Delectable meals don’t just start in the kitchen, but at the farm. Many of the produce in New York City’s green markets and ingredients used in restaurants are grown just a few hours away, in the Catskill Region of New York. This lush area of our country has been one of America’s breadbaskets since the early 1800s when its landscape attracted waves of settlers seeking new land and opportunities.
While the journey to this region is much simpler today, and local producers have little trouble getting their merchandise to the market, the region is still much the same: producing great food. Now visitors can witness and participate in New York’s agricultural life.
The Shawangunk Wine Trail (SWT) invites guests to taste the wines from all of the nine family-owned wineries on the SWT as well as several others from around the Hudson Valley. The SWT is nestled between the famous Shawangunk Mountains and the majestic Hudson River. The wineries on the trail all follow the tradition of fine winemaking established by the early French Huguenot settlers who brought their wine-making expertise to this valley over 300 years ago. This young, thriving industry has recently become well known for its prize-winning wines across the nation. Enjoy epicurean delights, farm fresh produce, cooking workshops by Culinary Institute of America graduates and even live music.
Come pluck your fruit right off the tree and vegetables off the stalk. Weekends, August through October, visitors are welcome at dozens of orchards and farms to "pick-your-own" tomatoes, berries, peaches, pears, apples, pumpkins and other crisp vegetables. Pick fruits and vegetables for quality home cooking, enjoy the beautiful scenery in the fresh clean air of the mountains, then stop at a farm stand to buy a few baked goodies for the ride home. Most of the farms are open for picking on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Festivals and cultural events draw attention to the region’s wealth of food and produce. In June, the bovine-themed Meredith Dairy Fest showcases milk and milkshakes of all kinds, as well as butter making, wine and cheese tastings, exhibits, hayrides, animal demonstrations and the crowning of the Dairy Princesses.
In late July and early August, The Ulster County Fair is known for its “olde fashioned fun.” It offers live music and a great opportunity to view some of the county’s best agricultural livestock. The fair also features one of the region’s best truck and tractor pulls.
In mid-August, the Delaware County Fair offers one of New York State’s last remaining, truly authentic agricultural fair experiences. Meet friendly farmers and their animals right up close. Stroll the carnival midway or take a seat in the grandstand for a huge demolition derby. In August, the northern Catskill Region is turned into the Black Forest with the German Alps Festival, where you can enjoy German music, dancing, food and drinks.
In September, the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival is an annual favorite with a celebration of the variety of garlic and dishes with garlic, along with hayrides, cider press, scarecrow making and other fun activities.
In October, enjoy the Mechanics Harvest Festival, when the Catskill Mountain Antique Engine & Machinery Club demonstrates an old-fashioned harvest on some of the regions’ best cropland. They use antique tractors to harvest delicious fingerling potatoes, thresh oats and bale straw. Witness the ingenuity of former engineers and farmers. New Paltz’s Harvest Festival is held in October to celebrate the fall harvest and country charm. The Greek Festival, held in November, celebrates all things Greek, including delicious food.
Local chefs and restaurateurs find food and produce to be bountiful in the Catskill Region. Restaurants are as diverse as the many specialties they serve.
Chefs and restaurant managers frequently move from New York City to the region to bring their talents to unique restaurants with new flavors. With an abundance of rivers and forests in the region, fresh fish, venison and duck are served at many area restaurants.
Although New York’s Catskill Region runs the gamut from full-service luxury resorts to rustic campgrounds, it also offers working farms where visitors can stay for a “reality show” experience as a farmer (without the cameras) – and enjoy a close-up look at livestock, crops and rural simplicity. Family farm vacations and educational programs offer farming (milking the cows, feeding the pigs and goats, gathering eggs or even helping deliver a calf), riding lessons, bread making, goat cheese production and wool spinning. Horse-drawn hay and sleigh rides, petting zoos and hearty barbecues round out the appeals to families.
Fairs and Festivals Celebrating Agriculture
February:
April:
June:
- Agricultural Festival, New Baltimore, 518 756 9220
- Around the World in 60 Miles, Southern Ulster County Region, 845 255 2492, www.shawangunkwinetrail.com
- Antique Machinery & Agricultural Festival, New Baltimore, 518 756 9220
- Meredith Dairy Fest, Meridale, 800 642 4443, www.diaryfest.org
- Tractor Parade, Main Street, Callicoon, 845 887 5640
July:
- Andes Strawberry Festival, Andes, 845 676 3986, www.andesny.org
- Strawberry Festival, West Park, 845 338 1317
August:
- Bounty of the Hudson Food and Wine Festival, New Paltz, www.rivendellwine.com
- Hurley Corn Festival, Hurley, 845 338 8366
September:
- Antique Engine Jamboree, East Meredith, 607 278 5744, www.hanfordmills.org
- Antique Power Equipment Show & Swap Meet, Grahamsville, 845 252 2325
- Apple Festival, Port Ewen, 845 338 0356, toeumc@yahoo.com
- Fall Harvest, Kerhonkson, 845 657 2032
- Harvest Festival, Bethel, 845 295 2448, www.bethelwoods.us
- Harvest Celebration at Hurd Orchards, Modena, 845 883 7818, www.hurdsfamilyfarm.com
- Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, Saugerties, 845 246 3642, www.hvgf.com
- Microbrew, Wine & Food Festival, Hunter, 888 486 8376, www.huntermtn.com
- Taste of New Paltz, New Paltz, 845 255 0243, www.newpaltzchamber.org
October:
- Apple Harvest Festival & Craft Show, 518 622 3939, www.caironychamber.com
- Harvest Festival, Bethel, 845 295 2448, www.bethelwoods.us
- Cauliflower Festival, Margaretville, 845 586 3300, www.margaretville.org
- Giant Pumpkin Party, Grahamsville, 845 985 7233
- Harvest Celebration at Hurd Orchards, Modena, 845 883 7818, www.hurdsfamilyfarm.com
- Harvest Festival, Sidney, 607 563 1591
- Harvest Festival, Liberty, 845 292 9797
- Harvest Moon Festival and Ball, Andes, www.andesny.org
- Harvest Festival at Country Charm Farm, New Paltz, 845 255 7916, www.countrycharmfarm.com
- Marlboro & Milton Harvest Celebration, 845 795 1047, www.meetmeinmarlborough.com
- Mechanics Harvest Festival, East Meredith, 607 278 5744, www.hanfordmills.org
November:
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