ENJOY 24 HOURS OF FAMILY FUN, FARM FRESH FOOD and (maybe surprisingly!) fish in Caledonia, New York. This charming village boasts a long history as an important spot for fish culture. Yes, fish culture. And, although, it’s a little unexpected, once you start exploring this side of Caledonia, you’ll learn to appreciate it just like us. The first European American settlers arrived in Caledonia in the early 1800s. Not long after, Seth Green, the “Father of American Fish Culture”, established the oldest fish hatchery in the Western Hemisphere, right here. You can still see this fish culture at play today, but, as of the 21st century, Caledonia has grown into so much more. With a quaint main street, shopping, dining, and plenty of family-friendly fun, here’s how you can get to know the area in a single day.
START THE DAY WITH A HEARTY BREAKFAST AT COZY KITCHEN
A long-standing restaurant on Main Street, the Cozy Kitchen, is the perfect place to fuel up for a day of adventuring around Caledonia. The menu features all your breakfast favorites, like omelets, pancakes and French toast, plus breakfast platters, frittata and benedicts. (If you’re craving something boozy, you’ll also find mimosas on the menu!)
SPRING INTO THE OUTDOORS
Burn off breakfast with a hike through the wetlands of MacKay Wildlife Nature Preserve. This 26-acre preserve offers a short and easy, one-mile loop trail. While hiking is convenient and within easy reach, the environment will make you feel as if you’ve escaped to your own wilderness retreat, thanks to the thick hardwoods, large boulders and dirt paths that crisscross through it all.
BRUSH UP ON THE LOCAL HISTORY
After your outdoor adventure, head to the Big Springs Museum, where you can learn about the region’s unique history. Be sure to check out the third-floor exhibit on Black History in Caledonia. After the Civil War, more than 20 Black families moved to the region to resettle, and their stories are some of the many that you’ll learn about during your visit.
GRAB LUNCH AT A RETRO SODA FOUNTAIN
Who doesn’t love a little blast from the past? At Reminisce Soda Fountain, you’ll find yourself transported back in time to a 1950s diner where you can find all your favorite comfort food classics (sloppy joes, mac ‘n cheese, meatloaf), but also plenty of oh-so-perfect diner fare, like patty melts, hot dogs and more. The menu is extensive, so you’re sure to find something you’ll love.
SNAP A SELFIE WITH A “FISHY” MURAL
If there’s one photo op you’re going to want to take advantage of when you’re spending a day in Caledonia, it’s got to be the photo op with Trout Culture, created by Indiana-based muralist, Tim Parsley. One of LivCo’s many outdoor murals, this one celebrates Caledonia’s heritage and is a true can’t-miss, located at 3103 Main Street.
SHOP YOUR WAY DOWN MAIN STREET
Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll down Main Street and pop in and out of some of the local shops. Reflections from the Past offers antiques and collectibles ranging from housewares to jewelry to ephemera. You’ll find similar antique wares at McKay’s Antiques, where even the surroundings are historic; the storefront dates back to 1891. For something on the newer side, visit Pastique, offering stylish and unique home décor. If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy that focuses on all things fashion, try Bellissimo Boutique, which specializes in premium clothing for women and children.
FEED FISH AT THE OLDEST HATCHERY IN NORTH AMERICA
You didn’t think you could visit a village with such a historical focus on fish and not actually see some fish, did you? Head to the Caledonia Fish Hatchery, the very same one that was the first one established in the country, in the 1800s. Learn about its founding and its current purpose, and, if you’re in the area in June, be sure to stop in town for the annual Trout Festival.
SAVOR FRENCH FLAVORS
For dinner, savor the French flavors served at the Caledonia Village Inn. The historic setting provides the perfect environment in which to enjoy the restaurant’s fine dining offerings, such as baked French onion gratin to start, then Coquille St. Jacques or chicken French as your entrée, followed by scrumptious desserts like crème brûlée and New York-style cheesecake.
CAP THE NIGHT OFF WITH A FEW ROUNDS OF BOWLING
And the perfect way to cap off your night? Challenge your fellow travelers to a few rounds of bowling at the Raider Lanes.
WANT TO STAY THE NIGHT OR MAKE IT A WEEKEND GETAWAY?
You don’t have to limit your explorations of Caledonia to one day. Stay the night at Fox Creek Farm or the Genesee Country Inn. Fox Creek Farm offers a unique experience, wherein you actually stay on a working farm, getting to know the resident animals and dine on meals that incorporate ingredients sourced right from the land, all while you sleep in an 1800s farmhouse renovated to offer modern creature comfort. The Genesee Country Inn offers a similarly historic setting, as it was built in 1833, and provides a tranquil spot to stay among the property’s eight acres, mill pond, waterfall and trout-filled Spring Creek.
MAKE A VISIT TO CALEDONIA FOR THE LONGEST TOTALITY IN LIVCO DURING THE GREAT NORTH AMERICAN ECLIPSE.
If you’re visiting Caledonia specifically for the total solar eclipse on April 8th 2024, be sure to make tracks to the celebrations occurring at the Livingston County Fairgrounds, minutes from Main Street. As the official LivCo viewing location, the Fairgrounds are offering campsites, parking spots, music, food, and vendors. All leading up to 3 minutes and 33 seconds of totality. Be sure to grab your tickets (and eclipse glasses) before they sell out!
Check out more happenings in Livingston County during the weekend leading up to the eclipse at LivCoSol.com, your guide to everything you need to know about navigating the county during this once-in-a-lifetime event.
