If you find yourself seeking a unique and wholesome experience near Albany, New York, make sure to add Schoharie Valley Farms to your itinerary. Nestled in the charming Schoharie Valley, just under an hour’s drive from Albany, the farm is a testament to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and offers a delightful stop for families, foodies, and nature enthusiasts.
The Heart of the Schoharie Valley
For over 200 years, Schoharie Valley has been a beacon of agriculture, originally providing food for the local Mohawk Indian tribe and early Dutch and German settlers. In time, it came to be known as the “Breadbasket of the American Revolution.”
Today, the 200-acre farm continues to flourish under the dedicated stewardship of the Barber family. With a focus on sustainable and responsible farming practices, the farm offers a vast array of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Farm-to-Table and Beyond
The main draw at Schoharie Valley Farms is the remarkable “Carrot Barn,” a farm market housed in a charming, rustic barn. Here, you’ll find an abundant selection of fresh, farm-grown produce, local dairy products, baked goods, and an array of specialty items. Try their homemade jams, salsas, and honey or their renowned apple cider donuts, a must-try delicacy.
In addition to their own produce, they carry an excellent selection of Meat and Dairy products from neighbors as well as high-quality goods from specialty food brands such as Stonewall Kitchen.
For a true farm-to-table experience, visit the Carrot Barn’s café. Serving home-cooked meals created with ingredients fresh from the fields, you’ll experience the authentic taste of the Schoharie Valley. Hearty sandwiches are particularly delicious and highly recommended for taking on nearby hiking trails such as Vromans Nose.
And don’t forget to explore the selection of handcrafted gifts, home decor, and gardening supplies available at the market.
Education and Community Connection
Schoharie Valley Farms is not just about production but also about education and community involvement. The farm regularly hosts educational tours and school field trips, aiming to cultivate an appreciation for agriculture in young minds. Moreover, by providing produce to local food pantries and being a part of community-supported agriculture programs, the farm plays an integral role in nourishing its community.
Blooms and Harvest Celebrations
The farm hosts several events throughout the year, each celebrating a different facet of farm life. Spring at Schoharie Valley Farms ushers in their annual greenhouse sale, where visitors can purchase a wide range of annuals, perennials, and vegetable plants.
The farm’s harvest season, from mid-September to late October, is a time of abundant celebration. During this period, the farm offers pick-your-own pumpkins and a corn maze that guarantees fun for all ages.
A Perfect Day Trip In Schoharie County
A visit to Schoharie Valley Farms offers more than just an opportunity to buy fresh produce. It’s a chance to reconnect with the land, to appreciate the labor that goes into the food we eat, and to see what sustainable farming looks like.
Find It:
- Schoharie Valley Farms
- 5605 State Route 30, Schoharie, NY 12157
- Phone: 518-295-7139
Looking for more things to do nearby? Check out the Vromans Nose Hiking Trail or Discover Schoharie County: Haunted History In Upstate NY from our sister publication, GetawayMavens.com.