Harbes Orchard (5698 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-683-8388) announced on Sept. 18 that Harbes Harvest Market, featuring produce, food, wine and myriad other treats, has opened in a century-old barn at their Riverhead location.
The Raynor barn was restored through a joint effort by brothers David and Edward Harbes, along with members of the farm team. Construction began in January, says Monica Harbes, manager of the market, and was completed in less than a year.
The space serves visitors enjoying the farm’s seasonal farm activities, offering grab-and-go items such as donuts, kettle corn, snacks, drinks, and farm-themed merchandise. Harbes’ full complement of wines and hard cider is available too.
Cornstalks, dried corn, pumpkins and sunflowers fill the space, while squash, corn and other vegetables are available for visitors to take home as they exit the orchard.
Harbes orchard opened their new farm market last week. (Photo credit: Stephanie Villani)
Harbes owns roughly 200 acres across its three properties: Harbes Orchard in Riverhead, Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck and Harbes Farm in Jamesport. The family’s destinations offer apple and pumpkin picking, fresh produce, fall decorations and, at the Mattituck location, Barnyard Adventure, where visitors can meet farm animals and watch pig races.
For the family, the farm’s evolution has been essential to staying in agriculture. After beginning as potato farmers in the 1980s, rising costs pushed them to diversify. “When we saw that it was … not sustainable, we had to pivot,” says Harbes. “We were the first on Long Island to grow super sweet corn,” she notes. “And you know, I’m thankful that we’re still in agriculture.”
Today, the next generation is helping guide that change. Shannon Harbes, the owner’s daughter-in-law, has played a key role in developing the market and selecting products that appeal to visitors.
“I’m semi-retired and my husband is retired, and now the next generation is going to do things differently, Monica Harbes says. From plush toys and sweatshirts to snacks and coffee mugs, the goal is simple: listen to customers and give families the things they enjoy.
“It has definitely evolved over the years,” she says.
Harbes Orchard offers apple and pumpkin picking, a Robin Hood-themed corn maze, children’s activities and live music from noon to 5 on weekends and holidays. It is open daily on Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through November 1.
Admission is required to enter; apple picking prices range from $20-$37; for details and to obtain tickets, visit harbesfamilyfarm.com.
