Pick Your Own at Fishkill’s Organic Farm in the Hudson Valley

We spent a terrific day out with the family on a real working 270 acre farm that specializes in organic and ecological growing. Fishkill Farm uses no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and is one of the few farms to offer organic berries and apples for pick-your-own in all of New York State. We love visiting at various times for the different pick-your-own varieties. The season kicks off in early June with strawberries and snap peas and runs into the fall with apples and pumpkins. Expect cherries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines, tomatoes, eggplants and more throughout picking season.

Picking Your Own

Pick-your-own is the best reason to travel to Fishkill Farm. Their ecological approach to growing produces clean, well-maintained, beautiful crops for you to choose from. They charge a $5 admission for fruit and vegetable picking for adults and children over the age of twelve (admission is free on Tuesdays). They supply you with bags, baskets or boxes to put your fresh pickings in and offer a free hay ride (weekends) to help you reach your picking destination. The fruits and vegetables are priced separately and you pay for what you pick. (Everyone is allowed to sample a fruit while they pick, but don’t get greedy.) Tip: Their FB page has the latest news on what’s available.

Farm with a View & History

The landscape of Fishkill Farm is beautiful. It’s location in the Hudson Valley with views of the Catskill Mountains compliments the orchards in the most picturesque way.

The Farm and its owners have some amazing history… “FDR visited Fishkill Farms frequently. On June 20, 1942, Prime Minister Winston Churchill joined him. Henry’s son Robert, then a 22-year-old Navy Ensign home on leave from his Destroyer, served the president and prime minister mint juleps in the garden as they discussed the course they would take in the war.”

Extra Amenities

Farm Store– The store is open 9am-6pm 7 days a week (closed Christmas and New Year’s Day). You’ll find seasonal fruits and vegetables grown at the farm, cider donuts, coffee, artisanal cheeses, meats, jarred goods, hot sauces, pies, and more to purchase at this store.

Outdoor Grill– Ther grill is open 11am-4pm on weekends (June- October) and Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day. They sell hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, grilled farm vegetables, beverages, home made cider donuts, and Hudson Valley hand made ice cream. (You are welcome to bring your own food and even picnic in the orchard.)

Harvest Festival Weekends include live music, hayrides, homemade food, donuts and cider. They are hosted mid September through mid October.

Farm Animals– This is a real working farm so you will find some farm animals. We had the pleasure of finding the ram named Fordham. (Fordham University’s mascot is the ram and we had to check this out since my daughter attends Fordham University!) Be advised, there is no petting zoo and none of their animals are meant to be handled.

Family Adventure Rating ♥♥♥

Cost– Travel has the potential to be your only cost, but plan on being tempted by the fresh goods and orchards. You can minimize your grill and/or store purchases by bringing your own picnic lunch. The pick-your-own is not cheap, but the produce is worth its price. If your concerned about expenses, ask about the pricing and estimated amount before you go out to the fields to pick. A family of five with a full bag of peaches can cost about $30 plus travel. The store and grill prices are average for this type of business, but the quality is better.

Parking & Transportation– You’ll need a vehicle to reach this adventure. It’s in a rural part of the state and mass transportation will definitely not get you all the way. Parking is plentiful and free on their lawn and dirt lot.

Location– This is a bit of a drive for most, but it wouldn’t be possible to have this setting any closer. Consider it a nice drive to a new scenic area. The open fields with the Catskill Mountains really sets this farm apart from others.

Day Trip or Overnight– This is a day trip. If you wanted to stretch out a weekend and find a bed and breakfast, you could explore the area more.

Experience– This is a terrific adventure for anyone that likes outdoors, nature, and good food. Families, couples, and groups of friends will all find things to do here. The fruit and vegetables we picked were top notch. It’s a peaceful setting that allows for a lot of interaction.

Combination– There are some interesting places you could check out if you wanted to linger around Fishkill (there’s even a water park!). Check out Trip Advisor.