Tucked into the western edge of the Catskills, Delaware County might seem like a quiet hideaway for nature enthusiasts, but the tens of thousands of acres of protected forests don’t deserve all the spotlight. Behind its verdant charm lies a vibrant network of small towns and hamlets that are buzzing with activity. In late summer and early autumn, as the harvest ripens and trees begin to hint at the brilliant transformation to come, the Great Western Catskills offers an array of experiences for locals and visitors alike—from must-visit restaurants to beloved festivals and the scenic drives between them to soak it all in.
Food & Drink
This season brings an exciting crop of culinary newcomers to the county. In July, Walton welcomed the much-anticipated opening of Dear Native Grapes’ tasting room. Founded by Deanna Urciuoli & Alfie Alcantara, the small farm-winery started in 2019 with a focus on reviving heirloom North American grape varieties lost since Prohibition. Its natural wines, made from nearly-extinct native varieties, contemporary hybrids, and experimental cultivars offer a distinctive departure from the region’s renowned spirit- and beer-making, and the new tasting room offers a relaxed, dog-friendly setting to savor them while soaking up Catskills views.
In Margaretville, James Bailey and Alexandra Rosenberg opened the doors to Rae’s in July. The restaurant, named for owner Rosenberg’s grandmother, serves a rotating seasonal menu of comfort food spins inspired by her repertoire and Bailey’s upbringing in Texas, from chicken schnitzel to chile en nogada (traditionally picadillo-stuffed poblanos, but made vegetarian here)—plus house cocktails, natural wines, and local beers.
And in Delhi, an old favorite is getting a second act. The former Delhi Diner is currently being transformed into Pony’s, with an expected opening in October.
Agricultural Bounty
Delaware County’s deep farming roots take center stage at several beloved seasonal events.
On August 31, Bovina Farm Day offers families a hands-on celebration of local agriculture, with farm tours, hayrides, an apple pie contest, and kid-friendly activities like hay bale slides and a corn maze. It’s a jam-packed one-day festival that offers the best of harvest season.
Margaretville’s annual Cauliflower Festival, now in its 21st year, honors the history of cauliflower farming in Delaware County and how the crop helped local dairy farmers supplement their incomes. The day-long, family-friendly festival features a wide selection of local vendors and Catskills organizations, quilting demonstrations, live music, a children’s tent, and food vendors. The 8th Catskill Conquest Rally commemorating the 1903 Auto Endurance Run will make its appearance at the annual festival with a lineup of classic vehicles. After the festival, walk over to Main Street to explore the town’s independent retail shops, restaurants, galleries, and more.
Show-Stopping Scenery
Few places rival Delaware County in fall, when the hills blaze with color and backroads become leaf-peeping heaven. Scenic drives through the countryside offer endless photo ops, roadside farmstands, thrift sales, and unexpected gems.
Take a drive past towns and hamlets like Margaretville, Andes, and Delhi on the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway (Route 28); head down Catskill Scenic Route 30 along the mighty East Branch of the Delaware River through beautiful valleys and the towns of Hancock, Colchester, Andes, Middletown, and Roxbury; or continue on in Hancock for the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (Route 97) and a jaunt along the Delaware River for dramatic cliffside views and expansive vistas.
As autumn begins its ascent, look forward to events like the Maple Shade Hootenanny on October 11–12 at Maple Shade Farm in Delhi. This weekend-long celebration of fall features corn mazes, hayrides, live music, and farm-fresh fare, all set against a backdrop of peak foliage.
From cutting-edge natural wines and family-run restaurants to festivals steeped in tradition, Delaware County offers a patchwork of unforgettable experiences stitched together by stunning scenery and small-town charm. Whether raising a glass at a new tasting room, dancing in a town park, or simply chasing the changing leaves along a scenic byway, the Great Western Catskills invites visitors to slow down, savor the season, and discover something new around every curve.
This article appears in August 2025.
