FAMILY FUN FARM DAYS

Saturdays: August 15, 22, 2009

Sundays:  August 16, 23, 2009

Reconnect to the region’s rich agricultural heritage and explore the Renaissance City of Beacon when you pick up the Dutchess County Farm Fresh Link shuttle at the Beacon Station for stops at Fishkill Farms and Barton Orchards.   

Start your day with a visit to Barton Orchards www.bartonorchards.com .  Pick your own fruits and vegetables, and enjoy the many family-friendly activities including hayrides, a petting zoo and live entertainment.  If you dare, explore the larger-than-life corn maze, and be sure to check out the 214 year-old white oak tree, the centerpiece of this 122 acre orchard, in the heart of the Hudson Valley. 

Your second stop will be a tour of Fishkill Farms, At Fishkill Farms  www.fishkillfarm.com , you'll be greeted by a spectacular view of the apple orchard and Catskill Mountains beyond. Whether picking your own peaches, apples and flowers, enjoying hayrides, or seeing the farm's flock of pasture-raised hens, the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings will lift your spirits. In the market, you'll find organically grown heirloom vegetables, fresh eggs, and a selection of locally produced meats and cheeses. Don't leave without trying the famous apple cider donuts, and learning about the farm's history: it was established in 1914 by Henry Morgenthau Jr., Secretary of the Treasury under FDR. It is still owned and operated by the family, and rare footage of Roosevelt and Churchill sipping drinks among the apple trees is shown along with historic memorabilia in the market.  

End your day with a visit to Main Street Beacon  www.cityofbeacon.org , a renaissance city on the Hudson and home to a growing arts movement. Visit the area’s many galleries, eateries and specialty stores, or learn about glass-blowing at Hudson Beach Glass, located in a historic 1890 firehouse.  Between the two farm visits you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s restored historic districts. Take advantage of one the many fine eateries for dinner, or buy a picnic dinner and picnic in the park or by the Hudson River.  Visit the world-famous, DIA: Beacon. Dia: Beacon Riggio Galleries is the museum for Dia Art Foundation's renowned collection of art from the 1960s to the present. The museum, which opened in 2003, is situated on the banks of the Hudson River in Beacon, New York. Dia:Beacon occupies a former Nabisco box-printing facility that was renovated by Dia with artist Robert Irwin and architect OpenOffice. Sample and shop Beacon Farmer’s Market (10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sundays only) featuring an eclectic array of arts, crafts, and local produce. 

The Dutchess County Farm Fresh Link shuttle will stay with you all day, transporting you to the various locations and bringing you back to Beacon Station for the return trip home.  Reservations for the Dutchess County Farm Fresh Link shuttle are required in advance by calling 800-382-3818.  Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance and confirmed before you purchase a train ticket. Shuttle seats are limited, so you must have a reservation. Once you've made your reservation, purchase your rail and shuttle ticket any Metro-North station with a ticket office, at all full-service ticket machines (except Beacon Station), or online through WebTicket at www.mta.info .   Tickets and shuttle reservations are non-refundable.

Some activities may require an additional fee.  For more information about these itinerary stops and other agricultural and culinary destinations throughout Dutchess County, please visit www.dutchesstourism.com .

*Dutchess County Tourism has the right to substitute a farm or related itinerary stop to ensure the quality of the overall program and the individual getaway experience.   

PRICE: From Grand Central Terminal or Harlem-125th Street

adults, $31.50

seniors, $27

children 5-11, $11.50

children under 5, free

Save an additional 5 percent on rail fare when you purchase this package through WebTicket. 

PACKAGE INCLUDES: Discount round-trip rail fare and shuttle transportation to/from Beacon Station and all venues included in the package.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Be sure to get a customer letter prior to your trip.Take the Hudson Line to Beacon Station. The bus will meet the train departing Grand Central Terminal at 8:47 a.m., arriving at the Beacon Station at 10:10 a.m.  When you get to Beacon Station, your bus will be waiting on the land-side of the station.  It will be the bus with a sign that reads “Dutchess County Farm Fresh Link.”