 I started coming to Rock Hill, NY about 40 years ago. It is so enchanting that I've previously written about it's amenities, art, music centric vibe, and some Son Of A Bee (his words, not mine) I met at Rock Hill's Farmer's Market (links below). This trip back I'm writing about it's history, it's tremendous beauty and the incredible roll it played in improving the world. (links below). With that said, here's a little "Rock" history. Some people might think the town name was linked to this cool park statue by local artists. However, in case there's ever a quiz, you can tell them that in October 1885 this hamlet received it's name because the Katrina Falls Road post office was erected on top of a high, rocky cliff.
Amazing Places: Rock Hill, NY Rock Hill Flower Power. He Puts The "Rock" In Rock Hill. Don't Worry, Bee Happy. Amazing Places: Rock Hill, NY. Part 1. Amazing Places: Rock Hill, NY. Part 2. Amazing Places: Rock Hill, NY. Part 3. Contents Books Home Hire Stories  The first thing you see and feel in Rock Hill, NY is its extraordinary beauty. It is a soothing loveliness that speaks directly to your soul. The lush green forests comfort. The glimmering azure waters welcome. And the winding backroads beckon. It as if nature and nurture has combined all the elements necessary to offer peace and restoration when we need it most.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  This serene setting in Rock Hill, NY is the site of one of the greatest social revolutions in history. It all began in the 1950's when handicapped kids came here to Camp Jened. For many campers, it was the only place they were ever considered "normal". As a result, they forged life long bonds that held strong when they fought to change the world, as depicted in the award winning Netflix documentary, "Crip Camp". And when you consider that handicapped people are the world's largest minority group and the only minority group anyone can join at any time, the ramifications for the entire world are unprecedented. Today this epicenter for social change is no more, but it's legacy will live on in a new town park.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  New Paltz, NY is an old town with a modern day vibe. According to Wikipedia it "was founded in 1678 by French Huguenots" and was once home to heavyweight boxing champion, Floyd Patterson, and actors Peter Dinklage, Sandy Duncan and John Turturro. There is a quaint European inspired village called Water Street Market that locals refer to as their "community gathering place". There's a delicious eatery called Main Street Bistro and an area dedicated to remembering the groovy Woodstock era. And to add to the town's charm, there is the ever popular SUNY college (State University of New York) nearby.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Like many places in Upstate New York, the hiking trails near New Paltz, NY are gorgeous and plentiful. This view from Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is just minutes away from downtown, but its breathtaking vista is out of this world. So if you are looking for a great getaway that includes the best combination of beautiful nature and enchanting village charm, check out New Paltz, NY.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Roscoe, NY is known internationally as Trout Town, USA and was named “Ultimate Fishing Town -- USA” by the World Fishing Network, so you know the angling has got to be good. Roscoe also has a historic downtown, a train museum, scenic campsites, unique antique shops and an American Gothic cutout where Ma and Pa are sporting fishin' vests. And if you get a little parched doing all that fishing, you can follow the Good Taste Artisanal Beverage Trail which runs right through Roscoe and includes Do Good Spirits and The Roscoe New York Beer Company.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  I must confess, the reason I came to the charming hamlet known as Livingston Manor, NY is because I heard they had a Trout Parade. I was enthralled with the idea that all the Trout had grown tiny feet just so they could march up and down Main street. But despite that not actually being the case, what I did discover was a very welcoming village to visit. There's great places to socialize like Catskill Brewery, Kaatskeller and other spots along the winding Willowemoc Creek. So whatever brings you there, it is well worth the drive. (Admit it. You are still thinking about how cool it would be to see them little trouts with their tiny feets marchin' in a parade, aren't ya? Me too.) :-)
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  There's only one thing better than finding a great getaway town. And that's finding a magical spot there so secret that you have to whisper it to your friends. Such is the case with the Main Street Farm Market Cafe in Livingston Manor, NY. Inside is an elegant, eclectic mix of coffee and tea house and a market cafe featuring local organic farms and food artisans. There's also local Catskill beer, wine and cider there too. But the real magic for me is the tiny back deck that looks out over the meandering Willowemoc Creek. It is simply dreamy. So, now that you know you can tell all your friends about it, but only if you whisper.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  According to Wikipedia, Phoenicia, NY is "nestled at the base of three peaks, Mount Tremper, Romer Mountain, and Sheridan Mountain and sits at the confluence of the Esopus Creek and Stony Clove Creek". Because of it's natural beauty and village ambience, many tourism guides rate Phoenicia as one of the "best vacation towns in the greater New York City area". Some of my personal highlights were coffee at Sweet Sue's, the stunning curb appeal of The Nest Egg and Phoenicia Belle Bed and Breakfast, and the impressive 10 foot tall statue of Davy Crockett in front of Mystery Spot Antiques.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Have you ever been driving down a road and passed something so amazing that you just had to turn around to see if it was for real? Well, that's exactly what happened when I spotted Steve Heller's Fabulous Furniture in Boiceville, NY. I mean, this place has everything from sci-fi robots to mysterious aliens to the Starship Enterprise. But best of all, it has the master artist and craftsman himself, Steve Heller. Steve has been sculpting space age artifacts, building life-edge heirloom furniture and painting cutting edge autos for decades. And lucky us, because he showcases his art in his yard and cozy showroom near Woodstock, NY, and we get to experience the joy and wonder of his wild imagination.
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