Haverstraw

The name Haverstraw NY was first inspired by the Dutch Settlers who lived here that noticed the flowing grasses along the Western banks of the Hudson River and thought they looked like “Oat Straw” or, in their word, “Haverstroo”. The name as we know it today deviated from there.

Haverstraw has a fascinating history. It was the main military lookout for Btitish troops who used the Long Path, a trail that's known for its blue markings, along South Mountain and High Tor. Completed by Little Tor, these three are known as the Ramapo Mountains (the village of Ramapo, or Hempstead, is named after these Mountains). George Washington stopped here during the Revolution and stayed at the Treason House during his reign as Commander-in-Chief.

Haverstraw offers a great community for its residents, including a Senior Center, Summer Concerts in the park, and a Day Camp for its youth. Bowline Point Park has its very own Olympic-scale sized pool, as well as a wading area for the kiddies, including two fantastic water slides, volleyball courts and picnic areas, and more (it's also handicap accessible and has great paths to discover the spleandor of Nature). If you have a camping permit, Cheesecote Park is a fantastic place to set up the tent. Golfers will enjoy Philip J. Rotella Golf Course for all their golfing needs.

Kids who live in Haverstraw attend North Rockland Central School District, where you will find one of my favorite English Teachers, Mr. Schneider, who I know from his days at Yorktown High School in Westchester County (now there is a teacher you will never forget). Haverstraw also has fantastic medical facilities, and Hudson River Health Care offers wonderful doctors and a sliding scale rate for those with financial difficulties. The shops here aren't that amazing---there's an auto body, a lumber yard, and a sporting goods shop, but unfortunately not much else. Great restaurants include China Walk and Civile's Venice on the Hudson, both rated 4 out of 5 stars. There's also your neighborhood Planet Wings (4 out of 5 stars), a Wendy's and a McDonald's for typical American fast food environment and unforgettable family fun. Haverstraw is a pretty safe place to live and raise a family (crime rates have gone down big time since 2006). It's perfect for middle-class families (homes here start around $201,000). Before you leave, don't forget to stop by Haverstraw Bay Park and the Haverstraw Brick Museum!