Agritourism in the Central Leatherstocking Region of New York

The Central Leatherstocking region of New York, most commonly referred to as "upstate", is home to a vast array of agritourism destinations, often involving cider and wineries. Agritourism allows New York residents to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables and free-range meat, as well as experience life with animals. Dedicated to nature at its finest, you'll find plenty of opportunities here.

Buck Hill Farm, for example, is one of the largest and most popular agritourism destinations in the Central Leatherstocking region, famous for its maple products. Located in Jefferson, New York, Buck Hill farm sells everything from maple syrup to maple peanuts, and they serve pancake breakfasts for visitors through fall and winter. A gallon of light, medium or dark maple syrup will set you back only around $50, and their maple granules are $13.50 per pound.

Or you can head over to Rome, New York to visit the Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo, which is the perfect agritourism destination for families. Admission for adults is $9.50, and you'll find yourself exposed to animals from every corner of the world. Some of the more docile animals can be petted by children and adult visitors, while others are secured behind fences for human protection. Gray wolves, boa constrictors, deer and tortoises are just a few of the animals that Fort Rickey displays, and visitors learn about how to care for exotic animals, and what they need to survive.

The Farmer's Museum is another favorite agritourism destination for the Central Leatherstocking region. They are "dedicated to representing American rural life as typified in central New York by preserving the past, recording the present and educating for the future." They sponsor workshops that cost between $40 and $150, which teach guests how to make butter, grow herbs, prepare alternative medicines, blacksmith, grow vegetables in a backyard garden, and make honey.