I planned a trip to Battenfeld’s Farm in hopes of seeing the violets. Battenfeld Farm of New York’s Hudson River Valley was once the largest violet grower supplying violets the world over. I visited the farm the weekend after Valentine’s Day and alas, though I was told that yes indeed they would still have violets, the violets were pretty much picked over. However, the trip was aught for naught. The anemones that are now the staple of the farm were stunning in their volume and variety. I particularly fell for the variegated varieties, some reminding me of the exotically striated tulips that stole the hearts and pocketbooks during the Dutch tulip mania. And there was something to be said for seeing masses of anemones in bloom as snow was piled outside the greenhouse windows.
We made the short trip to nearby Rhinebeck for lunch. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend a lunch at Arielle’s. The savory French food matches the dining room’s adorable charm and ambiance. It was a lovely day trip from the city that is already on my list of things to do again!
*UPDATE* Arielle has closed permanently.
Photography Beth Horta for Sweet Sabelle.