Weekend Getaways Around Chenango County: Exploring Norwich and Beyond
At Matthews Ford, we know that the best family memories often begin right in our own backyard along the scenic Chenango River valley. Rolling country hills, winding rural highways, and deep historical roots make our corner of Upstate New York a treasure trove for weekend day-trippers. Whether you are loading up camping gear for a state park adventure or taking the family for an educational afternoon in town, here is our curated guide to exploring Norwich and the surrounding communities.
Northeast Classic Car Museum
Location: 24 Rexford Street, Norwich, NY 13815
Distance from Dealership: ~0.8 Miles (3 Minutes)
Scenic Route: Short drive north along Route 12 directly through historic downtown Norwich.
Housing one of the largest collections of vintage motor vehicles in the Northeast, this museum features over 170 classic automobiles and historic motorcycles across five climate-controlled buildings. Exhibits highlight early pre-war engineering, post-war luxury icons, and the largest permanent collection of Franklin automobiles in the world.
Bowman Lake State Park
Location: 745 Bliven Sherman Road, Oxford, NY 13830
Distance from Dealership: ~12 Miles (20 Minutes)
Scenic Route: Take NY-12 South to Oxford, then head west across County Route 10 through dense evergreen hills.
Known affectionately across Central New York as a camper’s paradise, this 967-acre retreat features thick hardwood forests, secluded campsites, and a sandy lakefront. Bowman Lake is regularly stocked with trout for peaceful morning angling, while over 13 miles of trails welcome summer hikers and winter cross-country skiers.
The Wolf Mountain Nature Center
Location: 562 Hopkins Crandall Road, Smyrna, NY 13464
Distance from Dealership: ~14 Miles (22 Minutes)
Scenic Route: Head north along Route 12 to Sherburne, taking picturesque country roads into the rolling hills of Smyrna.
Dedicated to wildlife conservation and public education, this non-profit sanctuary provides expansive woodland habitats for Gray Wolves, Eastern Coyotes, and four distinct species of foxes. Knowledgeable volunteer docents guide visitors through pack social structures, communication methods, and regional ecological roles.
Chenango County Historical Society
Location: 45 Rexford Street, Norwich, NY 13815
Distance from Dealership: ~0.9 Miles (3 Minutes)
Scenic Route: Easily combined with the classic car museum directly along Rexford Street in downtown Norwich.
Preserving the stories and traditions of our region, the museum campus is centered in historic Ward School No. 2. Exhibits showcase artifacts from early Chenango Canal commerce, including a scale model of the packet boat “Lillie,” alongside the original one-room Ross Schoolhouse, historic Loomis Barn, and a working maple sugar shack.
Southern Tier Driving Tips: Matching Your Road Trip to the Right Vehicle
Exploring Chenango County means navigating a mix of smooth valley highways, steep rolling ridges, and seasonal gravel forest roads. Here is how our featured Ford vehicles match your travel style:
Ford Explorer
Best for Large Family Road TripsWith three rows of spacious seating for up to seven passengers and up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the Explorer easily accommodates strollers, luggage, and picnic hampers for a full day out. Its available Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management provides peace of mind on unpaved park entrances.
Ford Bronco Sport
Best for State Forest TrailheadsFeaturing standard 4x4 capability, impressive ground clearance, and selectable G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain), the Bronco Sport tackles rutted gravel roads around Bowman Lake effortlessly. Washable rubberized cargo floors make cleanup simple after muddy trail hikes.
Ford F-150
Best for Camper Towing & TailgatingHauling your family camper or boat trailer to local lakeside campgrounds is effortless with up to 13,500 pounds of maximum towing. Available Pro Power Onboard turns your truck bed into an electrical source to run campsite lights, outdoor cookers, or small electronics without noisy standalone generators.
Ford Escape
Best for Cost-Conscious Day TrippersOffering exceptional fuel economy, available all-wheel drive, and versatile sliding second-row seats that expand rear cargo depth, the Escape is built for spontaneous weekend escapes across Central New York without running up steep fuel bills.
Why Southern Tier Drivers Choose Matthews Ford
Family owned and serving local drivers since 1973, Matthews Auto is deeply invested in the communities where our customers live and travel. When you visit our dealership at 175 East Main Street in Norwich, you experience car shopping built on enduring relationships, transparency, and honest value:
- Matthews OnePrice Policy: We never sell above MSRP, even on high-demand SUVs and trucks. Every price is clearly posted online and on the lot with zero hidden fees and no stressful haggling.
- Neighborly Sales Consultants: Our team members are local neighbors whose focus is listening to your travel needs and guiding you to the right vehicle in a completely relaxed environment.
- Matthews Rewards Plus: Earn up to 25% (up to $5,000) towards your next vehicle purchase, just by servicing your vehicle at any Matthews Auto location.
- FreshStart Financing: Our dedicated finance specialists partner with regional Chenango County credit unions and trusted national lenders to find affordable payment options for all credit backgrounds.
- Matthews 777 Guarantee (Used Vehicles): Enjoy complete confidence when shopping our pre-owned inventory with our 7-Day Free Vehicle Exchange (“If you don’t love your vehicle, you can exchange it within 7 days for free!”).