Ramps, also called wild onions or wild garlic, grow here in the Catskills for a brief time in the early spring, usually April through May. What's the big deal, and why do normally rational folks go CRAZY during this short season? They are delicious, can be used in many recipes, and their ephemeral nature is definitely a big part of their appeal. 

If you’re new to foraging ramps and unsure of where to find them or how to identify them, you could tag along with an experienced ramp forager, but they often guard their secret spots the same way truffle hunters do. With their life! 

So, here's what little I know. Ramps grow in shady areas and because they come up so early, they are usually easy to spot by their clusters of rich green color on a background of still brown woods. They have a distinctive smell, like onions or garlic. Cut the leaves, but DO NOT pull out the little white bulbs, to ensure they will grow again next year. And when in doubt about the plant, do not eat (a wise idea for anything you forage in the woods).

Look up the many recipes using ramp. Some of our favorites are ramp pesto on pasta and fish, ramp omelettes, and ramp butter on everything. Enjoy! 

The landmark Round Barn, built around 1893, is one of the earliest entirely round barns in New York State – and one of the only ones still standing, in good condition, and actively used today. In 1984, it received the honor of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architecture and engineering.

From mid-May through mid-October, area farmers and artisans gather to share their creativity and bounty at the Pakatakan Farmers’ Market at the Round Barn. The market runs Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. The extended market is open mid October to the end of November and is open 10 am to 1 pm.

46676 State Hwy 30, Halcottsville NY USA

Welome back to the Delaware and Ulster Scenic Train Rides!

DURR rides will start May 3 with their fun and lovely trips a few miles through the Catskills starting at thier station in Arkville, NY on Route 28 near Margaretville.

Check their website, www.durr.org, for events, special rides, general info, and to book tickets.

The Ulster and Delaware Railroad Company (U&D) was a Class I railroad located in New York State, headquartered in Rondout and founded in 1866. It was often advertised as “The Only All-Rail Route To the Catskill Mountains.” At its greatest extent, the U&D ran from Kingston Point, on the Hudson River, through the heart of the Catskill Mountains to its western terminus at Oneonta, passing through four counties (Ulster, Delaware, Schoharie and Otsego), with branches to Kaaterskill and Hunter in Greene County. The U&D connected with six other railroads: the West Shore, Wallkill, and O&W in Kingston, the D&N in Arkville, the Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley in West Davenport, and the D&H in Oneonta.