When my husband and I set our sights towards greener pastures some decades ago, we were thrilled to find our oasis in the Hudson Valley. It was fortuitous that we discovered Barthel’s Farm Stand in the village of Ellenville.

“Family” and “Local” were the beacon words for us in an otherwise unknown landscape.

Local, fresh-picked produce, in a delightful setting situated with the Shawangunk mountain range as a backdrop certainly beat standing in supermarket lines. Strawberries, zucchini, basel, tomatoes, string beans, peaches, melons, sweet corn… these were just some of the produce that beckoned.

The colorful array in their greenhouse never disappointed, with local plants, shrubs and trees amenable to the growing zone. And, in season, the wonderful pumpkins and decorative gourds, not to mention Christmas trees and fragrant wreaths.

When we were ready to begin our own humble landscaping, it was Barthel’s who had the perfect junipers for our border.

If it is true that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then it proved true that the way to our hearts were the apples. The wooden bins, brimming with a variety of colors and shapes are a beautiful sight to behold. While a good amount of varieties are available, one could usually depend on finding the much beloved macouns. As for me, I sing the praises of the Honeycrisp… always crisp, sweet and juicy.

The vision of Titian-haired Roxanne, behind the counter, knowledgeable and giving service with a smile, was the icing on the cake of this family enterprise.

My husband fondly remembers the time when Roxanne brought her dad to visit our century-old barn. Mr. Barthel fully appreciated the continued life of this agricultural building, which once presided over a vast farm and now housed an artist’s workshop.

Around 1947, the young George M. Barthel returned from the war in the Pacific. Partnering with his father-in-law, George Rode, the original farm was called Bar-Ro Acres. They farmed up to 750 acres in the Roundout Valley from Kingston to Wurtsboro and west to Woodbourne.

Starting as a large sweet corn shipping operation, Bar-Ro Acres eventually dwindled down to the more retail operation of Barthel’s Farm Market, headed and revved up by George M’s daughter, Roxanne. This was the 1980s. They continued farming a couple of hundred acres behind the current location.

In 2017 the family bought the adjacent property of Twist King, which was an old Carvel building dating back to the 1950s. And so was born The Creamery.

The current owner, Roxanne’s son, Nicholas Cippollone, left his banking career and took over the operation in 2013.

“At that time the opportunity to come back to the family business was still available and I jumped at it. I met my wife at the farm stand and we now have two beautiful daughters. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Nick credits learning from other more experienced farmers in the valley and has been president of the Rondout Valley Growers Association (RVGA) since 2013, a non-profit focused on strengthening the community and local economy by supporting local agriculture.

“Our philosophy is minimal intervention or interference with the natural process. Barthel’s is 'beyond organic.'”

Though first and foremost a produce market, over the past 15 years Barthel’s has welcomed a diverse inventory of local meats, dairy, groceries, pasta and baked goods. The wonderful fruit pies are baked by Nick’s wife Rebecca and her “sidekick.”

As Nick says, “labor intensive, but so worth it.”

I, for one, will testify to that! My favorite is the strawberry-rhubarb, which in a word, is… perfection.

As for The Creamery… In addition to the ice creams, which feature the classics and also the inspired such as matcha or nutella, a lunch menu is available. Expect the best fresh produce and herbs paired with local breads and cheeses. While researching past daily specials, the following stood out: “Local goat cheese made with lavender and honey.”

Last words…the soft serve…RUN DON’T WALK!

Barthel’s Farm Market & Creamery is located at 8057 Route 209, Ellenville. For more information, visit barthelsfarm.com.