Pittsford Farms Dairy: Old-Fashioned Flavor

Pittsford Farms Dairy products have been enjoyed for more than a century. Founded in 1880, the 200-acre working farm became an established dairy farm, and by 1888, began producing milk in glass bottles — something the farm still does today.

Pittsford Farms Dairy continues to be a owned and run by the Corby family. They produce milk, amazing chocolate milk, fresh butter, killer egg nog, and many creative flavors of ice cream — like Red Raspberry or Rugged Rower ice cream.

They pasteurize the milk at a lower temperature. It’s a little less processed, it takes a little longer, but it has better body and is a little sweeter, and has a longer shelf life. Most large dairy farms pasteurize milk at 172 degrees Fahrenheit, while Pittsford Farms Dairy pasteurizes it at 145 degrees. This traditional method heats milk gently. The flavor makes the extra effort worthwhile.

The family opened a new building in 2013 which includes a retail store, ice cream parlor and bakery complete with with milk-bottle chandeliers, and vintage-jug seating at a common table. In the rear of the building there is a state of the art processing plant with viewing window which allows the visitors to see the milk being bottled in glass bottles and ice cream being made by hand in small batches, the old fashioned way.

Located at 44 N. Main St., Pittsford, NY 14534

Fresh Christmas Trees in the Finger Lakes

Wilberts is our favorite cut-your-own tree farm.

Hunting for the perfect Christmas Tree is a great way to spend time enjoying the Finger Lakes. There are great cut your own Tree Farms across Upstate New York.

By far the hardest part is cutting it down.

Remember that cutting your own tree can involve a long outdoor exposure in snow and mud. Everyone has an opinion on which kind of tree is best: strong boughs hold the ornaments best but sharp needles are tough on the hands. Choosing the right height and shape is also a matter of opinion, often leaving sap on the ceiling when you realize its too tall.

We usually buy our tree at Wilberts — where its simple — hike out with a saw and wheel it back on a tree cart. However, if you have small children you might want to try Skokie Tree Farm which has tractors with wagons that can drop you off and pick you and your tree up after you cut it. They also have lots of fun activities and snacks for kids.

Listing of Christmas Tree Farms in the Finger Lakes

 

 

Make New York State Fair Friends

Making new friends at the fair

You can meet interesting people at the fair, and even more interesting animals. The Honey Man and the Honey Queen, The Camel, Grandpa and his grand kids, Sargent Pepper, a Giraffe, and some who just can’t take in another moment. Who knows?

• Thursday, Aug. 23, to Monday, Sept. 3, 2012
• Gates open at 8 a.m. daily
• exhibit buildings are open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
• 375 acres filled with fun: Free Stuff to do and see:
• • Butter sculpture / Sand sculpture
  • Animal shows, petting zoo
  • Nightly parade at 6 p.m.
  • NEW: Monster truck show
  • NEW: BMX stunt show
  • NEW: Interactive rain forest learning exhibit
  • NEW: Midway Music Series – built around local and up-and-coming bands
  • NEW: Great Lakes Lumberjack Show

Finger Lakes Fun: 2012 New York State Fair

Photo contest runner-up, 2011

Here it is — everything you need to know about the 2012 New York State Fair. I’ll be attending, and you can attend too — free — compliments of the NYS Fair — if you let me know your favorite fair memory. I have tickets to give away, so impress me. I’ll pick a winner August 22, contact you, and you can pick up your (2) FREE tickets at Will Call.

• Thursday, Aug. 23, to Monday, Sept. 3, 2012
• Gates open at 8 a.m. daily
• exhibit buildings are open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
• 375 acres filled with fun: Free Stuff to do and see:
• • Butter sculpture / Sand sculpture
  • Animal shows, petting zoo
  • Nightly parade at 6 p.m.
  • NEW: Monster truck show
  • NEW: BMX stunt show
  • NEW: Interactive rain forest learning exhibit
  • NEW: Midway Music Series – built around local and up-and-coming bands
  • NEW: Great Lakes Lumberjack Show

• 2012 Chevy Court FREE concerts

• Different acts each day at 2 and 8 p.m.
• All shows at Chevy Court are free with Fair admission

Photo Contest Winner — 2011

Signature State Fair Food:

• Lots of food deals: $0.25 cup of fresh milk, $1 baked potatoes (Horticulture Bldg.), hot beef sundaes, salt potatoes
• Deep-fried mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, candy bars, cheesecake, PB&J sandwiches
• Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Gianelli sausage sandwiches
• Big Kahuna Donut Dog

Tickets:

• General admission is $10 (children under 12 free every day)
• Advance sale tickets $6 – save 40% – (on sale at a variety of locations throughout New York State, click here for a full list).
  • Can also purchase six-day frequent fair passes (valid for one person) $30, pre-paid parking passes for one day $5

Special Days:

