I went to try and drop off pumpkins. My web search had told me it was okay. The woman working at…read morethe barn told me that it was okay. And then another woman came roaring down the driveway yelling at me about pumpkins. She said I should have called. I said no problem I'll take the pumpkin back. She continued to argue with me about the fact that I should have called when I was very calm telling her I'll take the pumpkin it doesn't matter. I was just telling her why i thought Pumpkins were wanted. ​ she ranted at me that I should have called first even though I had already told her multiple times I would take the pumpkin back and I wasn't trying to argue. Finally she yelled at me "get off my property!" Totally bizarre. Anyways don't try and give them pumpkins.

They were great. My wife had a fantastic time for our anniversary. The walk was very nice. I think…read moreit great for all the family, child's and adults.

Great ice cream, delicious apple fritters, and farm animals. Can't beat it!read more

This was our first time to River View Farm. We had company visiting from Philadelphia and were…read moreexcited that we could get reservations for both the corn maze and the hay ride. Upon arriving, we saw many cars- and thought that was a good sign for a fun afternoon. We could not have been more wrong. It began with us trying to find the corn maze. But we couldn't even see it because the corn was dead and only about 3 feet high. While the website said the corn had suffered from drought- it assures visitors that many games and activities were hidden throughout the maze to increase enjoyment...NOT TRUE. We found one lame tic tac toe board with little pumpkins and rocks for markers. There were absolutely no other activities in the maze. For this experience we paid $6 each. We truly felt ripped off. Then we had to wait for 45 minutes before the hay ride. So we walked around. First to watch children dropping balls down tubes from a play fort and children crawling through 2 drainage pipes. We then continued on to see the animals. There was Frosty the emu- who spent his entire time biting on the metal rail. He was dirty and looked to be missing feathers on his head. We then noticed some unkempt goats, horses and ducks. If this is the advertised petting zoo- no one was able to interact with the animals and no one should with the condition they were living in. We tried to kill a few minutes in the store- but it really held nothing of interest. The one bright spot was the smell of the apple fritters from the nearby stand. It finally was time for our hay ride. As we waited we noticed the people were not social distancing on the ride. And the people with us in line were NOT wearing masks. In light of COVID 19 we decided not to risk our lives for a free pumpkin. For this we lost another $6 per person. We understand that they have good ice cream- we did not try it...so my recommendation is if you want to visit this Fall farm festival- you better bring a flask.

Visited the farm again this fall and it did not disappoint. Feeding the alpacas is now with a small…read morecharge ($5) but totally worth it. I love seeing the animals here.

What a wonderful surprise! This alpaca farm exceeded all our expectations. My family and I had such…read morea great time here. We discovered it on Yelp and knew we had to make it a stop during our road trip. We're from Seattle and love exploring New England every fall, and this farm has definitely earned a spot on our must-visit list for years to come. We can't wait to return next year!

Festival Farm was free and fun! Lots of animals to see and pet. Feed cups for $1. The man working…read morethe desk was very nice. Really cool pumpkins for sale. I will definitely be back!

Festival Farm is old fashioned country fun. my grandchildren love the train ride and the animals…read moreare so cute. Definitely make the short trip!

I was on a Fall drive in my convertible and happened upon a town called ANDOVER. While whizzing…read morethrough, two white gates caught my eye and a sign "HURST FARMS". I saw what appeared to be a great house in the distance. The drive through the gates was amazing! it was at least a quarter mile of palatial grounds of gorgeous trees and interesting structures looming ahead. I pulled up to a picturesque Country Store and was greeted immediately by a lovely lady with sparkling blue eyes who was chatting on the porch with her well known customers. It was clear she was the owner by the conversation of what was new in the store and how the grandbabies were doing. I perused the store as they bid farewell and was over the moon with all the offerings! Maple syrup, homemade jam, fresh baked bread, fresh salsa and fresh picked greens of every sort. It was then I met "Sheri", the owner who let me know the maple syrup I was holding was "hand tapped" by her husband Tom and herself! They also have a "Sugar House" on the property in addition to the barns and other buildings I could see. She told me one day every year she bakes bread in the brick oven out in the sugar house and everybody comes by to get a free slice of warm bread spread with warm maple cream! I was BLOWN AWAY! I asked how many people come on that day. She nonchalantly answered, "oh...about 800 or 900"!!! During the time she took to speak to me, she helped at least 9-12 of regular clients that came in and out for one thing or another. I've never felt so "at home" and yet in the way of this woman of perpetual motion. Hurst Farms is truly a world all its own. On the way to my car with everything I purchased, I saw Shari's grandchildren playing outside in the trees and her children laughing together outside while they washed that days picked vegetables together. I wonder how many people drive by those gates and have no idea this wonderland exists. I think God sent me there that Tuesday. My only child passed away 7 years ago...if only this family knew just "watching them" interact so kindly with each other and working together for a common purpose saved my life that day.

We were passing through the area and decided to pop in at Hurst Farm for the first time! We loved…read morethe farm kitty who greeted us on the way in. The store had a great selection of candy, homemade jams, unique gifts, and more. We also enjoyed visiting with the goats outside. Super cute spot!

If you're going to go on a hike in 29 degree weather, might as well do it up and hang with Alpacas!…read moreBarb led our group of 10 (6 kids, 4 adults). We each had an alpaca (two llamas) and hiked to to the top of a beautiful mountain with a great view! She led us down and we were completed in 2 hours. She is a kind soul who led the children around the farm and allowed them to hold chickens, pet goats, and observe a 40 pound turkey. She answered every question they had and it was overall, a great experience! She takes a donation for her time and it is well worth it. We plan to come back again in the spring when it is warmer and the view changes with the season.

