Harbes Family Farm
Harbes Family Farm is one of the best-known agricultural attractions on Long Island, combining a working farm, fresh produce market, family entertainment, seasonal harvest activities and vineyard experiences at 715 Sound Avenue in Mattituck. Located in the heart of the North Fork of Suffolk County, the property has evolved from a modest family farmstand into a popular agritourism destination attracting visitors throughout the spring, summer and fall.
Harbes offers more than a traditional roadside farm market. Visitors can purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables, enjoy fresh seasonal foods, explore the admission-based Barnyard Adventure, visit the Wine Barn at Harbes Vineyard and participate in activities that change with the growing season. Fall is especially popular, when pumpkin picking, a corn maze, hayrides and harvest celebrations draw families from across Long Island and the New York metropolitan area.
The Mattituck property is one of three destinations operated by the Harbes family. The others are Harbes Orchard in Riverhead and Harbes Farms Jamesport, both of which offer additional seasonal activities, including apple picking. Understanding the differences between these locations is important because not every attraction is available at every farm.
History of Harbes Family Farm
The Harbes family’s agricultural roots are part of the longstanding farming tradition of Long Island’s North Fork. For generations, the region has been associated with vegetable production, fruit growing and roadside farmstands, supported by fertile agricultural soils and a climate influenced by the surrounding waters of Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay.
The family’s Mattituck farmstand began more than 35 years ago as a small gazebo operated by the family’s eldest son. Over time, the business expanded into a destination offering fresh produce, prepared foods, family recreation and vineyard-related experiences. That growth reflects the broader transformation of North Fork agriculture, where many farms now combine traditional crop production with opportunities for visitors to experience farm life.
Today, Harbes Family Farm is closely associated with the agricultural identity of eastern Long Island. Although the property has developed substantial visitor attractions, farming remains an important part of its operation, with fields producing sweet corn, tomatoes, pumpkins and other seasonal crops.
The Mattituck Farmstand and Fresh Produce
The farmstand is the centerpiece of the original Harbes Family Farm experience. Located along Sound Avenue, it offers a changing selection of seasonal fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods and specialty food products.
During the summer growing season, visitors may find freshly harvested sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, watermelon and other produce grown on Harbes family farms. The farm is particularly well known for its gourmet super-sweet corn, which is also served roasted and ready to eat.
Prepared foods and treats are another attraction. Harbes offers its signature apple cider donuts, tomato and mozzarella paninis, roasted corn, seasonal ice cream and other farm-inspired refreshments. Specialty products include honey, fruit preserves and locally produced foods that visitors can purchase to take home.
The farmstand also changes with the seasons. Spring brings flowers, annuals and hanging baskets, while summer features fresh produce and cut sunflowers. Autumn introduces pumpkins, gourds, mums, apple cider products and harvest decorations.
For visitors interested in the agricultural traditions of the North Fork, the farmstand provides an opportunity to purchase seasonal products directly from a family-operated agricultural business rather than a conventional supermarket.
Harbes Barnyard Adventure
Harbes Barnyard Adventure is one of the Mattituck farm’s principal family attractions. The eight-acre recreational area is designed around agricultural education, outdoor play and activities for children, although visitors of different ages can participate in many of the experiences.
The Barnyard Adventure includes opportunities to observe and interact with farm animals, including a chick observatory and pot-bellied pigs. Other attractions include the Gnome Hedge Maze, large jumping pillows, a tricycle track, playgrounds, sports activities and farm-themed games.
On selected weekends, holidays and summer Fridays, additional entertainment may include pig races, musical hayrides and guided farm experiences. These activities give families an opportunity to spend several hours at the property beyond simply shopping at the farmstand.
The Barnyard Adventure is a ticketed attraction separate from ordinary farmstand shopping. Admission prices vary between weekdays, weekends and holidays, and some combination tickets include additional experiences. Children age two and younger are admitted free, while children under twelve must be supervised by an adult.
Visitors can review current attractions, admission options and seasonal passes through the official Harbes Barnyard Adventure page.
Harbes Harvest Express
Introduced for the 2026 season, the Harbes Harvest Express is a trackless train experience that takes visitors on a scenic tour of the approximately 100-acre Mattituck farm.
