Guest Blog written by Lauren Spoth, founder of @thebuffalocreative
POV: You’re at the perfect winter destination…and it’s just a short drive from Buffalo!
I’ve been visiting Dell Collective’s properties for years and everytime I come back it’s as magical as ever. On past visits I’ve stayed in this gorgeously remote slice of paradise during the warmer summer and spring seasons, but recently we spent a few days here during winter and let me tell you – it was everything #cozyszn.
Winter, unfairly, often gets a bad rap. Typically once January rolls around people like to either hibernate or head south because you know…it’s cold. But what if instead of hiding or running from the season that occupies one fourth of our calendar year we embraced it? When you look at winter with the glass half-full there’s so many things to love about this season: the dreamy views of snow falling outside your window, the subsequent sparkling white blanket that covers the ground, the birds that only come around this time of year, the joy of watching kids and pets play in the fluffiest powder, late sunrises that let you stay snuggled up in bed. With this optimistic perspective we decided there was no better time to make our way back to our cute and cozy happy place – one of Dell Collective’s farm properties, Highbanks at the West Barn.
The trip to Dell Collective’s farm properties begins with the short 90 minute drive to Perry, NY and for me the drive is almost as fun as the stay itself! From Buffalo you pass through miles and miles of stunning rolling hills complete with roadside farm stands, views of cows and horses, and adorable small towns along the way. One of our favorite small towns to stop at along our journey is Warsaw, NY. With its cute little Main Street and business district filled with cafes and antique shops, this particular small town also has several large-scale murals and one of my personal favorite ice cream stands, Yummi’s (sadly Yummi’s is closed in the winter but definitely add it to your list for other seasons!).
Once you’ve finished exploring, it’s less than a 20 minute drive from Warsaw to Dell Collective’s farm house properties. Upon arriving at Highbanks, the first thing we did was exhale. The owner, Amanda, is truly an expert at making guests feel right at home when they stay at her properties and it’s evident from the moment you walk in the door. As soon as you enter you’re greeted by soft music and the sweetest aroma (fun fact, it’s actually Dell Collective’s signature scent!). Amanda is one of those people who just has a knack for hospitality, and she does her best to anticipate anything you could ever need before you even know you need it. From extra blankets and fun games to snacks and cooking supplies to toiletries *beyond* your basic toiletries, each property is well stocked with it all. Plus in the Highbanks property there’s even a huge chalkboard mural with all of her recommendations of places to go and things to do while you’re there…something we’ve utilized on each and every one of our trips!
Since this was our first time experiencing winter here we wanted to fully take in the season. And the best way to do just that? Hiking! Luckily one of the most beautiful state parks in America is located just 5 minutes from the farm properties, so we used Dell Collective’s complimentary Letchworth State Park pass to take our dog on some lovely winter hikes.
The town of Perry is also a short 5 minute drive from Dell Collective’s farm properties, which makes it super easy to grab a bite to eat, go bowling, or enjoy a tasty boozy beverage. For us, no visit to Highbanks is complete without a stop at our favorite spot in Perry, Ration Wine Bar, for wine flights, snacks, and local cider from nearby cidery Three Falls – so that was a must-do at the tippy top of our list.
Another great thing about the location of Dell Collective’s farm properties is all of the adorable small towns in the surrounding vicinity. Geneseo, Castille, and Nunda are just a few nearby towns that we’ve visited throughout past stays here, and they all have so much to offer! During this stay we went to the nearby town of Mount Morris to check out some antique shops and walk Main Street during the time of year when it looks exactly like something out of a Hallmark movie. Pro-tip: my favorite restaurant there is High Banks Tavern – make sure to get the Totchos and Black & Blue Salad!
Since it is cozy season we wanted to really make the most of our time *inside* Highbanks at the West Barn during our visit. After all, we were there with the intention of embracing the beauty and serenity of winter in the most hygge-est of locations! Cozied up inside, I took full advantage of the huge bathtub and bubble bath in what is probably the most stunning bathroom I’ve ever seen. We also grabbed groceries from nearby Perry Market Place – including locally sourced farm-fresh eggs, cheese, sausage, and more – to cook some meals at “home”. And of course we couldn’t resist getting takeout one night from Hong Kong Restaurant, which is conveniently located across the street from Ration Wine Bar 😉
There are umpteen reasons why we keep coming back to stay at Dell Collective’s farm properties, but the biggest reason is because I always feel at ease while I’m there. Upon leaving I have a sense of calm that can only be acquired from a place like Highbanks at the West Barn or Southview at the West Barn. And when I finally arrive back home I feel refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to take on whatever the ‘real world’ has waiting for me. I truly can’t recommend Dell Collective and all of their beautiful properties enough – it’s a beautiful place that needs to be experienced to be believed.
