SaraKaplan

Home to prestigious Cornell University and Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY is a Gorge-ous College Town that’s home to more than 30,054 people. To live here costs around $227,500, and the town also offers affordable housing (Cayuga View Apartments; Conofer Village at Ithaca, Ellis Hollow, and more) and many other benefits as well, in addition to a vibrant night life.

Cornell University is a 2 as well as 4-year college, which offers an outstanding education. While you’re visiting the campus, check out the Johnson Art Museum or stroll around the beautiful Cornell Botanical Garden. Ithaca College is a private school with a breathtaking scenery of the stunning Cayuga Lake, as well as an unforgettable view of many naturally-formed gorges and waterfalls. Found on Ithaca’s South Hill area, Ithaca College is known as the northern US’s best 10 colleges (U.S. News & World Reports, 1996-2010; in 2010, it was 7 best) and its alumni have made groundbreaking moves in the broadcasting business.

In addition to the colleges, the Ithaca City School District offers a wonderful education and are very well-received by their communities. Ithaca City School District includes Boynton Middle school, Alternative Community school, and Dewitt Middle School. Your children will know they have become a part of a caring community here, and the staff of Ithaca City School District will work hard to establish a high-quality learning environment.

Ithaca’s other benefits include excellent quality medical care (Cayuga Medical Center; Ithaca Free Clinic and Planned Parenthood) excellent child care facilities (Ithaca Community Childcare Center, Drop-In Children’s Center, St. Paul’s Nursery School, and more), a fantastic library (Tompkins County Public Library) several gyms (Finger Lakes Fitness, Planet Fitness, East Lake Recreation Club, City Health Club) and the Short Line Bus and Greyhound Lines for transportation (these can take you all the way to NYC if desired!). The crime rate is average for the area, but Colleges unfortunately sometimes bring a bit of turbulence to the area; therefore, expect a little more hustle and bustle than surrounding areas.

Planning a trip to Ithaca? You can stay at either of these fantastic and unique locations: The William Henry Miller Inn, the Inn on Columbia, the Hilton Garden Inn, the Holiday inn, the Courtyard Marriot, the Country Inn and Suites, the Inn at Gothic Eves, and the McLallen House Bed & Breakfast. Once in town, visit either the Cornell and Ithaca campuses, and have a famous vegetarian meal at the Moosewood Restaurant, which has been ranked 13th amongst the highest rated influential restaurants in the United States (Bon Apetite Magazine). While you’re here, don’t forget to buy a copy of their vegetarian cookbook! As far as other restaurants go, there are too many worth of mention, but highlights include Bandwagon Brew Pub, Blue Stone Bar & Grill, Hal’s Delicatessen, Ithaca Ale House, and Kilpatric’s Publick House. My tastes are rather specific, but you can find most cuisines represented including Indian, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Italian, and even Tibetan!

Ithaca has lots of parks and beautiful landscapes. Parks include the Great Views at Taughannock Falls State Park and Fall Creek Gorge, as well as Buttermilk Falls State Park (which has a swimming area, as well as huge waterfalls) and Robert Treman State Park has good hiking trails for the experienced.

Downtown Ithaca Commons (which includes the Moosewood Restaurant) has more than a hundred stores, including a full range of healthcare services including Chiropractors, Therapy, Dentists, Message, Physicians, Acupuncture, and Nutritionists, as well as Green Street Pharmacy. Five bookstores are here as well, including Autumn Leaves Used Books, colophon Books, and the fantastic Comics for Collectors which is worth a trip to satisfy your inner geek. There’s a whole lot more to explore and discover! For more information, you can visit: http://www.downtownithaca.com/.

Ah, Deckert Blvd....This was the street I grew up on, from a baby until I was sixteen years old.

I lived with my mother, father and sister (who was born in 1985, five years younger than I) at 5 Deckert Blvd, which is a two-story house which was red, like a barn, and had a screened-in porch and a built-in garage. Today the house is still there but another family lives in it. I haven’t been there since, but I can imagine (and hope) that there’s still the soft rug covering the lower part of the house (which I called the “basement”), but the 70’s-style wallpaper, with a swirly design that reminded me of flowers, was probably replaced with something else entirely. The house had a modern kitchen with an island where my parents would cook, three bedrooms, a living room/dayroom, and in addition to the big space downstairs (where we watched TV and played as kids) there was also an office and a pot-bellied stove. The living room/dayroom was considered the “music room”. It also had a big bay window. It was here that we celebrated Christmas (looking out that big bay window during a White Christmas, watching the snow fall, was very magical) and we would also hunt for Easter Eggs in this room as well (a clever idea thought up by my wonderful, creative mother). It was a cozy room that I will never forget and we had many wonderful family moments and parties gathered there. The year before we moved, my parents put an addition onto the house, which included extending their bedroom, a bigger bathroom and a jacuzzi. Since the yard was huge, it didn’t make the space outside any smaller, but it did make the master bedroom look great.

One of my most special, favorite parts of this house was its property, which gave the house a lovely, secured feel, as it was surrounded mostly by nature, and trees obscured it partially from the road. The property also had lots of woods in the back (where I would roam for hours) and lots of grassy yard in the front and on the sides (where there was a beautiful, huge Weeping Willow tree with a tire swing attached to it) and to the farther end of the yard, a Dogwood tree (that I loved to climb) and we also had a garden. In addition there was also a small grove of crab apple trees towards the left-hand side of the yard (facing the house) where, behind, you would find more woods. In those days, if you walked through the woods in one part, you would find yourself---eventually---at the untouched fields of a neighboring farm. Today the small town of LaGrangeville (also known as “LaGrange”) of Dutchess County is more highly developed than when I was a kid (back then, it could have been considered “rural”, now, it is considered a “suburb” of NY state). You will probably still however find the streams that I used to walk or bike by as a kid, and Deckert Blvd---while its mouth is by a major backroad, Arthursburg Road (also known as Country Road 33 and Country Highway 42)---is still a type of road that’s known as a “Cul De Sac”, which is, in other words, a dead-end road. It’s short and has a turn-around area in the back. When I was young, my sister and I would bike up and down Deckert (but of course stayed away from the busy Arthursburg Road). At the end of Deckert Blvd is where we caught our bus (and is probably still where kids wait, along with the kids from the road across the street, known as Tom’s Way.