Great walk, great hike, great view. Would recommend. Was a fun experience and would go back again.read more

Just went today to their Wednesday Farm stand. I LOVE this place! The people that own it and work…read morehere are so wonderful- warm-smart, etc. The food is all organic and gorgeous and delicious. The produce and baked goods and eggs they sell are not cheap but you get what you pay for. The tomatoes are fantastic- no way you would buy one from the grocery store if you tasted these. I bought scallions and squash and lettuce and beets. The beets I just roasted and peeled and they are yummy. Take your kids do they can see a quaint family owned farm. I believe you can sleep over in the guest house, too. I attended their " Dinner on the Farm" event in August and it was spectacular- definitely go next summer if you can. It's a benefit dinner that all the food comes from either this farm or other locally sourced farms and fishermen. If you can't grow your own- go to White Gate.

If I could give WGF another half star, I would. The produce is beautiful and perfect and…read moredelicious. But oh, the prices! As far as I know, it is not certified organic, but the prices are higher than organic at stores like Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. A very small cabbage was over $4. A bunch of radishes was $5.50. A 10-oz tomato was $3.99. The prepared foods are equally pricy, and vary widely in quality. A small tub of their "schmear", a mix of dairy and scallions that I add to potato salad dressing (it works well) is $8.50. A very small (for 2) peach galette was $8.95, but delicious and perfectly baked. A berry scone ($4.50) was a heavy lump of underbaked dough, a huge difference from the light, flaky, golden scones I get from Dagmar's in Old Saybrook. A ginger-pecan scone was better. A raspberry thumbprint "cookie" fell into pieces when I placed it in my pastry box ($4.95) -- it tasted good, but the texture was more like a lump of cold oatmeal. A single slice of house pizza ($7) made me sad -- the concept was good, but the broccoli was burnt and chewy. Most of their baked goods are too heavy and underbaked. The staff is friendly, warm, and welcoming, as well they ought to be. The parking is hideous -- cramped and inadequate, with no handicapped that I could see. The actual farmstand building is small, hot, and crowded at peak times. To sum up: I think most people assume the produce is organic, but there are no signs to that effect. The refrigerated prepared foods are generally tasty. The baked goods are a crapshoot, and at the prices, it's not worth the risk of their not being worth the money.

Wine country on Long Island! Decided to take a trip out to Harbes Vineyard in Mattituck . MJ and I…read moreenjoyed wine sampling with 5 different whites and reds. " Wine Flights" We enjoyed the wine inside their wine barn. This early 1900's barn is now an air conditioned wine sampling wine barn. We paired our wine with a yummy charcuterie board. The bartender knew everything about the wines we sampled, and about the history of the Harbes family farm. After enjoying the wine, we headed out to pet the farm animals. Yes they have 2 Highland Cows. The baby goats were our favorite! Then MJ got lost in the Hedge Maze lol, see video below. We enjoyed roasted corn on the cob and some fresh lemonade. Overall a great time

Highlight: Corn Ice Cream…read more After meeting my son and his wife out east for wine tasting, we stopped by Harbes Family Farm to listen to live music and have some homemade ice cream. Harbes Family Farm is exactly as described, there's a farm to feed animals, a stand to shop for fresh veggies as well as unique ice cream flavors. My favorite was the Apple Cider Doughnut Ice Cream. Soooooo good! I also had to try the corn ice cream. I mean, I love local corn from our Long Island. If they can make vodka from Long Island potatoes, corn ice cream isn't a big stretch. This was a nice place to stop and enjoy the bounties of Long Island.

This farmstand has the best produce in Connecticut, in my opinion…read more In fall of 2024, my husband and I made it a habit to visit a different farmstand every weekend to support our local farmers. Of all the sites we visited, this was the stand out. The fruits and vegetables are incredible... literally picture-perfect and bursting with flavor. In addition, the stand has lots of homemade products like mango salsa, horseradish mustard, and the like. These specialty items are delicious! Oh, and don't forget to pick up some of their homemade preserves. My husband and I practically overdosed on peach preserves! There is a beautiful outdoor area where kids can play, which also makes the stand a nice destination for families. Last but not least, the staff that works here is so friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed chatting with them.

What a great farm!! I found out about Hindinger Farms from Instagram. A food truck called Bubba's…read moreBrunch was going to be selling brunch of the food truck at the farm. You can read my review of Bubba's Brunch food truck in my review section because the food was delicious. Hindinger Farm sells fresh vegetables, fruits, jams, and other items for children, and it has a beautiful backdrop. One side of the farm overlooks the other side of the farm and the other side of the farmi overlooks this beautiful backdrop of nature on the farm. Hindubger Farms puts on live shows, and you can go shopping. There is also a playground for the kids to play. The playground is fenced in with a picnic area so parents can enjoy their food without worrying about their children's safety. You can always check their website for events, shopping, and find out which food truck will be at the farm that day. The customer service was great, and I will definitely be back.

I came across this orchard at the latest strawberry festival at Olde Mystic Village! They had such…read morea nice booth and their strawberries and "Traffic Jam" were probably the best I have ever had! I will be sure to go back again next year!

Spent the day over at Dondero Orchards for a lunch date. My fiance and I got a BBQ chicken panini…read moreand chicken wrap here on Saturday. The storefront was so charming. Fresh native berries, cherries and snap peas, a sweet pup to greet us, and nostalgic honey sticks. This farm is a special place. We browsed the wonderful selection of homemade goods and purchased a few ready to go items on our way out. The Macaroni Salad, Potato Salad, and fresh salsa were all a perfect treat for lunch the next day. Oh yes and the strawberry fritters are a MUST. Pro tip* bring a cooler with ice so you can take some meal prep foods home! You'll be happy you did.