If you are looking for fun and interesting things to do this summer season, look no further than the CNY Cheese Trail! This group of 13 producers throughout the Mohawk Valley and Central New York represent a wide variety of cheese types and unique experiences—offering a little something for everyone.
Visiting all locations in one day would be a very tall (if not downright impossible) order, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly. The locations are, admittedly, fairly spread out. But there’s lots to see and do in between stops, giving visitors the opportunity to break the trail into fun little day trips.
I am excited to share that we have added 3 new locations to the CNY Cheese Trail for the 2024 season:
- Oneida-Madison Milk Producers Co-Op in Sherrill, has a small store with a variety of cheeses, butter, yogurt, and local dry goods. Proceeds go back to support their participating dairy farmers.
- Fly Creek Cider Mill in Fly Creek, ages cheese in-house, has a cut and wrap cheese counter and a store with New York State goods and ice cream scoop shop. They also have a tasting room featuring ciders, wines, spirits, and craft beers.
- North Star Orchards in Westmoreland, ages cheese in-house, has a cut and wrap cheese counter and a store packed with New York State goods. They also feature you-pick apples, tulips, and more, as well as freshly pressed cider in the fall.
These locations join Adirondack Cheese Company in Barneveld, Artisanal Cheese in Utica, Callee 1945 in Oneida, Collins Farm & Creamery in Rome, Cooperstown Cheese Company in Milford, Jewett’s Cheese House in Earlville, Jones Family Farm in Herkimer, Kriemhild Dairy Farm in Hamilton, Original Herkimer Cheese in Ilion, and Stoltzfus Family Dairy in Vernon Center.
The brain-child of a group of cheesemakers, local businesses, and the Herkimer IDA, the CNY Cheese Trail started just a few short years ago. Partnering with the tourism offices of Madison, Oneida, Otsego, and Herkimer Counties (MOOH!) has meant a coordinated and concerted effort to attract visitors from within and outside of the area. We’ve also found success in increasing awareness and appreciation of how important the dairy industry is to the Mohawk Valley—a huge win in my book!
I hope you are able to have a cheesy, local adventure this summer and maybe we’ll see you on the CNY Cheese Trail. And don’t forget your trailblazer card. A stamp at each location wins you a free insulated tote…something to carry all your cheese!
For more information, visit https://www.oneidacountytourism.com/what-to-do/visitor-trails/central-new-york-cheese-trail/