Understand

Orleans County is a predominantly rural area, characterized by farmland and light forest. The county is scattered with charming villages and hamlets, and it offers a wide range of recreational and historical attractions that are easily reachable by car. One of the county's main draws is the Erie Canal, which runs through several communities from east to west. Additionally, Lake Ontario lies to the north, offering scenic beauty and water activities. Fishing enthusiasts are also drawn to the many creeks found throughout Orleans County. Albion, the county seat, serves as a great starting point for day trips. It is conveniently located in the middle of the county and features picturesque 19th-century canalside downtowns. The villages of Medina and Albion are the largest, offering a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. The smaller villages and hamlets in the area hide their own unique treasures, waiting to be discovered.

Get in

Orleans County welcomes the majority of its visitors who arrive by car. For long-distance travelers from the east and west, the New York State Thruway is the main route to reach the county. You can take exit 48 (Batavia) or 48A (Pembroke) in Genesee County and join the Southern Tier travelers heading north. From Batavia, State Route 98 will lead you to Albion, while from Pembroke, Route 77 to Route 63 will take you to Medina. If you're coming from Buffalo, there are multiple routes you can take. While the Thruway is an option, you can also choose to take I-990 towards Lockport and then follow State Route 31, which runs parallel to the Erie Canal. For travelers from Rochester, State Route 104 is the most convenient route. However, if you want a quicker and more scenic drive, the Lake Ontario State Parkway is a great alternative, especially if your destination is located farther north. If you're visiting from Niagara Falls, Routes 104 and 31 are your best bets. For those with access to a boat, there are options for arriving by water as well. If you're coming from Lake Ontario, you can dock at the small marina in Oak Orchard State Marine Park at Point Breeze, which is at the mouth of the Oak Orchard River. If you're cruising the Erie Canal from the east or west, you have the opportunity to tie up in the charming canalside villages of Medina, Albion, and Holley. While Orleans County has a few rural airstrips, the only public airport with limited services is Pine Hill. This small airport is located southwest of Albion and southeast of Medina, offering a half-mile asphalt runway. However, it does not have scheduled commercial flights. If you have a private single-engine plane, you can fly in here. For bigger airports, Genesee County Airport to the south is capable of accommodating small jets, but it still does not offer commercial service. To access commercial air travel, you will need to fly into Rochester (IATA: ROC), Buffalo (IATA: BUF), or possibly Niagara Falls (IATA: IAG), and then rent a car to reach Orleans County. Unfortunately, there is no passenger train service directly to Orleans County. The closest terminals are located in Rochester, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls, requiring additional transportation to reach the county.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

**1. Hamburger**The hamburger, often simply called a burger, is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground beef, usually served in a bun with toppings and condiments such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and pickles. It is a quintessential American fast food item that can be found at restaurants, fast food joints, and even street vendors throughout the country. While traditional hamburgers typically include beef, there are also vegetarian options available made from plant-based ingredients.

**2. Pizza**Pizza is a popular Italian-American dish consisting of a yeasted flatbread base, typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and herbs. In the United States, pizza is often sold as both a take-out and sit-down dining option, with numerous regional variations in styles and toppings. Pepperoni is a particularly popular topping in the U.S., but vegetarian and vegan pizzas are also widely available.

**3. Fried Chicken**Fried chicken is a southern-style dish comprised of marinated chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Originating from the American South, fried chicken has become a staple in the country's culinary landscape, with various regional variations in preparation styles and seasonings. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a larger feast, and although traditionally prepared with chicken, vegetarian alternatives do exist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing