With the cool air of autumn just around the corner, our thoughts here in the Hudson Valley turn to afternoons of fruit picking, hay rides, harvest dinners, and pumpkin picking.  The region is filled with wonderful farms where one can back in touch with nature even if it is only for a short time.   Fishkill Farms in East Fishkill NY is a special farm that you want to visit soon.  It is   a 30 minute drive from Northern Westchester and 45 minutes  from mid Westchester.

I was fortunate to visit Fishkill Farms a few weeks back when they held their Peachtopia Fest.   The farm has been a family farm in the Morgenthau family for more than 100 years and now run by 2nd and 3rd generation family members.  The farm was an apple orchard which has now expanded its operations to included fruit growing (peaches, nectarines, apples, pumpkins, blackberries, blueberries) , a wide range of  organic vegetables (pick your own or CSA), a full service farm stand, and cidery.  They also have pasture raised hens that provide the farm with fresh eggs.

The mission of the farm is to produce healthy farm products without the use of man made pesticides or fertilizers.  This is something we can all appreciate and should support.

Pick Your Own organic vegetables and flowers

The farm itself is set in a valley and as you look out from the farm stand you see the fields gently roll out before you.  It is quite the idyllic scene.  You can pick your own fruits or vegetables, or shop at the fully stocked farm stand which features their own products, home made donuts, and locally made items.

The farm also holds numerous events throughout the year.  I attended  “Peachtopia” which was a fun event. I was able to enjoy a hayride out to the peach tree orchard to pick peaches and nectarines (they were amazing!)   There was food for sale, a band playing with a picnic area, and a tent was set up for adults to enjoy samples of Treasury Cider.   The cider is named in honor of Henry Morgenthau Jr., the founder of Fishkill Farm and former  Secretary of the Treasury under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.   The cider is smooth, dry and very refreshing.

With its beautiful scenery, fun activities, and fresh produce, Fishkill Farms is a great place to spend  a Fall day, or any day.  It is easy to locate right off Interstate 84.   Check out their website for more info, picking information, and upcoming events.

Fishkill Farms

Fishkill Farm Road  Hopewell Junction NY 

tel. 845-897-4377

http://www.fishkillfarms.com

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