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.
Barton Orchards
Poughquag
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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 late summer, Barton becomes a summertime paradise. Its 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 and lobster rolls. Live music and craft vendors make the entire experience perfect. This year’s festival runs from August 23-25 and August 30 to September 2.
Brittany Hollow Farm
Rhinebeck
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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 weed, and, of course, sunflowers. Brittany Hollow Farm provides guests with a one-gallon golden bucket (for $25 per person) to collect equally yellow sunflowers. Note: the farm only accepts cash or check.
Fishkill Farms
Hopewell Junction
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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 $32, along with a 32-ounce 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.
Germantown Farms
Germantown
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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 July through September, donating to local Germantown nonprofits along the way. Book your visit for late August or early September for peak blooms.
Hudson Valley Cold Pressed Oils
Pleasant Valley
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In the beginning 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, 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, with a $5 admission fee per car after 5 p.m. on evenings with live music. Sunflowers are $3.50 a piece to take home. Alternatively, buckets cost $35.
Jones Farm
Cornwall
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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 rhubarb apple crisp, homegrown apples and rhubarb under a delightfully crunchy topping.
Kelder’s Farm
Kerhonkson
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Mark your calendars, Hudson Valley. The month of August officially marks Kelder’s Farm’s 2024 “Sunflower Extravaganza.” Thousands of sunflowers bloom on the Kerhonkson farm’s six acres of land that are dedicated solely to the late-summer flower. 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.”
Pierson’s Farm
Middletown
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From Labor Day to Halloween or whenever the flowers are all gone, enjoy sunflower mazes at Pierson’s Farm in Middletown. During the farm’s annual sunflower festival, enjoy live music, three sunflower mazes, an animal barn, kids’ activities, and additional special events on weekends. Admission is only $16, and children under two enter for free.
Sunflower Valley Farm
New Hampton
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From August 2 until all the flowers are picked, Sunflower Valley Farm delights visitors to Orange County. The opening night of the “Sunset in the Sunflowers” event will feature live music from the Black Dirt Bandits and multiple food trucks, drink vendors, hayrides, and lawn games. Stay tuned to their social media for further details on dining and drink vendors during the event.
Related: Where to Pick Your Own Berries in the Hudson Valley
