Every year, flower fields around the state signal the changing of the seasons, beckoning with their vibrant hues and heavenly aromas and quietly showing off their short-lived beauty. But while we absolutely adore the sight of multicolored spring wildflowers blooming upstate and our bountiful urban gardens near the city, we can’t help but fall in love with all of the small town farms dotting The Empire State that features their own seemingly endless oceans of floral beauty.
Unique to each season and carefully tended by local families, these flower farms and fields are definitely photo-worthy in their prime. In fact, for a visit to one of the most spectacular, Instagrammable spots in New York, a trip to the stunning sea of sunflowers at Frederick Farms in Clifton Springs is an absolute summer must-do. Check it out!
Every year as summer winds down and nature looks ahead to the show-stopping hues of autumn, New York’s landscape comes alive with one last display of seasonal color.
David Fulmer/Flickr
And what could light up a brilliant summer day better than thousands of sunflowers?
Frederick Farms/Facebook
Frederick Farms in Clifton Springs, just north of Seneca Lake, is one of many local farms that boast a dreamy setting in the lush landscape of the Finger Lakes.
Victoria Mcwherk/Google Frederick Farms has been an upstate staple since the 1940s and holds a special place in the heart of the community.
This quaint little second generation-run family farm may be a dairy at heart, but its annual display of sunflowers is the ultimate pinnacle of summer.
Andrew Bloom/Google
The stunning sunflower blooms transform over 30 acres of rich farmland into a sea of vibrant gold.
Frederick Farms/Facebook
You’ll find over 700,000 stunning blooms stretching out into the distance, and you’ll definitely want to have a camera handy to capture the beauty!
Frederick Farms/Facebook With its backdrop of trees and charming countryside, this rural setting is about as peaceful and idyllic as it gets.
During sunflower season, you can enjoy the gorgeous fields on foot with a self-guided tour or on a sunflower hayride.
Frederick Farms/Facebook Hayrides are free, but donations are welcome and go to the House of John, a local charity.
Be sure to stay on the trail to keep the grounds as pristine as possible!
Frederick Farms/Facebook
You’ll also find fresh-cut sunflowers, fresh sunflower seeds, and pressed sunflower oil available for purchase.
Jeremy/Flickr
And as if your adventure couldn’t get any better, you might just make some new friends as well!
Frederick Farms/Facebook There are dozens of cute farm animals to visit while you’re here!
Most years, these glamorous flowers are at their peak the first few weeks of August.
Frederick Farms/Facebook
But watching them grow from start to finish is a lovely time as well.
Frederick Farms/Facebook
Frederick Farms/Facebook
Frederick Farms/Facebook
Sunflowers can be persnickety about their growing conditions, meaning this fantastic display won’t last forever. Once the season begins, don’t wait to pay them a visit!
Frederick Farms/Facebook
It’s truly a spectacular place.
Frederick Farms/Facebook
Endless rows of towering yellow flowers, each turning their heads upward toward the sun and basking visitors in their warm, gentle glow… talk about the perfect end-of-summer day trip! A huge shoutout to CR Aerial Photography for the drone footage!
David Fulmer/Flickr
Frederick Farms/Facebook
Victoria Mcwherk/Google
Frederick Farms has been an upstate staple since the 1940s and holds a special place in the heart of the community.
Andrew Bloom/Google
With its backdrop of trees and charming countryside, this rural setting is about as peaceful and idyllic as it gets.
Hayrides are free, but donations are welcome and go to the House of John, a local charity.
Jeremy/Flickr
There are dozens of cute farm animals to visit while you’re here!
While Frederick Farms will not be open to the public for the 2020 season, be sure to save this to your NY adventure list and keep an eye on their Facebook page and Instagram (@frederick_farms) for future updates!
Looking for more spots that will take your breath away? Check out this bucket list of gorgeous New York destinations. You can also nominate some of your favorite getaways and must-see places here!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 2090 McBurney Rd, Clifton Springs, NY 14432, USA
