Washington County’s agricultural roots run deep, but few places embody farm diversification in New York quite like the rolling hills of Granville. Hicks Orchard, situated along Hicks Road, holds the title of New York’s oldest u-pick orchard. Its real story, however, is one of modern resilience and year-round innovation.
What began in 1905 as a simple seasonal operation has, over time, transformed into a multi-faceted economic engine. By pairing traditional u-pick harvests with a year-round marketplace and an award-winning cidery, the Wilson family has created a blueprint for a farm diversification success story in New York that reaches well beyond the standard apple season.
A Century of U-Pick Tradition
Hicks Orchard was founded at a time when the local slate industry was the primary driver of Granville’s economy. While the quarries brought labor to the region, the orchard brought community. In fact, in 1905, it became the first farm in the state to open its gates for u-pick, a model that reduced labor costs and invited neighbors to connect directly with the land.
Today, Dan Wilson, the second generation of the Wilson family to steward the farm, operates under the mission to “Grow Food to Build Community.” Although the orchard grows over 30 varieties of apples, the business has learned that longevity requires more than just a good harvest. Specifically, it requires beating the “six-week risk” that defines the traditional autumn season.
Diversification: Beyond the Apple Season
For many orchards, the window between September and Columbus Day accounts for the vast majority of annual sales. To increase resilience, therefore, Hicks Orchard has systematically expanded its calendar. As Dan Wilson noted in a recent interview, “Adding value is a way of kind of capturing more of a retail dollar. I mean, it just makes sense.”
The Barn Store, open year-round, serves as a hub for local commerce. In addition to the famous cider donuts made with a secret ingredient of fresh-pressed red apple cider, the store stocks everything from homemade fudge to handmade gifts. Moreover, by offering u-pick cherries, blueberries, and raspberries in the summer, the farm ensures that foot traffic remains steady long before the first apple hits the bin.
Slyboro Ciderhouse: Adding Value to the Harvest
In 2007, the farm took its most significant step toward diversification with the launch of Slyboro Ciderhouse. Notably, housed in a historic 1935 tasting room, the cidery re-introduces the lost craft of traditional American ciders.
By fermenting estate-grown apples into award-winning hard ciders, the Wilsons have successfully added value to the crop. This move has allowed the farm to reach a new demographic of craft beverage enthusiasts on the Beverage Trail in Washington County, and later, the Flannel Fall Crawl. Furthermore, it provides a high-margin product that can be sold in every season.
Beyond the farm, they also operate a tasting room in Glens Falls at The Shirt Factory, offering fresh donuts, cider, and a unique u-pick antique section.
Events as an Economic Engine
Hicks Orchard has mastered the art of “event-based agriculture.” In other words, the property is not just a place to buy food; it is a venue for experiences as a frequent destination for foodies and cider enthusiasts alike. From the “Blossoms & Babies” event in the spring to “Fridays at 5” summer concerts, the farm provides constant reasons for visitors to make the drive to Granville. Indeed, between the cozy porch, sprawling lawn and frequent food truck nights, they’ve even become a staple for outdoor dining in Washington County.
This strategy smooths out seasonal peaks and valleys, allowing the farm to keep a dedicated staff employed year-round. Their presence at the Washington County Fair—selling cider donuts, slushies, and hard cider—helps reach new audiences, as does their regular participation in local farmers markets like the Slate Valley Farmers Market. By joining regional driving tours such as the Art + Ag Tour and the County Bounty Tour, Hicks Orchard remains a key destination within a network of interconnected local experiences.
Why Farm Diversification in New York Matters for Washington County
The success of Hicks Orchard is more than a local feel-good story. It is a genuine farm diversification success story that illustrates a broader economic truth: Washington County is one of the most entrepreneurial counties in New York. When a legacy farm like Hicks invests in diversification, it does more than just save a family business; it also preserves open space, supports local artisans, and strengthens the regional tourism brand.
Above all, agritourism is a growth strategy that turns the county’s natural assets into sustainable, year-round jobs. As Dan Wilson explains, “Washington County is a great place to visit because it is beautiful and filled with beautiful people… It’s a very vibrant agricultural community with very diverse farms doing a lot of very creative, value-added products.”
Plan Your Visit to Hicks Orchard
Hicks Orchard and Slyboro Ciderhouse are open year-round. Whether you are looking for a berry-picking excursion in July or a flight of hard cider in December, Hicks Orchard offers a picturesque escape to enjoy the best flavors of the area. For a full list of similar experiences, visit our agritourism in Washington County NY page.
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