We have been going to Fishkill Farms since we moved to the Hudson Valley, in 2013. We go every week in the summer months to pick their gorgeous fruits and vegetables and to visit their farm store which is stocked full of local products. We belong to the
CSA that they offer, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture. That means in the Spring we help pay for the next harvest and in return they allow us a share of the bounty! Starting in June and lasting for 25 weeks in the summer and fall we get to pick from our own garden that they grow just for the CSA members. We also get a share of vegetables and fruit that the farm picks for us, it's fresh, organic, supports local business and connects my family to the farmers who grow our food. We absolutely love it and could not imagine our summers without it! My daughter loves picking sun ripened tomatoes, beautiful edible flowers and juicy cherries just dripping off the trees, it's such a great experience and we get to try a little of everything!
The farm is open all year and that means there are things to pick or do in almost every season that you visit. In the winter they offer sledding on their hills and the farm store is open selling delicious local goodies. In the spring the orchards are filled with gorgeous blossoms and you can tour them during their annual apple blossom festival, taking pictures among the beautiful white blanketed apple trees.
In the summer the farm is in its full glory, busting at the seems with
u-pick vegetable gardens, flower gardens, fruit trees, hayrides, festivals, line-dancing, bonfires and so much more. You can choose to pick giant blackberries or golden ripe nectarines or wander among the fragrant herbs in the vegetable gardens. They have everything you could possibly need to make a beautiful meal! Your children will love watching the chickens wander, checking out the baby bunnies, rolling down the grassy hills or taking a hayride tour of the farm.We love to pack a picnic blanket, set up under a plum or apple tree and just relax.
Fall is the busiest time for the farm with apple and pumpkin picking in full swing! Fishkill Farms grows over 60 acres of apples, with lots of heirloom varieties you won't find anywhere else! The apples are grown without harsh chemical sprays so you can feel good about picking here! It is our favorite fall tradition to come and choose some gnarly gourds, take a hayride out to the fields to pick out our favorite pumpkins and, of course, to nosh on some warm apple cider doughnuts!
There are no shortage of things to do at the farm and exploring is perfect for any age! Bring your appetite, sense of adventure, a large brimmed hat to shade your face and it's the recipe for the perfect family day!
Tips for visiting Fishkill Farms:
- Call ahead to see what the farm is picking, they are always growing and ripening so it may be different than what is posted online.
- Wear closed toed shoes, fields and orchards are mowed but it is very stiff grass and is very rough on feet.
- The farm is pretty stroller friendly.
- There are fees to pick in the orchard but you can use the farm for free if you are just coming to picnic and visit the farm store.
- Hayrides are only offered on weekends and during festivals.
- The weekends are the busiest so I recommend going early or on a weekday when it's more quiet.
- There is plenty of free parking.
- The farm takes cash or credit card.
- There are porta potties on the side of the farm store, they do not have any other public bathrooms.
- If you plan on picking in the gardens there is no shade so make sure to lather up with the sunscreen!
For more information visit Fishkill Farms online.
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