Apples and pumpkins and produce, oh my!

Some things just taste better in the fall. An apple picked straight from the tree. Tart, air-chilled berries that still have a little field dust on them. Definitely a fresh cider donut eaten in the car before you even leave the farm!

Across Columbia County, farmers are busy bringing in fall harvests, and many invite the community to be a part of it. Pick-your-own farms offer a chance to connect with local agriculture. Walk between rows of ruby apple trees and through fields of golden pumpkins, and learn a bit about where your food comes from.

Columbia Land Conservancy works with farmers and landowners to help support local farms and protect agricultural lands.  Not only do such working farms provide delicious produce and pick-your-own adventures, but they also contribute greatly to the character and vitality of the county.

This fall, consider making a local farm part of your season. You’re sure to find the biggest pumpkin for your porch or the most delicious apple for your pie at a Columbia County farm.

Not sure where to start? There are plenty of farms to choose from:

Fix Brothers

Hudson

You-pick apples and pumpkins

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Visit Fix Brothers’ page to learn more.

Philip Orchards

Claverack

You-pick apples and pears

Open Friday to Monday from 9:00 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.

Visit Philip Orchards’ page to learn more.

Samascott Orchards (Protected with an easement through CLC!)

Kinderhook

You-pick apples, pumpkins, fall strawberries, abundance of autumn season veggies

Open Wednesday to Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Visit Samascott Orchards’ page to learn more.

Smith Farms

Hudson

You-pick apples

Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Visit Smith Farms page to learn more.

Steelbow Farm (protected with an easement through CLC!)

Ancram

You-pick pumpkins

Open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Visit Steelbow Farm’s page to learn more.

Yonder Fruit Farms

Valatie

You-pick apples, pumpkins, and raspberries

Open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Visit Yonder Fruit Farms page to learn more.

In addition to the farms listed here, many more offer spring and summer you-pick options, such as the Chatham Berry Farm. Plus, Columbia County is home to an abundance of farm stands, stores, and markets with year-round offerings.

Already have a favorite farm for local fall produce? Share the name in the comments!