UTILITY GRADE FRUIT

Indian Ladder Farm, Altamont, NY

DJ and I spent a perfect Saturday in upstate New York in mid-October. We went apple picking. Well more honestly we went apple roaming. We didn’t pick any apples nor did we go on the hayride with all the crying babies, moms and dads. We did our own thing and roamed around the farm – which actually had a lot to offer.

Indian Ladder Farms is a fourth generation orchard in New Scotland, Albany County. The Farm is located in the shadows of the dramatic Helderberg Mountain.

There were the many barns filled with memories of yesteryear. One could imagine how lives were led in these farmlands at the turn of the 20th century. The onset of the first automobiles. Wagon wheels left behind, now decorative items from years past.

The livestock seemed from a time gone by too. It’s not often this boy gets the chance to see a wooly cattle up-close and personal (officially a Scottish Highand Cattle). Apparently they are a very hearty stock, live on grass only (no feed), and can be trained easily because of their superior intelligence. Hmmm… The goats were odd looking as well – do you think that’s where Goat-ee comes from!?!

Of course one of the greatest draws to an apple farm is the goodies – and there were a-plenty. Stands with pumpkins, gourds, squash, jams and jellies, and of course – apples! Every size, shape, color, flavor, and purpose! And don’t forget the Apple Cider Donuts! DJ and I bought two bags full and nearly finished off one whole dozen before we left the farm (OK they were hot and we hadn’t had breakfast!).

All and all it was a beautiful day. One might say a Brokeback Day – but since we didn’t get our hands dirty or climb on a horse at all, maybe not...(tho we would have climbed on the hunky farm hand wearing the John Deere tshirt, but I digress…).

Just before we left (with an armful of apples and donuts) we wandered into the barn, only to find a sign titled Utility Grade Fruit. “At long last I think I found my illusive first tattoo” I thought to myself. (Now where to put it…).

If you’re outside Albany, the Indian Ladder Farm is a fun place to spend a couple of hours. And if it’s a sunny and warm day, you can hike for miles. It’s really worth the trip!