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
Highland’s scenic DuBois Farms offers a full rainbow spectrum of produce during the summer’s U-pick season. Strawberries kick things off in June, but mid-summer brings a whole slew of choices: eggplant, squash, tomatoes, plums, nectarines, and peaches. Plus, the onsite tavern serves local beer, cider, and wine.
Fishkill Farms
Hopewell Junction
Fishkill Farms has become a destination due to the beloved Treasury Cider, as well as its beautiful vistas. July brings juicy, sweet blueberries, while August is the official start to tart blackberries. Other U-pick offerings include cherries, raspberries, peaches, plums, pears, and, of course, apples in late August.
Fix Bros. Fruit Farm
Hudson
Pick sweet cherries in July at Hudson’s Fix Bros. Fruit Farm, a fifth-generation family operation. During the height of the summer season, black sour cherries and peaches are the sweetest pickings. The email newsletters are especially helpful; “fruit blasts” keep everyone up-to-date on what’s ripe and ready to pick.
Greig Farm
Red Hook
Greig Farm’s delightful atmosphere means you’ll stay long after your baskets are full of fresh produce. Those spending a day at the farm can enjoy four miles of farm trails, a farm market and kitchen, 25 local artisans inside the SoHu Craft Market, and much more. Greig Farm’s playful goats are especially fun to watch. Pick blueberries from July to mid-August, and blackberries in August and September.
Halfway Acres
Campbell Hall
The USDA certified organic farm cultivates lush blueberry bushes. Make a reservation online and pick juicy berries through the end of July. Those with green thumbs may want to pick up a bush of their own and try their hand at growing blueberries.
Kelder’s Farm
Kerhonkson
With a season pass, enter Kelder’s Farm during each fruit’s prime ripeness. The Kerhonkson destination produces blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries. Kelder’s also features a market stocked with local products and a cute mini-golf course.
Mead Orchards
Tivoli
Throughout July, visitors to Mead Orchards can pick sweet cherries and blueberries. Later in the season, shop farm-fresh tomatoes, peaches, raspberries, and corn in the market. This Tivoli spot boasts over 100 acres of crops that overlook gorgeous Catskill Mountain views.
Ochs Orchard
Warwick
During summer months, this 100-acre farm grows blueberries, peaches, plums, tomatoes, and a host of tasty vegetables. The farmstand sells local sweet corn, potatoes, onions, lettuce, eggs, and other components of a delicious Hudson Valley feast. Picking at Ochs Orchard can be comparable to embarking on a hike, so good shoes are necessary.
Prospect Hill Orchards
Milton
Head to Prospect Hill for sweet and sour cherries beginning at the end of June (check the site at the start of the month for cherry picking). Apricots, plums, peaches, and nectarines are available from July through August. The Milton farm is sustainable and uses integrated pest management and solar panels, with organic orchards as well. Find breathtaking views and fresh products like homemade granolas and jams.
Rose Hill Farm
Red Hook
Head to Red Hook for cherries, blueberries, apricots, and nectarines in July. Later in August, pick some of the juiciest peaches around. Plus, Rose Hill Ferments serves small-batch ciders and delicious naturally fermented wines.
Saunderskill Farm
Accord
The farm is a must for U-pick strawberries in June and blueberries in July and early August. Stop by the bakery for fresh fruit pies, muffins, and biscotti, with plenty of gluten-free options available as well. Fresh flowers from the farm greenhouse are available for purchase.
Thompson-Finch Farm
Ancram
Six acres of organic blueberries will satisfy any visitor to Thompson-Finch Farm. The Ancram farm remains a family-owned and family-run business through and through.
Wilklow Orchards
Highland
In Highland, a truly unique lineup of berries can be picked. Wilklow Orchards cultivates blueberries, blackberries, gooseberries, and currants for pick-your-own day trips.