The attraction provides a different perspective on the working agricultural property, traveling through areas where seasonal crops are grown. Depending on the time of year, visitors may see sunflower fields, sweet corn and pumpkin patches.
The Harvest Express operates on selected weekends, holidays and summer Fridays, with access included in qualifying Barnyard Adventure combination admission packages. Seasonal schedules, tour routes and availability depend on weather and farm operations.
Pumpkin Picking at Harbes Family Farm
Autumn is one of the busiest times at Harbes Family Farm, particularly for visitors interested in pumpkin picking on Long Island. The Mattituck location maintains an approximately eight-acre pick-your-own pumpkin field, where visitors can select pumpkins growing directly on the vine.
The pumpkin field is located across Sound Avenue from the main Mattituck farmstand. This distinction is useful for first-time visitors, who may expect every activity to be located within the main farm attraction area.
During the fall season, visitors can explore the field, select pumpkins of different sizes and varieties, and purchase their selections by weight. The experience is different from choosing pre-picked pumpkins at a roadside display because families can walk through the growing area and find pumpkins where they developed.
Harbes also operates pumpkin-picking areas at its Riverhead and Jamesport locations. Each offers approximately nine acres of on-the-vine pumpkins, although admission requirements and available activities differ. At Harbes Orchard in Riverhead, access to the pumpkin patch requires purchasing an apple-picking package.
For a broader comparison of farms offering traditional field picking, visitors can consult Long Island Guide’s guide to pumpkin picking, which covers farms throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Corn Maze, Hayrides and Fall Attractions
Harbes Family Farm offers additional autumn attractions that complement pumpkin picking. One of the best known is its Wizard of Oz-themed corn maze, located near the pumpkin field across from the Mattituck farmstand.
The maze invites visitors to follow a themed route inspired by Dorothy, Toto and other characters from the familiar story. Designed as a family-friendly experience, it offers a different type of seasonal activity from the larger recreational attractions inside the Barnyard Adventure.
Weekend and holiday pumpkin-patch hayrides provide another way to enjoy the farm during the harvest season. Depending on the ticket selected, visitors may purchase hayride admission separately or combine the experience with the corn maze.
Fall programming also includes seasonal foods, harvest decorations and special events. The busiest periods are generally September and October weekends, particularly around Columbus Day weekend, when visitor traffic and waiting times can increase substantially.
Because outdoor attractions depend on weather, field conditions and staffing, visitors should review the official Harbes fall attractions schedule before traveling. Specific ticket prices, event dates and operating hours can change during the season.
Harbes Vineyard and the Wine Barn
In addition to its family-oriented attractions, the Mattituck property includes Harbes Vineyard and its Wine Barn, providing an adult-focused experience within the agricultural setting of the North Fork.
The Wine Barn offers Harbes wines for tasting and purchase in a rustic farm environment. Visitors can enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, making it possible to combine a family farm outing with a vineyard experience without traveling to a separate winery.
Harbes Vineyard is also notable for its commitment to sustainable agriculture. The business identifies itself as Long Island’s first certified sustainable vineyard, reflecting its emphasis on environmentally responsible growing practices.
The Wine Barn generally operates on a first-come, first-served basis rather than through reservations. Hours and service arrangements vary seasonally, and visitors planning group outings should check current policies before arrival.
Harbes Orchard in Riverhead and Harbes Farms Jamesport
Although Harbes Family Farm in Mattituck is the original destination, the family operates two additional farms within a few miles of the main property. Each location offers a different combination of seasonal attractions.
Harbes Orchard, located at 5698 Sound Avenue in Riverhead, specializes in apple picking. The orchard grows approximately 27 apple varieties that ripen at different times throughout the harvest season. It also offers pumpkin picking, an interactive Robin Hood-themed corn maze and other seasonal activities. General admission is required for apple picking, and access to certain attractions depends on the admission package purchased.
Harbes Farms Jamesport, located at 1223 Main Road, also known as Route 25, offers a different autumn experience. The property is particularly associated with Honeycrisp apple picking, pumpkin fields, hayrides, a corn maze and seasonal food. Unlike the Riverhead orchard, which grows numerous apple varieties, the Jamesport location specializes in Honeycrisp apples for picking.