One of the things I liked about Deckert Blvd the most was how safe I felt there. There was a lot of space to play in the woods and yard, and the road felt safe enough to ride bikes on and take short walks. We also lived right near Freedom Lake, the resident lake of LaGrangeville, which is still there, and people go there every year to swim, picnic, play sports and have an overall wonderful time!

Today a five bedroom, three-bathroom house of 2,6000 square feet on Deckert Blvd costs around $335,000 (this one is 15 Deckert Blvd, which is currently for sale). The area is pretty safe and the schools (Arthursburg Central School District) are fantastic (I can say so as someone who went there since grade school into 9th and part of 10th grade!) After all, High School North is where I found Mr. John Clark, my 9th grade English teacher---and if it weren’t for him (and other fabulous teachers I have had throughout the years), I might not be planning on being an English teacher myself today!

All in all, Deckert Blvd is a great choice to buy a home for yourself, your family and your kids. LaGrangeville has a lot to offer as well: a fantastic community and wonderful amenities (Freedom Lake Park, fantastic schools, beautiful scenery, great shops and restaurants). Come see for yourself today what makes LaGrangville and Deckert Blvd the best choice you could make for yourself and those you love!

Colonie Center is a humungous, fantastic two-story shopping mall that’s located in the town of Colonie, NY right near the state capital of Albany, NY. Today it’s home to 120 different stores and a food court that includes the not-to-be-missed The Cheesecake Factory. Once in competition with the neighboring Crossgates mall (back in the 1990’s), it’s been doing a whole lot better since the opening of the Christmas Tree Shops as well as Boscov’s Department Store in 2007 and the movie theater (found on the third floor) in 2008.

In operation since 1966, the mall has welcomed some very popular anchor stores, such as Sears (which opened the first year, 1966), Macy’s (which opened in 1991), Christmas Tree Shops (which opened in 1998), L.L. Bean (which opened in 2007) and Barnes & Noble Booksellers (which opened in 2007). Here you can find anything from entertainment (Regal Cinemas, found on the 3rd floor, right above Colonie Center’s oustanding Food Court), to fashion (Aeropstatle and American Eagle) to fantastic gift & hobby stores such as Jay St. Video Games or the Artique Co-Op. Also, in 2013, look out for the opening of a wonderful natural foods grocery stoor, the wonderful, fantastic Whole Foods Superarket!

Colonie Center, which opened on November 1st in 1966, was Colonie’s very first enclosed Mall, as well as a great tourist attraction. In 2009, the 1,300,000 ft. mall was bought by Heitman Value Partners and is doing well. It can be found right off Interstate 87, Wolf Road and Colonie's Central Avenue intersection. Have a blast: it's fun for the whole family!

Colonie, a town in Albany County, NY, got its name from the first settlers of the area who were Dutch, and called the area “Colonye” (the Dutch word for---you guessed it--- Colony.) There are several hamlets and two different villages, Menands and Colonie (of the same name).

Colonie is a quiet town that sometimes holds community events in The Crossings at Colony, a beautiful park of 130 acres that also has a pond for ice skating and fishing. Here you will find lots of wood, marsh, and wetland, as well as wildflower-filled meadows. It’s a great place to take your entire family! Kids will love the playgorund, and you can rollerblade here as well (in-line skate). The park is open from 8am until dusk (like most public parks in the United States). In addition to The Crossings, there’s also a couple of smaller parks: Locust and Milton. In Colonie, you’ll also love the Ampitheater of the Arts, an outdoor circular theater that is great to patron in the Fall, Spring and Summer months. There’s lots of different concerts held here, anywhere from Blues to Swing---contact the town or visit their home website for more information! Colonie also offers lots of Family & Youth Services. You can also catch up with the latest by reading the town’s newspaper, “The Villager”.

Colonie offers its residents, who live in different hamlets and the villages of Colonie and Menands, four different school systems---all who offer many fantastic benefits in their own right. The four school districts are as follows: North Colonie Central School District (serving Latham, Loudonville and the nearby town of Nuskayuna), which gets an 8 out of 10 (Shaker High School has an 86% graduation rate); South Colonie Central schools (their high school has an 88% graduation rate, and has a wonderful middle school: Lisha Kill Middle School---named after Lisha’s Kill (“kill” is the Dutch word for stream, and Lisha is a Native American woman who supposedly is buried on the shoreline---which gets an outstanding 4 out of 5 stars); Watervliet City School District (of Menands and Schuyler Hights; Watervliet Junior/High School gets rave reviews, has a fitness center that is open to the public, and also has a 77% graduation rate); and Menands Union Free School District (they receive a 7 out of 10, a 92.2% graduation rate, a fantastic PE, Health, Art and Music program, and offer Multilingual and Bilingual classes (1xweek) to those in need of such classes. Colonie also offers the Christian Brothers Academy of Albany, NY (this is a 6-12 private school for junior/senior students, and is religious in nature---it can be found close to Albany International Airport). There’s also the private Liberal Arts-oriented Siena College, which can be found in hamlets Newtonville/Loudonville, as well as two proprietary private colleges: Bryant & Stratton College and the ITT Technical Institute (you may have seen this one’s commercials on TV).

After school, work or on weekends with your family, come have a great time at Joe’s Crab Shack, the brand-new restaurant right in the heart of Colonie! This prime family seafood restaurant gets a 4 out of 5. Plus you get a dancing staff, great food and excellent service! I highly recommend the “Classic Steampot”. In Schenectady, this wonderful establishment was proclaimed a “Blue Ribbon” Restaurant.

Also in Colonie you can find other excellent eats such as Smokey Bones Bar Fire & Grill, as well as a whole bunch of other fantastic choices while enjoying the fun and excitement to be found in the state’s capital city of Albany, NY.

The city of Troy in Rensselear County, NY is a popular destination for those who love River Cruises, Antique Stores, Children's Museums, Being Outdoors, History Buffs, and lovers of the Performing Arts. Fans of Kurt Vonnegut will be excited to know that he lived here for some time, and he also drew inspiration from the locale for some of his books. Quite a few of his novels have settings that are in Troy, but he used a fictional name for the city: “Ilium” (what the Romans used to call Troy). That's why Troy, NY's motto is “Illium was, Troy is.” Kurt Vonnegut is famous for such works as Cat's Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five. Player Piano is the piece in which Kurt Vonnegut alludes to Troy as “Ilium”.


