Arts a Big Part of the Chenango County Experience

At first glance, Chenango County may seem like the ideal agritourist destination, but the depth of the Chenango experience doesn’t end at the barn door.

Despite having devoted over 30 percent of its land to agriculture and 60 to forestry, Chenango is home to a flourishing culture rooted deep in its appreciation for the arts. Creative expression is one crop available all year round, offered fresh daily for visitors and residents alike.

Among the farms, spread across villages and tucked between the rolling hills of Chenango are traditional farming towns filled with historic success and prosperity. But, the county-wide culture of fine arts, music and poetry are just as much a part of the community fabric as quaint main streets and scenic pastures. Take the Chenango Colorscape Arts Festival, for example.

Every year, artists and art buffs from all over the East Coast gather on the streets of downtown Norwich to celebrate the beautiful creations produced on the local scene. Spectators are invited to peruse exhibitions of traditional fine art.

Colorscape even celebrates literary art, hosting a competitive poetry slam. Creative culinary demonstrations and live music from acoustic musicians are enjoyed by the masses at this unique arts festival as well.

“Ask most anyone involved in bringing the festival together every year, and undoubtedly you’ll hear that community volunteerism along with blue-collared grit and hard work ethic are the main ingredients of Colorscape’s success,” said Matthew White, marketing director of the Chenango Arts Council.

To locals, it’s no secret that Chenango has got it going on in the arts department, and the Chenango Arts Council works “behind the canvas” to support dozens of local art initiatives, programs and art educators across the county every year.

Colorscape has attracted more than 10,000 attendees annually for over 20 years, since its debut and has created national recognition for Chenango, putting the county on the radars of art fanatics all over the United States. But, it’s not the only creative venue in the county.

The Chenango Blues Festival is yet another artistic tradition that has gone on for decades. The fest continues to draw listeners and world-class blues talent to the rural community of Chenango for a musical celebration of the arts each year.

So, while agritourism surely thrives, the soil is certainly rich with inspiration for fine arts, music and literary works that draw travelers to the county from the entire region.

Colorscape and the Blues Festival are two of the largest art initiatives in Chenango, but every day locals can discover the beauty of art in their everyday lives.

Camping

Bowman Lake State Park

745 Bliven Sherman Rd.
Oxford, NY 13830
(607) 334-2718

Bowman Lake State Park is a 966.94 acre remote sylvan retreat known as "a camper's paradise." Scenic park roads wind through evergreen and hardwood forests to shady campsites. There is a sandy lakefront with several picnic areas nearby. The lake is regularly stocked with trout, and birdwatchers can spot as many as 103 species of birds. The park also has a nature center and added a nine-hole disc golf course in 2021. Hiking & nature trails, biking and snowmobile trails. Fishing, cross country skiing, hiking, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are all allowed. Campsites, waterfront area, picnic area, playing fields, playground and pavilion.

The New Echo Lake Resort

185 Echo Lake Lane
Afton, NY 13730
(607) 639-2666

Facilities: 30 sites for campers or tents with hookup for electric, water, and sewer. Hot showers available. 2000′ of river frontage on the Unadilla River. Activities: fishing and swimming.

Gaius M. Cook Park Campground

189 Park Road
Greene, NY 13778
(607) 656-8752

40 Campsites, with a 22-acre pond for fishing. Hot showers, electrical hookup, pet friendly atmosphere.

Grand Slam Campgrounds & Cabins

1741 County Hwy 18
South New Berlin, NY 13843
(607) 859-2584

Enjoy family style camping along the banks of the Unadilla River in Central New York with almost 2000' of river frontage with grassy campsites under the shade of stately maple trees. Canoe rentals by the hour and by the day. Close to Norwich, Oneonta and Cooperstown. Game room, fireplace, pool table, horseshoes, soccer and more. Cabin/Cottage/Trailer rental, hot showers, bathrooms and electrical hookup.

Pure Country Campground

176 Kelly Rd.
New Berlin, NY 13411
607-847-9265

130 mi of NY's finest trails, 100 x 200 outdoor arena, 30 covered portable horse stalls, paddocks for rent, on-site obstacle course, hiking & biking, WiFi access, Satellite TV, electric & water hookup, rustic sites-water only, tent sites, RV sites, pavilion with full kitchen, bathrooms with hot showers, firewood available, cabin, campers for rent. Cabon/cottage/trailer rental, electrical hookup, wheelchair accessible, senior discount, pet friendly.

Riverside RV Campgrounds

1303 County Rd 39
Bainbridge, NY 13733
(607) 967-2102

17 Sites. No tent. RVs only. 70 ft. max RV length. 8 pull thrus. 11 full hookups. electric hookups. 20/30 amp. Open May-Sep, call for restrictions/fees. Pet friendly. Services: tables, water, cable TV, toilets, showers.

