It's almost fall, y'all! This quintessential New York season brims with changing leaves, steaming cider, crumbly donuts, and apple picking galore. There are endless farms and orchards that you can escape to from NYC, whether you're looking for a quick day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway. Check out the list below and make sure your next getaway includes a visit to one of these fabulous farms. U-PICK FARMS AROUND NYC Please note that hours, offerings and closures may vary. We recommend checking out orchards on social media and calling ahead to confirm apple varieties and availability. 1-2 Hrs from NYC: Outhouse Orchards (Salem, NY in the Hudson Valley) Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (Salem, NY in the Hudson Valley) Stuarts Farm (Granite Springs, NY in the Hudson Valley) Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights, NY in the Hudson Valley) Orchards of Concklin (Pomona, NY in the Hudson Valley) Kelder’s Farm (Kerhonksen, NY in the Hudson Valley) Apple Dave's Orchard (Warwick, NY in the Hudson Valley) Masker Orchards (Warwick, NY in the Hudson Valley) Woodside Orchards (Aquebogue, NY on Long Island) Harbes Family Farm (Riverhead, NY on Long Island) Giamarese Farm & Orchards (East Brunswick, NJ) Terhune Orchards (Princeton, NJ) Melick's Town Farm (Oldwick, NJ) Demarest Farms (Hillsdale, NJ) 2-4 Hrs from NYC: Barton Orchards (Poughquag, NY in the Hudson Valley) Cedar Heights Orchard (Rhinebeck, NY in the Hudson Valley) Golden Harvest Farms (Valatie, NY in the Hudson Valley) Mead Orchards (Tivoli, NY in the Hudson Valley) Montgomery Place Orchards (Red Hook, NY in the Hudson Valley) Rose Hill Farm (Red Hook, NY in the Hudson Valley) Prospect Hill Orchards (Milton, NY in the Hudson Valley) Greig Farm (Red Hook, NY in the Hudson Valley) Twin Star Orchards (New Paltz, NY in the Hudson Valley) Roger's Family Orchard (Johnston, NY
It’s almost fall, y’all! This quintessential New York season brims with changing leaves, steaming cider, crumbly donuts, and apple picking galore. There are endless farms and orchards that you can escape to from NYC, whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway. Check out the list below and make sure your next getaway includes a visit to one of these fabulous farms. U-PICK FARMS AROUND NYC Please note that hours,
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,
This past spring, the US Department of Agriculture released results from the 2017 Farm Census, which is taken every five years. For the first time, the survey allowed farming families to list more than one “principal” farmer. Couples who own farms no longer must designate one person—usually a husband—as the principal farmer. As a result, women as a percent of farmers has risen by 26% nationwide and by 36% in New Jersey. Some of this increase may be real—more women involved in farming than in 2012. But most of it is surely due to the methodology change, which finally gives women credit for their work in agriculture. You can support and celebrate these innovative, hard working, resilient women by visiting their Central New Jersey farms, farm markets, farm stands or dining in farm-to-table restaurants or farm-to-fork events where their foods are sourced. Nina White, Farmer & Master Baker at Bobolink Dairy Farm & Bakehouse operates her multi-faceted regenerative farm along with her husband Jonathan. Nina heads the wood-fired bakery, while working with Jonathan to run their cheese, beef, and whey-fed pork production. In addition to making bread and pastries with heirloom grains in a wood-fired oven and selling all of their products at farmer’s markets in the NYC metro area, they offer 1-hour farm tours, on farm special events and concerts, hands-on bread-making, cheese-making and charcuterie classes. Check out the rest of the Central New Jersey women who tirelessly work to put food on our table. Download the NEW agritourism map over at DiscoverCentralNJ.com and start planning your farm escape! And if you’re car-less, many of these farms are just a quick cab ride away from the nearest bus or train stop via NJ Transit or Transbridge Bus (New Brunswick, Frenchtown, Somerville, Princeton) with service from NYC.
