Teach your child that fruit doesn’t grow in plastic containers at the supermarket. Take them berry picking for a little education, some good exercise and a yummy treat. Blueberries, raspberries and peaches are perfect for picking from mid to late summer. Note: It’s always wise to call ahead and confirm crop conditions.
Farmers’ Market
You can pick your own blueberries and blackberries here in August from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Hudson Valley Farmers’ Market at the Greig Farm is open every Saturday year-round from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The picturesque century-old dairy barn serves as the backdrop for fresh local vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheeses, meats, fish and flowers all from local Hudson Valley Farms. There’s also a nursery and garden shop on site. Gigi’s Market offers lunch and refreshments. And don’t forget to visit the pygmy goats too!
Greig Farm
Pitcher Lane, Red Hook, N.Y.
845-758-1234
And Ice Cream
If there is only one thing that can make berries better, it is ice cream. Good ice cream. Ochs serves their homemade ice cream all summer long – many flavors made with fruits grown at the orchard. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. pick blueberries, blackberries and raspberries as well as veggies, peaches and tomatoes. Take in the spectacular views with a picnic and make sure to visit the petting zoo. The Farm Market is open seven days a week and carries other summer delights such as local sweet corn, fresh local eggs and other produce.
Ochs Orchard
4 Ochs Ln., Warwick, N.Y.
845-986-1591
Just Peachy
From mid-July to early September you can pick- your-own ripe peaches right off the tree at this picturesque 180-acre family farm. The Orchard is open in August on Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Blueberries are also available on August weekends. Throughout the month of August they also operate a weekend farm stand selling already picked fruits, berries, vegetables and greens. During their U-Pick Weekend, held Sept. 9 and 10, you can pick plums as well!
Mead Orchards
15 Scism Road, Tivoli, N.Y.
845-756-5641
Dog Days
New this summer – Barton’s Bark Park! There’s now a separate play area for large and small dogs, watering stations, shade areas, benches and exercise equipment for your four-legged friend. You can pick your own peaches and garden veggies through August. The farm is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sundays. On weekends, mid-August through October, there is a $6 general admission that includes tractor-pulled hayrides, petting zoo, playground and a kiddie hay maze.
Barton Orchards
63 Apple Tree Ln., Poughquag, N.Y.
845-227-2306
– Jean Sheff
