Farm Tours for Grown-Ups
There are several grown-up fall getaways nearby
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Of course, it is fun to take the grandchildren to an agritourism farm for pumpkin picking, face painting, candied apples and corn mazes. But if you want a more grown-up fall getaway, area farms have you covered.
In Macedon, Long Acre Farms the charming gift shop—chockablock with produce, fudge, jams and jellies, cider, country gifts and cheese—certainly attracts adults. But Long Acre’s own JD Wine Cellars, adjacent to the farm, offers wine tasting and sales in a rustically elegant setting. But the kid in you still may want to wander through the corn maze. The farm also sells wood-fired pizza and other foods.
https://longacrefarms.com; 315-986-4202
Lazy Acre Alpacas in Bloomfield is 180 acres and home to a herd of 75 fluffy, friendly alpacas and the Alpaca Country Gift Shop. Take the official tour to learn more about these camelids and shop for super soft alpaca fiber sweaters, socks, scarves, yarn and other unique finds.
www.lazyacrealpacas.com; 585-455-1203
Another fun gift shop is at
The Apple Shed in Newark. In addition to serving light lunches, the Apple Shed sells—of course—apples, pumpkins, fall décor, country gifts, housewares, fudge, fresh doughnuts, and cider. Taste The Apple Shed’s own hard cider or fruit wine at its The Old Goat Cidery on the grounds.
www.theappleshed.com; 315-331-6294
Most farms that welcome the public offer only amusement park-style food for youngsters. But Penfield’s Wickham Farms offers smoked barbecue at the café. Just follow your nose. Stop by for lunch as you pick up your fall décor, apples, cider, fresh doughnuts and other fall goodies.
https://wickhamfarms.com; 585-210-9871
Muranda Cheese in Waterloo crafts more than a dozen farmstead cheeses and also sells perfect pairings with wine from its renovated barn-turned-cheese tasting room, right next to the dairy barn. Muranda ages all its aged cheeses on the farm in its own cheese cave. The gift shop features other Finger Lakes-made items. Muranda hosts local performers for live music events. Visit Muranda’s Facebook page to view its list of performers.
www.murandacheese.com; 315-246-1457
Thorpe Vineyard in Wolcott offers not only wine tasting but its rural location is ideal for its Starry Starry Night stargazing events led by astronomer and winemaker Fumie Thorpe. If your visit is during the day, plan to attend a birdwatching event on the bucolic grounds near Lake Ontario.
www.thorpevineyard.com; 315-594-2502
Brewery Ardennes in Geneva is more farm-inspired than strictly a farm. However, its hyper-local sourcing and agricultural influence makes it a good stop for those who want to sample a variety of adult beverages in a lovely agricultural setting. The business is housed in a former sheep barn, offering old-world charm and its spacious, 8-acre grounds lend a rural ambiance. The food offerings are prepared by a culinary-trained chef, so bring your appetite.
www.breweryardennes.com; 315-325-4858
Keep in mind that these sites may require reservations for events and even visits. Contact them before visiting to ensure that you can comply with any COVID-19 requirements.
Photo: Alpacas graze at Lazy Acres Farms in Macedon.