Canajoharie in New York's Mohawk River Valley was known for years as the home of Beech-Nut baby foods, but this small upstate city has much more to offer. With its location along the historic Erie Canal, among the hills and farmlands of the Mohawk River Valley, there is plenty to do for the artistically-minded, the nature lover or the foodie.
Arts
Art aficionados will enjoy what Canajoharie has to offer. American art and local history are both featured at the Arkell Musuem, in the center of town. The gallery has been around for nearly a century. Musuem holdings include a selection of American impressionist art, portraits and decorative arts, including furniture crafted by the Stickley Company in upstate New York. Local artists continue to display their work at the museum and neighboring Canajoharie library.
History
Canajoharie is centrally located to several colonial and Revolutionary War-era historic sites. Among them is the Fort Plain/Fort Rensselaer site, unearthed three miles from town by archaeologists in the 1960s and 1970s. During the American Revolution, the women of the fort dressed as men and defended the fort while their husbands and fathers were away. Artifacts from the fort can be seen today in a museum in the village of Fort Plain. To the east of Canajoharie is the Palatine Bridge, site of a settlement of German colonists dating back to 1723.
Nature
With the Mohawk River flowing through town, the Canajoharie area is full of opportunities for enjoying nature. Biking and hiking trails are located along the river, also part of the historic Erie Canal, and at Wintergreen Park and Gorge just south of town. The park also is home to waterfalls and picnic facilities. Back in town, visitors can launch a boat into the river and travel west toward Utica, or east toward New York's capital of Albany.
Agriculture
Berries, birds and elk are just a few of the agricultural products of the Canajoharie area. You'll also find an abundance of dairy products and eggs. Many area farms are often open daily for tours. If you'd rather not travel out to the farm, though, you can also enjoy farm products coming to you in town. The Palatine Farmers' Market operates near the Palatine Bridge every week from May through September.
Dining
No need for dressing up come dinnertime--casual fare can be found throughout the Canajoharie area. There are several pizzerias and Italian eateries, diners and an Irish pub. More options can be found a few miles away in Fort Plain, too.
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