Shopping

As rural as Delaware County is, it's not exactly a shopper's mecca. However, a number of tourist-oriented shops are in old barns, which makes it fun. Pakatakan Farmer's Market is held Saturday from May to October in a fantastic 1899 Round Barn, one of the oldest such structures, on Route 30 in Halcottsville. In season you'll see dozens of farms selling produce across the region.

If you must shop for man-made things, Margaretville is your place. The Margaretville Antique Center, Main Street (tel. 845/586-2424), has several dealers under one room, while The Commons in Margaretville, Main Street, has antiques, clothing, kitchenware, flowers, and Internet hookups. Walton's Country Emporium, 134 Delaware St. (tel. 607/865-8440; www.cntryempproducts.com), is a marketplace in a historic building with lots of gourmet foods, antiques, and crafts. A funky flea market is held Saturday and Sunday in summer, along Route 28 in Arkville. Andes has a couple of interesting antiques shops and several cool new art galleries on Main Street, including Blink, 454 Lower Main St. (tel. 845/676-3900), which features contemporary art and jewelry designs. In Arkville, Robert's Auction House (across from the train depot on Rte. 28), holds entertaining auctions well attended by locals and visitors to the area. It's a lot of fun, like a yard sale, except with an auctioneer at the helm.