Winter Farm Markets That Are Worth Visiting

A fun way to shop for local groceries

I love farmers’ markets, but I loooovvve farm markets, as in a farm with a market. I love farm tours, talking to farmers, and buying directly from the source. It's especially challenging to make this happen in the winter when most farms stands shut down for the season. For years, Fable Farms in Ossining was my winter go-to. But they are temporarily closed due to a relocation. So, this winter, I set out to find similar farms in the area. The criteria was being able to buy enough for dinner that night without having to stop at a grocery store. So, last Saturday, my husband Phil and I went on a local four-farm tour. Here’s where we discovered:

Tea, honey, and jarred goods from Salinger’s Orchard

Salinger’s Orchard 
Family owned, since 1901. At first, I suspected this was a cider donut and apples kind of place. Not that there's anything wrong with that – who doesn’t love a good apple cider donut? But donuts are not dinner (well, not usually). I was pleasantly surprised by Salinger’s selection of jarred goods – pickled carrots, snow peas, okra, and more!  And the honey selection was just as enticing. So many varieties, all local – Clover, wildflower, Orange Blossom, Buckwheat, and unfiltered honeycomb. There was also an impressive selection of Harney & Sons Tea, a local vendor from Millerton, NY. I opted for “Glimmer,” a blend of turmeric, ginger, coconut and spices.  The freezer was stocked with homemade soups, quiches, and pot pie (which could have been dinner, but I set out  to cook.)  The bakery was similarly impressive. So, while I did not find any local produce, I enjoyed everything else, including some appealing butcher blocks in the gift area.

Recently renovated farm market at Glynwood Farm

Glynwood Farm
The next stop was in Cold Spring on a 226-acre property. As we drove down the long driveway, I knew Glynwood was a special place. Not only is it a working farm, but it's also a non-profit educational center to help farmers thrive in the Hudson Valley. Glynwood carries its own certified organic produce, meat, and eggs, as well as a variety of locally sourced products such as bread, grains, spices, and dairy products. Although small, the store had almost everything I needed for dinner that night and much more. We left with two full bags, including sausage, yogurt, carrots, celeriac, watermelon radishes, cheeses, guanciale, and even locally-made tortilla chips. The quality and freshness of the produce were exceptional. I can’t wait to sign up for the CSA next summer. 

Overlooking the Fishkill Farm fields from lunch at Treasury Cider

Fishkill Farm
In the spring and summer seasonal months, this spot offers pick-your-own everything. Last summer, I had a great day picking my own eggplant and apricots. But this was February; the fields seemed barren, so I wasn’t sure what we would find in the shop. Like the other farms, they also bring in a selection of local products like bread and cheese. I wished I had picked up more organic baby kale, baby spinach, and spicy mix. One of the highlights of Fishkill Farm is Treasury Cider, made from the farm’s own apples. The day we went, there was even live music! We decided to stay for lunch after scoring a table right next to the massive windows that overlooked the fields.  A bowl of three onion soup, a vegetable frittata, and cider flight – it was a great way to spend a chilly afternoon. 

Chickens are butchered every Friday for the weekend at Hemlock Hill Farms

Hemlock Hill Farm  
Last up, was one of the oldest working farms in Westchester County. Hemlock Hill has been in the family for several generations and offers a huge selection of farm-raised meats and poultry, including chicken, duck, goose, lamb, rabbit, beef, and turkey. Everything’s grown and butchered on the property. Tricia, one of the owners, described the high demand for fresh chicken and hens every weekend and gave me a few tips. I learned that hens are a bit bigger and a few weeks older, so they are tougher, making them better for soups. And a regular chicken is better for roasting, which is what we picked up. Hemlock does bring in produce from a distributor, so you can actually do a one-stop shop, And like the other farms, they offer products, such as cheese, bread, dairy, and beer from Hudson Valley producers.

This kind of shopping is probably not for every day. But we purchased almost all we needed for the week by shopping at these four farms. Bright blue skies on a crisp winter day and getting ingredients to cook up a storm made for an excellent Saturday outing!

Our haul from the four farms

My menu for the week, cooking entirely from the farm hauls:

Saturday: Sausage, Smashed potatoes, celery remoulade with homemade mayo
Sunday: Roast Chicken with roasted carrots and sauteed mushrooms
Monday: Avgolemono  (Greek chicken soup with eggs)
Tuesday: Sweet potatoes with black beans and kale mix salad
Wednesday: Pasta with cabbage and guanciale
Thursday: (a.k.a. Friday Junior): Friends came over for cocktails, so cheese, salami, cheese, watermelon radishes, carrots, and bread.

Farm Store Details:

Fishkill Farm
Friday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
9 Fishkill Farm Rd, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Go for Lunch and Treasury Cider

Glynwood Farm Store
Friday 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
362 Glynnwood Rd, Cold Spring, NY 10516
Go for: One-stop organic shop. Weekly CSA starting early June

Hemlock Hill Farm's Market, 
Monday - Friday 8:00 am -6:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 am  - 3:00 pm
500 Croton Ave, Cortlandt, NY 10567
Go for The freshest chickens in Westchester.

Salingers Orchard
Every day 9:00 am - 6:00 am
230 Guinea Rd, Brewster, NY 10509
Go for Baked goods, teas, and honey

If you can't get to a farm, farmers' markets are the next best thing. Here are a few in my local rotation:

Farmers Markets in my local rotation 

Irvington
Main Street School / Inside and Outside
Inside and outside. Every other Sunday, 9:30 - 1:00
February 11 & 25, March 10 & 24, April  14 & 28, May 12 & 26

Hastings
Metro-North Parking Lot / Outside 
Every other Saturday, 9:30 - 1:00
February 17, March 2 & 16, April  6 & 20, May 4 & 18

Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow (TaSH)
The John Paulding School / Inside
Every Saturday through April 27 
9:00 - 12:30 

Pleasantville  
Metro-North Parking Lot / Outside
Every Saturday year-round 9:30 - 12:00