Escape to Upstate
Spring has arrived at Frazzleberries
A staple I always come back to is the quinessential Upstate New York town of Warwick, about 55 miles from NYC, which translates into an hour and a half long car ride along curvy roads and hilly streets, once you exit the main highway. It’s the perfect escape from city life and provides just a hint of suburbia for a day or two. There’s even a direct bus going from NYC to Warwick, if you want to spend a day here without any fuss, and don’t have a car (which many New Yorkers don’t).
Town Square of Warwick
I always start my trip with a lunch at Charlotte’s Tea Room, where you can indulge in a British-style tea-time with petite sandwiches and scones, with a new seasonal flavor each day. It’s an epic, carb-filled luncheonette in style, and if you decide on the tea for two platter, it even gets accompanied with dessert. Their quiches and soups are nothing short of delicious, to supplement those sandwiches, if you desire.
Charlotte’s Tea Room
Tea for two tower
Tomato quiche with salad and house-made dijon mustard dressing
Warwick is small, but you can visit nearby wineries, such as Warwick Winery, where they serve a mean portion of truffle fries and allow for intimate wine and cider tastings inside their shop filled with local wines, cheeses, and cold cuts. You could also visit any of the nearby farms during blueberry or apple season and pick your own, which makes for a lot of fun, or go pumpkin picking in the fall, and bring the whole family!
In addition, you can stroll along Main Street and discover mom and pop shops and cafes, which you’ll find in great abundance here. There’s even a pet cafe, if you decide to bring your cat or dog along. Frazzleberries Country Store is wonderful for unique home goods and cute gift ideas, and The Bungalow is where you’ll find adorable plant holders and gorgeous, hand-made dream catchers of various sizes. For Jewelry lovers, there’s no better store than Kaliada, also located on Main Street.
Frazzleberries Country Store on Main Street
The Bungalow moved onto Main Street in 2020, a big step for the owner during the pandemic
For dinner, consider eating at the local Irish pub Yesterdays, where the chili is greasy, but tasty, or dine at Warwick Inn, a splendid and romantic dinner place serving Italian cuisine that is homey and scrumptious. During normal times, another favorite of mine is the secluded farm-to-table restaurant The Grange, but it’s temporarily closed due to COVID, with the hope to re-open during the spring.
If you decide to spend the night in the area, check out Chateau Hathorn, a majestic-looking hotel with a restaurant and extensive wine cellar, or if you’re looking for a more cozy ambience, spend the night at Alpine Haus in the nearby town of Vernon in New Jersey, which includes a delicious breakfast and rooms equipped with old fireplaces. The owner, the fabulous Anil, will go above and beyond to make you feel at home. He might even offer you some of his special Indian tea, which he prepares daily.
Will all of that in mind, consider giving Warwick an economic boost by visiting. It has plenty of charm and is simply a great place for some much needed relaxation and peace. The best time to come: During their annual Apple Festival in October!
