MTA Getaway: Family Fun Farm Days in the the Mid-Hudson Valley! Sept 22 & 23
Family Fun Farm Days*
September 22 & 23, 2012
Saturday and Sunday
The experience
Reconnect to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and explore the Renaissance City of Beacon when you pick up the Dutchess County Farm Fresh Link shuttle at the Beacon Station for stops at and Hudson Valley Fiber Farm™ and Fishkill Farms.
Start your day with a visit to Main Street Beacon, a renaissance city on the Hudson and home to a growing arts movement (www.beaconarts.org). Visit the area’s many galleries, eateries and specialty stores, or learn about glass-blowing at Hudson Beach Glass, located in a historic 1890 firehouse.
Before the two farm visits you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s restored historic districts. Take advantage of one the many fine eateries for lunch or picnic in the park, or by the Hudson River. Visit the world-famous, Dia:Beacon, sample and shop Beacon Farmer’s Market (10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sundays only) featuring an eclectic array of arts, crafts, and local produce. Make sure you eat lunch at one of the many delicious places in Beacon, Crumb Bakery, Cup & Saucer Tea Room, Poppy’s Burgers, Homespun Foods or one of many other food & drink establishments.
Your farm tour begins with a visit to the 100-acre Hudson Valley Fiber Farm™ in Hopewell Junction, home of the first “Fiber CSA” in the USA where they pride themselves on the green and sustainable way they treat their animals and the land that feeds them. They harvest their fine wool and mohair from their contented flock of Merino and Cormo sheep and Angora goats. Learn about the life of a shepherd. You can buy their rich, luxurious yarns roving at their farm-owned 1850′s one-room church on the hillside of a former’s boy’s camp and mill. The farm store features their “Farm Fresh Yarn”™ and hand-knit products. You’ll also meet the Maremmas, Bianca and Alfredo, the farm’s livestock guardian dogs.
Your second farm stop will be a tour of Fishkill Farms where you’ll be greeted by a spectacular view of the apple orchard and Catskill Mountains beyond. Whether picking your own peaches, apples and vegetables, enjoying hayrides, or seeing the farm’s flock of pasture-raised hens, the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings will lift your spirits. In the market, you’ll find organically grown heirloom vegetables, fresh eggs, and a selection of locally produced meats and cheeses. Don’t leave without trying the famous apple cider donuts, and learning about the farm’s history: it was established in 1914 by Henry Morgenthau Jr., Secretary of the Treasury under FDR which is still owned and operated by the family, and rare footage of Roosevelt and Churchill sipping drinks among the apple trees is shown along with historic memorabilia in the market.
Some activities may require an additional fee. For more information, visit www.farmfresh.dutchesstourism.com.
*Dutchess County Tourism has the right to substitute a farm or related itinerary stop to ensure the quality of the overall program and the individual getaway experience.
You must first purchase your package at any Metro-North ticket office or full-service ticket machine (excluding Beacon Station). Then, IN ORDER TO SECURE YOUR SEAT ON THE BUS, RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE BY CALLING 800-445-3131.
The deal
- On sale August 25. Package price from GCT/Harlem-125th Street: : adults, $28.50; seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals receiving Medicare, $23.50; children 5-11, $6.50; children under 5, free.
- Package price from other stations: check here for price from your boarding station.
Getting there
Take the Hudson Line to Beacon Station. Check here for an ITINERARY.
