Norwich is the county seat of Chenango County in New York.
The city’s name was derived from a cathedral city in England.
Norwich used to be a town before its incorporation as a city in 1914.
Throughout the years, Norwich established its reputation as a popular agribusiness, dining, shopping, manufacturing, and museum destination.
This small city is also a top choice for people looking for a place where they can settle down due to its proximity to commercial establishments.
In spite of its size, Norwich is dotted with several attractions worth exploring.
Here are the best things to do in Norwich, New York:
Aaron Headly, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Northeast Classic Car Museum is the largest card museum in the Northeast, located on Rexford Street.
Here, you can find more than 200 vehicle displays and over 23 motorcycles.
This not-for-profit educational facility targets to preserve, collect, interpret, and showcase the evolution of transportation with an emphasis on the impact of automobiles on American culture.
Aaron Headly from Munith, MI, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Northeast Classic Car Museum features exhibits such as Handmade Muscle, Pre-War Collection, Post-War Collection, Fabulous Franklins, and more.
Pre-War Collection is one of the most popular exhibits here as it boasts vehicles with steam, electric, and combustion engines.
You’ll also love Northeast Classic Car Museum’s Made in New York collection, which displays vehicles that can be found all over the state.
A WWI & WWII Airplane Engines exhibit also houses the 18-cylinder R-3350 Turbo B-29 Super Fortress Bomber Engine.
Wild Owl Bistro on South Broad Street serves delectable food and refreshing drinks.
It’s popular among locals and tourists due to its welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
This bistro uses only the freshest ingredients.
While you’re here, order some Mediterranean Abeetz, Traditional Pepperoni, and Chicken Bacon Ranch Abeetz.
Wild Owl Bistro also has a dinner menu featuring Beef Wellington, Fillet Bleu, and Salmon Risotto.
Your little ones will also love their Mac N Cheese, Chicken Tenders, and Burgers.
Chenango Arts Council is an art and entertainment center on West Main Street.
If you’re looking for a place where you can relax while watching a performance, then this is the one for you.
Chenango Arts Council hosts music, dance, theatrical, and other events.
It also regularly conducts art workshops and artist demonstrations.
Inside this building, you can also find a conference room, loft gallery, and art classroom.
Chenango County Fair takes place within the Chenango County Fairgrounds on East Main Street.
Chenango County Agricultural Society sponsors the event, which features public performances by local artists, car shows, circuses, and festivals.
Your children will love the Ferris wheel, carousel, and other fun rides here.
Food stalls also sell delicious snacks and refreshing drinks that will complete your Chenango County Fair experience.
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Colonia Theater is an 800-seater theater on South Broad Street.
It opened on Dec. 23, 1914 and has since then become a favorite theater house of locals and tourists.
Colonia Theater is perfect for a movie date with loved ones and friends.
Jayu from Harrisburg, PA, U.S.A., CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
You can also rent this place for birthdays, anniversaries, and other important gatherings.
It also serves as a venue for company events, conferences, and training.
Aside from that, this theater’s beautiful and elegant facility is also perfect for ballroom and cultural events.
Park Place Sports Bar & Grill is nestled on East Park Plaza.
Chick and David Cirello purchased it in April 2009.
Park Place Sports Bar & Grill boasts an entertainment stage suited for performances.
It is also popular for its large dining room that overlooks East Park and a sports bar lounge with flat-screen TV where you can watch sports while enjoying your beer.
You’ll never run out of choices from Park Place Sports Bar & Grill’s beer, wine, and cocktail bar.
Savory burgers, wings, salads, pasta, and desserts are also available.
Park Place Sports Bar & Grill also hosts parties like holiday events, DJ nights, and UFC PPV.
Bullthistle Model Railroad is a museum on Rexford Street.
It presents a wide variety of displays that revolve around the railroad history and economy of Chenango County.
Bullthistle Model Railroad is also famous for its recreation of New York, Ontario & Western railroad yard.
This museum aims to present the evolution of trains over time through model trails and rails.
Aside from the museum, make sure to visit the BMRS Gift Shop & Store, where you can buy model railroad cars, accessories, and engines.
Some of the car models you can purchase here are 027, O, HO, N Gage, and more.
You can also buy railroad sketch prints by Mike Robertson at Bullthistle Model Railroad.
These sketches depict the railroad history of the city.
Made In Chenango Gift Shop & Gallery is located on North Broad Street.
It was established in 1997 and is owned and operated by local artists and artisans from the county.
If you’re looking for a shop where you can buy hand-crafted presents for your loved ones, Made In Chenango Gift Shop & Gallery is the best place.
