The Rich Agricultural Heart of Long Island
Farms in Riverhead offer some of Long Island’s most authentic agricultural experiences, from historic orchards to modern sustainable vineyards. Whether you’re seeking fresh produce, family activities, or farm-to-table dining, Riverhead’s agricultural landscape delivers year-round.
Top Farms in Riverhead:
- Harbes Family Farm - 35-year family operation with Barnyard Adventure, wine tasting, and seasonal festivals
- Schmitt’s Farm Stand - Famous for Holy Schmitt’s horseradish and homemade preserves (3355 Sound Avenue)
- Goodale Farms - Farm-to-door delivery service operating since the mid-1800s (250 Main Rd)
- Golden Acres Organic Farm - Certified organic CSA program with 22 weekly pickups
- Wickham’s Fruit Farm - Historic bicentennial farm offering U-pick experiences since 1661
I’m Jeremy Rivera, and my expertise in community business development has given me a deep appreciation for the family farms that anchor places like Riverhead. I’ve spent considerable time exploring these farms to better understand Long Island’s agricultural heritage and support local food systems.
The Foundation of a Billion-Dollar Industry
Long Island agriculture is a powerhouse for the local economy, generating over $1 billion in annual revenue and supporting more than 10,000 jobs. The scenic beauty of these working landscapes also draws tourists, who come to experience the charm of farm life firsthand. Suffolk County’s unique geography and climate make it ideal for farming. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound, and Peconic Bay provides moderate temperatures and mild winters. With 42 inches of annual rainfall, well-drained soils, and more sunshine than anywhere else in New York State, the region enjoys extended growing seasons. This allows Long Island to lead the state in agricultural wholesale values, with $115.2 million in products sold.
From Potatoes to Pinot: Riverhead’s Diverse Harvest
Riverhead’s 20,000 acres of agricultural land produce an incredible diversity of products. While historically known for potatoes, the region now grows a vast array of vegetables, from leafy greens to root crops. Flourishing vineyards produce grapes for Long Island’s renowned wines. The harvest also includes products from sod farms, nurseries cultivating ornamental plants, and local stables. The area’s history with duckling and its proximity to the water for fresh fish and shellfish round out a truly diverse local food system.
A Guide to the Best Farms in Riverhead
When you’re looking for the perfect farm experience on Long Island, farms in Riverhead offer something special for everyone. Whether you’re planning a family day out, searching for fresh organic produce, or connecting with Long Island’s rich agricultural history, these destinations provide authentic glimpses into farm life.
Harbes Family Farm: A Hub for Family Fun
After 35 years of “growing memories,” Harbes Family Farm has mastered blending education with fun. The 8-acre Barnyard Adventure features Jumbo Jumpers Bounce Pillows, a Trike Track, a Gnome Hedge Maze, a Sports Zone, and an Obstacle Course. During harvest season, Harbes becomes a U-pick paradise for apples and pumpkins, and their fresh apple cider donuts are a must-try. For adults, Harbes Vineyard, Long Island’s first certified sustainable vineyard, offers wine tasting in a rustic Wine Barn or scenic courtyard. The farm is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with the vineyard open 11 am to 6 pm. Find more at Home - Harbes Family Farm and see their history in their 30th Anniversary Video.
Schmitt’s Farm Stand: Home of Holy Schmitt’s Horseradish
Schmitt’s Farm Stand on Sound Avenue is famous for its “Holy Schmitt’s Horseradish.” Beyond their signature condiment, Schmitt’s offers high-quality homemade goods, including jams, preserves, pickles, and dressings. They also craft their own Bloody Mary mix. The farm stand is open Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm, and until 5:30 pm on weekends. They offer order pickup Wednesday through Sunday (one day’s notice required) and local delivery on Thursdays and Fridays, blending tradition with modern convenience.
Goodale Farms: Farm-to-Doorstep Freshness
Feeding Long Island families since the mid-1800s, Goodale Farms is committed to traditional farming and clean, natural products. Their fresh dairy, produce, and pastured meats are raised without steroids, antibiotics, or growth hormones. Their Meal Box Program delivers fresh, local farm food directly to your door, making it easy for busy families to access high-quality ingredients. Located at 250 Main Road in Riverhead, Goodale Farms is open daily, but their delivery service at Goodale Farms offers ultimate convenience.
Golden Acres Organic Farm: Your Source for Organic Goodness
For those prioritizing organic, sustainably grown produce, Golden Acres Organic Farm is a top choice. This certified organic farm’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program allows you to purchase a share and receive 22 weekly pickups of 8-10 different organic vegetables from June through November. The Friday pickups are from 9 am to 8 pm. At $830 for a full season share, it’s an investment in health and sustainable agriculture. Their farm shop is open May through November for individual purchases. For safety, pets are not allowed. Join their CSA community at Golden Acres Organic Farm or Purchase a CSA Share Here.
Wickham’s Fruit Farm: A Taste of History
Wickham’s Fruit Farm is a bicentennial farm that has been cultivating the same land since 1661, making it one of America’s oldest farms. Spanning 300 acres, much of the land is protected through the Farmland Preservation program. Their U-Pick experience includes spring strawberries and cherries, summer raspberries and blueberries, and fall apples and peaches. The retail stand is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, selling fresh fruit, pies, donuts, preserves, and local cheeses. U-Pick Saturdays run 10 am to 3 pm. Wickham’s also offers weekday educational tours. Learn more at Wickham’s Fruit Farm.
