Rensselaer County

A community acupuncture clinic operating as a pop-up at PHS NatureLAB in Troy, offering gentle, time-tested acupuncture on an accessible sliding scale. Treats pain, headaches, anxiety, digestive issues, sleep trouble, menstrual symptoms, and chronic conditions. Community model keeps costs accessible for all.

Troy jeweler designing and crafting handmade fine jewelry.

Rensselaer County's premier family-owned garden center and nursery, in continuous operation since 1870. Known for an exceptional selection of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, roses, and trees. Also carries mulch, topsoil, composted cow manure, sand, hay, straw, and Saratoga Sod. Free soil testing with advice. Custom container planting available. Staff provides expert horticultural guidance seven days a week in season.

A family-owned sustainable apiary raising northern-acclimated Carniolan honey bees using only organic practices. Produces liquid raw and creamed honey, fresh pollen, beeswax candles, and natural lip balm. Also raises queen bees and nucleus colonies to support local beekeepers. Particularly praised by customers managing environmental allergies through raw local honey consumption.

Certified organic farm founded in 1989 by Beatrice Berle, with over 30 years of regenerative farming on the Hoosick Valley's fertile land. A 15-cow dairy surrounded by orchards and vegetable gardens producing artisanal cheeses, yogurt, raw milk, Angus beef, apples, vegetables, maple syrup, popcorn, and flowers — all grown on-farm. Farm store open April through December. CSA program available. Products sold at 30+ stores across NY, VT, and MA. NYS Grown and Certified Organic (PCO and Real Organic Project).

Seasonal Tuesday evening community market in the Rensselaer Plateau town of Berlin, held at Nathan Strong Park. Features local farm produce alongside artisan makers, with free live music in the park from 5-7pm every market evening. Serves the rural eastern Rensselaer County communities of Berlin, Petersburgh, and surrounding plateau towns.

Family-owned farm established in 1979 in the Town of East Greenbush, offering pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and apples alongside a seasonal farm stand. Stand open June through September with jam, honey, peppers, sweet corn, and other seasonal produce. A beloved local tradition for Capital Region families for over 45 years.

Fifth-generation family farm in the Troy hill country raising antibiotic- and hormone-free beef, pork, and veal. Products available as frozen packages or individual cuts by appointment. Also offers pig roasts and live animals for sale. A multi-generational farm with deep Rensselaer County agricultural roots.

A landmark Capital Region brewery in a converted warehouse on the Hudson River in downtown Troy — brewing in Troy since 1993, making it one of the oldest continuously-operating craft breweries in New York State. The Troy taproom features 15+ beers on tap, with new releases added regularly. Production has grown to include a separate farm brewery in Walloomsac (Hoosick), where most distribution-bottle beer is now brewed. Brand spans approachable American craft styles to heavy IPAs and stouts. The Troy taproom is especially popular for live music and waterfront views.

Seasonal Tuesday evening community market in the Town of Brunswick serving the northern Troy suburb corridor. Features local produce, eggs, meats, baked goods, and handcrafted items from area farms and makers in the Rensselaer County foothills near Troy.

Full-service Agway serving the Capital District for over 25 years. Chicken feed, horse feed, livestock feed, pet food, propane, wood pellets, wild bird seed, and landscaping supplies. Pet grooming on site.

Squash Hunger program specifically collects fresh produce from home gardens, community gardens, and farms and distributes to Capital Region food pantries and shelters. Capital Roots also runs community gardens and the Veggie Mobile, supporting food access since 1975.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County connects research-based agricultural knowledge with farmers, families, and communities throughout the county. Programs cover agriculture and food systems, 4-H youth development, food and nutrition education, and horticulture. Provides direct farm consulting, business management support, vegetable and livestock specialist guidance, and local food promotion through the Harvest Connection program. Horticulturist on staff year-round.

Hoosick Falls woodshop building handcrafted indoor and outdoor furniture.

USDA Certified Organic family farm operated by Brian and Justine Denison on 164 acres of rich Battenkill bottomland in Schaghticoke — continuing the legacy of Buttermilk Falls Organic Farm, home of New York State's oldest CSA. Provides a 455-member weekly CSA of vegetables, herbs, melons, and strawberries over 22 weeks. Sells at the Troy, Saratoga, and Farm-to-Preschool markets. Certified by PCO and the Real Organic Project.

Family dairy farm in Schodack Landing raising Jersey cattle, with farm tours and farm-fresh dairy.

Seasonal Wednesday afternoon market co-hosted by the East Greenbush Library and Greenbush YMCA at Community Way. Features fresh produce, eggs, meats, dairy, baked goods, honey, and artisan items from local farms. Accepts SNAP/EBT. A convenient suburban market for the southern Rensselaer County community.

Trade association representing New York State forest products businesses. Resources on logger training, forest products marketing, and forestry regulations for NYS landowners and timber businesses.

