Harvest Moon days and Hardscrabble nights
A farm for food, fun and good times
I used to think Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard in North Salem was a destination to pick apples in the fall, and I’m not wrong. In September, the apple picking will begin.
But it’s more than an orchard, and on Friday night, I dropped in for a first-hand look. I had gotten a gentle nudge from S., a friend I’d seen earlier in the week, who works there during the summer. “You will love it,” she said. She was right.
Located just off Exit 8 on Route 684, Harvest Moon is sort of in the middle of nowhere, as people say, but cars were approaching like bees heading back to the hive. I felt the anticipation of a fun night ahead when I pulled in, with someone directing the parking, and folks around me were streaming toward the wide-open fields just a short walk away.
It was a beautiful cool night to be outdoors. At 6 p.m., the sun was just beginning to set, the band was tuning up, and the buzz was contagious. These Hardscrabble Cider Live Music and Pizza Nights are not a festival, just a place to come on Friday and Saturday nights through the summer from 6 to 9 p.m., for the wood-fired oven pizza ($14-$18 a pie), music, food truck (on this night it was BBQ), cider and beer ($8, 16 oz.) and the space to spread out under a huge sky and breathe.
I walked by some penned goats and chickens, found a lone Adirondack chair under a tree, and took in the view from the hill. There were plenty of kids already running around the fields playing games and kicking balls, and folks were claiming space at the picnic tables (first-come, first-served), but at no point during the evening did I feel crowded. As some people arrived, others were leaving, and when full, cars are turned away. The vibe was pleasant and easy.
And you know how sometimes, you just feel like it’s the right place, right time? Well, as I was sitting there appreciating the scene, S. walked up directly behind me with her boyfriend and crew. Could not have planned it better.
Soon, we grabbed a table, and I was among long-time friends reminiscing about old times, while sharing food and catching up. I tried hard cider on tap for the first time, and after tasting a couple, including hopped peach, decided on the “dry.” Not sure how to describe it....The menu board described dry as “light” and “crisp.” It has a bit of sparkle and a fruity flavor, and yes, I think I could develop a taste for it (no surprise there). Cider and beer options – and their alcohol content – are listed on the board. Based on the amount I saw flowing, this has to be the freshest hard cider and beer you’ll ever have.
The thin-crust pizza was delicious, a different variety each week, with changing ingredients from the farm’s harvest. Sometimes, it might be topped with corn, other times heirloom tomato and basil. Lots of choices here. Really good. And a bite of the brisket sandwich from the truck was mouth-watering. The food truck and band change all the time too; nice if you’re a regular, it all stays new.
So, S., you’re right. I loved it, and I’ll be back, actually next weekend, I think. See you at the farm.
Details: Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard is family-owned and operated, and open April through Christmas, seven days a week. Aside from the orchard, there’s a farm store that’s open during the day with local vegetables, fruit, plants, meat, eggs, bakery, jams, a gift shop, a CSA (community supported agriculture) program, and apple cider donuts that alone are worth the trip. Harvest Moon
(Dogs are not allowed, due to Dept. of Agriculture’s policy, as per the website.) The store typically closes at 5 p.m. so get there early to do both.
Hardscrabble Cider is made here, and the cider room is currently open seven days a week, serving both cider and New York craft beer. (Other New York products, including wine and spirits, are also available.)
Hardscrabble Nights drop down to Fridays only in the fall. During peak season, reservations may be required. These nights are weather permitting, and updates are on the Hardscrabble Cider Instagram page.
Check ahead to confirm hours. Hardscrabble Cider
Farm is located at 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, N.Y.