Located in upstate NY, Troy is a very exciting city with lots to do for all who visit here. It's home ot the Children's Museum of Science and Technology, the Captain JP Cruise Line, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, the Arts Center, Alpha Bowling Lanes, Rensselaer Tech Park, New York Theater Instittue, the Frear Park Municipal Golf Course, and the Troy Waterfront Farmer's Market. There's also many fun and unique stores to explore such as Cathedral Music, Market Block Books, the Antique Wearhouse, Pigmant Art Supply and more (such as the Pioneer Food Mraket, for instance, instead of your typical grocery stores such as A&P and Price Chopper supermarkets). There's also wonderful unique restaurants such as The Red Front Restaurant, Holmes & Watson, Daisy Bakers, Irish Mist, Dinosaur Bar-B-Q, the Notty Pine Restaurant, and more!

If you're looking to be outside, Frear Park is a great place to be! There's ice hockey as well as a golf course (complete with 18 holes!), and Knockerbacker Park has its very own Ice Skating Rink as well. Prospect Park has Tennis Courts (14 in all), and RiverFront Park has plenty of festivals, concerts and events held all throughout the year! Troy also holds many public events such as the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market (open every Saturday, with access to over 60 businesses). There's the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, which holds many unforgettable and eclectic concerts throughout the year. Also, don't forget about the Fishing Tournament, the Flag Day Parade, Rockin' on the River, the Troy Turkey Trot Road Race, Victorian Stroll, and the Troy Pig Out: they're all unforgettable events, not to be missed!

If you're visiting, you can stay at either one of these very fine locations: the Best Western at Franklin Square Inn (1 Fourth Street), Hilton Garden Inn (235 Hoosick Street), Olde Judge Mansion Bed & Breakfast (3300 Sixth Avenue), and the Cannon Building (offers extended stays; located at 5 Broadway).

Troy is three hours by car from NYC on 1-87N. This is a city, so you'll find plenty of access to gyms, medical care and daycare facilities. Plus, Troy also offers affordable housing (including low-income and senior housing). Colleges include Renssalear Polytechnic, Institute, Russell Sage College, and Hudson Valley Community College. Troy's schools are average to fair with a few exceptions such as Bell Top Public School, whose service is well received by the community. There's a lot of public schools as well such as the Troy Preparatory Charter Schol, Sacred Heart School, the Doyl Middle School, the LaSalle Institute, the Catholic Central High School are also all great schools to choose from.

A home in Troy costs a reasonable $163,000 and is very affordable for NY state. Like every city, some areas in Troy are safer than others, and this should be taken into consideration when choosing a home. That said, Troy has quite a lot to offer and is a great place to visit, as well as a unique place to live!

Voorheesville of Albany County, NY is a beautiful little village located in the greater town of New Scotland, NY, which is located only 24 minutes by car of Albany (the state capitol of NY).

Located West of the Hudson River as well in the valley of the Helderberg Mountains, Voorheesville is a wonderful community of more than 2,789 residents and is a very diverse population indeed! Some of the benefits of Voorheesville is the Voorheesville Central School District which gets rave reviews, and offers many clubs such as Drama Club, whose Voorheesville Dionysians perform Shakespeare annually during the Fall season, as well as perform their own musical during the Springtime months.

In addition to school programs, both youth and adults alike can enjoy the Voorheesville Public Library's programs, such as Book Discussion Groups at the “Reading Cafe” and lots of seasonally-themed activities and regular events for the kiddies!

Plus, if you're visiting, Voorheesville has lots of fantastic restaurants to choose from, such as the Voorheesville Diner (a long-time staple on Voorheesville Avenue), the China Garden Restaurant, Brick House Pizza (there's other pizza places as well), Smith's Tavern, and more! There's also Hannaford for a unique grocery shopping experience (which also includes Hannaford Pharmacy within the supermarket as well) and A. Phillips Hardware for all your household fixing and upkeeping needs.

What I found most special about visiting Voorheesville is the John Boyd Thacher State Park, which is found off Rt 157. Here you can see a 360 degree view of Vermont's Green Mountains, as well as the spectacularly beautiful Hudson Valley! There's numerous trails here, including the Long Path, the Indian Ladder Trail, and the Paint Mine Trail, and you can do bird watching, as well as find many different spcies of plants. This park (except for the Indian Ladder Trail, which opens on May 1st and closes November 15 for safety reasons) is open all year from 8am until the sun sets. In addition to the splendor that is the nature of NY's backyard, you will also find a couple of playgrounds, grills and volleyball courts as well. There was a pool at one point but unfortunately it shut down in the year of 2006. However, there is still beautiful Thompson Lake and the Emma Treadwell Thacher Nature Center, as well as several hidden fossils to be found at the Helderberg Escarpment, which is famous and one of the greatest places for searching for fossils in the entire country! John Boyd Thacher was one of Albany's mayors, and Emma Treadwell Thacher, his widow, created the park as her own donation in the year of1914. The name “Helderberg” means “Bright Mountain” in Dutch, who were Voorheesville's first settlers.

Also, don't forget to visit the non-for-profit organization, Old Songs, whose home base is located in town (known for the famous Old Songs Festival in nearby Altamont, NY). They hold a whole host of events as well as many music teaching programs there, as well as dances, the amazing and fantastically fun, old-fashioned summer event, the Old Song Festival (Altamont NY). Old Songs' new home currently hosts their wonderful Open Mic Nights (everyone can be involved; takes place every first Wednesday of the month, from 7 until 10:30pm). There's a $3 entrance fee, walk-in, fifteen minutes to perform (don't forget to sign-up first at the door). Old Songs is located at 37 South Main Street in Voorheesville, NY and be contacted at (518)-765-2815 (hint: press 1 before area code if you're not in the local area). Discover more info at www.oldsongs.org!

