Farm Experiences in the Catskills
In the Catskills, you can do all of that and more to get a firsthand perspective of modern day farm life – whether on Catskills farms, dining in local restaurants, or taking advantage of other face-to-face opportunities with regional food producers. Disconnect and choose from a variety of farms stays throughout the Catskills like Stony Creek Farmstead or Hull-O-Farms, and experience life on the farm from sun up ‘til sun down with the whole family, or just you and your weekend warrior crew. Collect eggs from the hen house, learn to milk a cow or goat on a dairy farm, chip in on farm chores, and enjoy a well-deserved meal at the end of the day made with fresh ingredients straight from the very farm you’re calling home during your visit.
Farm Tours, Stores & Stays
Farms and farmers’ markets are abundant in the Catskills, as the lush valley meets the higher peaks to create ideal growing conditions for a variety of fruits and vegetables. If shopping for fresh produce, savoring the pungent astringency of herbs and picking apples and pumpkins sounds like your kind of weekend, head to the Catskills to tour farms and shop for greens and goods. If reconnecting with nature and experiencing a new way of life sounds more like your cup of tea, consider recharging for a weekend or spending your vacation at a Catskills farm stay. Root N’ Roost Farm in Livingston Manor offers tours of the farm, as well as great produce, jams, and crafts at their farmstand. Take a workshop at the farm on everything from growing Shitake mushrooms to renewable energy options, or visit during the birthing season and play with baby animals. Who doesn’t want to do all that right now? In Hamden, the Lucky Dog Organic Farm Store and Café offers an array of locally produced goods, including cheeses, milk, and dry goods, as well as organic meats and regional brews. And in Bloomville, you can experience one of the Catskills’ popular farm stays at the Turquoise Barn, an 1800s-era former carriage house situated on the owners’ organic farm. Guests can enjoy workshops, yoga, hiking, and biking. Nice, right? Throughout the Catskills, there are many farms, ranches, and equestrian centers that offer horseback riding opportunities for riders of all levels. Take lessons, learn how to groom a horse, and ride through scenic vistas and trails while on horseback. Little ones will love pony rides and petting zoos offered at some oh these farms as well!
Off the Farm Activities
Outside the realm of an immersive farm stay, annual events like the Catskill Family Creameries’ Milk Way Tour, scenic drives to farm stands and farmers’ markets, local wineries, and farm-to-table restaurants in the Catskills offer opportunities to connect with the region’s local food movement and farming community. From dairy products like cheese, yogurt and milk, to meat and poultry, produce, ciders, maple syrups, honey and more, the Catskills’ variety of farm products are available far and wide throughout the region and New York State – you might even see some items on New York City restaurant menus featuring ingredients from Catskills farms, or available for purchase at NYC Greenmarkets citywide. If you taste something so heavenly you couldn’t imagine your life without it, pick up your favorite farm products at a weekly farmers’ market, farm stand or U-pick farm to support local producers and bring the tastes of the Catskills home with you.
