Update: we had a great time at the farm! CSA member tsalt has posted a ton of great photos online. Take a look!
Want to join us next year? Get involved in the core!
Come with us! CSA Core Star Val is organizing a van for CSA members who’d like to go up together. To reserve a spot, email her ASAP: information@clintonhillcsa.org. We’re still ironing out our plans, so be sure to let us know when you’d want to leave and where you’re staying (see Ted’s email for info on camping and inns). We’ll return Sunday afternoon: that part is easy.
PS. If you’re going to drive and have room in your car, let us know (in the comments) when you’re leaving.
From Ted:
Our open house on the farm is the weekend of August 28-29, and you are all invited. Come, meet the people who grow your food and visit with shareholders from other NYC neighborhoods. Please consider joining us for the day or the entire weekend. You can find us on Google Maps at 585 Meeting House Road, Valley Falls, NY 12185 (note: we are in the Town of Easton, in Washington County, 5 miles east of Route 40). We are about 3½ hours drive from the City.
Timing: You are invited to arrive on Friday night, but organized activities won’t begin until about 1:00 on Saturday. For those arriving early, you might start the day with breakfast at Country Girls Diner in Cambridge, and then hike to the Folded Rock overlook for a view of the Cambridge Valley. More ambitious hikers might try Mt. Equinox. For those not wanting to hike, you might start the day with a morning swim in the Battenkill, head in to Saratoga Race Track, or just hang around the farm.
We expect most people to arrive just after lunch on Saturday. The first order of business will be to settle in and set up tents. Farm tours will begin at 2:00. We’ll show you around our farm, of course, and then we’ll head off to one or two other farms for a taste of local agriculture. Afterwards, we’ll return to our place for a wine and cheese hour, a potluck dinner, music and games, a bon fire and star gazing.
Sunday breakfast is on us. We’ll make an all-local meal using fresh eggs and fruit. We’ll give a second farm tour for those missing the first. And then we might visit the Cambridge farmers’ market, swim in the Battenkill near the Eagleville Covered Bridge (kid friendly), and head off to the County Fair in
time for lunch. The Saratoga Race Track is open for those wanting a different kind of experience. Hiking to the overlook above our farm is another option.
Lodging: We cannot offer beds, but we can offer our farm for rustic camping. We have a very clean outhouse for guests to use, and we have very good, clean, cold water. We can’t offer showers either, but a sponge bath or a dip in the Battenkill should keep you fresh. Lodging options in Cambridge include the Cambridge Hotel (518-677-5626), Rice Mansion (518-677-5741), and Blue Willow Motel (518-677-3552).
There are many more lodging options in Arlington and Bennington, Vermont and Saratoga Springs, NY (each about 30 minutes away).
Meals: You will be on your own for breakfast and lunch on Saturday. The Saturday evening meal is potluck – please bring a dish to pass. We’ll provide soft beverages; bring your own wine or beer. We’ll provide utensils and place settings and napkins. Coolers and ice will be available. We can offer limited access to an oven, stove, microwave and grill. We will be making breakfast for everyone on Sunday morning, but you’ll have to find your own lunch in nearby Cambridge or at the County Fair.
Pets: Dogs must be kept reasonably quiet and leashed. We have cats, chickens and kids and are at a crossroads for neighboring dogs.
RSVP: If you plan on coming, please drop Ted an email at windflowerfarm@earthlink.net letting me know that you’re coming and when, and how many are in your party. We will hold the event rain or shine.
