Hudson Valley, First Stop - Stone Barns Center

We made our base in Cornwall-on-Hudson, a charming village within easy range of the sites we visited -- including farms and orchards, state parks, and West Point military academy. We crisscrossed the Hudson River several times, taking in its expanse and its historical importance.

After a good night’s rest, we first visited the Stone Barnes Center for Food & Agriculture — the grounds were beautiful and were complemented by the impressive stone buildings that John D. Rockfeller, Jr. commissioned in the 1930s. We took a guided tour, which was a little pricey, but allowed us learn about how this organization is investing in raising crops and animals sustainably. The green houses had vertical vines of not just tomatoes, but also squashes and melons.

The Center partners with Blue Hill, a well-known New York City restaurant, to showcase their locally grown food and farm-raised animals. Although a meal at the restaurant can be expensive, we opted for a more moderately priced cafeteria lunch following the tour. The food was simple, wholesome and delicious. The soup made from pureed corn was the best I have had!

As part of the tour, we also visited their bakery. We got great insights into how they make fresh flour by using a stone mill — the whole wheat kernel (or berry), including the bran (which includes mostly fiber and some vitamins) and germ (which contains fat, vitamins and trace minerals), is crushed. To increase the shelf life of flour, often store-bought flour does not include the wheat germ. (Go to Flour.com to see a helpful diagram of the wheat kernel and the nutrition in the bran and germ components). We got to taste freshly baked focaccia bread that used the whole grain flour and tomatoes from the farm.

After lunch, we walked on a trail that ultimately led us to Swan Lake in the adjoining Rockefeller State Park. While walking, we came across fenced in groups of chickens, pigs, and goats in various parts of the farm. This animals provided good entertainment for the kids.

The Center as well as the State Park are worth a visit. The tours and cafeteria lunch get booked up days in advance, so book early if you plan to visit.