FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 10, 2023
Contact: Andrew Santillo, (518) 853-8334
BELLINGER’S ORCHARD NAMED MONTGOMERY COUNTY’S
SEPTEMBER SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH
Apples & Fun Are Plentiful At This Third-Generation Family-Run Orchard
FONDA – Bellinger’s Orchard is a third-generation farm that has been in the same family for more than 200 years. Bellinger’s Orchard originated in 1930, but the farm has been in the Winne/Bellinger family since 1804. Furman and Mildred Bellinger began the orchard in 1930, eventually passing it on to their son, Thomas, and his wife, Betty, in 1963. Now, it is operated by the third generation, Linda and Ken Coyne, along with some help from their children, Ian and Joshua, making it four generations that have helped this successful orchard and tourist destination thrive.
Bellinger’s Orchard has been selected as Montgomery County’s September Small Business of the Month by County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort and the Montgomery County Business Development Center because of the recreational opportunities it provides families far and wide, while being rooted in agriculture — historically an important sector in the county.
“Bellinger’s Orchard is a great place to visit, especially in the fall,” County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort said. “The farm sells local products, provides residents with outdoor experiences, and Bellinger’s is even a destination for people from outside of our county and region to enjoy.”
In the fall, Bellinger’s has the best homemade cider donuts and fresh, sweet cider, in addition to apples galore. This time of year also brings Bellinger’s weekend hayrides, a challenging five-acre corn maze, large pumpkin patch and two picnic areas with unbeatable views of the countryside.
“It’s an honor to be recognized,” Linda Coyne said about this honor. “Our family farm enjoys the support the community has given us over the years. It’s fun to see the multi-generations of families returning year after year and the growth of those children — it really makes you stop to see life as it progresses. Montgomery County is perfectly situated, just far enough from a major city to live the country life, and, yet close enough to a populous area for good foot traffic. The rolling hills and mountainous views on a clear day are a sight to be seen.”
Bellinger’s has more than 50 varieties of apples for fall-time picking. Bellinger’s isn’t just a fall place to be, however. Throughout the year, Bellinger’s hosts pick your own cherries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines and plums, along with the other local New York state products that are available.
“Bellinger’s is a model of the type of agritourism businesses we like to see in the county,” Montgomery County Business Development Center CEO Ken Rose said. “Agriculture has historically been and continues to be one of the main economic engines for the county and that’s because of successful farms like Bellinger’s.”
Bellinger’s Orchard is open seven days a week in the fall months of September and October. The orchard is located at 685 Argersinger Road, in Fultonville. Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram @BellingersOrchard and their website is www.bellingersorchard.com.
The small business of the month initiative recognizes local Montgomery County businesses that are making a difference in the community. Anyone wishing to nominate a deserving small business for recognition next month should contact the Montgomery County Business Development Center at 518-853-8334 or email vnicosia2@co.montgomery.ny.us with a brief note about the positive impact the company is making on the community. Nominations can also be submitted by sharing a post and tagging the business on the Business Development Center’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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ABOUT MCBDC
Montgomery County Business Development Center (MCBDC) provides professional economic development assistance to businesses interested in expanding or relocating to Montgomery County. It offers real estate solutions, financial assistance and incentives, as well as business development and technical assistance. MCBDC acts as the county’s Department of Economic Development, & Planning, the Industrial Development Agency, and Capital Resource Corporation. To learn more visit www.MontgomeryCountyWorks.com.