More Than Honey: The Sweet and Savory Story of Damn Good Honey Farm
Nestled along Route 209 in Kerhonkson, NY, Damn Good Honey Farm is more than just a honey producer—it’s a thriving, diverse family farm deeply embedded in the Hudson Valley community. Founded by Keith and Jen Duarte in 2015, the farm began as a mission to support new beekeepers and has since blossomed into a vibrant hub for fresh food, handmade goods, and even a one-of-a-kind wellness experience.
From pasture-raised chicken to handcrafted honey soap, from a roadside market stocked with local provisions to a farm-to-fork kitchen serving up seasonal delights, Damn Good Honey Farm is redefining what it means to be a small farm in upstate New York. And if you think this place is just about honey, think again.
Building a Buzz: How It All Began
Keith and Jen Duarte didn’t just stumble into farming—they saw a need and took action.
“We started Damn Good Honey Farm to help new beekeepers on their journey,” Keith explains. “Beekeeping can be overwhelming at first, so we offered hands-on classes and personalized services designed to make that first year easier.”
What began as a small operation supporting beginner beekeepers quickly evolved. The couple’s passion for sustainable farming, high-quality products, and community engagement led them to expand their offerings. Today, Damn Good Honey Farm is a multi-faceted business that produces raw wildflower honey, beeswax-based skincare products, pasture-raised chicken, and organic vegetables, all while serving as a gathering place for local food lovers.
A Market, A Kitchen, and a Bee Bed—Oh My!
Walking into the Damn Good Honey roadside market is like stepping into a showcase of the best the Hudson Valley and Catskills have to offer. Shelves are stocked with local pasture-raised meats, cheeses, dairy, and free-range eggs, alongside a carefully curated selection of handmade gifts from local artisans.
And then there’s the kitchen.
“In January 2023, we opened our farm kitchen, which was a huge milestone for us,” says Jen. “We wanted to offer true farm-to-fork cooking that highlights the amazing ingredients we and our neighbors produce.”
One standout item? The Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich. Made with their own pasture-raised chicken and a fiery drizzle of their signature “Hot Hot Honey,” it’s become a must-try for visitors. But for those with different dietary preferences, the farm also offers vegan-friendly options, ensuring everyone can enjoy the flavors of the farm.
And then there’s something truly unexpected—the Bee Bed.
“People think we’re joking when we tell them about it,” Keith laughs. “But it’s real, and it’s incredible.”
Popular in Europe, the Bee Bed is a therapeutic experience where guests lie atop two active honeybee colonies, immersing themselves in the gentle hum and natural aroma of the hive. This holistic treatment has been linked to benefits for respiratory ailments, depression, PTSD, and more.
“We love that we’re able to offer something so unique,” says Jen. “It’s a way for people to connect with bees in a deeper way—beyond just honey.”
Farming Ain’t Easy: Overcoming Challenges
Like any small farm, Damn Good Honey has had its share of challenges. But one of the biggest came during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When everything shut down, we had to pivot fast,” Keith recalls. “We started home delivery, which was completely new for us. It was exhausting but necessary at the time.”
Though the demand for home delivery eventually faded, the experience reinforced the farm’s adaptability. Their biggest success? The opening of their farm kitchen—a move that allowed them to diversify their business and bring their community even closer.
A Farm with Heart: Giving Back to the Community
Damn Good Honey Farm isn’t just about selling products—it’s about nourishing the community in more ways than one.
“We donate to local fundraisers and community groups throughout the year,” Jen says. “But one of the things we’re most proud of is our ‘Pay What You Can’ table.”
Because the farm’s market is only open three days a week, the couple sets out fresh produce, bread, and other essentials on their off days, allowing community members to take what they need at a price they can afford.
“We believe access to fresh, local food shouldn’t be a luxury,” Keith adds. “If we can help someone put a good meal on the table, that’s what matters.”
More Than Honey: A Call to Action
If there’s one thing Keith and Jen wish more people knew, it’s that Damn Good Honey Farm is more than just honey.
“Our name can be misleading,” Keith admits with a grin. “We love our honey, but we do so much more. We’re a full-fledged farm, a community market, a kitchen, and a place for unique experiences like the Bee Bed.”
So, if you’re in Kerhonkson or passing through the Hudson Valley, make a stop at Damn Good Honey Farm. Grab a hot honey chicken sandwich, browse the market for local goods, or experience the soothing buzz of the Bee Bed.
You can find them at:
📍 6720 State Route 209, Kerhonkson, NY
📅 Open seasonally from mid-April to mid-December
📲 Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for updates
Whether you’re looking for raw honey, organic veggies, handcrafted soap, or just a damn good meal, Keith and Jen have you covered.
And trust us—you won’t leave empty-handed.
If you can’t make it to their farm stand, you can find some damn good honey products at these locations:
Forage and Gather, Mountaindale, NY
Kelder's Farm, Kerhonkson, NY
Little Light Of Mine Village Candle, New Paltz, NY
Main Street Farm, Livingston Manor, NY
Mercier Farm, New Paltz, NY
Saunderskill Farms, Accord, NY
Village Coffee and Goods, Kingston, NY
Village Grocery, Kingston, NY
Scarborough Fare, New Paltz, NY
Rivertown General, Dobbs Ferry, NY
Tetta's Market, Olivebridge, NY
Astrel Flame Botanical, Wallkill, NY
