Monroe

Some might find it strange that the town of Monroe in Orange County, NY is named after our fifth U.S. President, James Monroe, who didn't come from NY at all, but was in fact from Westmoreland, Verginia. Considering Monroe's history, one wonders why it wasn't renamed Frey after Emil Frey, who invented Velveeta Cheese at the Monroe Cheese Factory. Or, perhaps it should have been renamed after Liederkranz, America's version of Limburger cheese---named after a locally based singing club, probably because the name had a German ring to it.

One must suppose that Monroe named itself after the President responsible for the Monroe Doctrine because it is simply a proud American town and James Monroe was the President at the time. Due to its history in the world of cheese, most people today come to Monroe not to learn about the President but to enjoy the wonderful variety of cheeses and activities to be tasted and discovered at the town's annual Cheese Festival. Families raise kids here because the Monroe-Woodbury Central School District has a 96.2% graduation rate and excellent staff, and Monroe Community College is a great place to continue furthering education.

Everyone can enjoy watching the latest films at the town's own Monroe 6 Cinemas, and people of all ages can learn about the 19th century in the town's “living museum”, Museum Village, where people in period dress show you how life was like at that time while recreating it in the character of the time period, using tools, furniture and everything else you can think of to make you feel like you're back in 19th century America. For a romantic getaway, consider Arrow Park Lake and Lodge, a wonderful historic park where you can take walks, swim, relax on the beach, and enjoy private accommodations with beautiful lakeside views (starting at just $69.00). There's also the 5,067 acres of Bear Mountain State Park to explore and enjoy, with its Trailside Museum and Zoo, its carousel, many trails for enjoying the splendor of Nature, and its awesome outdoor skating rink. Highly rated restaurants in town include La Vera Cucina (Italian restaurant), The Captain's Table (seafood restaurant), Tre Angelina (try the Seafood Lobster Ravioli!) and the usual staples like Chili's, Burger King and McDonald's, among a few others. There's also a Shop Rite, a BJ's, Home Depot, Home Goods, a WalMart Supercenter, Verizon Wireless, Target, and Edible Arrangements.

Come to Monroe to celebrate our amazing, fascinating history and prepare for America's wonderful future!