Lately it feels like every week there’s another headline about pesticides, food recalls, or bacteria on fruits and vegetables. As a mom, I found myself wondering the same thing many of you probably have…
Where can I buy great local produce that I feel good about serving my family?
As a registered dietitian, I went down a bit of a rabbit hole researching local farms, farm stores, and CSA programs. My patients ask me all the time where they can find fresh, local produce, and honestly, I wanted to know for my own family too.
One thing I realized is that buying local isn’t just about freshness. It’s also a wonderful way to support local farmers, enjoy fruits and vegetables that are actually in season, and make healthy eating a little more fun. Many farms also offer CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) memberships, where you receive a weekly share of fresh, seasonal produce throughout the spring, summer, and even into the fall.
And don’t forget one of my favorite family activities – pick-your-own fruit! It’s such a fun way to spend a morning while teaching kids where their food actually comes from. We already went strawberry picking this summer, and the whole family couldn’t believe how flavorful and sweet they were. I’m usually not even a big strawberry fan, but these were absolutely delicious!
After doing quite a bit of research (and visiting a few myself!), here are some Westchester County farms worth exploring this season.
1. Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard (North Salem)
One of our family’s favorites. Their farm market is filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh-baked pies, cider donuts, local meats, honey, jams, and specialty foods. They also have a café and are especially popular during apple and pumpkin season.
2. Bedford Farms (Bedford)
A beautiful stop for flowers, plants, seasonal décor, produce, and specialty foods. It’s the kind of place where you can browse for much longer than you planned.
3. Muscoot Farm (Katonah)
Perfect for families with young children. In addition to a farmers’ market, there are farm animals, walking trails, historic barns, educational programs, and plenty of space to explore.
4. Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center (Yorktown Heights)
A working nonprofit farm focused on sustainable agriculture. Their seasonal farm stand offers vegetables grown right on the property, and they also host educational programs and community events.
5. Hemlock Hill Farm (Cortlandt Manor)
Known for locally raised meats, eggs, dairy products, seasonal produce, and an excellent farm store stocked with regional products.
6. Fable: From Farm to Table (Ossining)
A smaller farm with organically grown vegetables, flowers, herbs, eggs, and honey. They also participate in local farmers’ markets.
7. Stuart’s Fruit Farm (Granite Springs)
A longtime favorite for pick-your-own apples, peaches, pumpkins, and berries depending on the season. Their farm market is stocked with baked goods, cider, and local treats.
8. Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm (Yorktown Heights)
Known for peaches in the summer, apples in the fall, and Christmas trees in winter. Their bakery, cider donuts, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a favorite destination year-round.
9. Salinger’s Orchard (North Salem)
Offers seasonal fruit picking along with a farm stand featuring fresh produce, baked goods, pies, cider, and local products.
10. Outhouse Orchards (North Salem/Croton Falls)
A fun family destination with pick-your-own fruit, pumpkins, farm animals, hayrides, and a country market filled with seasonal goodies.
11. Rochambeau Farm (Mount Kisco)
A small local farm committed to sustainable growing practices. Their produce can often be found through local farm stands and community-supported agriculture programs.
12. Pound Ridge Organics (Pound Ridge)
A community-focused farm offering organically grown produce and seasonal vegetables while promoting environmentally friendly farming.
There are also wonderful farmers’ markets throughout Westchester if getting to the farms themselves isn’t convenient. Many local farms bring their produce directly to weekend markets, making it easy to shop locally while supporting our farming community.
I’m looking forward to spending more weekends exploring these farms with my family and, of course, bringing home lots of fresh summer produce along the way.
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