Taste NY

Taste NY is a fantastic idea. There should be so many more of these along the parkway and Thruway. It’s a wonderful way to meet multiple needs: promoting local New York State farms and food businesses, repurposing an abandoned roadside building, and introducing hungry travelers to the delicious and diverse bounty of our state, particularly the Hudson Valley. During the growing season (June through October) there is a lovely little farmers market outside.
Prices of some items in the store are very high, but if people are willing to pay $ 12 for a package of local pasta or $ 25 for a candle I’m glad this place can connect the producers with customers. I usually just get coffee, cheese, and farmers market produce. The cold brew is tasty, but I just can’t justify spending $ 4 (regular drip coffee is $ 1.50, iced coffee is $ 2.25).
There are two clean restrooms inside, plus several port-​a-​potties outside. There’s nearly always a line, but it moves quickly if people are open to using the outside potties.

As a frequent NYC — Albany road-​tripper who likes to avoid the Thruway, this is a great pit-​stop along the great Taconic Parkway. Not going to find a lot of «meals» here, and it’s not like they’ve got much more than a generic coffee selection, but this place serves its purpose very well. A place supporting local commerce with friendly staff, grab a snack and a drink, and hit one of the few bathrooms in good condition, what else could you ask for?

Nice to see products from various parts of NY. It’s a must visit for locals and a small rest stop for those passing through. Nice idea!

The Taconic is a scenic drive with many beautiful vistas, and originally it had rest stops as well. Unfortunately, they were closed up decades ago, and since there are almost no amenities within sight of the highway, this has made it difficult for many motorists. Thus the conversion of a boarded up rest stop to a Taste of New York store is a most welcome change. In addition to accessible facilities, they sell a wide range of New York State produce, from seasonal fresh fruits to dry pasta, frozen ducks, jams and preserves and a selection of grab and go items suitable for immediate consumption. Prices tend to the high side and unfortunately they’re closed on Tuesdays.

Whoever had the brilliant idea to turn an abandoned but eye-​catching rest stop into a venue to showcase the bounty of local Hudson Valley Farm products has indeed struck gold. With easy on and off access, ample parking, clean facilities and food options sure to please even the most difficult palate, Taste NY has filled a much needed niche. There are prepared food offerings from various local producers, as well as freshly made packaged sandwiches and salads. If their choices aren’t tempting enough there are plenty of shelf stable goodies to bring home. You can’t beat the Hudson Valley for maple syrup or honey just a suggestion… It is my hope that all of the previous abandoned rest stops along the Taconic will all become Taste NY outlets so motorists can experience all that is great about our beautiful state.