Let’s be honest. It’s so hard to sit at a computer this time of year. The sun is shining, the temperature is rising, and we want to get outdoors. Sure, you could battle the crowds at Central Park. Or you could go two hours north where Ulster County is a fruit wonderland. Whether you’re going for the fresh fruit or vegetables, the pies you’ll be able to bake or the Instagram appeal, here are eight Ulster County U-pick farms to get your fresh produce fix this spring.
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Dressel Farms
The fifth-generation-family owned orchard is known for its apples, but come late spring you can also pick your weight in strawberries at the New Paltz farm.
271 Rte. 208, New Paltz; 854.255.0693 or facebook.com/dresselfarms
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Kelder’s Farm
Asparagus is a springtime treat we wait for all year. Pick it yourself at Kelder’s Farm this May.
5755 Rte. 209, Kerhonkson; 845.626.7137 or keldersfarm.com
Read more: 2 Hours North of the City, 5 Ulster County Food Itineraries
Locust Grove Farm
If you frequent Union Square Greenmarket (guilty), chances are you’ve had the blueberries, cherries, currants, peaches and more from Locust Grove Farm. While they only offer U-pick pumpkins in the fall (note to self), a visit to their Ulster County farm stand (open Saturdays and Sundays) is the perfect way to stock up on produce for the work week.
159 North Rd., Milton; 845.795.5194 or locustgrovefruitfarm.com
Read more: Escape Upstate and Eat All Along This Former Railroad Trail
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Prospect Hill Orchards
With the picking within easy reach of even the tiniest hands, this family-farm is ideal for kids. Depending on the season you can pick cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, apples, pears or pumpkins.
73 Clarks Ln., Milton; 845.795.2383 or prospecthillorchards.com
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Saunderskill Farms
Bet you can’t leave this Accord U-pick farm without also stocking up on their housemade jams and jellies. In season you can pick strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and pumpkins. They also have a number of weekend events, including a Hudson Valley Draft Horse Spring Plow (April 27) and a Strawberry Festival (June 22).
5100 Rte. 209, Accord; 845.626.2676 or saunderskill.com
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Tantillo’s Farm Market
Bring your favorite pooch up to Gardiner for a walk around Tantillo’s Farm. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome to join you in fields for a day of picking of in-season eggplant, sweet and sour cherries, peppers, tomatoes, apples and pumpkins.
730 Rte. 208, Gardiner; 845.256.9109 or tantillosfarm.com/home.html
Weed Orchards & Winery
Between the weekend hayrides, the wine tastings and the kitchen dishing out burgers, pizza and pies, you’ll never want to leave this U-pick orchard and winery. U-pick offerings include peaches, pears, plums, grapes and pumpkins.
43 Mount Zion Rd., Marlboro; 845.236.2684 or weedorchards.com
Remember to call ahead to the farms to check what’s in season and for even more U-pick farms and outdoor green markets visit Ulster County Alive.
