Things to Do in Mexico, NY That Might Surprise You

Did you know that Mexico is not just the US’s southern neighbor, but also a quaint town in upstate New York? Nestled atop the hills of Oswego County, Mexico, NY is filled with fascinating history. Visit a stop on the underground railroad. Do some phenomenal birdwatching. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book. Or learn about the history of America’s first supermodel. There are plenty of things to do in Mexico, New York for any adventure seeker. And some of the activities just might surprise you.

Grab a coffee & a good book at Books & Brew

There’s no better way to start a day in Mexico – or anywhere, really – than with a great cup of coffee. Luckily, one of the newest additions to the town of Mexico is Books & Brew, a charming book-themed coffee shop in the center of town. Owner Dani Maynes wanted to create a place that expressed her passions for both coffee and books while inviting the community to join her. The result is a carefully curated small business bringing life to the Mexico community.

In addition to great coffee, locally-made pastries, and shelves of new and used books, Books & Brew hosts several events. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for information about pop-up markets, flash tattoos, and author events.

Exterior view of Books & Brew Coffee Shop in Mexico, NY

* Books & Brew is a participating business on the Wandercuse passport. *

Visit a stop on the Underground Railroad

I’ve always found on my travels that the museums in the smallest towns usually have the most unique history. And Starr Clark Tin Shop had just that. Built in 1827, the federal-style building will soon celebrate 200 years of stories, most notably as a station for freedom seekers along the Underground Railroad.

For over 30 years Starr Clark operated the tin shop in Mexico all while he was a fierce abolitionist. Documents prove that he signed petitions against slavery and even wrote to governors pleading for the release of enslaved people.

Now, the building serves as a museum, captured as a moment in time from when the tin shop was in business. Historic artifacts are preserved in cases, including slave manacles, a first edition of “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave”, anti-slavery dishware, and more.

Guided tours show the metal-smithing tools and products on the first floor. Upstairs visitors get a glimpse back into Mexico’s other history, including the country’s first supermodel, Audrey Munson.

Starr Clark Tin Shop is also known to have some unusual stories. Which isn’t surprised with two centuries worth of history! But that also means that it’s a stop on the Haunted History Trail of New York State.

Learn about America’s first supermodel, Audrey Munson

One of the main exhibits on the second floor of the Starr Clark Tin Shop is about the life and legacy of Audrey Munson.

Who was Audrey Munson?

Born in 1891 in Rochester, New York, Audrey Marie Munson would grow up to become America’s first supermodel. As a teenager she moved to NYC with her mother to pursue an acting career. It was there that Audrey gained notoriety, starring in Broadway productions and silent films. She became one of the first women to appear nude on-screen. Her beauty was renowned, inspiring artists through paint and sculpture. Audrey posed for several famous artists, becoming the model/inspiration for twelve different statues across New York City. Through her modeling, she earned herself the nicknames “Miss Manhattan” and “Panama-Pacific Girl”.

Unfortunately, Audrey’s career ultimately got the best of her as she succumbed to mental illness following a tragic incident. While living in Manhattan, Audrey’s landlord fell in love with her. So much so that he murdered his wife in hopes of being with the supermodel. This was the domino that triggered the decline of her career. The following years led to deep depression and a suicide attempt.

Audrey eventually moved back upstate, first to Syracuse and then to Mexico to live with her father. Not getting any better, her family had her committed to a mental asylum in Ogdensburg on her 40th birthday. There she was treated for depression and schizophrenia. Audrey remained there for the next 64 year until she died at the age of 104.

Discover more history at the Chandler & Ames Bank Museum

Next door to the tin shop museum is another piece of history. The Chandler & Ames Bank Museum was originally built brick-by-brick as a bank in 1855 by James S. Chandler and Leonard Ames Jr. Over the past 170 years, the building has lived many lives. After its start as a bank, the building was also a law office, pedigree office, restaurant, credit office, and village hall. It then sat vacant from 1996 until the Mexico NY Historical Society purchased the property.

Over the next three years the building was lovingly restored to its former glory. The new museum opened in August 2023, celebrating what would have been Starr Clark’s 230th birthday.

Discover more towns and villages to visit in Oswego County.

Watch birds soar overhead at Derby Hill

After a morning of delving into local history, it’s time to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in nature. Located along the southern shore of Lake Ontario Derby Hill Bird Observatory is one of the best places in New York State to go birdwatching. On my first visit, I stayed for roughly two hours, completely in awe of the birds flying overhead. During that time I saw hundreds of birds. Eagles. Hawks. Terns. Ospreys. Vultures. Kestrels. And so many more.

Although it is open year-round, the best time to visit Derby Hill is in late April / early May when the broad-winged hawks are migrating. During March, April, and May, an official hawk counter is stationed onsite to track the number of different birds seen in the sky. On the best day recorded, there were over 19,000 hawks seen.

Derby Hill has approximately 57 acres of land and is free to visit. I recommend bringing a camping chair, sunglasses, and a good pair of binoculars to get the most out of your visit.

If you’re looking for another place to stretch your legs, nearby Mexico Point State Park has several miles of hiking trails. And there is a very unique tiny cottage at the park that is said to be haunted.

Pick apples & enjoy farm-fresh products at Behling Orchards

There’s something magical about strolling throught the aisles of an apple orchard in Upstate New York in the autumn. And there’s no better place to get apples in Mexico than at Behling Orchards. This family-owned farm was established in 1947 and has grown from just 6 acres to over 200 acres of apple orchards.

During the peak of their fall season, Behling’s is filled with families, all flocking to enjoy the freshest apples and delicious baked goods. Visitors can enjoy the snack shack, beer, barn, live music, tractor rides, and a large play area in addition to apple picking.

Enjoy a pint of beer at 6 Acres Farm Brewery

The newest venture for the Behling family? A farm brewery, of course. Brewmaster Jenna Behling established the brewery in 2019, but it wasn’t until 2025 that she had a brew barn to call her own. 6 Acres Farm Brewery is located just down the road from the apple orchard, making for a great stop after a day at the farm. The modern barn sits atop the rolling hills of Mexico and features a stunning interior with historic touches. In addition to the beer made onsite, guests can also enjoy craft cocktails, live music, board games, and a huge variety of hot dogs.