Chittenango is a small town that you've probably heard of and possibly driven through. It shares its name with (and isn't too far from) one of the most beloved waterfalls in New York: Chittenango Falls. It's magnificent, but if that's all you've seen of the area around Chittenango, you're really missing out. With a population of around 5,000 and an area of just 2.4 square miles, you might not think there's much to do in the village of Chittenango, but you'd be wrong!
Chittenango is most famous as the birthplace of L. Frank Baum, the author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." It's now home to the All Things Oz Museum.
This magical place is filled with memorabilia of everything Oz-related you can think of. It's filled with items related to Baum himself, the books, the classic 1939 film, and its various spin-offs. You're definitely not in Kansas anymore!
The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum is another spot worth checking out here. It's a painstakingly-restored drydock that was the building and repair site for countless cargo boats in the late 1800s.
The museum has tons of interesting stuff to check out, including a sawmill and wood-working shop. It's the only place like it in New York and showcases such an important part of the area's history. You can get more information on their website.
What would a town be without food? Chittenango has a number of tasty restaurants, and one of our favorites is DeMario's Eatery. This little family-run joint has sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more.
You can view a menu on their Facebook.
And how about the best part of a meal: dessert? If you like soft serve, you won't want to miss Dad's Soft Ice Cream. This seasonal shop has absolutely amazing cakes and ice cream.
Find out more on their Facebook.
But that's not all Chittenango has to offer! It's also home to the Wild Animal Park, a zoo that has lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!). There are also giraffes and various add-on animal encounters.
This place is a blast for the whole family!
You won't want to leave the area without checking out Chittenango Falls. They aren't technically within the village of Chittenango, but rather a few miles south in Cazenovia. It's only a few minutes away, so you will definitely want to stop here before heading home.
These 167-foot falls are some of the most impressive in the state.
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