Hugging the New York-New Jersey state line and tucked between miles of rolling hills and farmland is the quaint town of Warwick. It encompasses the hamlets of Greenwood Lake, Florida, and the Village of Warwick. The western portion of the town is famously known as the black dirt region, whose rich agricultural soil is the lifeblood of the land and the foundation for its culture. As you take a pastoral journey through Warwick, here are some key places to stop and visit.
Don’t miss your chance to get up-close-and-personal with big, fluffy alpacas at Shalimar Alpacas. When you visit this family-owned farm, you will learn how these soft, cuddly creatures are bred and sheared for their valuable fiber. Alpaca fleece is softer and warmer than sheep’s wool, as well as being hypo-allergenic and almost completely waterproof. Watch how the fiber farmers take the raw fleece and transform it into yarn and wearable items, which you can purchase in their shop.
With the agricultural abundance of the black dirt region, Warwick’s craft beverage industry thrives. Among the wealth of beer, wine, and spirit makers is Warwick Valley Winery and Black Dirt Distillery. Warwick Valley Winery is a great fall destination—they offer apple picking in the fall, live music through October, and tastings of their extensive wine, cider, and spirit collection. Speaking of spirits, you can also try Black Dirt Distillery’s flavorful concoctions at the Warwick Winery tasting room.
Mount Peter Ski Area is your winter wonderland in Warwick. Once upon a time in 1936, Macy’s (yes, the department store) founded Mount Peter to sell its ski fashion. Now it’s the oldest-operating ski area in New York State, and its slopes offer a variety of snowboarding, skiing, and tubing trails. Whether you’re advanced in snow sports or want more family-friendly fun, this is your spot for winter sports.
Is all this adventure wearing you out? Conscious Fork will give you a boost. Head there for healthy, plant-based breakfast and lunch options, or, simply, a cleansing juice or smoothie. Dedicated to making the best quality bites, Conscious Fork makes all their food in house with farm-fresh ingredients. The vegan menu includes breakfast bowls, salad bowls, and a wide array of veggie sandwiches.
For a solid supper, head to Yesterday’s. This traditional Irish pub and sports bar offers a range of dinner entrees, from their award-winning burgers to king crab legs to roasted honey almond duck. They also have 18 beers on draft and a laid-back atmosphere where you can unwind after a long day.
When you’ve closed your tab and it’s time to hit the hay, Chateau Hathorn has a host of guest suites in an elegant 19th-century building. But the 225-acre estate offers more than just beds—it also has a restaurant and wine cellar and serves as a wedding venue with breathtaking mountain views. With onsite accommodations, the Chateau is perfect for private events.
This article appears in Fall/Winter 2018.