What Can You Find at Riverhead Farms?
The farms in Riverhead are community hubs offering a taste of farm life. You’ll find a variety of goods, including fresh produce like crisp apples and sweet corn, homemade goods such as jams and pies, and high-quality dairy and meats from pastured animals. Many farms also feature wine and cider from their own vineyards.
Farm Name
U-Pick
Farm Stand
CSA
Events
Unique Product/Feature
Harbes Family Farm
Apples, Pumpkins
Yes
No
Festivals
Barnyard Adventure, Sustainable Vineyard
Schmitt’s Farm Stand
Seasonal
Yes
No
No
Holy Schmitt’s Horseradish, Local Delivery
Goodale Farms
No
Online
Yes (Meal Box)
No
Farm-to-Door Delivery, Pastured Meats
Golden Acres Organic Farm
No
Yes
Yes
No
Certified Organic Produce
Wickham’s Fruit Farm
Berries, Apples, Peaches
Yes
No
Educational Tours
Historic Bicentennial Farm, Farmland Preservation
U-Pick experiences and family activities like petting zoos and corn mazes are highlights. For certified organic options, visit Golden Acres. You can also find other organic farms just a short drive from Riverhead.
A Year-Round Bounty
The farms showcase nature’s rhythm with seasonal offerings.
- Spring: Asparagus, lettuce, and sweet strawberries.
- Summer: Corn, tomatoes, peaches, beans, and cucumbers.
- Fall: Apples for pies and cider, pumpkins for carving, and hearty winter squash.
- Winter: Storage crops like potatoes and root vegetables, plus greenhouse-grown greens.
This seasonal cycle means every visit offers a new experience.
More Than Just Produce: Unique Farm Experiences
Riverhead farms excel at agritourism, blending agriculture with fun. Enjoy hayrides, intricate corn mazes, and petting zoos. Many farms also host live music, food festivals, and wine clubs. For craft beverage fans, local farm breweries often collaborate with local farms, showcasing the best of Long Island agriculture. These diverse offerings make every farm visit engaging, whether you’re shopping for dinner or planning a day of family fun.
Planning Your Visit to the Farms in Riverhead
A little advance planning can make your trip to the farms in Riverhead even more enjoyable. The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience: spring for strawberries, summer for corn and tomatoes, or fall for classic apple and pumpkin picking.
Getting the Most Out of Your Farm Day
To ensure a smooth and memorable visit, follow these tips:
- Call ahead for hours and conditions: Farm schedules and U-pick availability change with the seasons and weather. A quick call ensures the farm is open and the produce you want is ready.
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes: You’ll be walking on uneven, potentially muddy ground.
- Bring cash: While many farms accept cards, cash is often easier for small purchases.
- Pack essentials: Bring reusable bags for your harvest, plus a hat and sunscreen for sunny days.
- Respect farm rules: Follow guidelines on where to walk and how to pick produce to ensure safety for everyone.
- Plan your route: Use a GPS to steer the North Fork. Consider combining your farm trip with a visit to a local winery or beach. For more on local happenings, check out more info about what’s happening in Riverhead.
Supporting the Local Community
When you shop at farms in Riverhead, you’re doing more than buying food. You are making a direct economic contribution that supports local families, provides jobs, and keeps money within the community. This helps in preserving open space by keeping farmland economically viable and preventing development. Most importantly, you are connecting with your food source, gaining a deeper appreciation for the effort that goes into growing fresh, healthy food.
Frequently Asked Questions about Riverhead Farms
What are the best farms in Riverhead for families?
For family fun, Harbes Family Farm is a top choice with its Barnyard Adventure, seasonal festivals, and U-pick options. For a historical experience, Wickham’s Fruit Farm offers U-pick berries and apples on land farmed since 1661. Some nearby farms are also famous for beautiful flower festivals, perfect for family photos and activities.
Can I get farm-fresh products delivered from farms in Riverhead?
Yes, several farms offer convenient delivery and pickup. Goodale Farms provides a Meal Box Program, delivering dairy, produce, and pastured meats across Long Island and into NYC. Golden Acres Organic Farm has a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program with weekly pickups from June to November. Schmitt’s Farm Stand also offers local delivery on Thursdays and Fridays.
Are there organic farms in Riverhead?
The area has excellent organic options. Golden Acres Organic Farm is a certified organic farm on the North Fork with a farm shop and CSA program. Just west of Riverhead, you can find other popular destinations for organic produce and family activities. Supporting these farms means investing in sustainable practices that protect the environment and promote community health.
Experience the Best of New York’s Bounty
Visiting the farms in Riverhead is more than just a day trip; it’s an investment in our community and a chance to experience the best of New York’s bounty. The connection to the land and local farmers creates lasting memories.
That spirit of community and quality is what we cherish at Terp Bros. The same values that drive these family farms-community focus, quality products, and genuine care-are at the heart of our mission. For our neighbors in Queens, we carry on this tradition by supporting local, community-focused initiatives.
Just as these farms offer fresh, quality products, we provide a curated selection with the same commitment to excellence. Our convenient delivery service brings this quality right to your door. We are dedicated to serving our Queens community with the same passion that makes the farms in Riverhead so special.