Both locations operate primarily during the autumn harvest season, with Jamesport generally open on weekends and holidays. Harbes Orchard typically offers daily operations during its seasonal window.
Visitors specifically interested in apple picking should choose Riverhead or Jamesport rather than the Mattituck farm. There is no apple picking at the main Harbes Family Farm property in Mattituck.
Current location information, admission policies and harvest updates are available through the official Harbes locations directory.
Seasonal Activities Throughout the Year
Harbes Family Farm operates primarily from spring through fall, with activities changing as crops grow and harvest periods begin.
During spring and early summer, the farmstand begins offering seasonal produce, flowers and other products as the growing season develops. The Barnyard Adventure provides outdoor recreation, and the Wine Barn offers vineyard experiences during its operating season.
Summer brings fresh sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelon and other produce, along with farm entertainment and opportunities to enjoy the North Fork’s agricultural landscape. Sunflowers and other seasonal blooms may provide colorful scenery, although flowering periods depend on weather and growing conditions.
By late summer and early fall, attention shifts toward harvest activities. Apple picking begins at the Riverhead and Jamesport properties, while pumpkin fields, corn mazes and hayrides become major attractions at the Mattituck farm.
October is traditionally the busiest period, particularly on weekends and holidays. Families visiting during this time should allow additional time for parking, admission, food service and travel along North Fork roads.
Admission, Parking and Visitor Policies
Visitors should understand that Harbes Family Farm does not operate under one admission ticket covering every attraction. The Mattituck farmstand, Barnyard Adventure, pumpkin field, corn maze, hayrides and Wine Barn have different access arrangements.
Shopping at the farmstand does not require purchasing admission to the Barnyard Adventure. The Barnyard Adventure is a separate ticketed area, while certain fall activities have their own admission charges or combination packages. Tickets can generally be purchased in advance or upon arrival, depending on the attraction.
Harbes provides free parking at its three locations. However, the farm recommends arriving early during busy periods. Buses, limousines and passenger drop-offs are restricted under its visitor policies, with certain exceptions for organized school field trips.
Pets are not permitted on the farms, although qualifying service animals are welcome. Outside food and beverages are generally prohibited, with limited accommodations for certain dietary needs. Visitors with food allergies or specific accessibility requirements should contact the farm in advance.
Farm activities are weather-dependent, and Harbes maintains a no-refund policy for purchases. Credit and debit cards are accepted, with card-only payment policies applying to most attractions. Guests should consult the official Harbes frequently asked questions for the most current restrictions and admission details.
Getting to Harbes Family Farm
Harbes Family Farm is located at 715 Sound Avenue in Mattituck, within the North Fork agricultural region of eastern Suffolk County. Most visitors arrive by car, traveling east through the Riverhead area before continuing toward Mattituck.
Sound Avenue is an important agricultural corridor, passing farms, vineyards and other rural properties. Although the drive is scenic, traffic can become heavy during summer weekends and especially during the autumn harvest season.
Rail travelers can reach Mattituck using the Long Island Rail Road on the Greenport Branch, although service is limited compared with western Long Island routes. The farm is not located immediately beside the railroad station, so visitors using public transportation should arrange a local ride in advance.
Visitors exploring the surrounding area can combine a trip to Harbes with other attractions in Mattituck, Riverhead and the wider North Fork. The region is known for farmstands, vineyards, agricultural scenery, small waterfront communities and seasonal outdoor activities.
Planning a Visit to Harbes Family Farm
For families with young children, the Barnyard Adventure is often the main attraction and can occupy several hours. Visitors interested primarily in fresh produce and seasonal foods may prefer a shorter stop at the farmstand, while autumn visitors frequently combine pumpkin picking, the corn maze and hayrides.
A typical family visit may last two to four hours, although the time needed depends on the attractions selected, crowd levels and whether visitors plan to eat at the farm. Combining the Mattituck location with Harbes Orchard or Harbes Farms Jamesport can turn the outing into a longer North Fork day trip.
Weekdays and earlier autumn weekends are often better choices for visitors seeking smaller crowds. Harbes identifies Columbus Day weekend as one of its busiest periods, making advance planning particularly useful for October visits.
