We left Mazza Winery in North East, PA this morning at 8:00 and continued our drive east. Most of the day was spent on I-90, the NY Thruway. We looked last night for another Harvest Hosts location along the way and found an orchard just north east of Schenectady, NY. Bowman Orchards (current name) was originally owned by the sister of John Macintosh, for whom the apples were named. In 1952, the Bowman family purchased the farm. Now, four generations of Bowmans live here. 

We arrived at 2:30pm, parked in the designated space for us, and went in to the shop for our mandatory purchase. Our arms require no twisting when freshly picked strawberries, sweet apple cider, and homemade ice cream are options.  We walked around only for a minute or two after closing before meeting Jay. He is part of the family who owns Bowman Orchards. Within minutes of his warm welcome, he was offering us a private tour of the farm. He was a really nice guy. (I should have asked to take his photo and included it in our story. I will do that from now on. I will ask people we meet along the way if we can take their photo. I want to remember.) 

On the tour we saw apples, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and rhubarb. 

  
We also saw horses, pigs, alpacas, goats, chickens, and sheep. 

  
 Jay sent us on our way with pastries for breakfast. 

This is a lovely place to stay, run by the nicest people. If you are ever in the area, stop here. Give these people your business. 

Tomorrow, Maine. 
Porter