The hamlet of Accord may be small but it’s an idyllic getaway for those seeking pastoral scenery, farm-fresh food and drink, and townie bars where you can mingle with locals and visitors alike. Spend a weekend in Accord (and that’s pronounced “ACK-cord”, by the way) for good eats and green acres.
Saturday
Take the scenic route through Ulster County’s winding historic countryside along Route 209 but arrive to town by noon to ensure you don’t miss one of the area’s best kept secrets: Pierogis at Helena’s Specialty Foods. For around $10 (bring cash) you can order up a dozen authentic pierogis, handmade from the owner’s Ukrainian and Polish family recipe. Flavors vary from traditional potato and cheese to potato and buffalo chicken, or even in-season fruits.
After you’ve had your fill, check in to Stonehill’s Lodging & Libations and settle into one of the farmhouse’s four thoughtfully designed guest rooms, each one outfitted with organic bed and bath linens, natural bath amenities, a smart TV, minibar, and more. But try to resist taking a nap in those luxury linens just yet—there’s exploring to do.
Though part of Accord’s charm is its rurality, there are a handful of locally owned shops worth a visit. Browse unique handmade pottery at Stone Window Gallery on Main St., aromatic soaps and gifts at Heart and Arrow Handcrafted (Upper Whitfield Rd.), and furniture and finds at Rose Hill Antiques on Rte. 209. Or, walk the southern portion of the O&W Rail Trail, which runs from Accord to Kerhonkson. This 3.5-mile stretch is also great for mountain biking, as it winds through wooded areas alongside the Rondout Creek.
For dinner, enjoy casual dining in a laid-back atmosphere at Stone House Tavern with a local-when-possible menu that satisfies nearly every palate—from soups and salads, to hearty entrees, to vegan dishes. Stick around to enjoy a post-dinner pint, or head to nearby Kerhonkson to experience Rough Cut Brewing’s delicious craft beer.
Sunday
Spend the next day farm-hopping. After enjoying breakfast at the farmhouse, venture to Saunderskill Farms’ farm stand and general store to grab a cup of coffee and peruse their selection of local honey, maple syrup, fresh-baked goods, and other take-home treats. They offer light fare, sandwiches and such, for lunch, too.
There’s much to do at Westwind Orchard in summer and fall, from apple picking to just hanging out at a picnic table to soak in the rustic sights. But their restaurant and tasting room remain open year-round, where you can enjoy artfully plated Italian cuisine like Gnocchi con Funghi—purple gnocchi with black trumpet mushrooms ($19), or Weswind’s effervescent hard ciders made from apples raised on their biointensive orchard.
Next door, you’ll find another farm-to-glass establishment: Arrowood Farm Brewery’s tasting room. This sustainable farm brewpub is solar-powered, cultivates its own hops and grains, and feeds spent grain to resident farm animals who rid the fields of pests while providing fertilizer for crops. Pull up a seat at the bar, or outside in nicer weather, and end the day with a fresh-poured pint from their seasonally changing list. Cheers to the weekend.
This article appears in March 2021.
