Nothing compares to New York’s blitz and bling. However, life can get a little too fast paced for comfort and that is when you need to get back in touch with nature and its bounty. The nearness of Queens County Farm Museum to the Big Apple makes this farm land a perfect weekend getaway for city folk. New Yorkers do not need to travel far into the country looking to experience the beauty of autumn. Just head for the County Farm which has an array of events to entertain and educate the young and old alike.
The fall season features the Amazing Maize Maze which has been carved through three acres of corn fields. Open all October, weekends included, the adventure starts with a “Stalk Talk” by the Farm Staff and then you are let loose into the maze to look for clues and solve puzzles to find your way out of it. That is a maze with a difference. October is also pumpkin month at the farm so have fun wandering around the fields to pick your favourite pumpkin. Plenty of apple products and apple cider are available for buying besides other fresh produce.
The Queens County Farm Museum dates back to 1697 and has stood strong through four local and two World Wars. The museum opened its doors to public in 1975. The restoration of the Adriance farmhouse was completed in 1986. Today, it is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, operated by the Colonial Farmhouse Restoration Society of Bellerose, and is a member of the Historic House Trust of New York City.
The Queens County Farm Museum covers 47 acres and is the longest continuously farmed agricultural land in New York State. The Farm Museum houses a greenhouse complex, livestock, honey bee hives, farm vehicles and implements, planting fields, an orchard, an herb garden and a vineyard.
As such, the County Farm Museum is the only remaining connection the city has with its agricultural past. To fulfil the responsibility of this role, the Museum conducts many educational workshops where they teach their guests about the various stages that farm produce passes to reach our homes. Honey Bee Alive! teaches children about the life-cycle of honeybees, their products, and how they help us. From Sheep to Shawl is a hands-on program of carding and hand spinning which introduces students to the process of turning wool into thread. There are also adult oriented workshops like Horticulture-garden and house plant, Agriculture in Queens County and Honey bee and egg incubation.
Besides workshops, there are annual special events to mark a season or festival in relation to a farm activity. You can also rent a site within the museum lands for small or large private parties or commercial functions. There is something for everyone at the Queens County Farm Museum. And, when you consider that this tiny agrarian world is located bang in the middle of one of the world’s busiest metropolitan regions, it becomes all the more impressive.
