Your road trip begins in the quaint village of Wellsville, which offers an abundance of shopping and dining options, and is home to the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally.

Marvel at the stunning, Italianate Victorian mansion known as the “Pink House,” where the legends and stories surrounding this beautiful, private residence are nearly as famous as its whimsically pink exterior.  Don’t forget to take a photo in front of this icon – one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in all of Allegany County.   

The David A. Howe Library, with its copper cupola towering high above Main Street, invites you to experience local art and culture— a list of lectures, musical events, film showings, and theatrical performances in the Nancy Howe Auditorium can be found on their website. By calling ahead, visitors can schedule a private, guided tour of this architectural treasure. 

After your visit to the library, take a stroll down Main Street for great shopping and dining experiences.  Lunch at the Texas Hot is a must-do for any first-time visitor to the Western NY Wilds (and we guarantee it won’t be your last visit!); order like a local – two Texas Hots, French fries (try them with gravy), and a milkshake of your choice. 

Continue down Main Street to shop for high-quality Irish gifts and items at From the Hart.  The Irish pride continues next door at Wellsville Brewing Company, where you’ll find a comfortable, Irish-pub style atmosphere and enjoy a rotating variety of 10+ craft brews on tap.  It’s the only brewery where you’ll find a beer named after a local celebrity and Catholic nun, Sister Alice, and sample their delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter, a fan favorite.

From North Main Street, turn onto the Bolivar Road/Rt. 417 and head West out of town toward Alma.  Follow the Bolivar Road/Rt. 417 for 2.4 miles before taking a left on Brimmer Brook Rd./County Rd. 18 and continue on to Petrolia Road.  As you cruise along Petrolia Road/County Rd. 18 toward Alma, you’re likely to encounter an abundance of wildlife – from blue herons, to bald eagles, and black bears. Turn left onto Four Mile Road/County Rd. 38 to drive directly alongside Alma Pond, where you can enjoy stunning views of our rolling hills, or make a pit stop to enjoy fishing from the DEC Access Site on Alma Pond or a relaxing paddle in your kayak or canoe.

You’re likely to meet an Amish horse and buggy as you travel through the towns of Willing and Independence toward Andover.  Continue to follow Four Mile Road/County Rd. 38, then take a left onto Stone Dam Road, continue straight onto Beech Hill Road for 6.9 miles before turning left onto State Route 248 W and a quick right onto Independence Road.  Stay on Independence Road until you hit Rt. 417 once again and take a left to head into Andover. 

In Andover, the last stop on your driving route, you’ll find your gateway to even more outdoor (and off-road) adventures.  Visit family-friendly Kent Farms, home to Tall Pines ATV Park and Kent Beer Company.  Those with access to ATVs or side-by-sides will appreciate the well-marked trails and professional grooming of Tall Pines ATV Park, offering a safe and fun adventure for the whole family.  After a day of on and off-road riding, unwind around the bonfire with one of Kent Beer Company’s farm fresh craft beers before turning in at the charming Hann Homestead Inn.

Big and small discoveries are what make road trips an appealing exercise in fun. It is a time to bathe in the beautiful scenery and make interesting stops along the way. Go put some gas in your vehicle and enjoy go explore the rural roadways of Western New York.