The unbearable summer heat has probably got you yearning for a weekend getaway. But sometimes we know that you can't commit to a two day escape. So why not take a quick, local road-trip to some of the best farmstands around? Borrow your friend's keys or hit up 1-800-rent-a-car and take a quick drive for a healthy, organic, warm-weather activity. All of our five choices let you pick fresh produce yourself—we're talking juicy strawberries, cool currants, and sweet summer squash. So, get away without a big production, plus score some healthy treats that'll keep your beach bod picture-perfect. After enjoying a relaxing day under the Long Island sun, you'll have a super rad goody bag to take back to the Big Apple—sure beats your local Whole Foods huh?
Here's 5 spots for the best organic day-trip ever
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Mattituck Farm: Berry bliss is just a car ride away. Ditch the city and bask in the glory of North Fork at Mattituck Farm & Vineyard—one of the famous Harbes Family Farms. Fresh fruits and vegetables are up for the taking like think zucchini, beans, and heirloom tomatoes. If you're looking for a thrill, pick your own berries from Patty's Berries & Bunches—this berry patch is thriving with 24 varieties like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.
715 Sound Avenue (at Hallock Lane); 631-298-0800
Lawrence Farm Orchards: It's totally time to indulge in some new summer sweets. Skip Dylan's Candy Bar 'cause Lawrence Farms Orchards has some sugary snacks that won't put a damper on your bangin' bikini body. The Newburgh fruit haven is servin' up some apricots, yellow peaches, plums, currants, and gooseberries. Whoever said sweets had to be naughty?
39 Colandrea Road (at Frozen Ridge Road); 845-562-4268
Hank's Farmstand:Nothing says summer better than a big bowl of ripe, sweet berries. If Jamba Juice is just not up to par when it comes to providing your berry-fix, head on over to to this farmstand in Southampton. Plump raspberries and strawberries are ripe for the picking and we can't forget to mention that you get to choose them yourselves! Berry picking party anyone?
324 County Road 39 (at Sandy Hollow Road); 631-726-4667
Golden Earthworm Organic Farm:What do you get when you combine a chef who has a passion for vegetables with two parcels of pristine farmland? The certified organic CSA farm Golden Earthworm. Escape the city heat for a weekend on the east end of Long Island and explore the 80 acre veggie haven. Say sayonara to Trader Joe's because this place has you covered—arugula, collard greens, beets, eggplant, summer squash, and herbs—sounds and smells like a sick summer salad.
652 Peconic Bay Boulevard (between Holly Tree Lane and Seaman Road); 631-722-3302
Lenny Bruno Farms: Hit the road and check out this 80-year old family owned farm. July is a hot month at this hip spot off the LIE, where lots of great eats are in season—we're talking about killer Japanese eggplant, tasty cranberry beans, and juicy watermelon. And you can't skip out on the sweet corn, the farm's crowd pleaser, which is sure to add some spring to your summer step.
740 Wading River Road (off the Long Island Expressway); 631-549-2029