Field Trips To A Farm
No matter how much the RI region grows and changes, the core of its charisma will always be its farms. Still, it’s a relatively modern development for farms to become destinations filled with lots to do and see. Chocolate, ice cream, lavender, cider, and markets (as well as some very happy cows) are waiting for you down at these farms.
High Lawn Farm
Lee, MA
Caramel brown Jersey cows, with their big, beautiful eyes, graze lazily on the crest of a Berkshire hilltop beneath High Lawn’s fairytale clock tower. Their milk has been popular locally for generations, but over the past decade, High Lawn has grown to include an idyllic farm store offering its cheese, butter, and fabulous ice cream. By the pint or cone, scoops are well enjoyed on the spot as you visit with the cows who made them.
Thorncrest Farm/MilkHouse Chocolates
Goshen, CT
Kimberly Thorn swears happy cows make better chocolate. The farming chocolatier gives different feed to different cows, depending on what confection their milk is intended for. The barns are designed to enhance the animals’ relaxing lifestyle, and that calm is transferred into the quality of the chocolate, according toThorn. Visit the bovines, then learn who contributed the milk for which chocolate. You’ll leave with a greater appreciation for both cows and candy.
Vine Gate Lavender Floral Farm
Hillsdale, NY
The scent of freshly growing lavender is a singular sensation. Walking among the rows at Vine Gate is to teleport to Provence. The farm is open to the public, and walking the fields has become a gift to regulars who revel in the tranquil scenery and aroma. Pick your own lavender and create a floral bouquet as you stroll through more varieties of the flower than you knew existed. Owner Ron Reinken will be happy to explain the purposes for each variety and demonstrate how to cut the plant and how to care for it.
Hogan’s Cider Mill
Burlington, CT
This cider mill is here to remind us that agriculture is fun. A hard cider cocktail with a donut on top is pretty clear evidence of that. Hogan’s has crafted a quaint and laid-back setting for a drink at picnic tables beside a red barn and vintage vehicles. The owners of Hogan’s don’t take themselves too seriously and their cocktail menu reflects that; they’re more than happy to adulterate their highly crafted ciders with all manner of mixers. The concoctions change with the seasons and the ingredients are always inventive.
Greig Farm
Red Hook, NY
Greig seems to multiply its offerings every season. The farm store is augmented by a large craft market in the converted barn full of stalls from local makers. Also on site: an art gallery, farmers’ market, a farm stay, a small airplane landing strip, goats for feeding and petting, a popular pick-your-own berry program, and (believe it or not) even more things to do.
Please Support Rural Intelligence
We want to continue delivering the entertaining, informative and upbeat stories in the inimitable Rural Intelligence style, despite a pandemic. But we need your support to keep us going. Please consider making a donation; even a small amount helps secure our future. Support us now.
(If you prefer, mail a check to: 45 Pine Grove Ave., Suite 303, Kingston, NY 12401.)
Support Now