A bit of rain today, but the weekend weather forecast is perfect for apple picking in upstate NY! There are plenty of great places to have a picnic on our farm! We wanted to share with you the top 5 places to picnic at our Hudson Valley Apple Farm ranked by our team. All the yummy items at our farm to table cafe can be packed for you to take on your adventure. Bring friends, family and your favorite 4 legged friend to make some memories.
#5 Moo Views
There are 2 picnic tables located between the apple launcher, one of our ponds, and a pumpkin patch. Enjoy beautiful views of Mohonk and wave to the kids going by on the cow train. Great spot to let the kids go bounce while adults enjoy their meal. Vending machines and restrooms nearby. There is no shade hear so it is perfect for cooler days when you want some warm sunshine.
#4 West of the Brook
This may be the furthest from the barn, but if you are looking for secluded and peaceful its it's the place for you. Find the perfect spot to lay your blanket between our forest and pond. Bring your fishing licence, pole, and tackle to entertain the kids. Plenty of shade or sun to choose from. Great spot for couples looking for a romantic getaway. If you have a big group you can rent the whole location and have a bonfire, email us for pricing and availability.
#3 Charels A Broadhead’s Plot
Cemeteries are typically beautiful, but this one is really something special. Sitting on one of the highest hills at our pick your own there are great views of the nearby Christmas tree patch and pollinator field. Shady or sunny and far enough from the barn that most guests don't come out this far so you may have the place all to yourself, well except for the adorable chipmunks and an occasional woodchuck.
#2 The Pavilion
Located next to the barn, kids corral, and Big Apple Cafe there is nothing more you could want. It's a shaded pavilion on a hill that has views of the kids corral, farm animals, and all our activities from there to Mohonk. After the kids are done eating they can play in the kids corral while parents take some time to relax. Perfect spot when it is rainy or hot, typically you will feel a bit of a breeze. FYI in winter this pavilion is converted into our Christmas tree store, come check it out on black Friday when Santa flies in and you can decorate your own wreath.
#1 Pretty Pollinators
Pick the perfect spot along the wood line in the shade or sun. Right next to our pollinator garden and apple orchard it is like stepping into a country painting. A short walk from the Big Apple Cafe and barn and you can take a nature trail to get there. When your all done eating you will be real close to the corn maze and our animal tracks game included with the VIP activity wristband.
Packing your Picnic Basket
Three of the locations listed above do not have tables, so byo picnic blanket. We highly recommend having hand sanitizer wipes to wash up after playing at the farm. Its It's also good to have an extra bag to pack up any garbage, as they say, leave only tracks. Remember to take with you napkins and silverware. It is also a good idea to bring some all natural insect repellant.
Eat Fresh Picked Apples
Please pay for the bag and wash it first. What can you pair your New York apple with? Cheese requires a small cutting board unless you pack it pre cut or purchase a cup of our homemade cheese sauce made daily with fresh cheddar and a hint of apple butter. Kids will love it! Grab a jar of local peanut butter from the Barn Market. Dashing Through the Dough peanut butter is our best seller and has chocolate in it. Perfect for an energy boost or an after lunch dessert.
Barn Market Farm to Table To Go
You pretty much have to have our fresh made cider donuts when you visit and why not wash it down with hot cider or a cider slushy. We also have some great snacks available in the barn. Housemade Happyles fruit leather, Hurds trail mix, and our neighbors Karl Family Farms jerky. Make it a real picnic with a crumbed top apple pie. We would be happy to cut it for you and provide you with plates to serve at your picnic party.
Guests are welcome to bring their own food to the farm. Use of the pavilion and tented areas is limited to 1 hour at most. All bags at the farm are subject to search on the way out. Please clean up after yourself and the family dog if they join in the fun. Share your picnic photos with us and let us know if you find another secret picnic area on our 120 acre apple farm.