This little farm in Ghent, NY is one of my most favorites in the Hudson Valley and I assure you that it is well worth the drive! Weekends are usually crazy for apple orchards but at Love Apple Farm it never feels that way. It has been part of the Hudson Valley apple picking scene for over 40 years and has not changed much. So your family can enjoy a good old fashion apple picking experience which I absolutely adore. Quiet orchards framed by a picturesque landscape make for the ultimate fall destination and the perfect place to spend a relaxing day!
One of the farm's biggest appeals is that it is free to enter and you only pay for what you pick. We stuffed our faces with sweet, red raspberries the day that we were there. Of course they are known for apple picking and boast 20 different varieties! If you visit the farm in the summer the trees are dripping with stone fruits that are to die for! The best thing about picking fruit here is that it's rarely packed and you often feel as if you have the farm all to yourself!
After filling your bags and bellies with fruit your family can check out the other amenities on the farm. Love Apple Farm has one of the cutest playgrounds I have ever seen. Old fashion tire swings and mini tree houses with slides are built into a small apple orchard. The playground overlooks the petting zoo, that is home to donkeys, mini ponies, goats and a llama. The baby goats will absolutely steal your heart! Make sure to buy animal feed in the farm market, your kids will adore the animal antics!
This farm has something that no other apple orchard has: it's own art space! The owners of the farm have recently opened
Love Apple Art Space, that exhibits local art in an old farmhouse. This modern art is wonderfully displayed in a non-traditional space which enhances the experience. Feel free to peruse the gallery with your kids in tow, because who knew a visit to the farm would offer such culture! The art space also offers a great sitting area on it's back porch that is shaded, quiet and overlooks the farm's pond. Grab some tacos from the recently renovated farm store and have the most amazing picnic lunch!
Apple picking for our family is all about slowing down, enjoying the outdoors and enjoying each other. This farm embodies those things perfectly, while still offering a few extras. It is the perfect place to spend the day relaxing and enjoying time with your family!
Tips for visiting the farm:
- The farm is open 7 days a week from 8am-6pm.
- The Art Space is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am-6pm
- The farm is free to enter, you only pay for what you pick.
- The farm accepts cash or credit card.
- There are public bathrooms in the farm market with changing tables as well as porta potties in the orchards.
- The farm is all walking, there are no hayrides. I didn't think it was terrible for strollers but would recommend babywearing if possible.
- I recommend combining this visit with a visit to Omi International Arts Center (blog to come) which is a 9 minute drive away! An outdoor, hiking, sculpture park that is very unique and super kid friendly (also free admission!)
For more information visit Love Apple Farm online!
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