Churchtown Dairy - Hudson, New York

Churchtown Dairy: A Hidden Gem in Hudson, NY

Nestled in the heart of Hudson, New York, Churchtown Dairy, located at 357 Co Rd 12, NY 12534, is a unique and captivating destination that combines the charm of a traditional dairy farm with the modern-day attractions of an agricultural experience center. This family-owned and operated business has been serving the local community and visitors alike since 1998, offering a plethora of services and experiences that cater to a wide range of interests.

Main Services

• Farm Tours: One of the primary attractions at Churchtown Dairy is their guided farm tours. Visitors can explore the 180-acre property, learn about the dairy farming process, and interact with the farm's friendly animals. The farm tours also include visits to the medicinal gardens and the cheese-making facility.
• Cheese-Making Workshop: For those interested in the art of cheese-making, Churchtown Dairy offers hands-on workshops led by their expert cheesemakers. Participants can learn about the cheese-making process, from milking the cows to packaging the final product.
• Herbal Pharmacy: The farm's medicinal gardens are the heart of their herbal pharmacy program. Churchtown Dairy grows and harvests a variety of herbs that are then used to create a wide range of herbal extracts, tinctures, and salves. These products are available for purchase in their farm store and are also used in the farm's educational programs.
• Farm Store: The Churchtown Dairy farm store is a treasure trove of locally sourced and produced products. In addition to their own dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, the store also carries a variety of other local foods, gifts, and herbal remedies.
• Educational Programs: Churchtown Dairy offers a variety of educational programs for all ages. From school field trips to adult workshops, these programs provide a unique opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture, herbalism, and cheese-making.

Location and Access

Churchtown Dairy is located at 357 Co Rd 12, Hudson, NY 12534, approximately 15 minutes east of the city of Hudson. The farm is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. The property is also wheelchair accessible, with designated parking spaces and an entrance ramp.

For those using public transportation, the farm is served by the CDTA (Capital District Transportation Authority) bus route 603, which has a stop near the farm's entrance. However, it's recommended to check the schedule in advance as the service is limited.

Featured Characteristics

• Historic Buildings: Churchtown Dairy is home to several historic buildings, including a beautiful replica of a Shaker-style barn. These buildings not only add to the farm's charm but also provide a glimpse into the region's rich agricultural history.
• Medicinal Gardens: The farm's medicinal gardens are a highlight of any visit. These carefully tended gardens are home to a diverse array of herbs, many of which are used in the farm's herbal pharmacy and educational programs.
• Sustainable Practices: Churchtown Dairy is committed to sustainable and responsible farming practices. The farm uses renewable energy sources, such as solar power, and implements organic and holistic farming methods to care for their animals and the environment.

Practical Information

• Contact Information: Phone: 88512042, Website: churchtowndairy.org
• Hours of Operation: The farm is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, it's recommended to check their website or call ahead for updates on tour schedules and special events.
• Admission Prices: Farm tours and many educational programs have a nominal fee. The farm store and medicinal gardens are free to enter. It's recommended to check the website for the most up-to-date pricing information.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Churchtown Dairy has a 4.9/5 star rating on Google My Business, with over 148 reviews. Many visitors praised the farm's beauty and the educational value of the farm tours and programs. The following are some of the positive aspects mentioned in the reviews:

• Beautiful Setting: Many reviewers commented on the farm's picturesque setting, with its historic buildings, lovely gardens, and friendly animals.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Several reviewers praised the guides' knowledge and ability to engage visitors, especially during the farm tours and garden tours.
• Unique Products: Visitors were impressed by the variety of products available in the farm store, from raw milk and cheese to herbal remedies and unique gifts.
• Educational Experience: Many reviewers appreciated the educational aspects of the farm, highlighting the learning opportunities for both children and adults.

Churchtown Dairy is more than just a dairy farm; it's a destination that offers a unique blend of agricultural education, historic preservation, and sustainable practices. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the Hudson Valley, Churchtown Dairy is a must-visit attraction that provides a memorable and enriching experience for all ages.

👍 Reviews of Churchtown Dairy

Michelle

5/5

Beautiful replica of a Shaker style barn, lovely gardens to peruse and the farm store had neat products: Full Moon Ghee, raw milk, cheeses from the dairy and herbal concoctions made right at the farm. Worth a visit if you are in the area.

Margaret P.

5/5

Visited for garden tour. Guide was very experienced in uses of plants & herbs. He answered all questions - we thoroughly enjoyed this experience. We then strolled the lovely spaces. You must step into gift shop. Cheese is wonderful.
Do make the trip - the drive is beautiful. Enjoy

John D.

2/5

We would have liked this place more if anyone had acknowledged we were there, including the woman behind the counter who didn't look up when we entered the store (empty!) and looked at her phone the entire time. Lost sale, for sure.

David F.

