Dairy Farms, Dramatic Landscapes & Delightful Finds

With deep agricultural roots, a flourishing art scene as well as a lovely landscape, many visitors love Eastern Washington County so much they end up calling it home. In fact, many have found it reminiscent of the English countryside’s rolling hills and winding rivers!

Discover the wonders for yourself! From fishing to hiking, golfing to shopping, Eastern Washington County offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for your whole group. No matter what you’re into, you’ll find plenty of interesting things to do to fill your time here.

Let’s explore Eastern Washington County, New York: Battenville, East Greenwich, Salem, Cossayuna and West Hebron!

Battenville, NY

Battenville is home to Schoolhouse Maple, who still makes their syrup the old-fashioned way: in buckets filled with sap! If you’re in the area around March, visit Schoolhouse Maple on our Maple Trail or explore the many other Washington County sugarmakers who participate in Maple Weekend festivities!

Plus, Battenville was also the childhood home of Susan B. Anthony; the historic building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places!

Explore the nearby Shushan, NY area with us in our blog post about Southeast Washington County.

East Greenwich, NY

Just up Route 29 from Battenville lies East Greenwich, a hamlet of the Town of Greenwich. There, you can find the award-winning maple syrup of Wild Hill Maple, available in three grades (amber, dark, and very dark) as well as a number of maple products!

Plus, from the road, you can spot Surya Polo Club! With polo lessons, events, and matches on 100+ acres, this is a great spot to see specially-trained horses in action.

If you’re in the market for plants, check out The Greenery‘s seasonal hanging baskets, decorative planters, and gardening supplies! Or, find inner healing through creative arts at Eland Ra Arts, who have offered events, workshops, art, and more since 1996.

Nearby lies Ondawa Greens, a 9-hole executive-length course with a clubhouse, pro shop, and full-length driving range!  With its incredible views of the rolling hills and many services for golfers’ enjoyment, this course is great for the whole family. Discover more golf courses nestled in the Washington County countryside.

Additionally, the Rexleigh Covered Bridge rests nearby, spanning the Battenkill River. Originally built in 1874, it’s one of 4 covered bridges preserved by the county. While you’re there, be sure to check out the ruins of the historic Rexleigh Marble Mill on a beautiful 3-acre preserve on the banks of the Battenkill.

Salem, NY

Beautiful Salem, New York lies at the intersection of history, agriculture, and art! Despite being one of the oldest settlements in the region, many gorgeous 19th-century buildings remain intact. In fact, the town’s historic Main Street was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975! Learn more on our ‘Life on Main Street Salem‘ blog post.

Experience Salem for yourself! There are many great places to spend the night nearby, including two incredible farm stays: Blind Buck Valley Farmstead and Sky Parlor Farm. Or, get a taste of village life and check in to the Yellow Door Inn.

A town full of thriving small businesses, Salem offers shopping of all sorts! In case of emergency on your trip, Salem Hardware on Main Street carries almost anything you could need.

If you’re hungry, grab a bite at Jacko’s Corner. There you’ll discover locally-made craft food and beverages as well as live music and events. Across the street, Steininger’s Chocolates & Cafe has served its delectable goods for many years. Now their famous chocolates are available for nationwide shipping!

While you’re at it, why not take care of your skin or pick up some gifts for your loved ones? Explore MW Farmstead‘s line of all-natural goat milk soaps and skincare products made with milk from their Nigerian Dwarf goat herd.

Brighten up your day with some blooms from Laura’s Garden and Flower Shop, or bring home Washington County beauty with one of Thomas Kerr‘s pastel pieces!

Points Of Interest In Salem, New York

Plus, there are also tons of interesting things to do after shopping your way down Main Street! For starters, check out the Revolutionary War Cemetery on Archibald Street. The  2.6-acre area holds over 1,000 graves and holds the largest number of Revolutionary War dead or veterans in the nation. Just down the road, the Delaware & Hudson Depot historical landmark at 219 S Main St. marks a 150-year-old rail yard.

If you plan ahead, you can catch a performance at Fort Salem Theater, one of several performing arts centers in Washington County!

