Guide to the Best of Accord, NY
The pastoral landscape at Innes. Photo: Adrian Gaut
Tucked away between the picturesque Catskill Mountains and the scenic Shawangunk Ridge in Ulster County, NY, Accord is a delightful, under-the-radar treasure within the Town of Rochester. Despite gaining more attention and recognition lately, it has preserved its quaint rural character and off-the-beaten path appeal. And for a town of its size, it features a surprising number of destination-worthy attractions and events. Read on below for some of our favorite local spots!
Photo credit clockwise from top left: Accord Market, Sam Bufalo, Christian Harder, Accordion Wines
FOOD + DRINk scene
If you’re looking for a special night out on the town, you can’t go wrong with Inness, a reimagined Upstate resort from veteran restaurateur Taavo Somer, of perennial Lower East Side favorite, Freeman’s. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is executed with product from local farms, and the dining room views provide a feast for the eyes.
For something a little more laid back, check out Westwind Orchard and restaurant for wood-fired pizzas and refreshing hard cider, or head next door for craft beer and chicken sandwiches and a lively crowd at Arrowood Farms. After dinner, finish up your Friday night with inventive cocktails and lively conversation at Stonehill’s cocktail lounge.
Be sure to check out Harana Market, for fast-casual authentic Filipino cuisine as well as an Asian pantry stocked with hard-to-find items.
Feeling like staying in? You’re covered there as well. Saunderskill Farms, founded 1680(!), offers fresh produce, local foodstuffs, an in-house bakery and bountiful garden nursery. A more recent addition to the area, Accord Market features an excellent selection of sustainably-produced meats, dairy and groceries, including a bulk goods section. Blue Bird Wine and Spirits offers a well-curated wine and spirits collection, and Accordian Wine sources New York grapes, wild-fermenting them right in Accord for a hyper-local addition to your dinner table.
Photo credit from left: Saunderskill Farms, Jason Bover
DO + See
Memberships also include access to two tennis courts and two saltwater pools.
For a leisurely bike or stroll, you could take in some nature on the Southern leg of the O&W Rail Trail, spanning from Kingston to Ellenville, which offers convenient access to the great outdoors via historic former coal rail lines.
Come the holiday season, make sure to schedule a visit to make some memories and cut your own tree at the charming, multigenerational family-owned Bell’s Christmas Trees.
And don’t forget a stop at Rose Hill Antiques to find one-of-a-kind treasures for your home.
Arrowood Farms offers a Summer + Fall music calendar that would be a credit to a town many times Accord’s size. In addition to two weekend festivals (Follow the Arrow in June and Woodsist in September), their regular weekend schedule features names like Los Lobos and Waxahatchee.
If you prefer your recreation with a touch more ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia, check out Skate Time for their ten thousand square foot roller rink and retro token arcade. Their annual Roller Disco Party in June is can’t-miss.
In addition to their hotel and restaurant, Inness also features a 9 hole inland-links style golf course that is open to the public, with memberships available.
Photo credit clockwise from top left: Arrowood Farms, Billy Richards, Bell’s Christmas Trees, Skate Time
After you’ve checked out all Accord has to offer, be sure to explore further afield in nearby Kerhonkson, Rosendale, Stone Ridge and the nearest city, Kingston, which is under 30 minutes’ drive.