by Laurie Boris

Created on: February 13, 2009   Last Updated: February 15, 2009

If you're popping up to the Mid-Hudson Valley for the weekend, like many metro New Yorkers do, forget about stopping at Whole Foods or Zabar's first. Not only do we have WiFi, indoor plumbing and Starbucks, we also have some of the best organic food around.

In The Supermarket

In a recent poll, Hannaford (two in Kingston; one in Red Hook) was voted fifth in the top ten healthiest supermarket chains. Look for the Nature's Place label - their store brand organics, which are decent values.

Organic canned goods can also be found on the cheap, as well as the packaged stuff you usually find in the middle-aisles of the health food stores (Annie's pasta for the kiddies, for one) without health food store prices.

In New Paltz, check out Stop & Shop (just a skip down Rte. 199); they also carry their own line of organics.

At The Farmer's Market

On any summer or fall weekend, farmer's markets sprout like dandelions - in Rhinebeck's municipal parking lot, in Kingston's Stockade District, or Rosendale's Recreation Center, to name just a few - where you can find some of the best local produce the area has to offer. (A warning about the Rhinebeck market-their produce is often overpriced, because they know you're coming. Few locals shop there.)

At Specialty Stores

Adams Fairacre Farms (locations in Kingston, Poughkeepsie and Newburgh) is a perennial farmer's market and gourmet shop, and a perennial favorite. While their selection of organic veggies is dismal, you can revel in a bounty of local produce. (It's the place to go during apple season.)

They also have an excellent deli and seafood counter, gourmet coffee, melt-in-your-mouth bakery selections and affordable organically raised meats.

If you're in Woodstock, forget Sunshine Markets and make the trek to Mother Earth's Storehouse in Kingston or Saugerties. You can buy your bulk organics (spices, grains, seeds, nuts, etc.) much cheaper than the smaller places. And they have better turnover, so you know it's fresh. This is also the place for locally-roasted, organic fair trade coffee. I'm getting a buzz just thinking about it!

Speaking of coffee, if that's the only thing you're after, zip up (or down, depending on your orientation) Route 28 to Catskill Mountain Coffee, or get yourself some excellent home brew at Monkey Joe's on Broadway in Kingston.

And while you're getting your java, stop by Fleisher's (on Wall Street) for grass-fed, organic meats. Even if you're not in Kingston, it's worth the trip.

Happy (and healthy) shopping!

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