Tall Pines Campground & River Adventures

100 Tall Pines Lane
Bainbridge, NY 13733
(607) 563-8271

Open from May to Columbus Day. Tall Pines Campground offers fun, family camping with an old fashioned atmosphere and all the modern amenities you need in today's world. RV & tent camping on the banks of the Unadilla River. 98 campsites, Full Hookup 50amp waterfront campsites, easy pull thru’s. Fun, family camping, fully stocked camp store with delivery right to your campsite. Two arcades, a laundry room, themed crafts and activities, an ice cream cart, and a river adventure program. Wheelchair accessible.

Website

Hotels, Inns and B&Bs

Algonkin Motel, LLC

Chamber Member

2626 State Hwy 7
Bainbridge, NY 13733
(607) 967-5911
Website

Algonkin Motel LLC is a local, family owned and operated motel that has been opened since 1950. We offer a clean, quiet, unique stay with affordable rates all-year-round. All the rooms have received recent renovations to enhance your stay. Get special amenities during your stay such as LCD televisions, FREE high-speed wireless internet, microwaves and refrigerators in every room, and you are in charge of climate control ( heat & a/c). Pets allowed in some rooms.

Bainbridge House Bed & Breakfast

1648 County Rd. 39
Bainbridge, NY 13733
(607) 320-4003

Come and enjoy our unique B&B. Decorated with Victorian furnishings we offer you a step back in time but not comfort. Our five inviting bedrooms offer private baths with soft towels. You will find plenty of room to sit back and relax in one of our common areas. Free WiFi is available throughout the house. Cable TV's with DVD player are available in our Living Room and Parlor. Air conditioning is available during summer months. Rooms are clean, comfortable and inviting.

Berry Hill Farm

242 Ward Loomis Road
Bainbridge, NY 13733
(607) 967-8745

A country bed and breakfast/working farm on a pristine and secluded country side. Off the beaten path on a secluded lane, Berry Hill Farm is conveniently centered between Bainbridge, Afton and Oxford--the heart of Central New York. Free breakfast, wifi, parking. Air conditioning, wheelchair accessible.

Fred’s Inn

Chamber Member

5149 State Hgwy. 12
Norwich, NY 13815
(607) 334-9282
Website

25 guest rooms for rent. Including Multi Room Suites, Jacuzzi suites with fireplaces, a handicapped accessible room with man down alarm, Single King Rooms and Dual Queen Rooms. All Hotel Guest Rooms Feature: Flat Screen TV with Cable, Keurig Coffee Makers, High Speed Internet, Refrigerator & Microwave, Pull Out Sofa (Except Honeymoon).

Octagon Guest House

1607 State Highway 26
S. Otselic, NY 13155
315-653-7271

Octagon Guest House is conveniently located in the center of South Otselic, a small, historic hamlet in Central New York. It has a master bedroom and two smaller rooms with a shared sitting room and full bath. Only one booking at a time for individuals, couples or small groups creates an intimate home-like setting, with the undivided attention of the host to your needs. Breakfasts are continental-plus, featuring local products and baked goods, jellies, etc.

Red Roof Inn – Norwich

75 North Broad Street
Norwich, NY 13815
(607) 334-2200

Red Roof Inn Norwich is conveniently located right off of NY 12 with easy access to NY 23. We offer our guests free Wi-Fi, free parking, a free expanded cable package and free coffee in the lobby as well as a mini-refrigerator in every room. Red Roof Inn Norwich is a pet-friendly hotel.

Super 8 by Wyndham Norwich

6067 State Hwy 12
Norwich, NY 13815
607-296-0524

Located on Route 12, the Norwich Super 8 provides road-weary travelers with comfortable accommodations at an affordable rate. Free wi-fi, parking, breakfast and is pet-friendly.

Susquehanna Motor Lodge

1303 County Road 39 (Route 206 & I-88)
Bainbridge, NY 13733
(607) 967-2102

Susquehanna Motor Lodge provides a variety of lodging options, including cabins, cottages, and chalet rentals. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, this lodge aims to create a pleasant and memorable experience for all guests. Located on the River, each room with sliding glass door to private deck.

Thornfield House 1875

Chamber Member

67 South Broad Street
Norwich, NY 13815
(607) 244-8266
Website

Historic Bed and Breakfast and guest house in downtown Norwich. Easy walk to enjoy the area. Guests have full access to the grand parlor, dining room, upstairs and downstairs halls, front porch and their large bedroom. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed.