Though your Labor Day Weekend plans may look a little different (and more distant!) than normal, there are still endless ways to escape for the weekend and explore the amazing treasures just outside New York City. From cozy B&Bs to sunflower picking to hiking and biking and craft beer tasting, mark the end of summer with an agritourism experience fit for everyone! Need some inspiration? Look no further. Visit Saugerties, NY! A quaint mill town, Saugerties is home to farms and wineries open for outdoor fun, tastings and pick-your-own-fruit. Stay for the weekend at the Diamond Mills Hotel and Tavern. Be it a romantic country getaway or family fun vacation, the hotel offers clean and elegant accommodations that everyone will love. Only 2 hours from NYC, south of the Catskill Mountains, this historic site overlooks the Esopus Creek where it meets the Hudson River. Within a short walk, you can rent kayaks, hike the gorgeous Falling Waters Preserve, go fishing or swimming. Call to reserve your stay. Explore Hudson, NY! Plan a weekend getaway to Hudson, NY and cozy up at The Barlow Hotel! Blending historic charm and modern touches, The Barlow reflects Hudson’s unique personality of funky charm and creative design. Located in the center of Hudson’s main thoroughfare, the hotel is just a short walk to everything there is to do, see and taste. Book direct at The Barlow website for best rates and availability! Visit a farm in Central New Jersey. Located within 1 hour of NYC, and steeped in agricultural history, Central New Jersey is known for its farms, canals, farm fresh food, wine and pastoral beauty. The area is filled with family farms, orchards, farm stores, delicious farm-to-table restaurants, and outstanding wine, cider and spirits makers. Escape for the weekend and explore them all! Check
Though your Labor Day Weekend plans may look a little different (and more distant!) than normal, there are still endless ways to escape for the weekend and explore the amazing treasures just outside New York City. From cozy B&Bs to sunflower picking to hiking and biking and craft beer tasting, mark the end of summer with an agritourism experience fit for everyone! Need some inspiration? Look no further. Visit Saugerties, NY! A quaint mill town,
Here at EscapeMaker, we are on a mission to connect all you adventurous, curious, farm- and food-loving travelers to unique local experiences. We're here to open your eyes to the herculean effort that goes into getting those fresh apples into your farmers market tote, or crafting that crisp, hoppy pint of beer in your hand. In our "Escape to the Maker" series, we hope you'll take time to learn a little bit more about the producers and craftspeople that are helping to make this region so special. And even more, we hope you'll be inspired to take a day trip or weekend getaway to visit these local treasures in person. Happy traveling! The Maker: NYC Public Markets Celebrate these historic places at the NYC Public Markets Festival in the Seaport District on Sundays, October 13th, November 3rd and December 8th. In addition, check below for info on guided tours to get a closer look at these beloved markets.This edition of Escape to the Maker is going to be a little different. We are excited to highlight NYC's Public Markets: Essex Street Market, Arthur Avenue Retail Market, Moore St. Market, 13th Avenue Retail Market, Jamaica Market and La Marqueta. Though you don't have to leave NYC to explore these magical destinations, each of these markets is home to dozens of local producers offering cultural diversity via food, drinks and goods. Plan a trip to any of these markets and be transported elsewhere through your stomachs and shopping bags! Visit any of these markets on your own, or get set up with a tour for an expert's guide to the history and favorite bites at each location. See below for a number of organizations offering tours. Arthur Avenue Market is located in the original "Little Italy" section of the Bronx and is
Here at EscapeMaker, we are on a mission to connect all you adventurous, curious, farm- and food-loving travelers to unique local experiences. We’re here to open your eyes to the herculean effort that goes into getting those fresh apples into your farmers market tote, or crafting that crisp, hoppy pint of beer in your hand. In our “Escape to the Maker” series, we hope you’ll take time to learn a little bit more about the
Duke Farms is a leader in environmental stewardship and inspires visitors to become informed stewards of the land. It is a place of education, enjoyment and research that enhances the environmental health of the region. Through the beauty of its natural setting, the diversity of its wildlife, and the scope and quality of its educational programs, demonstrations and research, Duke Farms inspires people to transform their approach to conservation and to start building a more sustainable future. James Buchanan (J.B.) Duke transformed more than 2,000 acres of farmland and woodlots into an extraordinary landscape known as Duke Farms. Consisting of nine manmade lakes, over 18 miles of roads, over 45 buildings and a bucolic landscape, Duke Farms is a testament to J.B.’s ingenuity, resourcefulness and determination. After J.B.’s death in 1925, his fortune was inherited by his daughter, Doris Duke. Doris Duke was an environmentalist long before it was fashionable. She demonstrated an especially keen interest in conservation and horticulture. In her will, she envisioned that Duke Farms should serve to protect wildlife as well as be used for agriculture, horticulture and research. Inspired by Doris Duke’s guidance, Duke Farms opened to public visitation in May 2012, with a mission to be a leader in environmental stewardship and to inspire visitors to become informed stewards of the land. A visit to Duke Farms is an opportunity to experience Central New Jersey's native landscape at its finest, and to engage with it however you’d like. Located in Hillsborough on a 2,740-acre property, where over 1,000 acres are open to the public for self-discovery, outdoor activities, and education and research related to ecological sustainability. Check out their upcoming events here. Make a weekend getaway out of it and take advantage of all that Central NJ has to offer! Lodging details here.
Duke Farms is a leader in environmental stewardship and inspires visitors to become informed stewards of the land. It is a place of education, enjoyment and research that enhances the environmental health of the region. Through the beauty of its natural setting, the diversity of its wildlife, and the scope and quality of its educational programs, demonstrations and research, Duke Farms inspires people to transform their approach to conservation and to start building a more
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
Every March, maple farms across New York State invite visitors to their sugar houses to see for themselves how local, pure maple syrup is made. Weekend activities include tours, pancake breakfasts, shopping and, of course, tasting. These weeks are absolute treats for the whole family! So mark your calendars for March 17-18 and March 24-25 and make your escape up to one (or several) of these sweet destinations. Need a ride? Download the ReachNow app, grab a car share, and enjoy a road trip from the city in some fresh MINI or BMW wheels. Drive up to the Catskills for breathtaking views, delicious fresh air, and maple houses galore! GrowNYC farmer Roxbury Mountain Maple in the lush Delaware County is nestled in the midst of some of the most idyllic scenery in the state. Tour their brand new sugar house and recent expansion to 24,000 taps and 200 miles of pipeline. Visitors can watch demos of syrup, candy, maple cream and granulated maple sugar making. Bring the kids and hang out the with farm animals while sampling delicious maple goodies! Want to hop around to a few? Check out the other Delaware County Maple Weekend celebrations here. Pop over to Sullivan County in the Catskills for maple weekend at The Catskill Mountain Sugar House or Justus Asthalter Maple Syrup Inc. Just a 2.5 hour drive from the city, there is so much to eat, do and explore in the area, you'll want to indulge in way more than the pure, golden syrup. A bit closer to the city, you'll find dozens of maple farms and sugar houses in the bucolic Hudson Valley. Check out Dutchess County's Soukup Farms. This family farm offers guided tours where you can see firsthand how maple syrup is made. Stick around for the night or the whole weekend and enjoy
Every March, maple farms across New York State invite visitors to their sugar houses to see for themselves how local, pure maple syrup is made. Weekend activities include tours, pancake breakfasts, shopping and, of course, tasting. These weeks are absolute treats for the whole family! So mark your calendars for March 17-18 and March 24-25 and make your escape up to one (or several) of these sweet destinations. Need a ride? Download the ReachNow app, grab a
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,
