Even if you don’t know a plie from a paintbrush, don’t let that stop you from exploring Appel Farm Arts & Music Center. In fact, that’s what they are there for. Throughout the year, the Center conducts workshops and hosts activities that will set free your inner artist. The scope of classes is pretty impressive – theater, dance, painting, sculpting, photography, you name it. With day and evening classes, there isn’t any excuse to explore your artistic side. And if you are in need of inspiration, some of the outdoor sculptures located throughout Appel Farm’s 176 acres might get the muses going.

Appel Farm’s concert series draw on some of the nation’s most talented performers, particular singer-songwriters. The Family Matinees could be anything from sophisticated puppet shows to musical theater to visiting dance troupes. But whether it is one of their concerts or the matinees, you won’t spend a ton of money on tickets. Part of the appeal of the place, aside from the great site lines, is that you can see great talent and have money left over to go out to dinner.

Parents looking to nurture their offsprings artistic abilities – and to get a break during the summer – have discovered the wonders of Appel Farm’s summer arts camp programs. Kids get the usual sleepover camp activities along with classes and workshops in dozens of artistic fields.

For anyone who says they love music, the Appel Farm Arts & Music festival is a must-see. Not to name drop or anything but some of the folks who have performed over the years include Rufus Wainwright, Shawn Colvin, Mark Cohn, Los Lonely Boys, Mavis Staples, Suzanne Vega . . . need we continue? Rain or shine, the concerts go on. Just bring plenty of sunscreen, a blanket and find your spot.

And there’s more than music to the Festival, too. For lovers of high-quality, hand-crafted goods, there is the juried craft show of approximately 60 artisans selling everything from jewelry, pottery and furniture to textiles, sculpture and who knows what else.