Cohoes NY is a unique town that is made special because of the Cohoes Falls, which shares a lot of fascinating early history of the area---including the legend of The Great Peacemaker, of Mohawk descent and who, partnered alongside the also famous Hiawatha, founded the Iroquois League of Nations. According to this exceptionally sacred Native American Legend, the Great Peacemaker of survived a miraculous jump over the falls, only to appear fine sitting beside a campfire the day after, without a scratch.

Today, Cohoes Falls is a quiet tourist attraction for people who come to visit Albany County of Upstate NY (usually on their way to Niagara Falls). Those who live here have the benefits of the phenomenal Cohoes School District, as well as a lively community center, library, and wonderful parks for excellent outdoor recreational activities. The community here is a fantastic one that tries to get everyone together with fun events like Chicken Bar-B-Que Funraisers and Vegas Nights at the Cohoes-Waterford Elks Club. This time of year, the Pumpkin Festival and the Jack O' Lantern Jubilee are favorites of the local residents. In the Summer, kids can take free swimming lessons at the Lansing Park Municipal Pool. The Falls is its own park, Falls View Park, and there's also Berkley Park to enjoy as well. The Library offers kids programs (story time) general programs (Book Clubs, Therapy Dogs), and homework help; there's also a new Teen Club called “Post Secret” (stay tuned to the Library's website for more info; right now the Club's objective is very hush-hush). There's also Cohoes Skate Park (which is unsupervised---make sure your child is of age).

Cohoes is very affordable for working middle-class families with homes that go for under $300,000 and generally for under $200,000. There are fantastic restaurants (such as local favorites like the Pig Pit BBQ and international favorites such as the Middle Eastern Restaurant, Al-Baraki; there's also great night life to be found at either Joe's Tavern or the Black Cat Ale House). There's also general staples such as a Price Chopper, Dunkin' Donuts, Stewart's Shops and Rite Aid; however there's also shops that are unique to Cohoes such as Marra's Pharmacy (217 Remsen Street), the Amerivape Smoke Shop (301 Ontario Street), and the Harmony House Marketplace (located at 188 Remsen Street). Don't forget to take your family to Burgr King or, for healthier fast-food dinners, Subway for a special treat!

Established by the Dutch in 1622, “Waterford” was in fact an actual “ford” (otherwise known as a crossing) between the Mohawk River and surrounding streams and islands in what is now beautiful, historic Saratoga County. The now famous Peebles Island, an important spot because it is where the Erie Canal and Champlain Canal begins, was once home to the Mahican Native Americans. After settlement from the Dutch, Waterford became an important port for travelers along the Erie and Champlain canals and the Mohawk and Hudson rivers.

Known as NY's “oldest” of villages, Waterford is steeped in rich American history. For instance, a special spot, Second Street, can give you a tour of the town's Revolutionary War history: beginning your walk at the sight of the colonial pub (or also known as “watering hole” during that time) known as “Eagle Tavern”. Here is where famous patrons such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton stopped to quench their thirst and rest their weary bones after a hard day's work. Also along Second Street you will find “The Battery”, where the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers meet, as well as the start of the Champlain and Erie canals are located. Also, on First Street towards US Rt. 4, you will also find the Knox Trail, named after General Henry Knox, who braved this trail in the Winter of Revolutionary War years 1775- 1776, delivering artillery as well as other supplies to George Washington and his troops back in Boston, all the way from now famous, historical Fort Ticonderoga. Knox had to actually drill holes through the ice so that he could continue on towards Boston. Thankfully, he was successful, and the Artillery that he delivered there was what George Washington and Troops utilized to drive the British out of Boston, successfully continuing the American's winning side of the war.

Today as a visitor to Waterford you can enjoy learning about the Revolutionary War, visit magical, mysterious Peebles Island (the town's very own State Park) and enjoy fantastic, exciting community events such as “Tugboat Roundup” and “Canal Fest” (fun for the whole family)! There's also the Waterford Tugboat Festival, where you can enjoy food, arts & crafts, music, games, storytelling and boarding actual tugboats! This is the largest of tugboat festivals in Saratoga County, and you won't be disappointed---as well as a fantastic learning experience (don't forget to visit the Waterford Historical Museum, as well as the Cultural Center located at the gorgeous Hugh White Homestead (built back in the year 1830). The museum has a Victorian room on display, as well as the George and Annabel O'Connor Library for Local History.

Waterford also has lots of fantastic, fun places to eat and places to shop in town, as well as wonderful schools: there's two school districts, The Waterford-Halfmoon Central School District and the Shenendehowa School District (which also serves nearby Clifton Park). There's fun recreational activities to be had here as well. Come on down!

If you're on the search for a single family home for under $80,000 or under $2,000 a month's rent, with beautiful surroundings and a quiet, gentle atmosphere, then Halfmoon Cir is the right road for you to build your new life on!

Halfmoon Cir is located in the wonderful town of Clifton Park, which has lots to do to keep everyone busy throughout the year---from fun recreational activities, to community events, to an exciting nightlife, Clifton Park is the perfect town for families with kids, singles looking to mingle, or pretty much anyone looking to relocate.

Shaped in a circle, Halfmoon Cir is perfect for people who want to feel safe while riding their bikes, walking their dogs, or simply taking a refreshing walk outdoors for a while, enjoying nature. There's lots of trees and shade here in the summer, and it's equally as beautiful in the Fall, Spring, or Winter.

Here you can find lots of mobile and manufactured homes, which are some of the most beautiful types of these homes to be found on the market today. If you're looking for homes that are very cheap to rent (as in, for example, $365 a month), than this is the place for you! It's very safe and very affordable, and very convenient to those who wish to live near Clifton Park and in the upstate part of NY. Located in Saratoga County, your neighbors are the delightful, vibrant and exciting towns of historical Saratoga Springs and equally as delightful the town of Ballston Spa. You're also not far from Albany as well as the Great Lakes Region, and Clifton Park has its own lake: Ballston Lake, as well as several different parks which offer lots of fun activities for everyone in the whole family to enjoy.

Halfmoon Cir shares the name of the nearby town Halfmoon, which also has a lot to offer, and in the immediately surrounding area, there's always lots to do and discover!

