A fall visit to Heather Ridge Farm

One of my favorite things about the Catskills are all the down to earth spots to grab a great bite to eat. Sure, you might need to head a little off the beaten path - around the bend, down the valley. But the trip is worth it since there's always something great to eat and welcoming people at the end of the road! Your meal will be filled with the kind of food you would make if you had the time, the know-how or the amazingly fresh ingredients only found on a local farm.

The Bee's Knees Cafe at Heather Ridge Farm in Preston Hollow is just such a place. Sitting on a sunny hillside in southern Schoharie County, their menu offers up delicious soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts. Farm raised beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, eggs, garlic and honey are all highlighted in the menu.

Inside you'll also find the farm store. Products offered include the farm's own meat and honey as well as regional products such as wool, mushrooms (in season) and specially products like olive oil and coffee sourced directly from farmers abroad.

From mid-October through the spring, the farm is open Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm. The farm is located at 989 Broome Center Road in Preston Hollow.

Farmer-in-chief

Carol Clement

on the front porch of the farm store.

Farmer John presses wild apples gathered on the hillside property.

Some of Heather Ridge's, dare we say, famous Lemon Honey.

Linda Hahn with the Euphoria Olive Oil she imports from a farm family in Greece.

Beautiful yarn in vibrant colors from Kate Henderson of neighboring farm, Sheepy Valley.

And here's the money shot! Fresh pork and chicken fill the cooler.

The hard working kitchen staff after a busy lunch service.

Mustards using the farm's honey.

The wonderful view from the top of the ridge.