6 Local Dairy Day Trips
One of the greatest parts of living in New York state is the geographic diversity we have at out fingertips. In just a few hours you can see the Palisades soaring high above the Hudson River, farms strewn over sprawling hillsides, and craggy mountains and hidden lakes in the Adirondacks. Any terrain you want to traverse is within a few hours car ride. Nestled in these neighborhoods and townships are some award-winning farms, known not only for their delectable produce but also for their dairy goods and creameries. After a day cruising the winding backroads of upstate New York what could be better than mingling with the cows, sheep, and goats that produce some of New York’s finest cheeses, yogurts and milks? The next time you find yourself on a family getaway upstate or in need of some protein after a big hike, why not check out some of the great dairy producers we work with. Below are a few of our notable favorites that we carry in our stores, be sure to check out their amazing products directly at their farms for a real special treat.
by Brendon O’Brien
Sprout Creek Farm
Sprout Creek Farm – Poughkeepsie, NY. “Encompassing 200 acres in Dutchess County, NY, Sprout Creek Farm is really three different entities, distinct yet dynamically intertwined. It is a working farm, raising free-ranging cows, sheep, goats, free-range turkeys, guinea fowl, chickens, and pigs. It is a market, selling our internationally award-winning cheeses and farm-produced meats, as well as local Hudson Valley milk, eggs, vegetables, crafts, and gifts. And it is an educational center, offering day, weekend, and summer programs that help connect young people to the land, the seasons, and the plants and animals that co-exist here in harmonious rhythm.”
34 Lauer Road | Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
845-485-8438 office | 845-485-9885 market
info@sproutcreekfarm.org
Five Spoke Creamery
Five Spoke Creamery – Goshen, NY. “We are honored to be continuing the tradition of dairy farming at 1089 Pulaski Highway. The barn, ‘dance hall’ and 110 year old farm house have been restored and repurposed for our cheese making operation. We’ve also gone 100% solar. Great cheese starts with great milk. And the best milk is the raw milk from cows that are pastured and free to roam, picking and choosing from a variety of grasses, herbs, flowers and weeds. The raw milk of grass-fed cows has a depth of flavor, or terroir, which cannot be duplicated.”
1089 Pulaski Hwy, Goshen, NY 10924
info@5spokecreamery.com or 914-934-1649
http://www.5spokecreamery.com/
Coach Farms
Coach Farms – Pine Plains, NY. “Faithful to the traditional methods of the French farmstead cheesemaker, we at the Coach Farm are turning out authentic, artisanal goat cheeses that were once found only in the remote villages of France. Our farm is located in a small Hudson Valley village, just two hours outside of New York City. We have, at present count over 900 French Alpine dairy goats, born and raised on our farm. The small, white-tiled creamery where we make our cheeses connects directly to the milking parlor. Contact for visits.”
105 Mill Hill Rd, Pine Plains, NY 12567
(518) 398-5325 info@coachfarm.com
https://www.instagram.com/coachfarm
Old Chatham Sheepherding Company
Old Chatham Sheepherding Company – Old Chatham, NY. “Old Chatham Sheepherding Company was born back in 1993 when Tom and Nancy Clark bought 600 acres of lush grassy fields in Old Chatham, New York to form a sheep dairy farm. It soon became the largest of its kind in the United States. The Clark’s were involved in every aspect of the operation for nearly twenty years, from helping design the barns and the creamery to making the cheese itself. Old Chatham’s Camembert, Ewe’s Blue, Kinderhook Creek and sheep’s milk yogurts have since won numerous awards and appear on restaurant menus throughout New York. Our self-serve cheese and yogurt store is open to the public during daylight hours year-round. We believe in the honor system and only accept cash (USD) or check.”
155 Shaker Museum Road | Old Chatham NY 12136
https://www.oldchathamcreamery.com/
Nettle Meadow Farms
Nettle Meadow Farms – Thurman, NY. “Nettle Meadow Farm is a goat and sheep dairy and cheese company in Thurman, New York just below Crane Mountain in the Adirondacks between Gore Mountain/North Creek and Warrensburg. It is owned and operated by Lorraine Lambiase and Sheila Flanagan. Both have a great love of animals, artisan cheese and the unique challenges of farm life. Nettle Meadow Farm was originally founded in 1990 and is the home of over 300 goats, dozens of sheep and a variety of farm sanctuary animals. Our new cheese shop is open daily from 11am to 3pm for cheese sales and we often feature cheese tastings during business hours. Come visit the cozy new shop and find out more about the farm, our history and our cheese.”
484 S. Johnsburg Road | Warrensburg, NY 12885
518/623-3372 cheese@nettlemeadow.com
Adirondack Cheese Company
Adirondack Cheese Company – Barneveld, NY. “Located at the gateway to the Adirondack State Park, we specialize in New York State Cheddar; aged on site, from one to seven years, so you are sure to find the sharpness you like. We offer an array of flavored white cheddars and cheddar spreads, using various ingredients to satisfy any taste. We also have a variety of gourmet food items, candy and snacks and a nice selection of gifts; ranging from kitchen items to jewelry, home decor to Adirondack novelties.”
8190 State Rt. 12, Ste. 1 | Barneveld, NY 13304
315-896-2170