Local Champion · Madison County
Cody Fedele’s Guide to Madison County, NY: Breweries, Lakes and Hidden Gems
Director of Hospitality, Meier’s Creek Brewing Company, Cazenovia
Who Is Cody Fedele?
Cody Fedele is the Director of Hospitality at Meier’s Creek Brewing Company in Cazenovia. With nearly 30 years in the restaurant business, Cody joined the brewery in July 2020, when the Feldmeier family purchased the property and launched a new brand.
Opening a brewery during the pandemic took plenty of grit, and Meier’s Creek celebrated its sixth birthday this August. Cody helped build the brewery’s culture from day one, with a focus on accountability, humility, and treating every guest with respect.
About Meier’s Creek Brewing Company
The brewery has a simple goal: to be the best brewery in New York State. The team has brewed more than 300 beers in six years, and you’ll find its cans everywhere from Wegmans and Tops to small restaurants in the Adirondacks. Meier’s Creek also gives back, supporting first responders, local families facing hardship, and partners like the Baldwin Fund and Helping Hounds.
Why Madison County Feels Like Central New York’s Backyard
Cody loves the people most of all. He has made countless friends over the bar in the taproom and knows local farmers, vendors, and first responders on a first-name basis. He describes Madison County as hardworking, kind, and humble, a place where everyone treats each other like family.
He calls it “Central New York’s backyard,” a slower, more relaxing spot to unplug, with stunning foliage in fall and a romantic feel in winter. Even his commute up Route 92 feels like a vacation.
He also loves how the brewing community works together. “It’s not really so much competition,” he says. “It is more community.”
From Fire Pits to Hidden Gems: Cody’s Madison County Picks
01
Settle In at Meier’s Creek
Grab an Adirondack chair by the fire pit with a pint and a warm Bavarian pretzel at sunset. Try the Float On By, a crisp German pilsner served in a 20-ounce mug, or the Velvet Fog, a juicy, orange-forward New England IPA. First-timers should order a flight. Families can enjoy hiking trails, cornhole, live music, and a free disc golf course.
02
Visit the Neighbors
Lorenzo State Historic Site sits right next door, with hiking trails and plenty of history. Cody also recommends Critz Farms (try their Blueberry Moon cider) and Madison County Distillery, which both host live music.
03
Spend a Day at the Lake
Cazenovia Lake’s Gypsy Bay Park draws families for swimming, games, and running around with your pup.
04
Eat in Town
Check out 64 Albany, a newer spot in Cazenovia, or settle in for a cozy meal at the Lincklaen House, the Brae Loch Inn, or the Brewster Inn on the lake.
05
Find a Hidden Gem
Cody’s top pick is Lower Lake Brewery in Hamilton. “Go see Mark,” he says. “His beer is great.”
06
Support Local
Within 15 or 20 minutes of the brewery, you can reach dozens of small businesses. Cody’s advice is simple: “Support local, drink local.”
