A Magical Evening in a Storybook Setting at June Farms

Sunday, September 1, 2019
They refer to themselves as a 'small, gentleman's farm located on 120 acres in New York's Hudson Valley', and while all of that is true, I refer to it as 'a perfect slice of country serenity....the type that storybooks are made of.  I'm talking about June Farms in West Sand Lake, NY.  If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know I have a soft spot for country settings, so I was confident I'd enjoy June Farms.  What I didn't expect was just how much I would love it!  I'm pretty sure that everyone who visits leaves intoxicated with it's charm and smitten by the idyllic feel that June Farms provides.  It's a compilation of every perfect calendar photo you've seen and the most beautiful illustrations by storybook artists.  Every turn, every glance fills your senses with picture-perfect views that elicit sighs of wonder and a sense of instant relaxation beginning with the tree-lined drive.
June Farms was opened in 2017 by Matt Baumgartner, owner of Wolff's Biergarten, The Berlin, Bombers Burrito Bar and The Olde English Pub.  It's clear to see why every detail of June Farms is so perfectly thought out and done with such precision.  What began as a wedding and event venue quickly became a popular and unique venue for relaxing over a drink and fine food for adults, as well as a wonderful venue for families on family nights.
A large variety of heritage breed farm animals call the farm home...Scottish Highland Cattle, Shire Horses, Tamworth Pigs and Gloucestershire Old Spots, chickens, ducks, Nubian Goats, at least two cats and Frank, the farm dog.

The Pony Barn serves as a country-stylish, wood-beamed, magazine-worthy space for sipping a cocktail as well as a beautiful setting for a  private party.
 Inside The Pony Barn.....




Cooking is done in the outside kitchen.  The menu, though small, is filled with delectable choices unlike any option found at your average chain restaurant.  In addition to the regular menu, this particular Thursday featured a family buffet with pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and watermelon....$12 for kids, $15 for adults.  It was a one-time fill up and a very reasonable and smart option for kids.  John ordered a personal brick-oven, farm-to-table pizza.  I ordered two appetizers to share - Whipped Feta with honey, sumac and mint with a baguette and the Cheese Platter with 3 local cheeses, gherkins, beets, fig jam, sliced apples and a baguette.  Both were amazing and enjoyed by all.  In addition, the menu also offers Helen's Hummus Plate, Duck Egg Salad Sandwich, Kale Salad, Grilled Cheese Triangles with fig jam and Burgers.





We'd been talking about planning a visit to the farm most of the summer.  Thursdays are Family Night on the farm and unlike other evenings, Thursdays are filled with kid-friendly activities.  This particular evening there was a bounce house, face painting, organized games, and pony rides.  We brought along our daughter, granddaughters and a friend.  We got there just before 5:00 when the farm opens and made the wise choice to eat first.  By 6:00, the food line was quite long.  While waiting for our meals, the girls had their faces painted by the amazingly talented Bebhinn Francis.  Kids could choose from a variety of colorful options, small and large, costing $5 and $8.

After we ate, we spent some time exploring the farm.  Guests are encouraged to wander the farm and meet the animals.  Farm tours were available (by way of golf cart) for $10 per adult, kids were free.  We chose to enjoy the ride and have a personal, narrated introduction to the animals.  Max was our friendly and very polite tour guide, who had a sincere passion for the farm and its animals.  We began our tour at the stables where we stopped and fed the horses.

Next, down the hill and long gravel path we passed the Scottish Highland Cattle. Just around the bend, Max let us off our chariot and into the pasture where he called to the small herd of friendly miniature Nubian goats.



Once we said good bye to the kids, we were back on the trail to say hi to the chickens and one feisty rooster.  The girls got a kick out of learning how to 'look big' to intimidate him.  Back on our little limo and off we went down the trail, past the ducks and cattle, and Max dropped us off for the girls 'pony rides'.

 Pony rides were $10 per child and consisted of a long, 'two-times around' ride on a full-sized horse.  There was a slight wait for our turn, but so worth it.

 Since there was going to be a wait for the pony rides, John and I decided to head back to the Pony Barn.  It was a healthy hike, and as soon as Max drove away, I wondered why I had him leave me. I feared I might not make it back to The Pony Barn.  Surprising even myself....I made it back and lived to tell the tale.  Most people 'choose' to walk the farm, others take the golf cart ride and some choose the $30 horse-drawn buggy ride.  There's no bad option here but we loved our time with Max who was such a gracious and patient tour guide.  In fact, every staff member we encountered, including the parking attendants were positively welcoming and wonderful.
By the time the girls finished their rides and got back up to The Pony Barn, there was just enough time and daylight for some farm-to-freezer pops by Market Pops.  Underneath a large tent, families could enjoy a game of corn hole or ping pong.  Behind The Pony Barn were a variety of organized games including sack races and tug-of-war.


Honestly, I couldn't think of one thing that would have made this evening any better...well maybe having a separate cashier for non-food purchases.  Matt Baumgartner has put together a magical venue at June Farms, from the pristine pastures to the perfectly manicured grounds, immaculate facilities, fresh flowers, friendly animals and relaxed pace.  Visitors feel a palpable drop in blood pressure and quickly settle into the calming, serene atmosphere of June Farms.  My only regret is not getting there sooner.  June Farms also offers lodging!  Can you imagine waking up here? Whether you're looking for a great date night or a special family night experience, you'll feel right at home at June Farms.








You've still got time to check out June Farms. For more information check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JuneFarmsNY/ or their website at www.junefarms.com.   June Farms is open Tuesday-Saturday, but check their calendar (below next photo) before going because they are sometimes closed for private events.
Thanks for stopping by Life As I See It.  It's so much fun exploring and sharing places like June Farms.  I know you'll love it too!


To read about our later visit to June Farms: https://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2021/07/a-return-visit-to-bucolic-june-farms.html

2 comments

  1. This sounds wonderful! A great place to take the grand kids and see a lot of beauty too! Thank you! On my next summer list!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You're welcome! It's a special place for sure!

    ReplyDelete

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