The Central New York Region has long been renowned for its breweries, wineries and local cuisine. Between hop heritage trails, brewery, winery and cider mill tours and gourmet restaurants featuring recipes centered on foods grown right in the community, you’re sure to have your hands (and mouth) full when experiencing the Central New York Region’s love of craft beverages and local cuisine.
Both contain only the freshest, hand-picked ingredients including ripe fruits and vegetables, hearty grains and pure dairy products from local farms to provide you with a truly palate-pleasing experience. Here are some highlights to get you started on your own trailblazing of the exceptional hop heritage found only in the Central New York Region.
Cooperstown Beverage Trail
Going back well before baseball became America’s pastime, Cooperstown in Otsego County has a centuries-old history of fine drink. Once the hops-growing capital of North America, it now boasts two breweries, a farm winery and a historic cider mill, each producing world-class beverages for all to sip and savor.
New York state’s very first official cuisine trail, the Cooperstown Beverage Trail, is also located in Otsego and is comprised of four establishments: Fly Creek Cider Mill, Brewery Ommegang and Cooperstown Brewing Company. Enjoy tastings, get a close-up look at how the beverages are made on a tour, or just stroll around and browse the specialty boutiques.
The Hop Heritage Trail
Follow The Madison County Hop Heritage Trail featuring hop kilns and other related hop sites still in existence documenting the agricultural impact of commercial hop production in the history of Madison County and New York state.
In the 1880s, New York State produced 80 percent of the nation’s hops, and most of those hops came from Madison, Oneida, and Otsego counties. In fact, Madison County was known as “one great hop yard” for a century. Sites on the trail include the Foothill Hops, Ye Olde Landmark Tavern, Coolidge Hop Farm, Chenango Canal Cottage Museum and many more. Who knew history could go down so smoothly
CNY Food & Beverage Trail
In Central New York’s Madison County, take in and explore different vendors, craft beverage and farm-to-table restaurants on the CNY Food & Beverage Trail. With over 27 different locations to visit there is always something that will strike your taste buds.
Heart of New York Beverage Trail
Central New York is America’s Craft Brew Destination and Oneida County is at the heart of it. That’s why the Getaway Region created the Heart of New York Craft Beverage Trail, which unites nine craft breweries, distilleries and wineries in the Utica area and throughout the county.
The Heart of New York Craft Beverage Trail covers everyone from Utica’s legendary F.X. Matt Brewing Co. to award-winning Adirondack Distilling Co. and startups like Prospect Falls Winery. A half-dozen craft pubs make for a crawl that ensures visitors they get a true taste of Central New York.
Schoharie County Beverage Trail
The Schoharie County Beverage Trail runs from Richmondville to Charlotteville and Fultonham to Middleburgh, and includes four unique destinations, including 1857 Spirits and Green Wolf Brewing Co. Founding affiliate members of the trail include Under the Nose in Middleburgh and Schoharie County Tourism.
The beverage producers have strong ties to the community and are supported by several local shops and restaurants are designated as Friends of the Trail. All trail members are committed to supporting community involvement, local commerce and farm-to-table.
Southern Tier Craft Beverage Trail
The Southern Tier Craft Beverage Trail encompasses craft beverage operations located in Broome, Chenango and Tioga counties. It features 10 locally-owned and operated craft breweries and distilleries, all of whom also offer hand-crafted food on-site for customers. The trail features a passport for customers with a variety of prizes for completion.
Whatever path you choose, come celebrate the historic culture of New York state’s hop industry with us.