Do you remember visits to your local berry farm as a child? In the Hudson Valley, those trips are a little slice of summertime magic, with the warm glow of the sun shining bright on juicy blueberries, plump strawberries, and glistening cherries.
As the day progressed – and your hands sported more and more berry-hued stains – you looked down with pride at your haul, thinking about all the deliciousness it would lead to back at home. Whether baked into cobblers and pies, sprinkled atop pancakes, or simply savored with a dollop of cream, those local berries were guaranteed to be perfection on a platter.
Lucky for you, berry farms are alive and thriving in the Hudson Valley this summer. Here's where to go for the juiciest fruits in the region:
Dubois Farms
Highland
Open for: Strawberries in June, nectarines and peaches in July to September, and plums in late-August through the beginning of September
COVID-19 policy: Masks and social distancing are required, and the Tiny town playground is closed.
Fishkill Farms
Hopewell Junction
Open for: Strawberries in June, blueberries in July, and blackberries in August
COVID-19 policy: U-pick available by reservation only; farm store open for contactless pickup
Fix Bros. Fruit Farm
Hudson
Open for: Sweet cherries from late-June to July, black sour cherries at the end of July, and peaches in August
COVID-19 policy: Face masks required; no picnicking allowed
Greig Farm
Red Hook
Open for: Strawberries in June, blueberries from July to mid-August, and blackberries from mid-August to mid-September
COVID-19 policy: Field is divided to promote social distancing, with parties assigned designated picking areas
Halfway Acres
Campbell Hall
Open for: Blueberries from late-June to July
COVID-19 policy: Visitors must wash hands when entering and exiting fields
Kelder's Farm
Kerhonkson
Open for: Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries
COVID-19 policy: Masks and social distancing required
Mead Orchards
Tivoli
Open for: Strawberries in June, sweet cherries in late-June to July, and blueberries in July
COVID-19 update: Visitors must keep one row of spacing between groups
Ochs Orchard
Warwick
Open for: Strawberries in June to early July, plus blueberries, peaches, and plums later in summer
COVID-19 policy: No outside containers or bags allowed in the field; eating the crop in the field is not allowed
Prospect Hill Orchards
Milton
Open for: Sweet and sour cherries at the end of June, stone fruit in July to August
COVID-19 policy: No pets, picnicking, or outside bags; eating cherries and spitting pits onsite is not allowed
Rose Hill Farm
Red Hook
Open for: Cherries from the end of June to early July, blueberries from mid-July to mid-August, apricots in early July, nectarines at the end of July, and peaches in August and September
COVID-19 policy: Check-in limited to one group at a time; no eating or outside containers allowed
Saunderskill Farm
Accord
Open for: Strawberries in June, blueberries in July and early August
COVID-19 policy: Groups assigned to specific fields to promote social distancing
Thompson-Finch Farm
Ancram
Open for: Strawberries from mid-June to mid-July, blueberries from July to August
COVID-19 policy: Masks required; no pets allowed