Welcome back for Autumn Destinations, Part II. Today we'll again travel west to Schoharie County and visit another of my favorite stops - Schoharie Valley Farms. Some of you locals might know it as the "Carrot Barn" - another of my grandmother's favorites.
Driving down Route 30 in Schoharie, you might be inclined to just drive past the big green barns that house the Carrot Barn at Schoharie Valley Farms. You certainly can't tell from it's simple, utilitarian exterior that there's anything but vegetables inside these walls, Here's is a prime example of the adage, "you can't judge a book by its cover." What you see the moment you enter is anything but a food warehouse!
According to their own website:
Driving down Route 30 in Schoharie, you might be inclined to just drive past the big green barns that house the Carrot Barn at Schoharie Valley Farms. You certainly can't tell from it's simple, utilitarian exterior that there's anything but vegetables inside these walls, Here's is a prime example of the adage, "you can't judge a book by its cover." What you see the moment you enter is anything but a food warehouse!
"In the early 1700s, German and Dutch immigrants arrived in the
Valley to work some of the richest soils of America. Their first crop of
wheat was sown and produced a substantial yield. A few decades later,
the Schoharie Valley’s wheat fed George Washington’s troops and earned
the Valley the title of “Breadbasket of the American Revolution.”
Through the years, this warm and durable land was adapted to flax, broom corn and other important crops. By the mid-1800s, the cultivation of hops had become the Schoharie Valley’s most famous agricultural industry. Today, we who live in this special place proudly till the same soil and enjoy a quality of life built on our agricultural heritage.
We’re dedicated to growing only top-quality produce, to preserving this historic resource, and to continuing our agricultural heritage for generations to come.
Through the years, this warm and durable land was adapted to flax, broom corn and other important crops. By the mid-1800s, the cultivation of hops had become the Schoharie Valley’s most famous agricultural industry. Today, we who live in this special place proudly till the same soil and enjoy a quality of life built on our agricultural heritage.
We’re dedicated to growing only top-quality produce, to preserving this historic resource, and to continuing our agricultural heritage for generations to come.
Richard Ball, whose family owns and operates Schoharie Valley Farm, is the current commissioner of NYS Agriculture & Markets. Mr. Ball served as chairman of Schoharie Recovery,
Inc., a nonprofit formed to help the region rebound from the
devastating 2011 flooding caused by tropical storms Irene and Lee. Like most of the surrounding area, Schoharie Valley Farm suffered as a result of Irene. Although the devastation that occurred in this region is no longer visibly evident when driving through Schoharie, the financial scars from Irene are still healing.
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| "Everyday Menu" |
In addition to fresh produce, the store also sells local meats and cheeses, honey, gourmet jams, jellies, mustard and maple syrup, in addition to various collectibles and seasonal items, with the focus being on Schoharie Valley and NY products.
There's no question the Carrot Barn sells some of the most beautiful and delicious produce I've ever seen - in one of the prettiest produce shops around, but maybe even better than the produce is the scrumptious lunch they serve in their cafe. In addition to the many options always on the menu (pictured here), the cafe also features weekly specials! Everything is made fresh and at a very reasonable price.
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| Hawaiian Carrot Cupcake! |
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| Chocolate Raspberry! |
Warning - save room for dessert.
Oh my, their baked goods are ahhhmazing!
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| Spring prevails in the greenhouse! |
This is just a peek at what awaits you inside the simple looking "carrot barn" nestled in the beautiful Schoharie Valley. Every one of your senses will be brought to life, whether you visit in the spring, summer or fall. (The farm closes for a short time during the winter.) Once you visit, I know you'll go back time and time again. So don't delay. Just a 40 minutes from Albany, I-88 is breathtaking and serene. Step out of the cities and suburbs and breathe in a little country! Just remember to bring along your appetite. The Farm is open daily from 9:00a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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