Things To Do
Today a renaissance has taken place in rural upstate, at least it has begun with folks who became tired of city life and returned to their farming roots. Others stayed on farms that had been in their family for generations and found new ways and means to keep it sustainable.
The people we interviewed who work this land have more than just a commitment to remain solvent, they all share one thing in common: a romance with the land and a love of the earth that keeps them rooted right where they are.
Upstate New York is a big place, full of vast cornfields, acres of potatoes, vineyards and apple orchards, and sprawling farms of dairy cows, goats, sheep and alpacas. There are horse farms near Saratoga Springs home to the oldest horseracing track in the country, and mammoth dairy and beef farms lying to the east along the Hudson River Valley.
We have tasted some of the best wine during the summer months and nibbled on our favorite Macintosh apple in the fall. We have visited working farms where you are invited to pick your own berries and been intrigued with historic farm equipment that you can reach out and touch. Along the many roads and highways that take you to the Green Mountains of Vermont or scenic Lake George to the north there are plenty of roadside stands. These charming farm stands are all different, each with its own unique personality, but all are stocked with fresh corn and seasonal vegetables or homemade jellies and jams.
If you decide to travel to upstate New York be sure to check out our favorite places to go this summer or fall:
Saratoga Apple Orchard—located on Route 29, east of Saratoga, right outside of Schuylerville, New York. This is a delightful roadside attraction where they serve homemade donuts and apple cider.
In addition to many varieties of apples you can also find local produce in the summer months and an array of pumpkins and exotic squash in the fall. There are also other useful things such as locally produced maple syrup, handmade garden baskets, and natural skin care products. This is one of the few farm stands that is open all year long. www.SaratogaApple.com
Amici Vineyard Winery
- -located off Route 40 in Valley Falls, New York. A bit out of the way, butworth the 10 minute drive off the main highway to a quaint local vineyard. This vineyard is situated ontop of Beadle Hill, and the view to the east is magnificent. On a clear day you can see Bennington andthe foothills of Vermont; to the south you can see the beautiful Hudson River Valley. This vineyard is unique in that they strive to produce organically grown grapes to make their wine. You will see happy chickens pecking around the vineyard looking for bugs and sheep grazing to keep down the weeds.
The vineyard is open to the public for wine tasting on Saturday and Sunday from 12noon until 6pm.
Stop by like we did and taste the cabernet franc. Umm. www.amicivineyard.com
Union Village, Ltd. This store is the best place to find authentic reproductions of colonial crafts, gifts and books. It’s also the only place around where you will find handcrafted floor cloths (painted canvas rugs), and a variety of homespun cotton bedspreads, table cloths and hooked seat covers. There are also Reproductions of the colonial prints of Rufus Porter and original paintings from local artist. You can purchase milk paint products and stencils to reproduce you own colonial creations. Located on the main street of Greenwich, New York, Union Village is open 7 days a week. A must see!
www.unionvillageltd.com
Sheldon’s Farm Market is right outside of Salem, New York on Route 22. Many people drive by the stand on their way to Vermont, but it’s worth stopping for the fresh corn and potatoes that have made Sheldon Farms renown all over the east coast, supplying many restaurants with produce that is handpicked. The Sheldons also feature a collection of antique books and kitchenware in addition to homemade corn tortillas and tamales, which compliment an assortment of cheeses and dips. They are open from 9-6pm during the summer months and occasionally serve brunch on Sunday. www.SheldonFarms.com
McCartee’s Fine Art & Antique Barn is located on East Broadway in Salem, New York. Take a right at the light when you drive into Salem, and it’s a block down on the left hand side. They feature local artists such as Harry Orlyk, Peter Hanks and George Van Hook to name a few who paint the local landscapes. It’s our favorite place to visit for primitive antiques, 19th century furniture and kitchen items.
I purchase most of my hard to find antique Christmas ornaments there and keep coming back because it really is a delightful place to visit anytime. McCartee’s is open all year long.
Tell Sue that I sent ya. www.Mccarteesbarn.com
Gardenworks is the quintessential working farm, located just northwest of Salem, New York on Route 30. Gardenworks is a destination that is worth spending an afternoon. It is a 3rd generation family farm that grows specialty crops. You can pick your own raspberries and blueberries in from mid-July until August. Take home local vegetables, cheeses, milk, ice cream, apples and maple products. Upstairs in a newly renovated barn there is a museum of antique farm equipment, and lots of dried plants that you can fashion into a decorative wreath. The Barn Gallery features work from prominent artists in the region and you can purchase beautiful flowers and nursery plants for your own garden. Spend the day, it’s worth the trip! Open from April through December. www.gardenworksfarm.com
Gallery 668 is an 18th century farm and former inn in Battenville, New York, a short drive from Saratoga Springs –home to America’s horse racing world every August. Subsequently the gallery isopen during the racing season featuring international and local artists. Since its inception the gallery has shown an impressive collection of national and international painters, sculptors, photographers and craftspeople.
This summer the gallery has available sleeping accommodations in their “Loft” apartments but you must call in advance to register as space fills quickly. www.gallery668.com (518) 692-1001
Battenkill Books is located on 15 E. Main Street in Cambridge, New York, just off Route 313 and Route 22. This bookstore is big and beautiful, and they feature the finest collection of local authors and folklore anywhere, from the Adirondacks to the Green Mountains in Vermont. The bookstore also features special events that highlight the lives and ways of the people who love to live there. Once you have found a comfortable chair or couch to settle into, you may never leave! www.battenkillbooks.com
Battenkill Creamery is also just off Route 30, outside of Salem. This is a working dairy farm that turns its milk produce into ice cream, yogurt and other milk products. In our opinion Battenkill Creamery makes the best tasting chocolate milk in the universe, but see for yourself—it’s worth the drive, especially on a hot summer day. Open all year round. www.BattenkillCreamery.com
Mack Brook Farm comprises over 300 acres in Argyle, New York, situated between the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains of Vermont. In this quiet corner of Washington County the small herd of Angus cattle roam over acres of pastures. This type of “pasture-based" farming combines current ideas of environmental sustainability with the wisdom of age-old methods.
Mack Brook Farm is open during the summer and fall months for tours and you can purchase their dry-aged beef at the farm or locally. We found the beautiful pastures simply charming with a view of the Adirondacks in the background.
For more information call 518-638-6187 or visit the website www.mackbrookfarm.com