Driving through the country roads to reach Wright’s Farm Apple Orchard in Gardiner, NY, we passed farm stands and saw beautiful views of mountains in the distance. Also, being early October, got to bask in all the colors on the trees that Fall brings to the Northeast.

When we came upon Wright’s Farm Store, pumpkins were festively displayed outside among several picnic tables. People happily enjoyed delicious treats just purchased from inside the store in the outdoor seating area.

Farm Store

Before I even made it through the door, I was met with the aroma of fresh baked pies, donuts, and cookies, inviting me inside. Once inside, I looked around to see jams, cheeses, salsa, beef jerky, pies, breads, donuts, applesauce, pickles, beets, sauces, and candied apples. Literally all of my favorite things in the world. All items made either at the farm or locally.

As if it could get any better, stairs to a second floor lead to more treats and a hot food lunch menu, with the best ever comfort food for a chilly Fall day. If you are not an outside diner, there are a couple bistro tables inside. 

Also located on the second floor is where you can purchase bags for apple picking. However, we first had to check-in for our overnight stay on their Mountain Top Campsite. The owner took a break from assembling freshly bakes pies to give us directions to the top of the mountain.

Mountaintop Campsite

When we reached our campsite, we really were at the top of a mountain. The views of the Shawangunk Mountains in the distance were spectacular. As an added treat, we had a perfect view of the skydivers taking the plunge at Skydive the Ranch, located in Gardiner, NY.

Our stay was in the peak of Apple Picking Season, so we were surrounded by lush apple trees loaded with giant, perfectly ripe apples. It didn’t take long for the kids to grab their bags and start hunting for the perfect apples.

Setting up camp at an orchard in the middle of apple picking season gives you the opportunity to truly be part of the apple picking experience. During apple picking hours, small groups of families or friends would occasionally stroll by our campsite, while we relaxed in our camping chairs by our camper. It was really fun meeting new people, and it never felt crowded or bothersome. When the orchard closed for the day, we had the entire place to ourselves. 

An Orchard to Ourselves

Nothing makes me happier than to give our children the freedom to run wild and free.  There are not many places that allow such an opportunity. However, at the mountain top campsite at Wright’s Farm, we had an apple orchard to ourselves, and open land as far as we could see. There was also a relaxing tree swing hanging from a large tree branch high above, right next to our campsite.

The Brewery

On our way up the mountain, we had noticed a large red barn. The new home of the Gardiner Brewing Company located right at the Farm. After we had settled in and picked some apples, we took a walk with the kids and the dog to get a closer look. To our delight, they welcomed us in with open arms, kids, dog and all. The owners were very enthusiastic about their establishment being family and dog friendly.

Located down a set of stairs inside the barn, the brewery has a rustic and cozy feel. There is a great snack menu, and an excellent selection of their home brewed beers, local wines, and my personal favorite: The warm spiked cider made with mulled cider from the farm, and local whisky. Complete with a sugar coated rim in a cute mason jar.

There is also an outside patio, perfect for those warm Summer days, or crisp Fall afternoons.

Just off the main brewery area is a large recreation room. Our kids had a blast meeting other kids and playing games. We had such a great family afternoon there, we didn’t want to leave. However, it had become time to have dinner under the stars back at our campsite.

One of my favorite memories of all time will be walking back to our camper through the quiet, peaceful apple orchard, under a moonlit sky.

Moonlight Walk Through an Apple Orchard

With the orchard being closed until morning, the mountain top patio where people gathered for beautiful pictures during the day, became our own private patio to warm up by the campfire, and grill dinner. Of course, there were s’mores too.

What a view we had in the morning when we woke up. The sun was shining over the mountains, and it was so serene and quiet. This was the view from our camper.

Since the orchard was not open yet, the kids finished apple picking in their pajamas!

We had taken mental note of all the delicious things we wanted to try at the Farm Market the day before. Therefore, on our last day we walked down to the market and filled up a basket to bring back to the top of the mountain for  picnic.

It was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend. Wright’s Farm and Gardiner Brewing Company, we will be back!

Check out another one of our camping adventures at a Farm in Vermont! Camping on Working Farm in Vermont: An Unforgettable Family Experience

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4 Comments

  1. I could just about smell the apples and the fresh air as I was reading!! This may be one of my favorite places you have visited so far, your story definitely makes me want to visit Wright’s Farm!!

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