We’ve loved getting to spend some more time on the back roads around Albany this year, and Altamont has been high on our list to see more of. We stumbled upon Indian Ladder Farms while we were in the area last fall, and couldn’t wait to get back down to spend some more time at the farm as well as stroll through the village we’d heard so much about. And what a gem! With a little something for everyone from hikes to shopping to drinks by the fire, read on for what to see, do, eat, and drink in and around Altamont.
SEE + DO
Stroll | Altamont Main Street: Charming historic homes, a quaint park with a gazebo, sweet shops lining the street (even a cute yarn shop, which kind of made me want to learn to knit!), and of course, a neighborhood tavern. What more could you ask for? Add in some fall foliage and it felt straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Browse | Altamont Free Library: Also straight out of a Hallmark movie - a library in a beautifully restored train station! Restored by volunteers, no less. It was so much fun to pop in and browse through the aisles, admire the architecture, and appreciate the history in the space.
Shop | Bella Fleur + Remedies Wine & Spirits: What better combination for a downtown shop than flowers and wine?! Housed in an old pharmacy, wine and spirits line the old shelves on one side of the shop, while flowers, local art, and gifts abound on the opposite side. With the original tin ceilings above, the shop was full of charm both old and new. A must while in town, for sure!
Hike + Picnic | Thacher Park: Just down the road in Voorheesville, Thacher Park is an old favorite for a hike, especially this time of year! We lucked out with near peak foliage during our trip, but I’d guess there are still some of those golden late October hues holding on.
This trip, we made our way down the first part of the Indian Ladder Trail to the waterfall, and then spent much of the rest of the morning with a more leisurely stroll along the Escarpment Trail. With plenty of picnic tables along the way, we pulled out our bagel sandwiches (and cookies!) that we grabbed from Hungerford Market in Altamont and enjoyed lunch with a view. The perfect perch for a fall picnic.
Visit, Eat + Drink | Indian Ladder Farms: Where to begin?! There’s so much to see and do at ILF that you could probably spend a day here alone! A pick-your-own-apple orchard, pumpkin patch, the most charming barns, a sweet crew of animals (a donkey! cows! goats!), a bakery, a cafe, a farm market, AND a cidery + brewery. Honestly, what fall dreams are made of.
Once we finished a stroll around the farm, we made our way down to the Cidery + Brewery on the lower level of the barn for a couple of glasses of their Dry Hard Cider around the fire. I talked Tom’s ear off about how we need to buy a farm and a couple of donkeys, and he talked my ear off about buying our own old Freihofer’s truck to drive around town. A grand old time ;)
More importantly, we ordered a bite to eat from the Yellow Rock Cafe upstairs (they serve you in the brewery, too!), and oh my goodness - the fried cheese curds. Don’t leave without trying an order (or two), and did I mention they’re served with raspberry jam?! Delish!
That’s a wrap! We hope you’re inspired to take a trip of your own, and if you’ve been, we’d love your area suggestions for our next trip!
*This post is in partnership with our friends at Discover Albany. We were so thrilled for the opportunity to share this charming, beautiful town with you!