5/5

Amazing dairy off the beaten trail in Columbia County. They have a great farm store that sells cheese and milk right from the farm in addition to herbal tea grown on the premises and other local products. They also have a nice selection of agriculture books. They have a very nice garden and bee hive (yes you can buy local honey here too). There are covered tables in the garden to have a relaxing picnic. They have a beautiful one of a kind large round barn and you can visit the milking shed and see baby cows. This is a great place to go year round. In the winter, the views are in the barn.

Randy V.

5/5

Best farm. Reminds me of my childhood memories. 😌 Pictures wont justify.

Hem B.

5/5

I discovered Churchtown Dairy when I came across an Eventbrite ad in my email on "Cheesemaking for Home Cooks." I decided to sign up for the course and also did a tiny bit of research on this dairy.
What do you get when one of the heirs to the Rockefeller fortune, Abby Rockefeller, decides to create a dairy farm based on regenerative farming practices? Churchtown Dairy. It is, bar none, the best looking farm I've ever come across. They hired builder Rick Anderson to design the farm. Admiring one of the designs, the round barn, on its own, is worth the trip.
Beauty moves us in ways I can't explain but is this place all show, no go? The intro course I took was casual and informative. They have raw milk to purchase (I didn't know raw milk can only be purchased on a farm). Others items for sale include farm made cheeses including a Camembert style (Peggy), a washed rind (Coperthwaite), and others to choose from...beef, pork, medicinal garden products, some books, and gift items (picnic knives, cutting boards).
I bought some raw milk in one of those old timey glass bottles. The separation of the milk from the milk solids was apparent. I gave it a little shake and had a glass. Good but I don't know if my palate is sensitive enough to discern the difference between this and regular pasteurized and homogenized stuff. I also bought some Coperthwaite cheese, the washed rind camembert. This had a distinct character; it smelled/tasted of grass and barnyard. I could almost picture the cows in the barn. Fresh cheese - bright and tangy...went well with a bit of honey on a cracker.
In my humble opinion, this place gets by on more than its good looks. It also serves as an educational and community center. It's definitely worth a trip..more than one to take in all it has to offer.

Peter P.

5/5

A dairy farm and botanical garden with raw milk, cheese and other items made onsite. A spotless, huge, beautiful circular barn constructed like no other I have ever seen. Check their website for events and tours.

MARI T.

5/5

This place is like a temple for the cows!!! Animals have this great environment and people who take care of them with a lot of love. Fresh milk and cheese are so tasty that I bought few bottles to go! They also have classes so check their schedule when you visit.

Amanda P.

5/5

We had a wonderful time visiting this dairy farm! The cows were absolutely beautiful, and it was such a treat to see them up close. We picked up some amazing ribeye steaks, delicious local maple syrup, and the most incredible raw milk cheese. Everything was so fresh and high quality. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even better. Highly recommend stopping by if you're looking for a quick place to explore and enjoy some fantastic local meats and cheeses.

Michelle

5/5

Beautiful replica of a Shaker style barn, lovely gardens to peruse and the farm store had neat products: Full Moon Ghee, raw milk, cheeses from the dairy and herbal concoctions made right at the farm. Worth a visit if you are in the area.

Nathalie C.

5/5

What a special place! We visited on a quiet day and i only wish the worker there that day would have been a bit more engaging. She had no interest in the customers. But would still go back. Amazing book selections, amazing cheese!

Hem B.

5/5

I discovered Churchtown Dairy when I came across an Eventbrite ad in my email on "Cheesemaking for Home Cooks." I decided to sign up for the course and also did a tiny bit of research on this dairy.
What do you get when one of the heirs to the Rockefeller fortune, Abby Rockefeller, decides to create a dairy farm based on regenerative farming practices? Churchtown Dairy. It is, bar none, the best looking farm I've ever come across. They hired builder Rick Anderson to design the farm. Admiring one of the designs, the round barn, on its own, is worth the trip.
Beauty moves us in ways I can't explain but is this place all show, no go? The intro course I took was casual and informative. They have raw milk to purchase (I didn't know raw milk can only be purchased on a farm). Other items for sale include farm made cheeses including a Camembert style (Peggy), a washed rind (Coperthwaite), and others to choose from...beef, pork, medicinal garden products, some books, and gift items (picnic knives, cutting boards).
I bought some raw milk in one of those old timey glass bottles. The separation of the milk from the milk solids was apparent. I gave it a little shake and had a glass. Good but I don't know if my palate is sensitive enough to discern the difference between this and regular pasteurized and homogenized stuff. I also bought some Coperthwaite cheese, the washed rind camembert. This had a distinct character; it smelled/tasted of grass and barnyard. I could almost picture the cows in the barn. Fresh cheese - bright and tangy...went well with a bit of honey on a cracker.
In my humble opinion, this place gets by on more than its good looks. It also serves as an educational and community center. It's definitely worth a trip..more than one to take in all it has to offer.

Sophie S.

5/5

Incredibly space- barn, farmstore, outdoors. We saw the cows in the shaker barn, the facilities are super clean. We also bought a bunch of goodies from the store, all really great quality and yummy. I wish I could live here.