Apples, Pumpkins, & Corn Mazes in Cortland County
The smell of fresh pine, the brisk air, the changing leaves with their beautiful colors and shapes; these are some things that come to mind when thinking of Fall. Fresh apples and apple cider come to mind too, as well as apple picking. And we can’t forget pumpkins. Pumpkins, mums, and the approaching Halloween.
So where can we go for apple picking, apples and apple cider, fresh squash, pumpkins and other Fall items?
Here are some ideas to get you started (please note that due to the pandemic, these places will likely be run differently than usual, so it may be best to check their requirements before visiting).
Hollebecks Cider Mill in Virgil opens this Saturday the 19th. They offer a variety of delicious seasonal, locally sourced items, and strive to support other small business. In addition to cider and apples, you will find local honey, freshly made jams and hot sauces, donuts and pies and more! Due to COVID, they will be changing the way their normal operations work, and are offering curbside pickup. For more information, you can read their recent blog here.
https://www.hollenbeckscidermill.com/
Anderson’s Farm Market in Homer has been in the agriculture business for 5 generations. They sell a variety of locally grown produce and other wonderful items. They offer delicious hot foods, local cheeses, baked goods, and much more. They now have freshly made Argueta’s coffee! Argueta’s, for anyone who doesn’t know them, is a must try for those who love coffee! They are located on Dryden Rd in Freeville. They bring coffee beans fresh from Huehuetenango, Guatamala. A must try: http://www.arguetascoffee.com/contact-us/.
Grisamore Farms, has also been a treasured local spot, run by it’s now 5th generation family, is great for apple picking and many other wonderful treats including pumpkins, mums, pears, tomatoes and more! They have a beautiful farm with seasonally grown fruits. They have some farm animals too. Check out their website for more details and you can also sign up for their newsletter.
http://www.grisamorefarms.com/
The Corn Maze at Trinity Valley Dairy is a great place to visit right now. They are open now through October 31st so don’t miss your chance to pay them a visit. Make sure to pre-order your tickets online. They have a country store, playground and farm animals. Check out the video on their website if you have never been there.
We don’t have space to highlight other places, so please know this list is not exhaustive. Please visit https://www.experiencecortland.com/experience/farm-stands-and-farmers-markets for more suggestions on markets to visit.
Last but not least, Cornell Cooperative Extension is planning a series of “virtual farm tours.” The first one will be held on Sept 21st from 7- 8 pm and will feature 3 apple farms in Cortland and Tompkins County. The farms featured in this week’s tour include Hollenbeck’s and Hemlock Grove and Indian Creek, both in Tompkins County. Pre-register here.
For more information, contact Mila Fournier, Agriculture Educator at CCE-Tompkins, at ymf5@cornell.edu or (607) 272-2292 ext. 194; or Dana Havas, Agriculture Team Leader at CCE-Cortland, at dmh353@cornell.edu or (607) 391-2664. And please see the attached link:
http://cortland.cce.cornell.edu/events/2020/09/21/2020-virtual-open-farm-days