Cheese factory in Manhattan

How cool is that? While you're choosing your cheeses, you can take a look at how some of them were just made at this new branch of the Seattle based cheese store Beecher's in the Flatiron district. 

The shop offers a wide variety of American artisan cheeses and charcuterie. There's also a cafe where you can buy freshly made sandwiches or just have a cup of coffee. And a restaurant downstairs called "The Cellar" (haven't tried it, so can't tell you wether is good or not, but it seems nice).

Farming in New York

About a month ago, we took the kids to Stone Barns Farm. Like many other farms in the region, they offer educational programs for kids and adults and hands on farming experiences. On that day, the kids participated in the "Gardening" program and picked-up some fresh carrots. There's also an egg collecting program or a cooking class for kids (they pick their vegetables and then cook them). The kids had a really great time. They loved their "gardening" experience. They had a chance to breathe some fresh air, run around, see some animals and enjoy nature. 

The farm is lovely and is located at only 45 minutes drive from Manhattan. There's a nice restaurant onsite (Blue Hill at Stone Barns), but it's not recommended to go with young children, since they only serve multi-course menus. The coffee shop - Blue Hill cafe - serves light snacks and fresh baked goods. I would have liked to have an intermediate option, though. We are not huge fans of doing pic-nics and we missed being able to sit at a table and have a good (even if simple) meal, especially with those great surroundings. 

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There are many other farms that offer different kind of activities according to the season. Last weekend we also went apple and pumpkin picking at Hank's farm in Southampton. 

I think it's a great way to teach children about farming, especially when it involves seasonal, fresh and local products. You can even cut your own Christmas Tree if you want!

Coming soon: an easy easy apple pie to cook with kids!

Greenmarket Farmer's markets in New York

Farmer's markets locations in NYC - Click here to get the full map

I've already mentioned this in past posts, but one of the aspects that I really like about New York is the occasional "small town" feeling that we get while living in this big metropolis. I already have my "neighborhood" habits established. I buy cheese at my local cheese store, fish right next to it, flowers at the corner of my street and do my groceries a few blocks from my house. I'm always passing by someone I know (sometimes, just from the neighborhood, we may not have met properly but we always greet each other). Each neighborhood is like a mini town, with its local coffee shops, supermarkets, dry-cleaners, restaurants, shops, and sometimes even a local open air market. 

The most famous one is in Union Square, but there are others all across town on different days of the week. There you will find only local and seasonal produce coming fresh from farms located in the region. The one closest to my house has a very nice European feeling, with its fresh flowers, seasonal fruits and vegetables picked a few hours before, the freshest fish that was just caught during the night, baked good, jams, home-made granola and so on. 

If you are curious to know more about the Greenmarket Farmer's markets in New York, check their website. 

It goes without saying that this is another great activity to do with kids. And since we are on the subject: coming soon, a trip to a local farm!