Great for families, singles, couples, and students, as well as a most peaceful location for relocating retirees. You're also right near Orenda Elementary School, and Clifton Park's Shenendehowa School District offers an excellent, top-notch education. There's also a small park with swings for kids to enjoy as well as a walking path in the shape of a Figure 8 for adults, as well as a bench to relax on. Some properties have pools, fences, tire swings and you'll see kids riding their bikes here and having a great time. No matter what your reason for relocation, you simply can't go wrong with moving to Clifton Park, NY!

The town of Country Knolls is sometimes a confusing place to live in, as it is shared by two different towns: 850 of 1,216 houses are situated in bustling, vibrant Clifton Park, and 366 of those homes are in another town known as Malta. All three are located in Saratoga County, NY, which is famous for its natural spas, horse racing, fantastic colleges (like Sarah Lawrence), antique shows, festivals, unique landscape (such as Albany Glacial sand) and more.

The confusion of some residents live in Country Knolls comes from their mailing address, “Ballston Lake”, which is in reality the local lake, as well as the Ballston Lake Post Office. (In other words, “Ballston Lake” is not a community at all, just chosen for a more convenient address when trying to choose between two other parent towns sharing one smaller town would make things even more confusing for those who live here.)

That said, the momentary confusion (once you understand what's going on) is well worth the minor trouble, because Country Knolls is a great place to live! You have Clifton Park, which has a great variety of fun things to do, wonderful schools, and is very safe and affordable living ($252,000 is the median sales price of a home there). Most of Country Knolls' busiest, most popular areas are found in Clifton Park, as well as the town pool (which has a smaller pool for kids as well.) There's parks and restaurants and stores galore, including Kohl's, Kmart, Lowe's and more (Clifton is known for its excellent shopping environment. You won't be disappointed.)

The median sales price of Country Knolls Is $449,000, which is fairly affordable for middle class families. There's plenty to do in the immediate and surrounding areas: such as Saratoga Springs (natural spas, fantastic restaurants, art galleries, antique stores, festivals, museums, ect.), Ballston Spa (much of the same), wonderful activities to be found for kids at school (the wonderful Shenendehowa School District), and more.

Come spend a day at Country Knolls and I think you'll know what I mean!

Lincolndale, NY is an ideal place for anyone who wishes to live in the heart of beautiful, historical Westchester County. A hamlet of the lovely town of Somers, NY, Lincolndale shares Somer's rich history in Barnum and Bailey Circus fame (Somers has been called “The Birthplace of the American Circus” and its symbol is an Elephant in honor of the Elephant from Africa named Old Bet (?-1816) who came to the area with Hachaliah Bailey and immediately stole people's hearts).

Now, when driving through the heart of Somers, you can see the statue of the beloved Elephant before the backdrop of the Elephant Hotel (which is now a museum preserving Somer's cultural and historical heritage). Aside from great schools, Somers also has two shopping plazas and plenty of businesses which can tailor to any possible need. There's lots of youth organizations specializing in sports in the area, including Boy Scouts of America and the local YMCA. Restaurants like the Tazza Cafe have unique coffee drinks, and you'll love the food at other unique places like Traditions 118, Seasons: An American Bistro & Lounge and Somerfields.

Primarily residential, homes in Lincolndale go for around $368,000, which is pretty cheap as far as Westchester County is concerned (it's the second most expensive county in the United States). It's very safe and there's a real sense of community here. Whether you're just visiting or planning to stay for the rest of your life, just spend a day here, and I bet you'll feel like you already belong in Lincolndale, NY.

If you're the kind of person who loves to be outdoors and being creative, then Round Lake is the place for you! Located in Saratoga County, Round Lake has a rich history based in the Methodist religion and was once the site where many gathered to listen to enthusiastic sermons each summer.

Today, it is still an exciting place to be, especially in the summer, but also all year round---as the beauty and sense of community never fades, no matter what the season! You won't be surprised to find when coming here that Round Lake is named after the lake that resides here, offering a beautiful backdrop to the amazing Victorian and Colonial-style architecture that surrounds the center of the town. The center has a special name: the “Auditorium”. This is the place from which everything resonates---including sidewalks and streets. and It was first a platform that eventually was transformed into a pavilion surrounded by glass, and today is the location of many of the town's public events: such as live performances, arts and crafts festivals, antique shows, and other fun things to do as a community. The “Auditorium” offers 450 seats and operates during the mid-summer months starting in June and ending in August. After a show, go walking in any of the town's parks, trails and by the lake, and I'm sure that you'll feel right at home.

Round Lake is also very culturally diverse and you can enjoy the diversity every time you come to the shows here, visit the exquisitely tranquil Community Garden or visit any one of the many shops in town. There's also fun places to eat like The Mill on Round Lake (a restaurant/pub) and after a wonderful day out on Round Lake in your rowboat, kyack or canoe, have an equally wonderful dinner at the Lake Ridge Restaurant in town. It's a very special place, indeed!

Round Lake is home to less than 1,000 residents and is a very small but close-knit town. It's very affordable (cost of living is less than national average!) and safe, has wonderful schools and is a great place to raise a family.

Part of exquisit Erie County in upstate NY and located southeast of the town of Buffalo, Orchard Park is a pleasant place that is home to more than 29,054. It's considered a “Southtown” because it's in the southern part of the county, and has a village that's also named Orchard Park.

In Orchard Park, in addition to safety and wonderful commodities, you can find ample amounts of exciting and wonderful culture (the Quaker Arts Festival, an art and crafts show that takes place outdoors each year), music (free concerts in the Sunmmer at the Pavilion of the Middle School, thanks to the Orchard Park Arts Counsil), and food (its famous Taffy's Hot Dog Stand, which is on US Rt 20, 240 & 277---as well as Eckl's Restaurant, which made famous the Kummelweck rolls, and has a Tim Hortons (a famous Canadian restaurant, which has unique coffee and donuts, and is the 3000 location of Tim Hortons, which are all over Canada (not too far away and easily reachable by car).

Here in Orchard Park you can enjoy golf at the Harvest Hill Golf Course, learn about Quaker religion at the Quaker Meeting House, have a fun night at Milligan's Pub, grab ice cream at the Cold Stone Creamery, and find fun for the whole family with pizza and games at the unforgettable amusement and entertainment arcade house, Bounce Magic (it's along the lines of Chuck E. Cheese).

