A Visitors Guide to Schenevus, New York
Nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains in the scenic Upstate New York is the Hamlet of Schenevus. Schenevus is located in the historic and scenic NY Route 7 which runs parallel to Interstate 88. Schenevus first settled in 1793 was known as Jacksonboro. The town later adapted the name Schenevus in 1860 when the second post office was built. The origin of the name Schenevus depends on who you talk to, though it is common knowledge that Schenevus is an Indian word for speckled fish. There is also a legend of Chief Schenevus whose daughter took her own life after finding out that her true love had been killed.
Schenevus was a busy little town with hotels, restaurants, a railroad depot and a tannery but with the building of interstate 88 which inadvertently diverted traffic from the well traveled Route 7; Schenevus’ main street, Schenevus is now a quiet hamlet. Let this not fool you, there is still plenty to do in this sleepy town.
Dining
On Main Street (NY Route 7) Schenevus, you’ll find the Chief Schenevus Restaurant. Here you you’ll find quality hot food, all kinds of homemade desserts and friendly service.
Specialty Shopping
If antique shopping is your thing, you’ll find Sparrow Hawk Antiques on the corner of East and Main Street and Kathy’s Barn on the east side of town on NY Route 7.
Activities and Attractions
The weekends in the summer are also filled with excitement. For the past 30 years, on the third week of July the Schenevus Fire Department puts on the Schenevus Fireman’s Carnival and Parade. The even is kicked off with Sky divers landing at the Schenevus Borst Field. The carnival is filled with games, rides, music, good food and a breathtaking fireworks display.
The Schenevus Masonic Lodge sponsors an annual Car Show and Flea Market. The car show is where car enthusiasts young and old can come to admire a mix of cars from old fashioned vintage cars to modern day souped up cars.
For the fishing enthusiast there are many fishing spots along the Schenevus and Elk Creeks which are stocked by NYDEQ annually.
Lake Schenevus also boosts a modest population of bass, bluegills and crappies.
Willy’s Farm and Cider Mill is a family ran business nestled atop a hill with spectacular view of the valley below. People come from neighboring states for the homemade cider, the freshly baked pies, the hay rides, the corn maze and the warm family atmosphere. Did I mention the apple cider donuts?
If you are interested in farming and would like to see a working diary farm, visit the Old Homestead Farm; an operating dairy farm on Elk Road in Schenevus.
Lake Schenevus on Lake Road offers a sandy beach with enclosed swimming areas for those hot summer days. There are also undeveloped trails around the lake.
For the history buff, there is an incredible antique Armitage-Herschell Track Machine Carousel in Schenevus Borst Field. It was installed c. 1908. The carousel is operated only three days a year during the Schenevus Fireman’s Carnival.
Nearby Attractions: National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, The Farmers Museum, and Fenimore Art Museum Cooperstown NY (20 miles away) Soccer Hall of Fame, Oneonta, NY (15 miles away)
