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Adobe Stock | Photo by Sergii Figurnyi
A hallmark of the late-summer season in the Hudson Valley is strolling through fields of bright, colorful sunflowers—and bringing a few home.
Who can resist the allure of a field of golden sunflowers?
Several iconic Hudson Valley farms and gardens grow the late-summer plant, to dazzling results. Whether you’re searching for the perfect Instagram photo or want to source delicious sunflower oil for home cooking, these destinations are delightful sunny day excursions.
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Barton Orchards
Poughquag
Barton Orchards is a Hudson Valley institution. The eastern Dutchess farm is best-known for fall fun: corn mazes, apple cider donuts, and autumnal beverages on tap. However, for two weekends in August, Barton becomes a summertime paradise. Their annual sunflower festival celebrates the harvest of nearly 100,000 sunflowers. Visitors can get lost in the field, all the while enjoying farm-fresh treats. Live music makes the entire experience perfect. 2021’s festival runs August 6-8 and August 13-15.
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Brittany Hollow Farm
Rhinebeck
Stroll through eight gorgeous fields of flowers just outside the heart of Rhinebeck. On three acres of verdant farmland, the Mosher family has grown a huge variety of plants for over 35 years, including zinnias, strawflowers, butterfly weeds, and, of course, sunflowers. Brittany Hollow Farm provides guests with a single, golden bucket (for $20 per person) to collect equally yellow sunflowers. Be sure to visit the farm before Labor Day.
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Fishkill Farms
Fishkill
What can’t Fishkill Farms do? The legendary Hudson Valley apple-picking destination grows a bounty of sunflowers at the end of August. All pick-your-own activities at the Dutchess County farm must be reserved in advance. Flower packages include entry for up to five people for $28, along with a half-gallon container to fill with plants from the organic herb and flower garden. Of course, enjoying a few fresh ciders at Treasury Cider is always an option.
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Germantown Farms
Germantown
Some of the most magical Hudson Valley moments are when you get a little lost in nature. Germantown Farms encourages guests to explore the green pastures, red barns, and, of course, breathtaking wildflowers. On over 128 sprawling acres, sunflowers grow tall in a completely pesticide-free environment. Guests can pick flowers from June through September, donating to local Germantown non-profits along the way. The farm also boasts a butterfly immersion experience, an onsite cottage, and seasonal vegetables. This year’s crop of sunflowers is a little sparse due to hungry deer, but breathtaking vistas still await.
@hudsonvalleymag Visiting a Hudson Valley sunflower farm! 📍Hudson Valley Cold Pressed Oils in Pleasant Valley // #sunflower #sunflowers #sunflowerfield #sunflowerfarm #hudsonvalley #hudsonvalleyny #hvmag #pleasantvalleyny // 🎥 @Sabrina.Sucato ♬ SAND PEOPLE – Ashes To Amber
Hudson Valley Cold Pressed Oils
Pleasant Valley
In the middle of August, Hudson Valley Cold Pressed Oils hosts travelers for good old-fashioned sunflower picking. Situated on a former free-range egg farm, this family-run operation is more than just an Insta-famous photo-op. The Pleasant Valley farm produces biodiesel from its abundance of sunflowers. The golden crowned plants offer the highest yield per acre of any oil-producing crop. The Haight family crafts truffle sunflower oil, skincare products, gluten-free sunflower flour, sunflower hummus, gluten-free baking mixes, jewelry, and more. Live music and other events keep guests on the farm long after they snap pictures. It’s completely free to enter the fields, and sunflowers are $3 a piece to take home. Alternatively, buckets cost $25.
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Jones Farm
Cornwall
Cornwall’s Jones Farm has a long history, dating back to 1914 and the arrival of Oliver Cromwell’s descendants. Come for the fresh-cut sunflowers and stay for the people. Many of the farmers and staff grew up on or near the farm. Grandma Phoebe’s Kitchen bakes and cooks up farm-to-table delicacies, including “deadly” carrot cake, chocolate walnut rugelach tarts, and plenty of specialties. One seasonal highlight is summer toast, homegrown summer squash over garlic ricotta spread on toasted multigrain bread.
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Kelder’s Farm
Kerhonkson
Mark your calendars, Hudson Valley. The month of August officially marks Kelder’s Farm’s “Sunflower Extravaganza” 2021. Thousands of sunflowers bloom on the six-acre Kerhonkson farm. On a leisurely walk through the fields, visitors will find a vast array of colors—not just the expected yellow. Plus, there are opportunities to pet cute farm animals, play a few rounds of mini-golf, and get a photo with the original “World’s Largest Garden Gnome. Farm passes and “sunflower lover” passes are available online for entry.
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Sunflower Valley Farm
New Hampton
From the very last day in July through September, Sunflower Valley Farm delights visitors to Orange County. Admission includes two flowers, and each additional plant is $1. Stay tuned for special events and music festivals, like Wawayanda Music on the Farm.