WHERE WILL YOU SHOP?

WHERE WILL YOU SHOP?  DESTINATIONS ALONG THE TREASURE TRAIL

Numerous reports indicate that the American economy is facing difficult times for 2025.  That certainly is not the mindset for small business owners in Otsego, Delaware, and Chenango counties, however.  Existing businesses are confidently holding steadfast, and new shops are popping up in several locations.    Mary and Brent Leonard, long-time nursery owners outside Cooperstown, have been joined by their daughters who operate a food truck on the fringes of Carefree Gardens, the family garden center.  Known for their friendly demeanors, brightly colored products from around the world, and healthy plants, the Leonard family offers tasty food, frequent live music, and an exotic setting for healthy lunchtime meals.

Within the village of Cooperstown itself, the Busse family leads the small business field with three enterprises – a restaurant called the Pioneer Patio, the Silver Fox a novelty shop specializing in baseball and Cooperstown mementoes, , and a newly opened children’s store named for the Busse grandchildren Charlie and Cooper.

Down the road on NY route 205. another couple, Marian and Rusty Striesse, have relinquished their seasonal garden business to a new owner and name. – Julie’s Garden at Changing Seasons.

Across I- 88 and the Susquehanna, near Davenport, George and Stephen Novellano and other family members berate Sweet Meadows, an ever-expanding plant, aviary, pantry, pet supply, and gift shop,  all of which titillate the senses and inspire home and garden passions.

Travelling up NY route 23 toward Morris, one encounters Melody Boynton’s Red Barn Décor and More, an eclectic shop offering antiques, hand-crafted greeting cards, jewelry, and other items designed to embellish the home and provide loving gifts to friends and family.

Weavers’ Market. built and managed by the Daniel Weaver family on East River Road next to the Butternut Creek, sells fresh garden produce, baked goods, meats submarine sandwiches, salads, Amish – made furniture, and seasonal items.

Like several of the other shops named above, Weavers’ stocks a hearty stock of photographic note/ greeting cards produced in downtown Morris by Beth and Wayne Benjamin of Benjamin Photoworks. The Benjamins have no storefront pf their own but maintain a thriving e-commerce website and sell their products through several local vendors like the Weavers.

Over the hill into New Berlin, two Norwegian women have recently opened the doors of Cultivate Shop and Studio.  Like the Red Barn, this shop has plans to introduce workshops in support of the merchandise in their shop displays.

 Back in the hamlet of Hartwick, NY, visitors eagerly await the June opening celebration of Butter Chicken Gift Shop, where Taylor Keane will sell Benjamin Photoworks cards, gift selections, and artwork.

A small business is someone’s dream.   Certainly, you will want to patronize each of the shops now listed on our tour and share information on additional ones as they come into being!