The Great Tree Hunt

As you may or may not know, we love us a real tree.

Since this is our first Christmas in New York, we had to find a new tree farm. As you can imagine, there is no shortage of those around here.

We choose to go to our favorite local market, which was rumored to have a "U-Cut" tree farm.  This little piece of Heaven, North Star Orchards, is not only close to our home, but it's the epitome of a country market. In the summer, it's strawberry and blueberry picking. In the fall it's apple picking, pumpkins, and fresh pies. It's local coffees, syrups, produce, dairy, meat, and a fresh bakery. And apparently, in December, it's Christmas Trees.

North Star had an array of pre-cut trees, but we're always looking for a good challenge, and on a freezing, rainy day, we could think of nothing better than venturing out to cut our own tree. After inquiring about the mysterious "U-Cut" tree farm, the owner pointed us to a dirt trail behind the market.

"Drive back up in there. You'll find a variety of trees. $30 no matter what size or type. You need a saw?"

As a matter of fact, yes. We do need a saw.

So, we followed the small, hand-written U-Cut signs until we found a perfectly suitable patch of trees. We parked and then hiked until we found the perfect tree (and by that I mean until we got cranky and cold).

For obvious reasons (we're crazy) we were the only ones out there. It was serene and quiet, and despite the freezing rain, I'd dare to say we had fun.