Muddy Brook Farm, just outside of Middleburgh, is a working farm and a hospitality destination owned by Kade Iervolino. He is chef, owner and manager of the property and recently added a food truck, private farm-to-table dinners and a seasonal market to the mix.
Iervolino, 25, operates the businesses with the help of one other full-time employee and two part-time employees, all of whom are under the age of 30.
Iervolino is originally from New Jersey. “I grew up coming to Windham to ski since I was 8 years old,” he said. He said he is on a mission to introduce other people from New York City and New Jersey to this part of upstate New York. “It is only three hours from New York City,” he said.
In 2022, his family bought a farmhouse that dates back to 1820, on five acres of land that sits right below Vroman’s Nose on state Route 30 in Fulton. “I always wanted to be an entrepreneur,” he said. His family invested in the property with the idea of him creating a business there.
“I studied environmental science and business in college,” Iervolino said. “I always wanted an outdoor job, not a desk job.” The first thing he did was build a new garden and put in a “food forest” of nut and fruit trees.
“I have been super passionate about food my whole life,” Iervolino said. “I grew up in a foodie family.”
“We’re working to incorporate permaculture principles throughout the property and use the land in a thoughtful way, growing food that can ultimately make its way into what we’re cooking and serving here,” said Kayla Francis, who grew up in Middleburgh and is head of marketing.
Iervolino grows tomatoes, potatoes, onions, herbs, peppers, lettuce, garlic and shitaki mushrooms on his farm. He uses the farm-fresh ingredients in his recipes.
He refurnished the farmhouse, which sleeps up to 10 people, keeping it rustic. The house has five bedrooms, three full baths and a chef’s kitchen. The farmhouse is available for overnight stays or for rent for private events, including weddings and family gatherings.
“Our vision is for people to come experience the property, food and landscape, whether they’re staying with us, hiking Vroman’s Nose, visiting the Schoharie Valley, coming for dinner or live music, or simply spending an afternoon at the farm,” Francis said.
As an AirBnB, the farmhouse has a five-star rating. Rental rates change depending on the season and can be found on the website, muddybrookfarmny.com. Guests receive a welcome basket when they check in.
“I am passionate about hospitality and creating an experience,” Iervolino said.
“We’ve also been using the farm for live music, seasonal gatherings, private dinners and family celebrations,” Francis said. “One of our favorite parts of what this is becoming is having a space where people visiting the area and people who live here can come together and enjoy the farm and this part of upstate New York.”
There is a seasonal market on premises called The Muddy Market, where guests can shop for locally-made goods and jewelry, regional finds, hiking essentials, nature-inspired items and trail snacks for people heading out to explore Vroman’s Nose and the surrounding Schoharie Valley.
“We want the market and (food truck) to feel like a natural stopping point before or after a hike, while also giving visitors a little taste of this area and the people who make things here,” Francis said.
Iervolino gained experience by working in several restaurants before buying his own food truck. “Trailhead, our food truck, focuses on fresh, intentionally prepared food without seed oils or preservatives, and we incorporate ingredients from the farm into the menu as the growing season allows,” Francis said.
The mobile kitchen “caters to hikers and outdoorsy people” he said. He operates it on the weekends at the trailhead at Vroman’s Nose, a popular destination for hikers in Schoharie County.
Iervolino offers four signature rice bowls, burgers, crispy potatoes and charred corn.
“If we can make ideas like permaculture and sustainability feel exciting and approachable through the farm, the food and the experiences we create here, I think we can contribute to a bigger cultural shift in how people connect with the land and their communities,” Francis said.
Vroman’s Nose is named after the Vroman family, who were early settlers. The summit is large and flat. It juts out in the shape of a giant nose which can be seen from Iervolino’s property below.
Vroman’s Nose rises about 600 feet above the Schoharie Valley and provides expansive views. It was formed by glaciers some 50,000 years ago according to AllOverAlbany.com. There is free parking at the trailhead and two trails to choose from, a shorter one and a longer, steeper path. The most popular trail is only one mile, round trip.
“What I love most about my role is finding creative ways to tell the story of what we’re building here,” Francis said. “There’s so much beauty in this area, and I think people are craving a stronger connection to where their food comes from, to nature and to the places they live and visit.”
For more information about Muddy Brook Farm, visit www.muddybrookfarmny.com.