The Sharon Springs Historic District encompasses 180 buildings. In the mid-19th century, the mineral springs of Sharon Springs sparked a tourism boom that led to the development of grand hotels and natural parks. For visitors, this gives Sharon Springs a clear cultural and historical focus, complemented by seasonal experiences centered on lavender and a recurring fall festival.
Local History in Buildings and Collections
The Sharon Historical Museum Complex displays objects of local interest, including numerous artifacts related to mineral baths and early hotels. This adds tangible items from the collections to the story of the springs: the focus is on both the history of bathing and the early hotel industry, which was part of the town’s tourism boom.
Educational programs are also part of the work of the Sharon Historical Society, which uses its museum and schoolhouse for them. The programs are aimed at students, adults, and the community. For students, they include guided tours of the sites and collections as well as hands-on activities. This connects historic places and objects with different forms of learning; guided tours and hands-on activities are specifically part of the student programs.
The American Hotel is a specific historical landmark. It was built around 1840 and reopened to the public on May 23, 2001, following an extensive, five-year renovation. The two dates mark different chapters in its history: the early development of the hotel industry and a much later reopening. The historic reopening is a distinct chapter in the town’s history.
The Town and Regional Orientation
In the surrounding municipality, the Town of Sharon, Route 20 is a New York State Scenic Byway. The entire stretch that runs through the Town is part of this byway. The municipal boundary is important for context: the designated route refers to the Town of Sharon, not just Sharon Springs.
Seasonal Occasions for Trip Planning
Slate Hill Lavender Farm grows lavender and dried flowers in the hills of Sharon Springs. The farm is open to the public from the weekend of Father’s Day through the end of July, on U-Pick days and during special events. Because seasonal dates can change, check the specific U-Pick days and event dates before your trip.
Another event with clearly defined dates is the Sharon Springs Harvest Festival. It takes place every year on the third weekend in September and has been a tradition for more than 15 years. Visitors can purchase seasonal products at the Harvest Market. If you plan your trip around the festival, you can use its recurring September timing as a guide and should check the specific festival dates in advance.
Local Products and Baked Goods
The seasonal character of the Harvest Market is part of the festival program. Blue Star Farm’s retail shop in the Village of Sharon Springs offers a different selection: fruit and vegetables, sweet and dry cider, cider doughnuts, cheese, and other local products.
Brimstone Bakery has a different culinary focus. The bakery makes cookies, biscotti, brownies, bars, pies and other cakes, scones, and sweet and savory baked goods; its retail shop is in Sharon Springs. Comparing the offerings is useful: Blue Star Farm focuses on agricultural products and cider, while Brimstone Bakery offers a selection of baked goods and cakes. This lets you consider different local products when planning your trip without confusing them with the seasonal market at the fall festival.
Discover more destinations: Richmondville, Schoharie, Cobleskill.
For the broader travel overview: Schoharie County.