No matter what, I'm sure you'll have fun in Orchard Park, NY: which is very affordable and very safe, has great schools (Orchard Park Central School District---top quality school system) and more! You might not even want to leave! Come and see for yourself the next time you're in upstate NY what makes Orchard Park NY a very special place to be (I bet you won't regret it).

Niskayana, NY of Schenectady is a beautiful little town, pretty quiet and mainly residential. There is a park, Jeff Blatnick Park, which is a lovely piece of land that offers basketball courts, baseball fields, driving range, a playground, and even a pond, which creates a magical tranquility. It's a great place to bring your family and friends for a picnic, or yourself for some quiet contemplation. You're also right near the beautiful Mohawk River which offers many more recreational activities, and there's shopping to be found at the Shop Rite Square, which has a Starbucks and TCBY, and the Friendly's---while unfortunately soon to close---is going to give way to plenty more shopping and restaurant opportunities. The Town Board also plans to put more parking spaces as well as sprucing up the general landscape of the Shopping Plaza. Plus, as a town that is part of the greater town of Schenectady, NY, you have all the wonderful shopping and restaurant opportunities there as well! It's a great place to look for whatever you need and enjoy yourself as well!

Niskayana has a wonderful school system: the Niskayana Central School District. This is a top-notch education for your kids, with a 95% graduation rate and wonderful, caring teachers throughout the district.

Niskayana doesn't have any stores or “Niska-Day”, which takes place annually and includes the morning family foot race, parade, fair and fireworks (unusually, even though this fair takes place the second Saturday in the month of May, there is no Fourth of July fireworks). It's a wonderful community event that brings everyone together.

Come visit Niskayana, and I'm sure you'll see why people choose to live in Niskayana, which is very safe, affordable and accommodating when compared to the rest of NY.

Scotia, a village in the town of Glenville of Schenectady County, NY, got its name from the word “Scotia” meaning “Scotland” in Latin, as the settler who purchased the land from the Mohawk Native Americans, Alexander Lindsay Glen, was originally from Scotland. Today there's many historic homes here, such as the Abraham Glen house, and the Glen Sanders Mansion (which goes back as far as 1713). It w as the site of battles during both the French and Indian War (1754) and the War of 1812, and in the 1800s was a manufacturer of brooms (the village produced more than 1 million a year!).

Today there's more than 7,957 residents in the village of Scotia alone, and more living in the parent town of Glenville (also, of course, named after Alexander Lindsay Glen). A predominantly white neighborhood, Scotia offers great schools (the wonderful Scotia-Glenville Central School District), as well as plenty of outdoor activities at Collins Park or Freedom Park that can be enjoyed any time of the year (you can even go waterskiing down the Mohawk River!) Glenville itself has lots to offer as well such as many parks such as the stunning Wolf Hollow George, a preserve that contains cliffs that are 100 feet high as well as endangered plants. There's a bike trail and many places to fish and swim. There's even an air show in Glenville that people come from all over to see, as well as the Aeroscience Museum on Saratoga Road. You'll be blown away by the beautiful views of the Mohawk River while dining at an actual Lighthouse (the Schenectady Restaurant at the Waters Edge Lighthouse). There's also Jumpin' Jacks Drive-In near Scotia's Collin's Park. This burger joint gets 5 Stars! A must if you're visiting Scotia and the Schenectady County area as well as Glensville.

The busy city of Schenectady NY has been called “The City that Lights and Hauls the World”, as it is home to the Edison Electric Company (otherwise called GE, or “General Electric”, and the ALCO (“The American Locomotive Company”, as well as the home of New York Lottery and Price Chopper Supermarkets. Today it is still a bustling metropolis, where most restaurants and stores can be found on State Street. It's also very diverse, as there's 54.38% White, 28.19% African American, 3.62% Asian, and 0.69% Native American. There's also many Puerto Ricans that live here, adding to the colorful population of over 66,135. Here you can find the beautiful historic Proctor's Theater, which was first a vaudeville and movie theater that was built in 1926, and has its own “Goldie” version of the Wurlitzer pipe organ. Today you can visit three theaters in the Proctors: 440 Upstairs, GE Theater, and Mainstage.

In addition to the Proctors Theater, you might find yourself enjoying the colorful variety of flowers at the Garden at Central Park. Or, you can enjoy the fabulous architecture while walking through the historic Stockade District, which is the safest part of Schenectady and perfect for families raising children. (There are 17 schools offered by the Schenectady City School District, including many private schools, and once your children graduate, they can go onto attend Union College or Schenectady Community College in their very own city, and there's lots of other colleges in the immediate area to choose from---such as Skidmore College in the beautiful tourist village of historic Saratoga Springs). During your stay, or as a resident as well, you'll be amazed by the fascinating exhibits at the Schectady History Museum, or enjoy a show at the Schenectady Light Opera Company (the downtown theater group, which is small but no less entertaining than others in the area that you will find). Also, don't forget the Edison Tech Center, where you can learn all about the latest technology. Afterwards, be sure to visit the Upper Union Street Business Improvement District, where you'll find a whole slew of restaurants, shops, and businesses in Schenectady. If you're interested in African American History, you might want to visit the African American burial ground at Vale Cemetery (celebrate the emancipation of slaves on “Freedom Day”, otherwise known as “Juneteenth” here, which is held annually on June 19th.)

Schenectady, as you can see, is a very colorful, artistic city. It unfortunately has had a bad wrap due to violence between races, but schools are very good and the city is trying to take action to reduce the violence here. There's safer places in Schenectady than others, such as the historic Stockton district, and all over Schenectady you'll find affordable housing, which will help with the high taxes prices (ironically, the cost of living is actually 3.40% less than the average of the entire United States). You're also not far from NYC by train (It's only a little more than two hours away), and Schenectady has a wonderful train station, which will be great for commuters. There's beautiful parks like Central and Scotia Collins, both of which have lots of activities (Scotia Collins, for instance, has a playground, tennis courts and a jogging path). You're also right near Saratoga Springs, which is famous for its horse racing and special natural spring spas---which draws in visitors from all over the world!

Overall, Schenectady has a lot to offer, and though it could use some improvement in certain areas, it's a fun place to live. Choose carefully when moving with kids, as well as schools---there's so many to choose from---and there's private schools as well. Schenectady has wonderful amenities and plenty of restaurants to eat at, and all of different kinds. There's places to play outside as well as inside, and you'll learn a great deal about your local American history.