Finally, get a bird’s-eye-view of Salem and enjoy art in the outdoors at Salem Art Works’ Cary Hill Sculpture Park.

Main Street North

Just north of Salem, discover the artistry of the Farmhouse Table Company of Vermont, whose custom-made rustic furniture uses locally-sourced and reclaimed wood!

Or, sleep amongst the splendor of the forested hills at the Hilltopper Guest House. Nearby is also the full-farm experience of Gardenworks Farm‘s year-round operation, including a fabulous farm stay, u-pick produce, farm stand, and more!

Get your fiber fix at Quarry Ridge Alpacas (by appointment), whose 20+ years of alpaca-breeding experience have resulted in some of the finest fiber around.

Additionally, Eastern Washington County is home to some of the best-managed hunting lands in upstate New York!

There are not one but three great experiences near Salem. Create your ideal hunting/fishing adventure within BattenKill Hunt & Fish Club‘s multiple terrains. Or, set your rifle’s sights on brightly-feathered pheasants at Over and Under Farms! Lastly, you can completely customize your experience with one of Fifield Outfitters‘ expertly-guided fishing and hunting trips.

Eastern Salem, New York

While in Salem, don’t miss out on your chance to explore the historic Salem Courthouse complex, which has been preserved as a thriving community center. It includes a community garden, commercial kitchen, workshops, and a thrift store called The Shoppe Off Broadway!

Finally, it’s worth the scenic drive up Chambers Road to get to the gem that is Dry Brook Sugar House! Year-round, they offer a tasty selection of pure New York maple syrup, cream, and candy, so stop by any time.

Cossayuna, NY

This beautiful part of Eastern Washington County, New York is home to some of the best fishing in the area! Not only is the Battenkill nearby, but also Cossayuna Lake and Carter’s Pond Wildlife Management Area. The Carter’s Pond Nature Trail is an easy, dog-friendly walk through nature.

These naturally gorgeous areas have inspired many businesses to settle nearby, including the seasonal Lakeside General Store. Carrying a wide variety of products, this local-favorite spot offers breakfast and lunch, plus wine, liquor, and other goods you’d expect from a general store!

The art scene is strong here, too! There are several local artisans who offer their crafts online. For high-quality, handcrafted decoys, check out Dux’ Dekes. Or, discover the myriad of products and services offered by Bee & Bramble!

Also nearby and occasionally open for events, Varosy Studios is the home of artists Gyula Varosy and Hannie Eisma Varosy. Just down the road, you’ll find Owl Pen Books, a second-hand bookstore crammed with over 100,000 used and rare books, old maps, prints, and more.

Our many mature sugar maples and long-standing family traditions of making homemade maple syrup mean there are many sugar shacks in this area! Take home a taste of Washington County with delicious syrup or a gift basket from Maple Land Farms.

If you’re looking for a great place to stay near Cossayuna Lake, check out Bunker Hill Inn, a 19th-century farmhouse serving a full country breakfast in a gorgeous rural setting.

West Hebron, NY

Continuing on, the region’s valleys and hills have captivated artists, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs for years. It’s no wonder so many businesses have opened here!

A short drive from Salem lies the Battenkill Valley Creamery. While enjoying their delicious ice cream, you can meet the cows it came from living their best life in the New York countryside!

In West Hebron, you’ll discover Wilson Homestead Old Books & Antiques, with an incredible selection of books and antiques hiding untold treasures! Stay nearby at the historic Hopkins House Farm.

Just up Route 22 is the base of Anndarcreations‘s customizable, hand-made home decor, gifts, and jewelry. Don’t forget to plan a visit to Thistle Downs Farm for their annual corn maze and other fall fun, farm-grown pumpkins, and festival days.

While up that way, no trip is complete without a stop by the Pember Library, Museum, and Nature Preserve! Their massive collections display the incredible biodiversity in this area and beyond, and they often offer classes, workshops, guided walks through the preserve, and more.

Want More of Eastern Washington County?

Looking for places to grab a bite to eat? Explore local dining options here.

Or check out the other cool things to do in this area!