Two Many Adventures: The Fabulous Beekman Boys and Harvest Festival, Sharon Springs, NY

Milford NY
High's 70's
Sunny and beautiful

As we were driving south, the colors began to intensify on the trees. I think the next few weeks are going to be beautiful!

I have been a fan of the Fabulous Beekman's since their show on Planet Green about two Manhattanites getting away from it all and building a farm in Upstate New York. Their story "The Bucolic Plague" is a fun read and they just seem to be nice people who have worked hard to make their new life work. Their farm is in Sharon Springs, NY and each fall for the last few years they have had a Harvest Festival. This event brings lots of folk to the little Village of 547.

When they announced tickets for farm tours I had to go. I loved watching the goat cam on my computer at work as it was rather soothing. Eric laughs about that, but it would just take the edge off a hard day. We were scheduled for 2pm which was perfect timing. We wanted to visit all the vendors and see all there was to see.

Brent Ridge, one of the Beekman's

The 1802 Mercantile on Main Street

The American Hotel

Rte 20 and 10

the old Imperial Baths (someone needs to buy this and restore it!)

I love this house!

The Cherry Valley Tinsicle man

The Roseboro Hotel Ballroom. It is being restored

The Roseboro porch. I imagine wicker rocking chairs and white table cloths

the Beekmans, Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge

the front of the Beekman mansion built in 1802

The family crypt on the farm

the rear of the Mansion and formal gardens

The view of the formal flower garden

I love hydrangeas

Yep those are goats

A little background on the farm...

The mansion was built in 1802 by William Beekman. His family lived there and the grounds were part of the underground railroad for hiding slaves. You can picture the history there as you look around and realize you can see forever into the valleys. Josh and Brent purchased it in 2007. In 2008, the crash happened and both were out of work. Farmer John, the owner of all the goats had lots of goat milk to make soap with. They had previously made some for their coworkers and knew it would sell. After lots of trial, error, hard work and shear determination, Beekman 1802 was started. They sold their goat soap, caramel, and goat cheese via their website and Mercantile. They went on the Amazing Race and won, allowing Josh the opportunity to quit his job & work on the farm full time. They pass on their good fortune to other small farmers via their "Mortgage Lifter" products. I love when nice people succeed!