This Tiny New York Town Goes Big on Antiquing and Farm-to-Table Food
Article in Country Living Magazine
September 15, 2022
By Sarah Zlotnick
Photo by Christian Harder
When it comes to the perfect fall getaway, there are three key components: delicious food, unique antique shops, and unparalleled opportunities for leaf-peeping’. Lucky for you, Andes, New has it all! Nestled in the rolling hills of a former dairy community in the Catskills, this tiny upstate New York small town—along with its neighbors in Delaware County and Ulster County—is now home to a bounty of makers and creators who have transformed the area into a bastion of unique small businesses. And we guarantee you’ll want to visit each and every one!
When it comes to things to do in Andes, New York, you certainly won’t be left wanting. Though the town is small, with a population of just 1,030, it goes big on fall fun. Restaurants, cideries, and distilleries prioritize fresh local ingredients, while an abundance of antique and vintage shops cater to a variety of styles and aesthetics. You can hang with goats, cheer on a vintage baseball game, or listen to live music. And autumn is the perfect time of year to visit, because the Catskill mountains will be alive with fall color.
So stop fantasizing about sipping on hard cider while savoring the changing of the leaves and start planning your trip! Our Andes, New York travel guide includes the best restaurants, hotels, shops and more, plus plenty of additional wonderful things to see and do. If you’ve been looking for a reason to explore upstate New York beyond Hudson Valley, this is absolutely it.
RYSE & SHINE
Regulars in Andes know to put in a preorder for the ham and Gruyere croissants and caramel-topped sticky buns at Wilson’s Bread.
SEEK & FIND
Photo by Christian Harder
In nearby Franklin, Sean Scherer’s Kabinett & Kammer is a destination for soulful statement pieces, while Blue Farm Antiques & Letterpress Printing specializes in folk art and Americana. On Saturdays, Delhi newcomer This & That transforms their garden into an open-air flea market. Back in Andes, retro clothing enthusiasts can’t miss Clementine Vintage Clothing.
SWING INGO FALL
Photo by Jason Martin
May through October, teams in the Delaware County Vintage Base Ball Association square off in games played in accordance with customs of the 1800s. (Think: all-grass fields, old-timey uniforms, no gloves.) At goat dairy Dirty Girl Farm, farm tours include plenty of hang time with a friendly herd of Alpines and Saanens.
GO HARD CORE
Photo by Natalie Chitwood
Tucked inside two restored barns, the Sean Scherer-designed Wayside Cider & Taproom (pictured) serves small-batch hard ciders made with apples from their nearby orchard. At Union Grove Distillery in nearby Arkville, the unique Catskill Mountain Maple Spirit is made from maple syrup and sips like a bourbon, while hopheads can sip house-brewed beers at Bovina Farm & Fermentory.
PEEP THE LEAVES
Take in autumn color along the four-mile Andes Rail Trail, or hike to the fire tower atop nearby Mt. Utsayanthafor stunning panoramic views of Stamford (pictured).
SHOP SMALL
Photo by Christian Harder
You can’t go wrong with brunch at The Andes Hotel (pictured at top). Enjoy a burger at a picnic table, then head inside for a round of pool in the wood-paneled tavern. Special occasions call for a multi-course dinner at Brushland Eating House (pictured).
This is just part of the article that included Delaware County. You can read the full article here with a subscription to Country Living Magazine.