This past spring, the US Department of Agriculture released results from the 2017 Farm Census, which is taken every five years. For the first time, the survey allowed farming families to list more than one “principal” farmer. Couples who own farms no longer must designate one person—usually a husband—as the principal farmer. As a result, women as a percent of farmers has risen by 26% nationwide and by 36% in New Jersey. Some of this
This past spring, the US Department of Agriculture released results from the 2017 Farm Census, which is taken every five years. For the first time, the survey allowed farming families to list more than one “principal” farmer. Couples who own farms no longer must designate one person—usually a husband—as the principal farmer. As a result, women as a percent of farmers has risen by 26% nationwide and by 36% in New Jersey. Some of this increase may be real—more women involved in farming than in 2012. But most of it is surely due to the methodology change, which finally gives women credit for their work in agriculture. You can support and celebrate these innovative, hard working, resilient women by visiting their Central New Jersey farms, farm markets, farm stands or dining in farm-to-table restaurants or farm-to-fork events where their foods are sourced. Central New Jersey gem Terhune Orchards is a family owned and operated 200-acre farm in Princeton, NJ. Keeping the legacy alive are farmer Pam Mount and her daughters Tannwenn and Reuwai managing farm and winery operations. Along with husband and father, Gary, they are 10th & 11th generation farmers in New Jersey. Since purchasing the Terhune Orchards, they have also become award-winning winemakers. Awarded Vegetable Farmers of the Year, they host annual themed family festivals every year and offer seasonal PYO strawberries, blueberries, apples, peaches, pumpkins and space for private functions in their barns. In addition, they host special wine themed events and tastings and special farm-to-table events. Check out the rest of the Central New Jersey women who tirelessly work to put food on our table. Download the NEW agritourism map over at DiscoverCentralNJ.com and start planning your farm escape! And if you’re car-less, many of these farms are just a quick cab ride away from the nearest bus or train stop via NJ
This past spring, the US Department of Agriculture released results from the 2017 Farm Census, which is taken every five years. For the first time, the survey allowed farming families to list more than one “principal” farmer. Couples who own farms no longer must designate one person—usually a husband—as the principal farmer. As a result, women as a percent of farmers has risen by 26% nationwide and by 36% in New Jersey. Some of this
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
One of the most special parts about living in New York is the quick access to so many different Northeast regions, famous for their fresh air and utter beauty. Spend the weekend in Central New York, where you can take off on a rare adventure below ground at the Howe Caverns! 156 ft below the earth's surface, your journey will wind through limestone corridors, cavernous galleries, under massive boulders, until you discover a subterranean riverbed carved over countless millennia. Deep in the cave, solid rock appears fluid: creating strange formations, flowing sheets and dripping stalactites. Mysterious grottos lead off into distant, unexplored passages. Shadows hide secrets in deep cracks and crevices. The well-worn path twists and turns descending into the depths, downward to the glassy surface of an underground lake that trails off into the absolute darkness of the cave’s Eastern Terminus. An amazing experience for all ages! Visit Garden of Eve in Riverhead, NY for their Sunflower Festival Weekends (July 21 & 22, 28 & 29 9am - 6pm). For just a $5 admission fee, enjoy Fun Fields admission with 100,000 flowers, one sunflower to take home and you can cut your own as you explore the Sunflower Path (additional stems are $1 each), hayrides, farm animals and more! The farm café will include Sunflower specials and locally produced organic sunflower oil tasting! U Pick blueberries and other berries available! Get there via LIRR from Penn Station in NYC! If you can't get enough Sunflowers at these Festival Weekends, head up to Dutchess County to Hudson Valley Cold Pressed Oils. This year, they are offering U-Pick sunflowers in addition to their variety of sunflower oil products. Plan your visit for U-Pick fun from August 7 - August 12. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates! Get there via Metro-North Railroad
