A Keuka Roots Review
There are places you visit, and then there are places you return to again and again—because they feel like home. For me, that place is Oak Hill Bulk Foods. Nestled along Route 14A in Penn Yan, this family-founded gem is a celebration of good food, warm smiles, and the timeless charm of the Finger Lakes.
A Little History Behind the Charm
Oak Hill Bulk Foods isn’t just a store—it’s a story built on vision, faith, and hard work. Founded in 1983 by Amos and Fannie Stoltzfus, it began right in the front room of their home, where they sold dry goods and baking staples to neighbors.
What started as a small idea grew into something much bigger: a gathering place, a part of daily life for the Penn Yan community. By 1990, Oak Hill had expanded into its current home, a welcoming store that still carries the same heart it was founded with.
As I wandered through the aisles, I could almost picture those early days—Amos and Fannie greeting neighbors by name, stocking shelves with care, and slowly building a space that would become a Finger Lakes favorite.
A Shopper’s Paradise
Inside, Oak Hill is a feast for the senses. Rows of bulk grains, colorful candies, and old-fashioned baking staples line the shelves, each one inviting you to slow down and explore.
The air is rich with the scent of roasted coffee and warm bread—an irresistible lure that led me straight to the café.
Lunch was simple and perfect: a crisp chicken salad sandwich on freshly baked bread, paired with a steaming bowl of homemade soup fragrant with herbs. It tasted like comfort, like something your grandmother might make on a chilly afternoon.
Then came my favorite part—the sample bar, which changes weekly to highlight Oak Hill’s specials. That day’s offerings were a cheese lover’s dream: sharp cheddars, nutty Swiss, and creamy Havarti. The friendly staff encouraged me to try them all, and I happily obliged.
And, of course, I couldn’t leave without a visit to the bakery. Rows were filled with cookies, pastries, and the famous Fry Pies—golden, flaky, fruit-filled pockets of pure joy. I tried a bite of each bakery good on the sample counter (it would’ve been rude not to!) and tucked a few Fry Pies in my basket for later.
Everywhere I turned, there was something new to discover—homemade jams, pickles, local honey, and rows of freshly roasted coffee beans that perfumed the air. Oak Hill doesn’t just invite you to shop; it invites you to linger.
More Than a Market
What makes Oak Hill special goes beyond the food. It’s the feeling you get the moment you walk in—the genuine smiles, the sense of belonging, the little conversations that remind you that community still matters.
You can sense the Stoltzfus family’s legacy everywhere: in the way the staff greets you, in the quality of every product, and in the quiet pride that fills the space. Oak Hill isn’t just a store—it’s a reminder of what can grow when heart and hard work come together.
As I left, my bag a little heavier and my spirit a little lighter, I realized that Oak Hill isn’t simply a stop along Route 14A—it’s a destination. One that keeps calling you back.
Planning Your Visit
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Oak Hill Bulk Foods
14A Penn Yan, NY
π°οΈ Open Monday–Saturday (check hours before visiting)
β Don’t miss: the café lunch specials, sample bar, and Fry Pies!
If you find yourself exploring the Finger Lakes, make a point to stop at Oak Hill. Whether you’re picking up bulk staples, enjoying a homemade meal, or just soaking in the down-home charm, this little gem is a true taste of what makes our region special.
Until next time around Keuka.
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