Farms and Farmers Markets

Small farm culture in the Whiteface Region

A small farms movement is growing in the Adirondacks. The emerald mountainous landscape and long winter season inspires innovation, grit, and dedication in our farmers. And, of course, travelers and locals get to benefit from the bounty of all these labors.

The Whiteface Region is a unique place to experience some of the best in local farming while being immersed in the Adirondacks’ most dramatic scenery. Experience the region’s farm scene first-hand with a farm stay or with a day trip to meet the animals. Trips to the farms in the region can include having access to delicious locally produced food, authentic farm experiences, and even pop-up suppers with regional dishes cooked on an outdoor open fire. All of this is set among the unrivaled scenery of the Whiteface Region in the Adirondacks.

Farms

Asgaard Farm and Dairy
Au Sable Forks, New York

This diversified dairy farm, with goat dairy at its core, was once home to painter, writer, and activist Rockwell Kent. Today the family owned and operated Asgaard Farm offers a variety of delights, including goat milk caramels and artisanal goat cheeses. The Emerson House, designed by Kent, is available for lodging, with Kent’s original artist’s studio nearby. Visitors are invited to work on the farm or just soak in its beauty and play with the goats.

Offerings:

Farm stay at The Emerson House with amenities including kitchen and laundry
Farm store, and tours of the property
Essex County Cheese Tour

A man and a woman walk down a dirt driveway at Asgaard Farm in Au Sable Forks, New York.

Sugar House Creamery
Upper Jay, New York

A stunning 23-acre farmstead creamery family owned and operated, Sugar House is known throughout the region for its delicious cheese and welcoming atmosphere. The farm offers great views of Ebenezer Mountain and is a short drive from many of the High Peaks trailheads. The farm offers two choices of lodging: the Carriage House and Guest Quarters.

Offerings:

Farm stays at the Carriage House or Guest Quarters
Fully stocked year-round farm store
Winter farmers market: Snowy Grocery
Festivals: Essex County Cheese Tour, Green Grass Get Down

A cutting board with a sampling of of the cheeses made by Sugar House Creamery in Upper Jay, New York

Blue Pepper Farm
Jay, New York

The sheep rule at this dairy farm, nestled off the northern ridge of the Jay Range. In addition to high quality sheeps milk yogurt and various wool products, Blue Pepper Farm also produces eggs and pork, which they sell at Sugar House Creamery and local farmers markets. During the summer months, The Farmhouse and The Yurt are both offered as a way to enjoy the combination of amazing Adirondack Mountain scenery and the way of life on a small, local farm.

Offerings:

Farm stays at The Farmhouse and The Yurt
Farm tour of the properties pastures, meeting the animals and learning about its history

The Meadow Farmstead
Au Sable Forks, New York

A small vegetable operation, The Meadow Farmstead broke ground in 2022 and is full steam ahead on offering CSA opportunities for local residents. They are woman-owned and grow all their produce in a beautiful meadow once filled with working horses.

Offerings:

Three CSA options for weekly produce

Farm events and festivals

Check out these great events and festivals on the farms to plan your Adirondack trip around.

The Essex County Cheese Tour - This festival is with collaborating farms Sugar House, Asgaard, and North Country Creamery of the Lake Champlain Region. This self guided tour takes you along the scenic Ausable River and to the Adirondack Coast. Along the way stop at the farms, hang out with the animals, and meet the farmers while tasting artisanal cheeses and other goodies from the farms.

Green Grass Getdown at Sugar House Creamery - Another springtime favorite is the party on the farm where visitors get to witness “the greatest day of the pasture-based dairy farmer's year!” The beautiful Swiss Cows, who are responsible for all the delicious cheese, are released out to pasture after a long winter. The event is filled with vendors and an opportunity to see the cows in their most joyous state.

Adirondack farm stays

Several farms in the area offer farm stay accommodations, providing a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Wake up to the sound of farm animals, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and explore the landscapes that surround you. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an educational adventure, a farm stay in the Whiteface Region promises an authentic experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Farmers markets

Summer in the Adirondacks is a flavorful delight as farmers markets and roadside stands pop up throughout the region, offering an abundance of fresh produce, locally-made cheese and other dairy products, ice cream, baked goods, and so much more! Local markets don't just carry items to be cooked; you can often find grab-and-go treats perfect for an afternoon hike or scenic drive. Every Tuesday from the beginning of June through the end of August, the Wilmington Farmers Market can be found in Heritage Park. During the colder months, Sugar House Creamery's Snowy Grocery in Upper Jay offers a variety of products, including artisanal cheeses, breads, meats, and more from farms and makers throughout the Adirondacks.