It has shirts, bags, socks, kitchen wares, accessories, and more.
Soaps, wood signs, digital art, and pottery are also available.
This gift shop and gallery also welcome and feature guest artists for special exhibits.
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Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival is held on the weekend after Labor Day.
Each year, this colorful celebration attracts almost 10 to 12,000 people within the city.
Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival showcases juried arts and fine crafts for sale.
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The festival’s lively atmosphere, amazing live music performances, culinary arts, and hands-on art experiences make it a much-anticipated event for everyone.
Admission and activities are free of charge!
Canasawacta Country Club is a public country club situated on County Road 44.
It features a full-service restaurant and banquet facility.
Canasawacta Country Club also has an open deck seating where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding views.
This 158-acre rolling and hilly terrain is also a perfect spot for some golf sessions with friends.
You’ll have a great time playing on its 18-hole golf course, surrounded by lush trees and a picturesque view of the Chenango Valley.
Canasawacta Country Club is also an ideal location for dinner parties, meetings, luncheon buffets, and picnics.
It’s also a popular wedding venue.
Just Jump Skydiving is a skydiving center on State Highway 12.
Book a skydiving experience in this center, and you’ll get to experience jumping 10,000 feet above sea level!
Your safety is their number one priority that’s why you’ll be guided by only the most skillful and USPA Certified instructors with years of experience throughout your skydiving journey.
While you’re flying in the sky, you’ll be rewarded with the majestic views of the Catskills and nearby areas.
Bring your camera and take lots of photos and videos of your once-in-a-lifetime experience at Just Jump Skydiving!
Annie’s Thrift Shop is located on State Highway 12.
This family-owned thrift shop sells clothes, hardware, and other household items at an affordable price.
Annie’s Thrift Shop has a little bit of everything, so everyone in your family will find something they can buy and use.
This two-story store also has scented candles and hand-made ornaments.
You can also support the city’s local animal shelter by buying fresh eggs here at Annie’s Thrift Shop.
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Rexford Falls is nestled on Mad Brook on the eastern side of Sherburne.
You can reach this natural attraction via an 18-minute drive from Norwich.
Rexford Falls was named after Nelson C. Rexford, whose father donated the property where this 40-foot-high waterfall is situated.
You can go hiking with friends in this waterfall, but make sure you’re in good physical condition, as getting down into the gorge is a little challenging.
There is also a footbridge above Rexford Falls, where you can stay and admire the view of the surroundings.
It was constructed by an anonymous person in 1877 and was rehabilitated in 2006.
Wolf Mountain Nature Center is located on Hopkins Crandall Road, Smyrna.
It can be reached via a 16-minute drive from Norwich.
Wolf Mountain Nature Center comprises 70 acres of meadows, forests, and ponds, which serve as habitats for various animals.
Some of the creatures you can see here are coyotes, wolves, and foxes.
You can enjoy this nature center through a self-guided tour or with guides.
Wolf Mountain Nature Center’s volunteers will educate you about each animal’s habitat, diet, characteristics, and more.
After your tour, you can rest and grab a bite at Wolf Mountain Nature Center’s picnic area and shop for souvenirs in its gift shop.
Jayu from Harrisburg, PA, U.S.A., CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gilligan’s Island is a restaurant on North Main Street in Sherburne.
You can reach this place via a 16-minute drive from Norwich.
Gilligan’s Islandserves classic staples like hotdogs, burgers, and sandwiches.
But what makes this restaurant famous is its premier homemade ice creams that will satisfy your sweet tooth!
Sundaes, shakes, teas, and other sweet beverages are also available at Gilligan’s Island.
Friends of Rogers is a non-profit environmental protection organization in Sherburne, 17 minutes from Norwich.
This family-friendly destination offers a variety of programs and camps that will help you and your loved ones appreciate nature.
You can choose from Friends of Rogers’s adventure camp series, storytime and hike, scouting, nature’s nursery, and more.
Friends of Rogers also conducts fun events such as hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, horseback riding, and trail adventures.
The magic of Norwich is unfathomable.
Despite its small land size, this city is filled with beautiful and exciting destinations that will make your stay worthwhile.
From informative museums, performance centers, shops, festivals, restaurants, and zoos, you won’t run out of things to enjoy during your visit.
Its small land area also makes these destinations closely accessible from each other!
If you want to relax and take a pause from the everyday chaos of life, this city is perfect for you.
So what are you waiting for?
Plan your next trip and try these best things to do in Norwich, New York.
Discover the world.
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