Saratoga Springs is named after the special healing Springs that are found here in this popular city of Saratoga County. Saratoga Springs (sometimes called just “Saratoga”) is famous for its Saratoga Race Course, a horse racing track which has been in operation since the Summer of 1863. Home to Empire State College as well as Skidmore College, not only is Saratoga a college town, but it is also an widely popular tourist attraction! It is also where many well-known American businesses were born, including several magazines: People, Time, Sports Illustrated and Newsweek. Quad Graphics, Stewart's Shops and the Saratoga Spring Water Co. also formed here.

Visitors and residents alike have access to many unique activities to enjoy in Saratoga Springs, such as the Spa State Park (also known as the “Roosevelt Baths”). Don't be alarmed by the smell of sulfur in the air: it's simply the harmless gas form of hydrogen sulfide which comes from the unique properties in the water (the smell evaporates very quickly). You can take some of this very special water home with you if you bring your own bottles. There's 18 springs in all in Saratoga!

Visitors can also enjoy the town's lively entertainment venues, such as the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (home to the Saratoga Native American Festival aand it even has an ampitheater outside for outdoor shows), the Skate Park (which has a public skateboarding arena), the Philadelphia Orchestra, Lee's Park (for camping, be it tent or RV style), the Jazz Festival, the New York City Ballet, the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame and more! Unique stores include Four Seasons Natural Foods, Saratoga Guitar, the Putnam Market, Uncommon Grounds Coffee & Tea, Candy Company, G. Willikers Toys, and more! Saratoga Springs is famous for its multitude of Antique Stores, such as: Stitches & Time (Antique store), Mark Lawson Antiques, The Vault, Nine Caroline, and others. If you're into auctioning, visit North Peak Auctions on 25 Washington St. The Lyrical Ballad Bookstores is another unique place that should not be missed. There's also tons of galleries such as “The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery” found on the campus of Skidmore College, also in town; plus the Symmetry Gallery, the Crafters Gallery, and more....you'll feel as though the sky's the limit when it comes to entertainment here in Saratoga Springs!

Also don't forget to visit the Forno Bistro, the Olde Bryan Inn, the Wheatfields Restaurant & Bar, Hattie's, and more in Saratoga Springs...where the possibilities are limitless and everyone will find something to love during their stay here. It's a great place to bring the whole family, and a wonderful place to live as well! There's great schools, a community center (known as “The Rec Center). The city offers its residents affordable as well as senior housing, and perfect for the income of working middle-class families (with a median sales price of around ($295,000). Whether you plan on visiting here or living here, Saratoga Springs is a wonderful place to be, and has lots of fun things to do, and is very family friendly! It's great for those who wish to retire, and very affordable for students (after all, it is home to two great NY state colleges).

Overall, hatever your needs may be, you're sure to find it in the truly healing atmosphere of Saratoga Springs in the wonderful, beautiful surroundings that forms Saratoga County, of the Hudson Valley, and NY!

South Glens Falls, a lovely village in Saratoga County, is most widely know as the site of Cooper's Cave, which is named as such because it inspired James Fenimore Cooper to write “Last of the Mohicans”. Part of northern town Moreau and south of Glens Falls of Warren County, NY, South Glens Falls is home to many museums and within easy reach of the rest of historic Saratoga County, location of many Revolutionary War battles and historical moments. The school system is pretty good, containing four different elementary schools, one middle school (Oliver W. Winch Middle School) and one high school (South Glens Falls High School which has 251 students and an 81.3% graduation rate).

As far as things to do around town, this place is great for those who wish to learn about Saratoga's history. There's lots of museums to choose from, such as the Chapman Historical Museum (dedicated to teaching the history of Glens Falls, as well as Queensbury and including the Southern Adirondacks, which are close by). This museum has unique events such as the Annual Glens Falls Cemetery Tour (starting September 29) and shifting exhibits. Other museums include the Bolton Historical Museum and Fort William Henry Historical Museum (Fort William itself is right nearby and the infamous Saratoga Battlefield as well as Fort Ticonderoga). You can take your sailboat, canoe, kayak or rowboat out on beautiful Lake George and Lake Champlain, or hike the gorgeous West and Gore Mountains. (This area is known as the “Gateway to the Adirondacks” and within good reason!)

In town, you're never out of reach from great eats such as the Dango's Dugout (an American Restaurant, reputedly has fantastic wings), the Iron Pig BBQ, (get the famed Pulled Pork Sandwhich, a customer favorite from all over Saratoga County), Abbot's Restaurant (American, fair), China Buffet, Subway, 3 pizza places (Giavano's Pizzeria, House of Pizza, and Gino's Pizzeria South), McDonald's, and Massie's Restaurant (mixed reviews; also a Banquet Hall). Stores include Rite Aid, Racing City Hobbies, a Dollar Tree savings store, South Glens Falls Hannaford Supermarket & Pharmacy, as well as your awesome treat and coffee stop (the neighborhood Dunkin' Donuts) and more! You can stay at The Glens Falls In or Manor Inn (or the Country Kitty B&B in nearby Queensbury). Glens Falls is very affordable at $130,950, and is right near the glorious, stunningly beautiful parks of the Adirondack Mountains. You also are right near have even more fun in neighboring tonws such as vibrant Saratoga Springs, and right in South Glens Falls itself, you access to the well reputed Glens Falls Hospital for outstanding medical care. The crime rate of South Glens Falls is not unlike those of cities, with a comparison of 2.56 to the NY state average of 3.92, and 25 out of 100 (where 100 is the safest).

South Glens Falls of the greater town of Moreau is rich in history, has great schools and is a beautiful place to live, within reach of many fun things to do, great places to eat, convenient amenities, and more!

Schuylerville, a Hudson River town located in Saratoga County, NY is a lovely, lively little town that's rich in American history (it was the site of the historical Battle of Saratoga, as well as was once known as “Fort Saratoga” by the Dutch who settled here, and there are other links to the war as well), fantastic community events (like the Turning Point Parade in summer), wonderful schools (the outstanding Schuylerville Central School District) and a great park system.

