Stone Tavern Orchards grew out of a lifelong love of growing and cultivating the earth. Owners Pat and Silezia O'Connell both hail from farming families. Pat grew up on his family's farm in Middlebush, NJ, and started working on farms in the area as a wee lad! His wife, Silezia, grew up on a farm in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Together, they dreamt of joining their talents and starting a farm of their own. 

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In 1976, Pat bought his first farm at 18, and the rest was history! Back then, he mainly grew vegetables, but his love for growing pumpkins and other autumnal delights has since blossomed. Along the way, he's grown many a pumpkin and even won a giant pumpkin contest!

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In 2018, the O'Connells bought Stone Tavern Orchards, formerly AshHurst Farms. Owned by F.G. Rue & Sons, the Rue family has tended this land since the 1860s! With the help of his wife and his daughter, Annie, who acts as farm manager, Pat is proud to continue that legacy of family farming that has graced this farm for the last century.

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Here at Stone Tavern Orchards, you'll always find a friendly face, fresh vegetables, delicious apples, and beautiful pumpkins, gourds, and squash grown with the care and knowledge of an 11th-generation farmer. We all look forward to meeting you at the farm!

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With Love, 

The O'Connell Family​​