Start your day in Pawling at Dykeman’s Farm Market (www.bestcorn.com), a third-generation, family-run farm on West Dover Road.  Experience the best of nature’s bounty from July through October. 

Travel a few miles northwest to Poughquag, home to one of two locations for Barton’s Orchards (www.bartonorchards.com).  Family farm entertainment abounds here summer through late fall.  Make sure to check their schedule for special events, including local harvest festivals.

In Wingdale you’ll find Blueberry Park – a 45-acre pick-your-own organic blueberry farm (call 845/724-5776 for information) – along with Judson Farm Market, which features plants, fruits, vegetables and even Christmas trees (call 845/832-6286 for details).

Other agricultural “must-sees” along the northeastern side of the county include McEnroe Organic Farm (www.mcenroeorganicfarm.com) in Millerton, and Coach Dairy Goat Farm (www.coachfarm.com) in Pine Plains.  Make sure you call ahead, as tours of the goat nursery and farm are by appointment (518/398-5325).   

For additional information, log on to www.arteastdutchess.com, a special initiative of the Dutchess County Arts Council (www.artsmidhudson.org).  For suggestions regarding overnight accommodations, visit the lodging section of www.dutchesstourism.com to search by town.