Before departing, visitors should confirm which Harbes location offers the desired activities, whether advance tickets are available, current operating hours and any weather-related closures. The official website, HarbesFamilyFarm.com, provides current information about all three properties.
Harbes Family Farm, Mattituck, New York
Key Facts and Details
| Attraction | Harbes Family Farm |
| Address | 715 Sound Avenue, Mattituck, NY 11952 |
| Community | Mattituck |
| Region | North Fork of Long Island |
| County | Suffolk County |
| Attraction Type | Working family farm, farmstand, agritourism destination, family recreation and vineyard |
| Established | Farmstand operating for more than 35 years |
| Main Farm Property | Approximately 100 acres |
| Primary Attractions | Farmstand, Barnyard Adventure, Harbes Vineyard, pumpkin picking, corn maze, hayrides and seasonal activities |
| Barnyard Adventure | Eight-acre admission-based family attraction with farm animals, play areas and seasonal entertainment |
| Barnyard Admission | Separate ticket required; weekday, weekend and combination admission options available |
| Children’s Admission | Children age two and younger admitted free to Barnyard Adventure |
| Pumpkin Picking | Approximately eight acres of on-the-vine pumpkins across Sound Avenue from the Mattituck farmstand |
| Pumpkin Pricing | Generally sold by weight |
| Corn Maze | Wizard of Oz-themed maze, operating seasonally and weather permitting |
| Hayrides | Seasonal pumpkin-patch hayrides, generally on weekends and holidays |
| Harbes Harvest Express | Trackless train tour of the Mattituck farm, introduced for the 2026 season |
| Farm Animals | Farm animal encounters, chick observatory and pot-bellied pigs |
| Farmstand Products | Fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, preserves, honey, seasonal baked goods and specialty foods |
| Popular Foods | Roasted sweet corn, apple cider donuts, paninis and seasonal ice cream |
| Vineyard | Harbes Vineyard and Wine Barn at the Mattituck property |
| Wine Barn Reservations | Generally first-come, first-served |
| Apple Picking at Mattituck | Not available; offered at Harbes Orchard and Harbes Farms Jamesport |
| Harbes Orchard | 5698 Sound Avenue, Riverhead, NY 11901 |
| Harbes Farms Jamesport | 1223 Main Road, Jamesport, NY 11947 |
| Apple Varieties at Harbes Orchard | Approximately 27 varieties, subject to seasonal availability |
| Jamesport Apple Picking | Honeycrisp apples |
| Typical Operating Season | Spring through fall, with the main Mattituck property generally operating from April into November |
| Peak Visiting Season | September and October |
| Typical Visit Length | Approximately two to four hours, depending on activities |
| Parking | Free on-site parking; early arrival recommended during busy periods |
| Pet Policy | Pets prohibited; qualifying service animals permitted |
| Outside Food | Generally prohibited, with limited dietary accommodations |
| Payment Methods | Credit and debit cards; most attractions operate under card-only policies |
| Weather Considerations | Outdoor attractions and farm operations may close or change because of weather |
| Public Transportation | Long Island Rail Road Greenport Branch to Mattituck, followed by local transportation |
| Telephone | 631-482-7641 |
| Official Website | HarbesFamilyFarm.com |
| Current Hours and Locations | Official hours and locations directory |
| Visitor Policies | Official frequently asked questions |
Harbes Family Farm represents one of the North Fork’s most recognizable examples of agricultural tourism, combining the traditions of a working Long Island farm with family recreation, seasonal food, vineyard experiences and autumn harvest activities. From its original farmstand in Mattituck to its expanded attractions and additional properties in Riverhead and Jamesport, the Harbes family has created several distinct ways for visitors to experience eastern Suffolk County’s agricultural landscape. Whether shopping for fresh produce, bringing children to the Barnyard Adventure, exploring the pumpkin fields or enjoying a seasonal outing, visitors will find an experience closely connected to the farming heritage of Long Island. Because activities, admission requirements, crop availability and operating schedules change throughout the season, checking the official farm website before visiting remains the best way to plan a successful trip.
Are you ready for fall on Long Island? Check out these local seasonal guides:
🍎 Apple Picking | 🍂 Fall Festivals & Farm Activities | 👻 Haunted Houses | 🎃 Pumpkin Picking
