of plans and dreams for the warm months ahead bounce from pool parties to vacations to summer Fridays to sandy beaches and BBQs with friends. But the true meaning of the holiday is sometimes buried by the summer season kick-off. This Memorial Day, take some extra time to remember those who have selflessly served their nation, those whose lives have been lost. New York State is rich with the history of soldiers fighting for their country, soldiers fallen, battles won and lost. The monuments, memorials and especially cemeteries tell amazing stories of strength and bravery. While you're spending long summer weekends eating, drinking, relaxing and playing in the Hudson Valley, the Catskills, the Finger Lakes, etc., spend a warm afternoon walking through one of the many cemeteries or memorials open to the public, inviting nature lovers, history buffs and deep thinkers to wander in and explore the past. Check out the list below: Youngs Memorial Cemetery in Long Island, a steep, lush, grassy hill, was the final resting place of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt. At certain times of year, when the grand maples have lost their leaves, you can look out at the glistening waves of Oyster Bay while standing beside T.R.'s grave. Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, NY (Hudson Valley Region) was established in 1847 by Washington Irving. In addition to Irving, many other notable figures are buried across the 100 acres in Westchester County, such as William Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Walter Chrysler, and many more. Oakwood Cemetery in Troy, NY (Capital-Saratoga Region) is a place to honor loved ones, contemplate nature, explore art and architecture, and discover the rich history of Upstate New York. Founded in 1848, Oakwood is one
When Memorial Day comes around each May, the excitement is palpable. Summer is here and our lists of plans and dreams for the warm months ahead bounce from pool parties to vacations to summer Fridays to sandy beaches and BBQs with friends. But the true meaning of the holiday is sometimes buried by the summer season kick-off. This Memorial Day, take some extra time to remember those who have selflessly served their nation, those whose
Select your own Dutchess farm fresh stops via our hop on/off looper shuttles! The shuttle will run on both days so you can plan your own day trip or weekend itinerary! Take in the blossoms and warm breeze of early June while visiting the charming Village of Millerton. Explore McEnroe Organic Farm, its garden and cider bar; sample award-winning wines at Millbrook Vineyards or Cascade Mountain Winery; tap into sweet samples and learn about maple syrup-making at Soukup Farms or Crown Maple Estate; or sign up for an animal sanctuary tour at Lucky Orphan’s Horse Rescue. Stay overnight! Weekend lodging packages at Amenia House, Blue Barn B&B and the Inn at Pine Plains are bookable through the EscapeMaker.com website and based on availability. Reserve at EscapeMaker.com/FarmFreshTours then BUY IT! Adults, $55.75; Seniors, $48; Kids 5-11, $17; Kids under 5, $17. Available at ticket kiosks and full-service ticket vending machines. Tours, riding and tastings will be available at an additional cost. GET THERE! Take the Harlem Line to Wassaic Station where the shuttle buses will meet the trains arriving at 9:52 a.m. and 11:52 a.m.
Select your own Dutchess farm fresh stops via our hop on/off looper shuttles! The shuttle will run on both days so you can plan your own day trip or weekend itinerary! Take in the blossoms and warm breeze of early June while visiting the charming Village of Millerton. Explore McEnroe Organic Farm, its garden and cider bar; sample award-winning wines at Millbrook Vineyards or Cascade Mountain Winery; tap into sweet samples and learn about maple
Select your own Dutchess farm fresh stops via our hop on/off looper shuttles! The shuttle will run on both days so you can plan your own day trip or weekend itinerary! Take in the blossoms and warm breeze of early June while visiting the charming Village of Millerton. Explore McEnroe Organic Farm, its garden and cider bar; sample award-winning wines at Millbrook Vineyards or Cascade Mountain Winery; tap into sweet samples and learn about maple syrup-making at Soukup Farms or Crown Maple Estate; or sign up for an animal sanctuary tour at Lucky Orphan’s Horse Rescue. Stay overnight! Weekend lodging packages at Amenia House, Blue Barn B&B and the Inn at Pine Plains are bookable through the EscapeMaker.com website and based on availability. Reserve at EscapeMaker.com/FarmFreshTours then BUY IT! Adults, $55.75; Seniors, $48; Kids 5-11, $17; Kids under 5, $17. Available at ticket kiosks and full-service ticket vending machines. Tours, riding and tastings will be available at an additional cost. GET THERE! Take the Harlem Line to Wassaic Station where the shuttle buses will meet the trains arriving at 9:52 a.m. and 11:52 a.m.
Select your own Dutchess farm fresh stops via our hop on/off looper shuttles! The shuttle will run on both days so you can plan your own day trip or weekend itinerary! Take in the blossoms and warm breeze of early June while visiting the charming Village of Millerton. Explore McEnroe Organic Farm, its garden and cider bar; sample award-winning wines at Millbrook Vineyards or Cascade Mountain Winery; tap into sweet samples and learn about maple
Make your own itinerary! Plot your own day’s adventure on a hop on/off looping shuttle that picks you up at the Beacon Station and drops off at a variety of local pick-your-own Dutchess fruit farms. Revel in the fall foliage and apple orchards of the Hudson Valley! The bus will make stops at Fishkill Farms, Meadowbrook Farm, and Sprout Creek Farm, where you can spend your own time exploring fall harvest festivities in full swing, go apple picking, pet farm animals galore, and sample delicious local bites and sips. Reserve at EscapeMaker.com/FarmFreshTours.com, then BUY IT! Adults, $50; Seniors, $45; Kids 5-11, $17; Kids under 5, $17, available at ticket kiosks and full-service ticket vending machines. Ticket price also includes apple-picking entrance fee. Extra activities/tastings may require an additional fee. GET THERE! Take the Hudson Line to Beacon Station arriving at either 10:16 a.m. or 11:16 a.m. Our shuttle buses will meet both trains and transport you throughout the day.
Make your own itinerary! Plot your own day’s adventure on a hop on/off looping shuttle that picks you up at the Beacon Station and drops off at a variety of local pick-your-own Dutchess fruit farms. Revel in the fall foliage and apple orchards of the Hudson Valley! The bus will make stops at Fishkill Farms, Meadowbrook Farm, and Sprout Creek Farm, where you can spend your own time exploring fall harvest festivities in full swing,
