Welcome to Cherry Valley, the oldest community in Otsego County, first settled in 1739. We are rich in art and history, and when best to visit us but in October, when all the ghosts come out to play. Those first settlers would have become ghosts before their time if it wasn't for the generosity and kindness of their Mohawk neighbors who brought them food throughout the long cold winter.
There is something in the water in Cherry Valley—a vibrant, magnetic energy that lifts spirits and fosters a community where people are noticeably happier, deeply connected, and inspired to build together. Tucked into the rolling foothills along historic Turnpike routes, this village—affectionately known as "Happy Valley" due to its historic mineral springs—bridges a rich Revolutionary War heritage and a lineage of legendary artists with a kind, inclusive community where year-round residents and generations of all ages thrive.
Let's start at the TePee, a landmark and roadside gift shop since 1950, the Tepee founded by Dale and Donna Latella. The roadside TePee and its buffalo statue are iconic and the view of the Mohawk Valley is breathtaking in all seasons.
Continuing on to the theme of spirits: did you know Cherry Valley is partly to blame for the existence of the Internet? Samuel Morse spent time here, visiting family and working on the prototype of the Telegraph Key and the Morse Code. He was compelled to find a way to speed up communication when the news of his wife's illness was so slow to reach him that she was dead and buried before he made it home by horseback. Morse code became binary code, upon which all programming languages are based.
Morse worked in the now Cherry Valley Bookstore and the Telegraph School, two beautiful old buildings from the 1800s. If you search, you might find an equally old book at the bookstore and you'll be sure to find some great community & art events at the Telegraph School, like the Open Mic, Women's & Men's Circles, drum circles, movement classes and more.
Maybe instead of ghosts, you'd like your energy fields to be spruced up. We have a lovely new business in town called Sage Healing. They offer reiki, hypnotherapy, breath work and more.
Then head over to Wanderlust Beauty Salon, Sage Salon, or Tiffany K's Hair Salon to get fancied up in time for the Horror Film Festival at Cherry Valley Artworks, Friday nights in October.
Be sure to pick up a gift from 25 Main Collective, the Cherry Valley Emporium, or a Fall-themed flower bouquet from A Rose is A Rose. Enjoy dinner at the Tryon Inn, the Red Shed, or lunch at Coffee and Crumb, and book a beautiful room to end the evening at the John Henry Bed and Breakfast.
Before you know it, it's Halloween, and Otsego County’s best kept Halloween secret is Cherry Valley. Trick or Treating goes from 5-7pm, and prepare for the sweetest and scariest assortment of costumes as the young ones take over the village. Everything bustles with fun and mischievous spirits as the homes and businesses open their doors with treats for the children. There will be a Haunted Park at the Gazebo and pumpkin and costume contests join the Trunk-or-Treat at the Firehouse. End the evening at Artworks for a Halloween Costume Party. The night before there will be a Cemetery Ghost Walk at dusk led by ghost-whisperer and Village Historian Sue Miller of the Plaide Palette.
Cherry Valley is also famous for its Pumpkin Glow. Drive along the Cherry Valley Turnpike (Rte 20) near the Cherry Valley exit and you'll see over 100 pumpkins nestled and glowing among the rock cliffs.
But what if, like in the movies, while you're walking in the cemetery, listening to the ghost stories, something happens to your car? You can't leave and the ghosts of our almost 300 year old village keep you here? You could stop by Dustin's Automotive or you could just give in and join us. We have fun and you'll fit in great.
Learn more about the events and businesses of Cherry Valley at cherryvalley.com
The author of this guide, Angelica Palmer, is the Director of The Telegraph School in Cherry Valley.