Dreaming Together in Alfred, NY

I have lived in the beautiful town of Alfred, New York for sixteen years now, half of my life. I first came here as a student, drawn in by something that is hard to define but easy to feel. There was a sense of community, of neighbors who noticed one another, of a town that felt alive because people were invested in it.

Over the years, my role here has changed. I became a newlywed, then a farmer’s wife, and eventually a small business owner. Through each season, we have worked diligently to do our part in contributing to this town that has given us so much. We have loved collaborating with friends and local businesses, welcoming visitors, and building something that connects people to this place.

Today, our farm serves both locally and beyond. We are grateful to provide food for seventy-five local families who call Alfred home, as well as a membership of over four hundred families who travel here from the greater Buffalo and Rochester areas to buy their groceries. When out-of-town families come to shop, one of our favorite things to do is share our favorite places with them, where to grab a coffee, where to find a gift, where to linger a little longer. In that way, food becomes a doorway into the wider life of the town.

It has been encouraging to watch Alfred grow and evolve. The reopening of the Terra Cotta and The Country Store, along with new ventures like Noonday Coffee and Grocery, Kindred Collective Gift Shop, and  N’duldge Bakery, bring fresh energy and creativity to Main Street. These businesses are reminders that dreaming is still happening here, that people are willing to take risks, open doors, and invite others in.

At the same time, we see the challenges clearly. Many longtime business owners are nearing retirement, and vacant storefronts are becoming more apparent. These empty spaces tell a story, but they also ask a question. What could exist here next? What might Alfred look like in five, ten, or twenty years if we choose to imagine boldly and work together?

Dreaming is not reserved for the young or the new. It belongs to anyone who cares enough to envision something better. If you are carrying an idea for a business, a service, or a creative venture that could take root in this town, we would love to support you and help however we can. Strong towns are built by people who are willing to start small, stay local, and grow with intention.

And if you are a townsperson wondering how to make a difference, remember this. One of the most powerful things you can do is keep your dollar local. Every purchase made at a local business is a vote of confidence. It says that this place matters, that the people here matter, and that the future of Alfred is worth investing in.

Dreaming together is how communities stay alive. It is how empty spaces become gathering places and how ideas turn into livelihoods. Alfred has always been a town shaped by people who care. The invitation now is simple. Keep dreaming, and dream together.