A Tradition of Harvest in Westmoreland
Just outside Westmoreland, North Star Orchards is a landmark of the harvest season. From pick-your-own apples to warm cider donuts on crisp mornings, it’s a place where generations have gathered for the tastes and colors of fall.
The Joseph family has spent decades tending the land here, keeping the orchard’s traditions alive while always finding ways to make each season better than the last.
From Dairy Farm to Orchard Destination
The land where North Star Orchards stands today began as a dairy farm before it was purchased in 1982. Since then, it has been continually transformed with a focus on perennial crops like apples and blueberries and a growing emphasis on agri-tourism.
George and Elaine Joseph started the farm market in 1990 after returning to the area from Anchorage, Alaska. George had worked at a farm market during college and never stopped thinking about the possibilities. After a 15-year career in the building industry, he and Elaine, along with their four children, returned to New York to pursue their shared vision.
A Fall Experience Like No Other
Fall is a whirlwind at North Star. The orchards are busy with apple and pumpkin picking, the cider press is running, and the in-house bakery is turning out fresh donuts and pies.
Visitors also come for mums, pumpkins, free wagon rides, and all the favorite touches of the season.
For George and Elaine, one of the best parts is the smell of apple cider donuts on a crisp morning and the abundance of fresh produce that fills the farm this time of year.
Family Roots, Family Roles
Today, George (“Grandpa”) oversees farm operations, the property, and the bakery. Elaine handles bookkeeping, daily business transactions, and purchasing for the greenhouses.
Their son Jonathan manages farm market operations, while Michael oversees outdoor operations along with the greenhouse and nursery department.
Connecting with Community
North Star stays closely connected to the community by supporting local organizations like churches, schools, and fire departments, making donations throughout the season.
Social media also plays a key role, giving the farm a way to share seasonal changes, events, and new products with customers.
Wagon Rides: A Beloved Tradition
They offer free wagon rides during October weekends—a tradition that began with a single horse-drawn wagon making one trip at a time. Today, it has grown into three wagons carrying 40 people each, departing every 10 minutes.
Looking Ahead
The Josephs keep their approach simple: do everything they’ve done in the past, only a little better.
With such a diverse business, that’s no small task. Some ideas take seasons to become reality, but the goal remains the same—listening to their customers and finding new ways to serve them.
Slow and steady has always been the Joseph family motto. And it shows.
North Star Orchards is the kind of place where the air smells like cider and donuts, where neighbors greet each other in the orchard, and where every visit feels like part of a tradition worth keeping.
Visit North Star Orchards
Address: 4741 NY-233, Westmoreland, NY 13490
Phone: (315) 853-1024
️ Season: Open mid-April through December 24
Daily Hours: Monday–Sunday, 8 AM–6 PM