Family-owned farm near Troy offering a greenhouse nursery in spring, u-pick produce through summer, and a full fall destination experience with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and pick-your-own activities for families. An accessible Capital Region farm destination just minutes from downtown Troy in Rensselaer County.

A cult-favorite artisan creamery in Schodack Landing, Rensselaer County, producing handmade cheeses from Jersey milk from Dutch Hollow Farm. Founded in 2013 by siblings Willy Bridgham, Shaleena Bridgham, and Josie Madison. Famous for their St. Stephen triple cream — a powdery bloomy rind cheese that has earned a devoted following among Hudson Valley cheese lovers. Available at specialty cheese shops and regional farmers markets.

Family farm in Castleton-on-Hudson raising bison for meat, plus sweet corn, produce, and honey.

First-generation regenerative farm established in 2009 by Dustin and Kassie Gibson on 600+ acres in Pittstown, home to nearly 900 sheep, goats, cows, and hogs. Committed to permaculture principles — no tilling, no chemical additives. All livestock 100% grass-fed on native vegetation using daily rotational mob grazing. Produces grass-fed and finished beef, pasture-raised pork, and pastured poultry. Land conserved through the Agricultural Stewardship Association.

Stephentown blacksmith forging handmade knives and ironwork.

A fish and game club in Wynantskill, Rensselaer County, serving the Capital Region eastern bank community of Troy and the Rensselaer highlands. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor conservation for members in Rensselaer County.

A small farm near Schenectady using organic practices to produce a wide range of products including fresh produce, honey, maple syrup, flowers, and mushrooms. Also raises mixed breed chickens for eggs and Cornish Cross chickens for meat. A diverse small farm operation with a nursery focus serving the Schenectady County community.

Historic independent farmers cooperative established in 1925 with an on-site feed mill. Carries custom farm feeds, fertilizer, home and garden supplies. One of the most authentic old-school farm supply operations in the Capital Region.

Seasonal Wednesday afternoon community market in Hoosick Falls, serving northeastern Rensselaer County near the Vermont border. Features fresh local produce, eggs, meats, baked goods, maple syrup, honey, and handmade goods from the Hoosick Valley farm community.

Rensselaer County's primary land conservation nonprofit, formed in 2024 through the merger of the Rensselaer Land Trust (founded 1987) and the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance. Works with the community to conserve the lands and waters of Rensselaer County — from the Hudson River shores across the Rensselaer Plateau to the Taconic Crest on the NY/MA border. Protects over 16,000 acres through ownership, easements, and partnerships. Operates five public nature preserves open for hiking, fishing, and paddling. Hosts guided First Saturday Walks and trail volunteer days.

Capital Region fiber arts guild dating to the Schenectady Handweavers and renamed in 1978. Open to anyone interested in handweaving or spinning, with membership extending across the Mohawk Valley, Hudson Valley, and western Massachusetts. Meetings feature educational programs, show-and-tell, and social time, with workshops led by prominent fiber arts experts. Hosts an annual Show & Sale each November in North Greenbush — one of the Capital Region's most popular handicraft exhibitions, featuring thousands of handmade items plus ongoing weaving and spinning demonstrations. 501(c)(4) nonprofit.

Tractor repair and restoration service in Columbia County. Works on vintage and modern tractors.

A 120-acre heritage breed sanctuary in West Sand Lake, Rensselaer County, keeping Scottish Highland cows, giant Shire horses, Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs, Tamworth pigs, Nigerian dwarf goats, sheep, and chickens. Dedicated to preserving breeds that predate factory farming. Open for farm visits since 2017. A joyful resource for homesteaders wanting to see and learn about heritage breeds in a working farm setting.

Century farm established in 1910 as Glenwood Fruit Farm and Dairy, now in its third generation under Ken and Kris Johnson in Schodack. A 300-acre low-spray operation offering u-pick strawberries, raspberries, apples, pumpkins, and vegetables, plus a farm store with award-winning apple cider donuts, old-fashioned cider, and housemade pies. Weekend hayrides and a petting paddock round out the experience. Summer vegetable and fall fruit CSAs available. Open May through Thanksgiving, Mon–Sat 9am–6pm.

Diversified CSA farm in Cropseyville offering vegetables, herbs, pasture-raised eggs, and meats through a farm share and on-farm store.

Popular fall destination farm with corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and seasonal activities. One of the premier agritourism destinations in Rensselaer County.

Seasonal Wednesday afternoon farmers market in the Village of Nassau, serving the southern Rensselaer County farm corridor. Features locally grown produce, eggs, meats, baked goods, maple syrup, and artisan items from area farms in the Nassau and Schodack region.

Seasonal Thursday afternoon community market at Williams Road in North Greenbush, serving the suburb communities between Troy and East Greenbush. Features local produce, eggs, dairy, meats, baked goods, and artisan items from regional farms and producers.