• Senior Citizen Days: Aug. 27 & 28 (free admission 60 and older)
• Veterans Day: Aug. 30 (free with military ID)
• Student’s Day: Aug. 31 (free admission for students 16 and under)
• Native American Day: Aug. 31 (free admission for Native Americans)
• NEW: College Night: Aug. 31 (college students will receive vendor discounts)

photo contest runner-up 2011

Midway:

• Unlimited rides for one price: $25 wristbands on six days

• Thurs 8/23, Fri 8/24, Mon 8/27, Tues 8/28, Wed 8/29, Thurs 8/30
• This year we will again offer the Discount Strates Shows Midway FunCard worth $24 for only $14 if you purchase by Aug. 22
  • Available at most advance sale locations
  • 24 credits per card – each ride requires 2 or more credit.
  • A savings of $10 off the regular ride book price.
  • The FunCard System replaces traditional ride books and individual tickets with a single electronic, bar coded card that can be used on all of the of the rides at the Midway and Kiddieland.
• NEW: This year, Fairgoers can also buy advance sale midway wristbands and ride tickets online through Aug. 22. There will be a price discount for those purchasing online.

 Mobile Fair Site:

• A mobile version of nysfair.org
• It functions like an app on a smartphone and allows smartphone users to have easy access to the most popular Fair information (concerts, visitor guide, food guide, etc.)

QR Code:

• NEW: This year, QR Codes will be placed on agricultural signage around the Fairgrounds allowing Fairgoers to scan the QR Codes and learn more about NYS Fair agriculture.
• There is a QR Code on the advance sale posters and counter cards at all advance sale ticket locations. The QR Code will also be placed on print ads.
• If you can scan the QR Code with a smartphone, you can enter into a drawing to win a free, one-day parking pass to the Fair.
• Those without a smartphone can text “parking” to 24587 to be entered into the free parking drawing.

Updates:

• You can sign up for email and text message updates at www.nysfair.org
• Find The Great New York State Fair on Facebook
• Follow NYSFair on Twitter

Combine the great tastes of the Finger Lakes at the Farm and Fork

It’s a hot Saturday summer night. We enjoy a long drive rolling through the heart of the Finger lakes, headed for Trumansburg. As the sun grows low in the sky, we park the car, looking at a normal-looking farm and barn. Can this be it?

Silver Queen Farm plays host to a monthly gourmet, farm-driven meal, known as the The Farm & Fork. The Farm & Fork is a collaboration between a caterer and local farms. The third Saturday evening of each month they welcome guests for a gourmet meal prepared with just-picked vegetables and fruits from the Finger Lakes Region.

Cracker Box Palace — “we’ve been expecting you”

Kids have an opportunity to get up close and meet farm animals

Many of you may know “Cracker Box Palace” as a song from a George Harrison album. “We welcome you to Cracker Box Palace, we’ve been expecting you..” That song  is a memory from my childhood. If you want to make some more great memories for your kids, bring them to the Finger Lakes version of Cracker Box Palace. It’s a perfect family destination with many kid-friendly activities throughout the year.

Cracker Box Palace is a not for profit, no-kill rescue and rehabilitation shelter for over 180 farm animals. Animals of every kind come to recover from illness, neglect or abuse. Once given necessary adjustment time and veterinary care, animals are available for adoption.

View of the farm and a variety of very happy animals

In early 2011, Cracker Box Palace achieved ownership of  a beautiful piece of property — Alasa Farms. This farm was formerly a historic Shaker community in the early 1800’s. Some years later, it served as a migrant camp. Today it is home to horses, geese, ducks, chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, several breeds of pigs, llamas and (see the video) donkeys.

The farm is funded totally through memberships, sponsorships, donations, and grants. If animals cannot be placed in suitable adoptive homes they will stay on the farm. They also offer a sponsorship program for people who love animals but do not have facilities to care for them. Cracker Box Palace also offers a variety of Youth Programs for scouts, special needs groups, and school community service projects.

The farm has apple orchards as well. The month-long, Apple Pic-n-Picnic starts around the 2nd week of September with U-Pick apples from dwarf trees. Alasa Farms also participates in the annual Apple Tasting Tour.

View of Alasa Farms in proximity to Sodus Bay

Alasa Farms is located just southwest of Sodus Bay. The property and surrounding land is very beautiful and contains many waterways that flow to the bay.  With the assistance of the Genesee Land Trust, Alasa Farms has ensured that their 627 acres of forests, wetlands, working crop lands and orchards, will remain open land. By spring of 2012 there will be trails through the woods and around the farm marked for horseback riding and hiking.

There are several waterfalls on the property

Additionally, The Nature Conservancy has acquired another 500 +acres between the Farm and Sodus Bay, including 800’ of frontage on the bay. It will remain undisturbed and eventually be transferred to New York state for inclusion in a wildlife management area.

Location of Cracker Box Palace/Alasa Farms

HOURS:  10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays
Contact us to inquire about tours, call 315.483.2493.

Cracker Box Palace on Facebook.

Location:  6450 Shaker Road, Alton, NY, 14413

Finger Lakes Farm Markets: Get it Fresh

Rochester Public Market

The Finger Lakes region has some of the richest soil in the northeast.

