Last weekend, we took the kids and met some friends at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills — about 30 minutes outside the city. Housed on the stunning grounds of what was once a Rockefeller farm, Stone Barns is a working farm attempting to be as self-sufficient as possible. I’m not exaggerating when I talk about the grounds. They’re spectacular. And there is a generous courtyard where the kids could run free.
After some initial exploring we ate lunch at the Blue Hill Café. Everything they serve is grown on the grounds or purchased from nearby farms. It’s the best lunch I’ve had in ages. We just devoured everything. I haven’t had a backyard garden for years, and I was surprised how good fresh-from-the-farm salad greens taste.
When lunch was finished, we hiked and hiked and hiked and hiked. The kids loved it. We hiked to a lake to search for turtles. We dared Ralph to dunk his head in the very cold water — and he took the dare. We searched out the pigs and gave them water. We saw picturesque views of rolling farmland with cattle grazing. It was one of those outings that was great for the kids and great for the parents. No lines, no hurrying, no shushing.
In addition to roaming free around the farm, you can take gardening classes, cooking classes or guided tours. On my next trip, I’d really like to hit the Weekly Farm Market. And if I can remember to make reservations two months in advance, I’d love to go to dinner with Ben at Blue Hill at Stone Barns.
I’ve been dying to go here, but had no idea it could be an appropriate family event. Thanks for the review, I can’t wait to take my kids!
WE live very close to that, and will just go there and walk around.
Last fall was the Harvest Festival–you should go. Dan Zanes was in concert.
We also ate dinner there…a great date night and the food is delicious.
Maybe I’ll see you at the Farmer’s Market there one day!
I love Stone Barns! (And it sounds like a fantastic day.) The Blue Hill in the Village is yum too!
How about that — I just made reservations for my birthday at Blue Hill NYC!
That sounds like so much fun and the pictures are spectacular!
What a perfect day!
That sounds lovely.
Those pictures are beautiful.
So glad to hear that you went. We have been dying to go there for awhile.
Would love to visit this – sounds like the most perfect family day!