The Spirit of Farm Country

When you think of farming you might envision the hard work and the long days that go into that lifestyle. What people often don’t think of, however, is the heart.

Sure some farmers are second, third, or fourth-generation. And it makes sense that some of them are drawn to the life because it’s the life they’ve always known. But think for a moment about how many people you know who have chosen to not do what their parents have done, who have set off in search of their one paths.

One aspect of farming that often gets overlooked is the fact that the people toiling from dawn until dusk, working the land with their hands, getting very little return on their investment of time, effort and capital, those people are often doing the job because it’s quite simply something they love. Farming is a reflection of their souls. The simplicity of being directly connected to the land and to nature.

That love, that passion for nature, for growing or making something is the essence of farming, as much as the determination and stick-to-itiveness is an indelible part of the farmer’s spirit.

Here are a few of our suggested Farm Country locations and experiences in Yates County.

The Windmill Farm & Craft Market

The Windmill is “the first and friendliest” farm and craft market in upstate New York, located in the heart of the Finger Lakes Wine Region. Featuring over 200 vendors ranging in local produce and baked goods, artisans, wine and spirits and many great food options.

“Located in the ‘heart of it all’ and situated on 44 tree-lined acres for over 35 years, the Windmill Farm & Craft Market is nestled in the rolling hills of Upstate New York.”

Host to over 175 indoor and outdoor shops filled with hand crafted items, great food, fresh produce, flowers, custom cabinetry, furniture, fashion, local wineries, artistry, gifts, micro brews, entertainment, and so much more. You can also do tastings of several local beverage producers for a flavor-filled taste of the region.

Sweet Farm

Love animals? Have an interest in sustainable farming? You’ll want to know about Sweet Farm in Himrod which is “creating a new kind of sanctuary.”

This 50-acre property has something for everyone: friendly rescued farm animals (over 150 of them), peaceful wooded foraging trails, and sustainable produce and flowers. Each year, they grow “over 100 types of vegetables and flowers, with a focus on heirloom and open-pollinated varieties that preserve the biodiversity of their crops and agriculture at large.”

Take a farm tour, volunteer, or attend one of their special events. All their offerings support the work they do to create a more compassionate and sustainable planet.

Special Note: “Sweet Farm is the world’s first nonprofit sanctuary to address the devastating impact that factory farming has on climate change — from the perspective of animals, plants, and the planet.”

Apple Barrel Orchards

Apple Barrel Orchards Cidery produces cider from apples grown, harvested and fermented right on the farm. But it’s not just about the delicious cider. Michael and Allison Hiller (with the help of friends, family and local businesses) have converted the historic farm barn (circa 1896) into a friendly tasting room.

The Hillers “purchased the Penn Yan farm from Allison’s parents, Bernie and Roxanne, to become the fourth-generation owners in the Wager family,” proudly carrying on the family tradition, and are excited to to add new offerings and experiences at the farm for years to come.

While the cider and hard cider are extremely popular, the core (pun intended) business is apples and other fruit grown on the farm for both u-pick and pre-picked for their farm store.

Tomion’s Farm U-Pick

Talk about a blend of convenience and fresh u-pick fun, Tomion’s is located at an intersection in the heart of Farm Country.

Tomions is a great spot for seasonal u-pick experiences like strawberries, rhubarb asparagus, and more.

Serendipity Blueberries

A peaceful, U-Pick farm, organically tended for 40 years offering a relaxed atmosphere and a lovely setting.

This beautiful blueberry farm allows you to pick the berries yourself. The Serendipity Blueberry Farmhouse takes on a classic look colorfully enhanced by surrounding flower, vegetable and herb gardens and various fruit trees such as peach, pear, heirloom apple and paw paw providing a scenic view from the wrap around veranda styled porch.

ORR-chard’s Apples, Cider and Honey

If you’re looking for an intimate Instagram moment, stop by this charming and very photogenic roadside stand not far from Seneca Mills Falls. Open from May until the end of November, ORR-chard’s Apples, Cider and Honey sells honey, as well as cold drinks in the spring and summer (great for some pre-picnic supplies if you’re visiting nearby Keuka Outlet Trail). In September, they offer a u-pick orchard (McIntosh, Cortland, Golden Delicious and Granny Smith). They also press cider and sell packaged apples.

Spotted Duck Creamery

You might have already heard of Spotted Duck as they’ve been gaining a lot of acclaim as one of the best desserts in New York State and one of the best ice cream stands in the country. Learn about the difference between frozen custard and ice cream and taste the difference ducks eggs make in crafting this delicious treat sure to please the tastebuds of young and old all ages.

Of course, all the ingredients are made from scratch right on the farm for a true taste of Farm Country. Did we mention the freshly baked cookies and hand-rolled cones? You can thank us later.

In addition to all that deliciousness, you can also meet the “herd of hard-working ducks,” plus peacocks, chickens, guinea hens, and all of the other animals that call Spotted Duck home.

Oh, and if you’re looking for another overnight option, you can stay right on the farm.

Highland Tree Farm & Christmas Market

Embrace the magic of the holidays through one of the most nostalgic of Christmas traditions.

Highland Tree Farm was started to offer special time together with a mission of connecting to “families with the magic of the great outdoors and the local Finger Lakes community.”

Open the four weekends before Christmas, Highland Tree Farm has a large multi-day Finger Lakes Christmas market in the converted horse barn with various vendors and entertainment. Looking to create some fun Christmas memories to carry through the whole year, stop by Highland Tree Farm.

And don’t be surprised by the small herd of  Scottish Highland cattle who are there to greet you to the farm.