One of the most special parts about living in New York is the quick access to so many different Northeast regions, famous for their fresh air and utter beauty. Spend the weekend in Central New York, where you can take off on a rare adventure below ground at the Howe Caverns! 156 ft below the earth’s surface, your journey will wind through limestone corridors, cavernous galleries, under massive boulders, until you discover a subterranean riverbed
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 the weather heats up, nothing cools us down quite like a crisp, chilled, local beer. With a surplus of brewery options these days in and around New York, it's impossible to pick just one hoppin' spot to visit. Check out a list of some of our favorite breweries - new and old - below and plan your weekend getaway to hit one, two or ALL of these delicious spots this summer! The Hudson Valley is brimming with beer. For decades, craft beverage makers have taken a locally-focused, earth-to-bottle approach in creating award-winning liquid gold. They take advantage of the regional climate, perfect for growing hops. Check out Westchester County gems Broken Bow Brewery, Peekskill Brewery and Yonkers Brewing Co. Take a tour, chat with brewmasters and quench that summer thirst! A few of our faves in Dutchess County are 2 Way Brewing Co., Hudson Valley Brewery, and Hyde Park Brewing Co. Want to enjoy a little history alongside your brew? Book our Dutchess Pints & Political Figures Tour on July 21 or 22 for a trip to some historic homes of famous political figures, all washed down with local brews from Hyde Park Brewing Co. Get up to the Hudson Valley via Metro-North Railroad and stay for the weekend -- lodging options here and here. Drive up to the gorgeous Catskills region in Sullivan County for a brew-filled weekend. Head over to Roscoe, NY - aka Trout Town, USA - for a little fly fishing along with your cold ones. Check out the new 1,600 sq foot store front, self-serve tap wall, tasting bar and lounge at Roscoe Beer Co. Make your own beer trail (with a designated driver, of course) and stop by Catskill Brewery and Callicoon Brewing Co. Make a weekend getaway out of it with one of these gorgeous luxury
When the weather heats up, nothing cools us down quite like a crisp, chilled, local beer. With a surplus of brewery options these days in and around New York, it’s impossible to pick just one hoppin’ spot to visit. Check out a list of some of our favorite breweries – new and old – below and plan your weekend getaway to hit one, two or ALL of these delicious spots this summer! The Hudson Valley
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
From quick trips to the Hudson Valley to a leisurely road trip far upstate, the options are endless around here when it comes to finding beautiful vineyards and amazing wine. Particularly this time of year, these weekend getaways are filled with sunshine, surrounded by colorful blossoms, and doused in rich, local wine. The perfect relaxing, yet adventurous (and oh-so-delicious) escape awaits! Of course, don't forget to bring along a designated driver if you're partaking in the wine tasting fun. With Father's Day on the horizon, all you EscapeMakers have the perfect excuse for a wine weekend escape! Check out some of our favorites below. Treat yourself to a weekend in the Finger Lakes Region and cruise along the famous Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, which has been around for 30+ years. The trail is the first organized and longest running wine trail, comprised of 16 members including 15 wineries, a cidery, meadery and four distilleries. These wineries have won over 5,000 national and international medals and six Governor’s Cups. See breathtaking views of Cayuga Lake, Taughannock Falls, and the rolling vineyards all weekend long. Stay for the weekend and check out one of the local inns or B&Bs in the bustling Ithaca, NY area. Mark your calendar for our upcoming Farms & Wineries Weekend in the Hudson Valley! Bring your mom, dad, sweetie or friends up to Dutchess County via Metro-North Railroad on Saturday, June 9th or Sunday, June 10th for a day filled with wine, farm fresh eats, and beautiful views! On this tour, you can select your own farm fresh stops via our hop on/off looper shuttles. Take in the 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 & Winery or Cascade Mountain Winery; tap
From quick trips to the Hudson Valley to a leisurely road trip far upstate, the options are endless around here when it comes to finding beautiful vineyards and amazing wine. Particularly this time of year, these weekend getaways are filled with sunshine, surrounded by colorful blossoms, and doused in rich, local wine. The perfect relaxing, yet adventurous (and oh-so-delicious) escape awaits! Of course, don’t forget to bring along a designated driver if you’re partaking in
