Hey everyone, I hope your day is going well. We seem to be in the middle of winter here in New York, but that’s not stopping me from getting out there and finding new places. This week I took a little bit of a road trip up to Orange County Ny, around the Warwick area. I have been exploring the towns of Warwick and Chester and surrounding communities for a long time. These places have that small town vibe I’m looking for when I feel the need to slow down a bit. It’s also the perfect destination for a nice relaxing Sunday drive.
The harvest is done and the fields and orchards are empty, so now it’s time for the baking season to begin! Now is when I head out and pick up some fresh picked apples and look for a couple sugar or milk pumpkins to make pies. The Warwick Valley is the perfect place for all of the things related to Fall. Here you will find a few wineries that are part of the Shawangunk wine trail. There are also a dozen or so orchards and farm stands and of course more than a few restaurants.
Downtown Chester has seen better days but I do believe it is making a come back. There is a brand new brewery the Long Lot Farm Brewery that’s making news in the craft beer world and then there’s an old staple that is one of my favorite places to eat in the area. Clayton Delaney’s Dining Saloon is a place for the whole family despite it’s name. It has a western motif with a relaxed friendly atmosphere. The walls use to sport old photos of John Wayne, Rex Allen and Tom Mix and other cowboy memorabilia, but now the walls have a cleaner more barren look. There’s nightly specials, and the hometown favorite, of prime rib which is only served on the weekends. It’s best to get there early (before 6pm) to get the early bird special price on the prime rib.
My favorites there are the open faced turkey sandwich, complete with stuffing and cranberry sauce. If I’m in the mood I’ll have the chicken fried steak, but with the turkey gravy. Bbq pulled pork sandwiches and the ribs are also standouts at Clayton Delaney’s. Their onion rings are amazing and made from the local sweet onions grown in the black dirt down the road a piece. I never leave there hungry and have always enjoyed my dining experience. It’s a nice place to go before going to the Warwick drive-in or while touring some wineries. Make a day of it and visit the artist village of Sugarloaf or go into Warwick for some shopping and visit the local farm stands to bring home a fresh pie or some apple cider donuts.
If you have a favorite place in the Warwick Valley please share it with us here. If you have any questions or comments please leave them in the box below. Until next time Boone Appétit!
