Cherry Valley, New York: The Tepee

An old teepee-shaped roadside standby still operates along bypassed Highway 20.

Get a chili dog with onions at Teepee Pete's.

Dale is the most delightful woman and will tell you all about how The Tepee was built in 1950, and became (as the keychains call it) an Otsego County Landmark. Although Native American jewelry and crafts are now there, the store is still rich with wacky, fun trinkets. There's also a really great view of the Catskill Mountains from the parking lot!

My first time at The Tepee I was so young it is only a vague memory (I'm in my 60s). It makes me so happy it's still there, with the same inventory of childhood delight. Excellent quality moccasins, classic cheesy gift shop trinkets (cedar wood cuts with puns, anyone?) and cool kid's toys and games for long car rides. The new owners are so warm and friendly. I only wish it was still the shiny metal that glinted in the sun like a beacon of roadside perfection.

As a kid The Tepee was the only "tourist trap" my father would ever stop at on our yearly summer trip to Vermont. He would always buy a pair of moccasins and my siblings and I would joyfully buy candy and nonsense items.

As an adult now with a child of my own I carry on the tradition of a Tepee visit whenever we travel Route 20 to visit family. The Latella family that now own and operate the Tepee are delightfully warm and welcoming people that, as a result of our frequent visits, have become like old friends! The Tepee has an ever-changing inventory of items, ranging from authentic Native American drums to the silly inexpensive toys and jewelery that delight my daughter as much as they delighted me 40 years ago!

The food at Tepee Pete's Chow Wagon is outstanding and the view from the picnic tables is spectacular. The dining experience at the Tepee sure as heck beats the snot out of stopping at Micky D's! As you can see, I am a loyal fan of the Tepee and if you are traveling Route 20 and do not stop...you are missing a special non-commercial slice of Americana.