While Empire State travel often highlights the bright lights of Manhattan or the vineyards of the Finger Lakes, western and central New York host thriving, deeply rooted Old Order Amish communities. Choosing a slower pace of life, these communities maintain incredible multi-generational cottage industries.
By trading commercial strips for the rolling backroads, visitors can discover exceptional hand-carved craftsmanship, vibrant greenhouses, and comforting, scratch-made food. If you are looking to explore authentic heritage in New York State, these three existing Amish-owned establishments are essential stops.
1. The Old Tool Tavern (Randolph, NY)
Located right along western New York’s historic, designated “Amish Trail,” The Old Tool Tavern provides a highly unique dining experience. This rustic tavern and restaurant pairs the warm hospitality of the area with a hearty, comforting pub menu. It acts as a perfect resting spot for travelers exploring the local woodworking and quilt shops dotting Cattaraugus County.
- Fan Favorites: Locals flock here on weekends for the traditional Friday Night Fish Fry, a western NY staple executed to perfection. The tavern is also celebrated for its thick, juicy pub burgers served on fresh-baked rolls, savory hot appetizers, and ice-cold regional beverages.
- Location: 23 Center Street, Randolph, NY 14772
2. Weaver’s Farm Market (Morris, NY)
Nestled beautifully in Otsego County’s historic Butternut Valley, Weaver’s Farm Market is an expansive, 4,000-square-foot indoor Amish marketplace. Located just minutes from Gilbert Lake State Park, this meticulously organized market is a paradise for home cooks and foodies seeking real, small-batch pantry goods.
- Fan Favorites: The centerpiece of the market is the stellar deli counter, loaded with premium Aged Cheeses and custom-sliced sandwich meats. Visitors also fill their baskets with home-style jarred goods, including rich Apple Butter, local clover honey, and incredibly soft, scratch-baked cinnamon rolls. Note: In keeping with traditional practices, this market accepts cash or check only.
- Location: 1272 East Side Road, Morris, NY 13808
3. Valley View Cheese Company (Conewango Valley, NY)
For an unforgettable country store experience, Valley View Cheese Company in the Conewango Valley is a must-visit destination. Surrounded by local blacksmiths, harness makers, and lumber sawmills, this quintessential country shop showcases the very best of traditional dairy craftsmanship.
- Fan Favorites: The undisputed star here is their Sharp Cheddar and Smoked Cheeses, made with high-quality milk from local pastures. Alongside the cheese wheels, the shelves are packed with traditional hard candies, homemade egg noodles, small-batch preserves, and seasonal handcrafted baskets.
- Location: 5316 Chautauqua Road, Conewango Valley, NY 14726