The Seneca, Cayuga, and Onondaga Indians recognized long ago the fertility of the land in the Finger Lakes and were successful at growing crops. In particular they grew the “three sister”–corn, beans, and squash–as well as fruit trees.  During the American Revolutionary War, when George Washington sent John Sullivan and his army to extricate the Indians from the region, Sullivan’s soldiers commented on the type and quality of the crops the Indians were growing. Many of these soldiers came back to the region to start their own farms.

Agriculture is New York State’s number one business. Fresh produce can be found at several farm markets across the region. Support your local growers and shop for produce and livestock grown locally.

Below are links to listings of farm markets and U-pick Farms found in the Finger Lakes and Upstate New York Region, as well as a partial listing from Syracuse.com.

Be a locovore

Edible Finger Lakes: Farmer’s markets

Finger Lakes Visitors Connection

Pick Your Own  all  of Upstate New York

Winter Farm Markets in New York State (PDF)

New York State Farm Markets Listing

Ontario County Farm Markets

 

Rochester Public Market has both outdoor and indoor vendors

These images were taken from the Rochester Public.

Rochester Public Market

In operation for over 100 years
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round
Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. year-round. 

Shoppers enjoy buying fresh

Syracuse.com Listing of Farmer’s Markets

Onondaga County

Central New York Regional Market: 2100 Park St., Syracuse, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through the Thursday before Thanksgiving and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; 422-8647. Open Saturdays year round.

Camillus Farmers Market: Camillus Municipal Building, 4600 W. Genesee St., 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays, through Oct. 29; 488-1234.

Clay Farmers Market: In the parking lot in front of Sears at Great Northern Mall, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, through the last week in September (weather permitting); 430-1668.

Green Hills Farmers Market: Parking lot of Green Hills supermarket, 5933 S. Salina St., Syracuse; 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, June 16 through October; featuring some certified organic growers; 492-1707, 569-4511

Downtown Farmers Market: Parking lot at South Clinton and West Washington streets, in downtown Syracuse; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, to Oct. 12; 422-8284.

Manlius Farmers Market: parking lot behind Sno-Top, off Fayette Street (Route 92) near Village Centre, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, to Oct. 28; 682-7887.

Market Days at Marcellus Park: Platt Road, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, June 9 to Sept. 15; 673-3269, ext. 2.

Syracuse Eastside Neighborhood Farmers Market: Westcott Community Center, 836 Euclid Ave., 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 9 to end of October. 751-1067.

University Community Harvest Farmers Market: Q3 parking lot, on the Syracuse University quad; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 11. Resumes in September and October. 443-3608.

Cayuga County

Farmers Cooperative Market of Cayuga County: South Street, Auburn, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, to Oct. 30; WIC, debit and credit cards accepted; 678-1622.

Moravia Farmers Market: 130 Main St. (Route 38; in parking lot of Kinney Drugs), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, to Oct. 28. 497-1632.

Handmade clever at the Ithaca Farm Market

Cortland County

Cincinnatus Farmers Market: 2704 Lower Cincinnatus Road, 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, through Dec. 20; 607-863-3828.

Cortland Farmers Market: Main Street, between Orchard and Court streets, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays, to Oct. 30; 607-753-8570.

East End Farmers’ Market:Dexter Park, corner of Elm and Franklin streets, Cortland, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, to Oct. 23; 836-6069, 849-4892.

Homer Farmers Market: On the Homer Village Green, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays to Oct. 27; 836-6069, 849-4892.

Madison County

Canastota Farmers Market: corner of Main and Hickory streets; 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, from the second week in July to the second week in October; 697-2566.

Cazenovia Farmers Market: Memorial Park, Albany Street; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, to Nov. 6; 655-9243,

Hamilton Farmers Market: Village Green, Broad Street, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, to Nov. 7; 824-1111.

Oneida Farmers Market: Clinch Park, Oneida and Williams streets; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, to Oct. 28; 363-4300.

Oswego County

Fulton Farmers Market: Canalview parking lot (off Route 481), 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, to Oct. 23; 343-7681.

Oswego Farmers Market: West First Street between Bridge and Oneida streets, 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, through Sept. 30, 343-7681.

Oneida County

Farmers Market at Sylvan Beach: At the foot of the Erie Canal bridge, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, to Sept 7; 203-979-9872.

Tompkins County

The Ithaca Farm Market stays shady and breezy on the hottest of days

Ithaca Farmers Market I: Steamboat Landing, Third Street at the waterfront, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, to Oct. 30; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, to Oct. 31; 607-273-7109

Lockwood Farms: Lavender Capital of the Finger Lakes

Prepare to be educated about Lavender. There are 18 varieties and over 1800 plants on the farm. The plants originate in France and England, but all these plants have originated from Washington State. Besides being known as a fragrant dried flower, Lavender is also used in cooking. If you go to the Festival there will be a chef preparing recipes featuring Lavender. You can also pick your own Lavender.