Suffern

One of the most interesting things about visiting Suffern, a hamlet of Ramapo in Rockland County, is its history and the role it played in the Revolutionary War. It was once the encampment for George Washington's troops, and the encampment location has been preserved to what is now a museum. There's the W3R-NHT trail, a location of great strategic importance during the war for both George Washington and the Comte de Rochambeau (also known as Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur), a French Marshal and General who served during the Revolution, as they traveled to Yorktown, Virginia to take part in the great siege that happened there. This siege was one of the major battles of the war, and resulted in our declaration of national Independence from Great Britain.

Today Suffern is like an open history book for visitors passing through, as they can study the Erie Railroad, NY's first railroad line that between Piermont, NY and Ramapo, NY , the parent town of Suffern (the railroad was built as far back as 1841 and still is in working condition today). Today you can take the train from 1 Erie Plaza to Hoboken, NJ via the New Jersey Transit, as well as th Port Jervis Line from Ramapo to Port Jervis. Anyone wishing to travel by bus can use the Transport of Rockland system that is used throughout Rockland county. Major roads include the NY State thruway, Rt. 59 and Rt. 117 (once known as the Orange Turnpike, as well as what used to be a major Native American passway).

As part of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Areas, Suffern prides itself on its well-preserved, impressively large, old-style 1920's movie theater, The Lafayette Theater, which even has its own 1930's Wurlitzer pipe organ and reminds you of just how old and filled with history this area really is. In addition to the Railroad Museum, there's also the Village Museum, which teaches of the history of the Ramapough (also known as “Monsey” or “Minsi”) Native Americans who once lived throughout the area. There's also the site of Suffern's Tavern, which housed many of the soldiers of the day, and the Soldier's Monument which stands in town at the crosrroads of Lafayette and Washington avenues, making for a perfect tour of the history of the village (it's also known as the Washington Avenue Soldier's Monument and Triangle” as most historical sites are in this general area).

All this walking is sure to make you hungry, and there's plenty of choices for great, fine international and American food right in town. Lafayette Avenue has Da Nana Italian Restaurant (4 stars), Priya Indian Restaurant, and of course Marcello's Group, where you can have food cooked by the famous Chef Marcello, who has been seen showcasing his fantastic works on Italian Food TV. Ravi Continental Quisine offers great food, casual atmosphere, fine dining right near the NYS Thruway as well as great night life and wonderful bar, best place to have corporate business meetings or birthday parties or just going out with family, friends or the perfect place for taking out that very special someone for the very first time.

Suffern is served by the Rockland Central School District, and Suffern High School is famous for its award-winning sports teams like hockey, as well as offering many exciting after-school activities that everyone can enjoy. There are at least 10,723 people living in Suffern and growing (as of 2010). Suffern is a very safe place to visit, live and raise a family. Fantastic medical care can be found at Good Samaritan Hospital which is located right in Suffern. Transportation is excellent for commuters but it does help to have a car to get around. Suffern also has great shops like Bagel Train, fantastic stores like Walmart and Walgreens (which also has a pharmacy as well), and Friendly's Restaurant and Ice Cream Shop, which is perfect for those lazy, hazy and hot Summer days. You can find your nearest coffee shop, Starbucks, in neighboring Airmont, NY, which can be accessed by Rt. 87, the NYS Thruway, Rt. 59 and the backroads. (Starbucks is located right on Rt. 59 and, as usual, is rated 5 out of 5 stars for great atmosphere, friendly staff and always fantastic coffee).

Suffern, with its homes generally priced at a very reasonable $352,000, is the perfect place for families. Besides the fantastic Rockland School system, Kids can enjoy the YMCA of Rockland and young kids can attend daycare at the town's own award-winning Goddard School. Adults can enjoy Indian Rock Yoga and Movements for Life, Inc. right in town; there's also a Planet Fitness right in nearby Airmont, NY.
Enjoy your stay in Suffern---you might not ever want to leave!