Bob’s Trees, Family Owned Since 1942
The original Bob, Robert Eaton, operated a lumberyard and sawmill, and decided in 1942 on Christmas trees to replace the trees he cut down. “All the neighbors thought he was insane,” says his granddaughter, Kathy Doyle. “Yet here we are.”
Bob’s sons graduated from horticultural college and expanded the business to include oaks and maples, and today Bob’s is a source for all sorts of nursery, landscaping and garden needs -- and a memorable wedding and event venue with a lovely pond, pavilion, and fire pit.
But this time of year, it’s all about Christmas trees -- 100 glorious acres of them.
“A lot of families of all sorts come here to kick off the holidays,” says Kathy, who’s been working at Bob’s Trees since she was 14. “Just dress warm. We’ll give you a map and a saw and turn you loose to find the tree of your holiday dreams.”
Whether you’re cutting it yourself or choosing a pre-cut tree, a nice healthy tree from Bob’s will give weeks, even months of joy when it’s watered twice a day. “We have one customer who always calls us up to let us know she redecorated her tree for Valentine’s Day and then for St. Patrick’s,” says Kathy. “She never takes the tree down until March. And as long as you never let them go dry, they really will last and look lovely for that long.”
There’s a snack bar with coffee, hot chocolate, soda or tea and a range of food choices, including gluten-free options. You’ll want to stop in at the gift shop, where you’ll find wreaths, kissing balls, and ornaments to complete the perfect festive decor, along with unique home decor items and gifts that will delight those special someones on your Nice list.
“We’re really all about families having a wonderful time in the holiday season,” Kathy says. “People have a blast finding the right tree, then finding an even more perfect tree. One thing I can tell you: it’s going to look a lot bigger in your living room than it does outdoors.
From just before Thanksgiving until the week before Christmas, two of Santa’s reindeer will be visiting. “Watch our Facebook for their exact arrival date and other exciting holiday news,” says Kathy. Santa himself will be there the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving and the first two weekends of December for our Santa, Cookies and Cocoa experience from 8 am --l 3 pm. “The Santa Experience was a big hit last year, and we recommend getting your tickets in advance through our Facebook or website,” says Kathy. “It makes a great family tradition. And after 3, Santa will be outside posing for photos and accepting wish lists.”
Whether you’re bringing kiddos or indulging in a casually romantic daytime date, you’ll feel the radiance of celebration in everything that happens here. “Everyone loves coming out here -- we have customers who were here as children, brought their own kids, and now they’re all here with the grandchildren,” says Kathy, whose own daughter is now part of the Bob’s Trees team. “It’s just so much fun.”
Come see for yourself, Bob’s Trees can be found at 1227 West Galway Road in Hagaman, just a half hour outside Schenectady, and online at bobstrees.com.
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