A Guide to Delaware County’s Thriving Craft Culture from the New York Times

By Mimi Vu

On a rainy evening last month in the town of Andes, N.Y., a number of farmers and artisans convened for a harvest dinner. The venue was an 1850s Carpenter Gothic building that had, at various times, been a thriving corner store and a restaurant, but had since fallen into disrepair. There was no heat, no electricity, no kitchen to speak of — and yet the meal, organized by the artist Sean Scherer and the cider-makers Alex Wilson and Irene Hussey, was sumptuous. Produce from prominent local growers such as Lucky Dog Organic, Evans & Evans, Bovina Valley Farms and Burnett Farms was transformed with the help of ovens in a neighboring house, and the buffet boasted roast hens, chutneys, patés, cheeses and custard.

The event perfectly summed up the stalwart spirit of Delaware County, on the far western edge of the Catskills in the watershed that supplies New York City’s taps. This area has, in recent years, attracted a growing number of young people who are transforming its rolling dairy pastures and wildflower-dense meadows into a destination for foodies and adventurists alike. Despite the scant amenities — there is little cell reception, quality groceries can be hard to come by and subzero winter nights aren’t uncommon — a craft culture is blossoming there. Here, a guide to the artisans producing gorgeous products from the stubborn landscape.

Read the full New York Times piece here.