The word "delightful" may come to mind when you visit Youngs Farm. Perfectly nestled on a quiet road, you forget you're in New York! When you first arrive, you're greeted by the wide smile that is the land adorned with many rows of colorful zinnias and sunflowers. Entering the market you'll see an excellent variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables and leafy greens. As you turn the corner, your cheeks may blush when you see the wide assortment of freshly baked cookies including some of the best gluten-free cookies I've ever had (take it from this Cookie Monster), muffins, pies (drool) and more! There's also a surprising array of delicious refrigerated and frozen food like edible flowers, yummy ice cream, pies (drool drool), milk and other beverages. There's jams, honey, pickled foods, and some housewares. It's nice that there are two cashier sections that allows patrons in a hurry to get home fast so they can enjoy their bounty. But for those not in a rush, why not go out the back door and enjoy eating on the picnic benches overlooking the flower fields in the shade of their tall trees. Who knows what you might see! A curious stripped kitten? Playful birds? Farm hands working the field and greenhouses? Or sunbeams dancing across the face of your loved one as you remember that this is what living is supposed to be like: feeling a connection to your community and our beautiful planet Earth. To drive this point home, as I was walking along their field, I was greeted by their farm manager who took time to explain that their operations are organic, what was growing and how they were patiently experimenting with some heirloom seeds to see what grows best on their soil. He's obviously a busy fellow so the fact he took time to talk and educate reveals much about the direction that Youngs Farms is going in...the right one.
(Note to anyone interested: if you want to learn about organic farming, ask about their volunteer program!)