New York State Route 104: For your Country Drive this Autumn
Harris Farm Market, Miller's Bulk Food & Bakery, and Hurd Orchards
If you are looking for the perfect autumn drive to appreciate the upcoming fall foliage, I have just the suggestion for you with a few stops along the way for your take of fresh local produce, bulk goods, baked goods, and locally made preserves.
NY State Route 104 is a 182.41-mile-long stretch of highway that runs about parallel to lake Ontario from Niagara Falls on the west, to Williamstown, Oswego County on the east. Back when I lived in Lockport and used to travel to Rochester somewhat regularly, I would often take this route as it was a nice drive through the country as well as a more direct route for me than the I-90.
While the foliage isn’t quite in full fall mode just yet, Jeff and I embarked on this drive last weekend.
STOP #1: Harris Farm Market at 8475 Ridge Road in Gasport
More than a market, this farm includes an ice cream stand too. Stop for a warm, apple sundae and peruse the market where you will find a variety of fresh produce as well as baked goods, many made from the fresh produce. Enter the greenhouse for an impressive array of pumpkins and gourds.
Here we purchased fresh peaches and a loaf of lemon-blueberry bread. The peaches, tart and slightly sweet, were transformed into a peach crumble which we topped with vanilla bean ice cream. Click on the photo below to view more pics on Instagram including our finished dessert.
STOP #2: Miller’s Bulk Food & Bakery at 10749 Ridge Road in Medina
If you get hungry along your drive, you can stop at Miller’s Bulk Food & Bakery, a grocery store with an on-site bakery and deli with made-to-order sandwiches.
Bulk foods are the specialty of this grocer and we spent a fair amount of time exploring everything they offered. In the end, we managed to leave with only buckwheat flower (for pancakes), peanuts, and poppy seeds.
More of what you can find here includes: different flours and grains, a vast selection of herbs and spices, dried fruit, nuts, granola, cereal, pasta, and about any baking goods you could imagine as well as meats and dairy.
STOP #3: Hurd Orchards at 17260 Ridge Road in Holley
This was an incredible find and a destination of its own, featuring a beautifully curated store on a generational fruit farm complete with a renovated barn hosting seasonal events. The words, “Secret Garden” entered my mind as we explored the grounds.
The store features hand-made jams, preserves, and baked goods along with an assortment of home goods such as tea towels, soaps, candles, honey, infused vinegar, a plethora of dried flowers, and more. You can also purchase pre-assembled gift baskets or create your own.
Hurd Orchard also offers a Healthful Harvest Fruit Club by subscription and the option to pick your own fruit. See their website for what is in season.
Visit the orchard for a luncheon, tasting, or tea with thematic events featuring a menu highlighting the bounty of the season. See their events calendar here.
I am in no way associated with this business, just an enthusiastic visitor. But, you can also host your own event on the farm. This would be a magical venue for a smaller wedding or shower.
Did we miss something along NY Route 104 that you recommend we check out next time? Please tell me about it in the comments.
Jamie. Yes! Route 104 is a gem, and My preferred Route When travelling to Northern New York State. You as always are an incredible detective for special destinations as well as a crisp and engaging writer at all times.
I await and encourage the Book.
Bravo!
Today we traveled to Harris Farm Market. What a delight. We continued on a farm market tour: Lynoaken, Schwab’s, Sanger’s, Wagner’s, Baker’s. Topped it all off buying milk at Hoover’s Dairy. Thank you for providing the impetus to search out these markets. It was a wonderful day.