Nursery and greenhouse in Averill Park offering a curated selection of unusual and regionally appropriate plants for Capital Region gardens. Carries annuals, perennials, shrubs, and specialty plants suited to the local climate — a go-to for gardeners looking for something beyond the standard nursery fare in Rensselaer County.

Seasonal Saturday morning market on the front lawn of Poestenkill Town Hall, sponsored by the Poestenkill Business Association. Features 12 regular vendors offering vegetables, fruits, eggs, bread, maple syrup, honey, jams and jellies, grass-fed beef and milk, yogurt, flowers, herbs, and handcrafted jewelry. A beloved small-town market serving the Rensselaer Plateau community.

Troy glassblowing studio and gallery (since 2001), where head glassblower Phil Sundling and local artisans hand-blow borosilicate glass art, pendants, jewelry, and functional glass; also offers lessons and bench rentals.

Troy woodworking shop making handcrafted custom furniture.

Open-web buy/sell/trade classifieds for Rensselaer County, covering Troy, East Greenbush, Averill Park, Hoosick Falls, and surrounding towns. Free to browse and post, no login or Facebook account required.

Seasonal Thursday evening farmers and makers market at Riverfront Park along the Hudson River in the City of Rensselaer. A growing community market featuring local farm produce and a Makers Market component highlighting local artisans. Funded in part by a $50,000 NYS grant. SNAP accepted. Special events throughout the season.

Year-round workshops and hands-on training in practical rural and small-scale farming skills on the Rensselaer Plateau. Programming covers cheesemaking, whole-animal butchery, fermentation, food preservation, and small-scale farming fundamentals. Rooted in making traditional food and land skills accessible to a new generation of rural residents and homesteaders in Rensselaer County.

Sliding-scale custom meat processing collective in Nassau, Rensselaer County, primarily serving the Hudson River Watershed. RRMC offers on-farm slaughter, butchery, and educational workshops focused on harvesting, processing, preserving, and preparing meat with reverence and skill. Custom deer processing runs $100/deer including grinding and wrapping. Partners with Feeding New York State on the NYS Venison Donation Program — hunters interested in donating whole or partial deer can contact the shop to schedule processing at no cost; receipts are available for hunters wishing to claim the donation as a charitable contribution. Complete the log sheet at drop-off and indicate lead vs non-lead ammunition.

A small farm brewery on a sixth-generation family farm in upstate Nassau, Rensselaer County — the farm has been in the family since the 1800s and was a dedicated dairy operation milking Holstein cows into the late 1990s. Now reborn as a NY State Farm Brewery using its own field-grown crops alongside ingredients from local farms, all grown organically. The original brewhouse was built in the farm's former milk house and has since expanded into the dairy barns for production and the taproom. Beers include Old 82 (a pre-Prohibition-style golden ale named after the family's combine harvester), Hive Jive Brown (honey brown ale), Mosaic IPA, Brown Chicken Brown Ale, plus a Pilsner brewed with NY-grown Cascade and Zeus hops. Open Friday evenings with extended summer hours, food trucks on-site, live music, and a playground for families.

Troy jewelry studio making handmade jewelry with custom design and wedding-band workshops.

The third oldest fair in New York State, held annually in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County. A deeply traditional agricultural fair showcasing the best of Rensselaer County — every building bursting with vegetables, fruits, farm animals, antiques, baked goods, and homemade crafts. Takes great pride in hands-on participation and community engagement. Typically held late August through Labor Day weekend.

Small fiber farm in Nassau, Rensselaer County raising sheep and producing wool and handcrafted fiber products for spinners, weavers, and fiber artists. Offers raw fleece, rovings, and handmade wool goods direct from the farm. Part of the growing fiber arts community connecting the Capital Region to traditional textile crafts.

Farm store in Averill Park offering home-grown produce, eggs, and Amish-made goods.

Five-generation family farm known for strawberries and pumpkins. Dairy operation with seasonal produce and fall farm activities. One of the longest-running family farms in Rensselaer County.

A Troy, Rensselaer County artisan making cold process vegetable oil soaps in small batches from scratch. Specializes in traditional cold process soapmaking using plant-based oils — a handcraft rooted in homesteading tradition. Available online and at local markets.

A Troy pottery shop, studio, and community learning space showcasing the work of local potters and offering classes for all ages. A creative hub for the pottery community in Troy and the Capital Region.

Rural lifestyle retailer in Troy carrying livestock feed, pet supplies, fencing, chicken coops, waterers, feeders, and power equipment.

The Capital Region's premier year-round Saturday farmers market. 80+ producers, bakers, chefs, and artisans gather every Saturday — outdoors on River Street around Monument Square from May through October, and inside the Uncle Sam Atrium from November through April. Producer-only market offering fresh fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, fish, grass-fed meat, raw cheese, artisan foods, prepared foods, coffee, fresh-pressed juice, bread, baked goods, and crafts. SNAP/EBT accepted. Live music weekly.