If you’re not a fan of parties, festivals or other loud events, there are plenty of alternatives for summertime entertainment in New York. The town is located not far from spacious lands and many interesting farms. Whether you’re looking for organic produce, need a weekend escape from the metropolis or crave a family treat, there’s something for everyone. A selection of farms that make urban dwellers get their hands dirty and reap delicious rewards as a result is presented on queens.name.
Patty’s Berries and Bunches
This farm has been operating since 1975 in Mattituck, New York. It opens for harvesting in late May or early June. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries grow here. It also offers musical and educational events, art installations and a homemade ice cream shop (with vegan options). For a small fee, you can walk through the flower fields and take wonderful photos. Excursions around the farm are also available. On your way out, don’t forget to stop by the farm shop for honey, baked goods and flowers.
Sussex County Strawberry Farm
Everyone can pick strawberries in the city of Newton (New Jersey), which is a little more than an hour’s drive from New York City, from the beginning of June. August and September are the raspberry and blackberry season here. At the Strawberry Farm, you’ll see a greenhouse with flowers, hanging baskets, plants and garden supplies available for purchase. When choosing strawberries, pay attention to the color of the fruit and the smell. The berry should not be too dark. Its tails should not break off easily. Such strawberries are considered overripe. It is not recommended to take fruit with spots and unripe parts. Keep the berry in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days after collection.
Bishop’s Orchards
This 52-acre farm is located in Guilford, Connecticut. It focuses on caring for the land and growing delicious produce. The pick-it-yourself season runs from mid-June to the end of October. During this period, you will find peaches, pears and various berries. Bishop’s Orchards businesses include a farmer’s market (an expanded grocery store with a bakery and kitchen open year-round), a winery and a buttery.
The history of the farm dates back to 1871. Innovation and adaptation to changing conditions and markets have distinguished this farm from the very beginning. Bishop’s Orchards has evolved from a small general dairy, fruit and vegetable farm to a wholesale grower. The farm’s goal has remained the same over the years. It aims to provide customers with the freshest produce grown with care for the environment.
The combination of crops and varieties grown here has changed over the years. Advances in agricultural science have constantly inspired farmers to improve. Thus, sprawling old apple trees have been replaced by smaller trees that are easier to care for. Fields that used to grow large crops of lettuce, cabbage and beans began to produce a more diverse mix of vegetables, berries and flowers.
Alstede Farms
This family farm in Chester, New Jersey uses sustainable and certified organic farming methods to grow fruits, vegetables and flowers. Visitors come here primarily for blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, peaches and apples. In the farm shop, you can buy apple cider, butter, fresh baked goods and honey. It is open throughout the year and serves as a space not only for growing products but also for family entertainment and relaxing in nature.
Lawrence Farms Orchards
For fruit lovers, Lawrence Farms Orchards offers season passes that allow access to the farm from June through October. This family business has been operating since 1892 in Newburgh, New York. Strawberries, raspberries, currants, plums, cherries, peaches, apples, pears and grapes are grown here. The farm is known for its variety of cultures, picturesque location and friendly family atmosphere. Delicious snacks are available, including homemade apple cider donuts and ice cream.
Lewin Farms
From late spring through fall, this Long Island, New York farm offers New Yorkers the chance to enjoy fruit picking. In the summer, you’ll find fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches and blackberries. There are apples and pumpkins in the fall. Every year, the offer of cultures becomes more and more diverse. In winter, before the Christmas holidays, people come to the local nursery for Christmas trees.
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
This farm in New York’s Yorktown Heights is a peach and apple lover’s paradise. Pick-it-yourself season begins in August when peaches and nectarines are ripe. It lasts until autumn when apples and pumpkins are in season. There are two shops on the farm. The Appleseed Shop sells baked goods including pies, donuts, cookies and cupcakes, crafts and gifts, cooking and kitchen accessories, as well as hot dogs, popcorn and bottled water. Red Barn sells more than 20 varieties of apples and food products made from these fruits, such as apple chips, apple cider, juices and jams.
Rose Hill Farm
Everyone who wants to pick apples, peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pumpkins and zucchini gathers in the village of Red Hook (New York). Peter Fraleigh purchased local land in 1798 and officially established a farm in 1812. In January 2020, the Rose Hill Farm team began producing wine, fruit wine and cider.
The farm is focused on sustainable development and agricultural practices that ensure that all berries and fruits are grown with care for the land. The farm’s mission is to involve the community in agricultural activities and expand the possibilities of the local economy. Local farmers have taken responsibility for leaving the land in good condition for future generations. They use only ecologically safe, humane and sustainable farming methods. Farmers also strive to preserve the state of the environment through the use of renewable energy sources and water conservation.
Ochs Orchard
This picturesque farm in Warwick, New York is perfect not only for fruit picking but also for picnics. Take the family upstate for the day to enjoy the harvest of strawberries, blueberries, peaches, apples and more.
The history of the farm began in the 1920s under the management of Charles Walling as a commercial apple orchard. Walling sold it to his collaborators, Peter Ochs and Chris Scheuermann, who planted the original trees. Apples and peaches were sold wholesale until 1969. At the same time, Peter Ochs became the sole owner of the farm. Two years later, he handed over the leadership to his son Leslie.
Leslie Ochs began growing vegetables and added other fruits, so the farm could provide a wide variety of fresh produce. The concept of pick-it-yourself was started in the 1970s. After Leslie’s death, his son Alan developed Ochs Orchard with his mother, Susan. The old cider mill has been turned into a cafe serving homemade fruit ice cream.
The pick-it-yourself business idea has expanded to include strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, pears, tomatoes, pumpkins and apples. A petting zoo became entertainment for families.
