"You Pick It" Program Starts at Hilltop Hanover Farm

The “You Pick It” Program Adds to Hilltop Hanover Farm Visit

By Tom McLoughlin

It’s often difficult to please everyone, but Hilltop Hanover Farm of Yorktown Heights has something for everyone! If you are looking for freshly picked organic vegetables, trying to find a hiking trail, checking for a place that the children can walk around and visit animals, or just a spot to breathe in some fresh air and appreciate the beautiful vistas of northern Westchester County, Hilltop Hanover Farm is the place for you! Plus, the children will love the “You Pick It” program on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 to 4.

Some super markets and even some farm markets stumble over defining “local” produce, but not the staff of Hilltop Hanover Farm. All of the produce sold at the farm stand is organically grown in a five acre plot just 200 yards away. Complementing the local produce are the products from ten truly local artisans. For example, you can select banana bread prepared by “Baked by Susan” of Croton and maple syrup and honey from Yorktown ‘s White Oak Farm. Other products include extra virgin olive oil, artisan pasta, and Hudson Standard’s own strawberry rhubarb drinking vinegar, which you mix in drinks. and hamburger patties from Hemlock Farms of Cortlandt Manor. Plus, you can purchase organically feed eggs provided by the farm’s free-range chickens.

A unique feature of the farm is the “U Pick It” program – a favorite with young children – that is available on Saturday and Sunday. Max Zanke, the farm’s head farmer, believes cucumbers, squash, kale, zucchini, and arugula, for example, will be available for picking. Since weather affects the vegetables so dramatically, call the farm at 914-962-2368 or visit its website at www.hilltophanoverfarm.org to confirm what is available for personal picking. Don’t forget to bring your own bags and dress for farm field conditions. Visitors may combine a farm stand visit with the “You Pick It” experience – only available at Hilltop Hanover Farm.

Hilltop Hanover Farm is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 to 4:00, and there is no admission (except for event days). The farm stand itself will be open on Friday from 1:00 to 6:00 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 4:00 PM.