For instance, Schuylder's Canal Park is where the British first surrendered to the American troops during the Revolutionary War, and is situated upon the Champlain Canal and is where you can enjoy many community events such as the Turning Point Parade (August) as well as many other events that take place all year long. There's also the Lock 5 Champlain Canal Park (observe boats and take a ride on a canal boat yourself), Village Beach (where you can catch a free concert and go swimming), Saratoga National Historical Park (the site of two of the most horrific battles of the Revolutionary War), Stark's Knob (named in honor of General John Stark of the Revolutionary War, where you can still find prehistoric ocean fossils of creatures that once lived in the sea), and Hudson's Crossing Bi-County Park, where you can visit the brand-new park for children, take your boat out from the dock, hike, and soon enjoy an Envrionmental Center. There's also the Youth Center, which offers programs to teens and young children which can keep kids socializing and busy in a safe environment, to explore their interests with people who care about their futures. For more historical locations, visit the Saratoga Monument and the Schuyler house (the prominent family from whom the town got its name).

Aside from excellent parks and schools (Schuylerville is one of the best Central School Districts in the area), there's many quaint shops and wonderful restaurants in town to choose from. For instance, there's Old Saratoga Books (94 Broad St.), a small yet wonderful used & rare bookstore, and Saratoga Apples Inc. (no, it has nothing to do with the computer company; this is a Pick-Your-Own Apple Farm and Produce Center, where your kids---and you---can enjoy getting fresh fruit and vegetables galore, munch on yummy cider donuts, and pick a bountiful amount of delicious, juicy organic apples right from the trees (a great way to celebrate the coming of Fall either by yourself, with friends, or with your family). There's other stores as well, like the Thrift Shop on Broad St. and the Antique Store on Milton Ave.; there's also Olde Saratoga Bike & Boards, the Dwell Gift Shop, Schuyler Sweets, the Badger Cigar Den, Stewart's Shop, Cumberland Farms grocery, and more! If you're hungry, enjoy a fantastic variety of restaurants to choose from, such as: Schuylerville Pizza & Pasta, Mac's Diner, Olde Saratoga Cafe & Bakery, American Legion, Amigos Cantina, Kitchen at the Dove Gate Inn, Whipple City Pizza, a Subway, and more!

More good news about Schuylerville: the unemployment rate is less than the US average, which is 8.60% (Schuylerville's is 6.10%), the cost of living is also under the US average (98.6%), a pretty safe crime rate (75 out of 100, where 100 is the safest). You can find great medical care in nearby Saratoga Springs (the Saratoga Hospital is a wonderful place to get help, whatever your needs), and the Greenwhich Family Health Center in Greenwhich, CT is not far away by car as well. You can feel safe about bringing your kids to Imagination Home Day Care and Baby Chick Day Care Home, both in Schuylerville, and while they're in daycare, visit the parks or go swimming at the local YMCA. You can pump up with exercise at the Saratoga Health and Wellness in Saratoga Springs, or Global Fitness in nearby Gansevoort (also of Saratoga County, NY). Homes are very affordable with a median sales price at $130,000.

Whatever your needs, you'll be sure to find them in Schuylerville, NY: where your money is well spent, for everyone in your family will be sure to benefit from it, one way or another!

While it is a beautiful residential community, there's not much to do in the immediate town of Victory, which is home to an abandoned Mill (“Victory Mill”, which the town is sometimes known by) and near the location of a Revolutionary War battle that was an American...well..."Victory".

While there is a Shop Rite, that's pretty much it; everything else to be found is in nearby Schuylerville, such as stores and restaurants and anything else, or in nearby Greenwhich CT, or Queensbury, NY: where you'll find the Six Flags Great Escape Amusement Park as well as Splashwater Kingdom: all in only about 20 minutes away! In Victory Mill itself you will find the Saratoga Monument, which honors the moment that British General Burgoyne surrendered to General Gates, which is considered “the turning point of the American Revolution” and goes down in history as an essential point in building the future of America.

Today there are over 544 people in one of America's most tiniest villages, including around 144 families and 189 households. The population consists of 97.61% White and very little diversity. The median sales price for a home goes for about $87, 234 and you'll be sending your kids to great schools at the Schuylerville School District. Victory (or “Victory Mills”) is not to be confused with the town of Victory in Cayuga County, NY. You will be within short distances of neighboring towns (most within 15 miles of reach by car), and that's where you'll find all your day-to-day needs. The nearest Train Station is in the lovely town of Saratoga Springs which is not that far away.

Overall, I would highly recommend this place for retirees who wish to move to the countryside of NY and away from everything else. It's also a great place for families with kids who don't mind the country and feel at home in nature (aka strolling around in the fields and wood with siblings and friends) is their idea of a good time. It might be a great place to build your first cabin, and not be annoyed by neighbors wanting a try in your brand-new backyard hot tub. In other words, if peace and quiet is what you're looking for, well, then you've found it here at the surprisingly historic, yet sleepy little town of Victory.

North Ballston Spa, a residential community that is part of the quaint Saratoga County village of Ballston Spa in NY state, is quite famous for its mineral springs and healing waters also of the same name. They contain carbonates of calcium and magnesium as well as healing salt proprieties.

Also in Ballston Spa, you will find a wonderful community center that offers awesome programs, including youth-based activities such as after-school programs and sports activities. Your entire family will delight during their visit in such priceless treasures as the National Bottle Museum or visiting local artists at the Strolling Village Artisan's Studio Gallery as well as others, or seeing a live show at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center or enjoying the outdoors at beautiful Adirondack Park. Ballston Spa has outstanding schools (Ballston Public School System). There's also the Saratoga Brookside Museum and Historical Society, as well as the Agricultural Society (which is joined in association with the Saratoga County Fair: a wonderful treat for the whole family!), the Yoga Spa, the Living Well Day Spa & Healing Arts Center, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, and the War Memorial at Front & Low Streets (not to forget the Wiswall Park and Gazebo). There's many events in this park such as the new Antiques Show, the Classic Car Show, the Farmers Market, the Village Tree Lighting Ceremony, Summer Concerts, and Victorian Festivities, which take place in Winter during the festive December month. There's lots of historical places to observe such as the Lincoln Building, which was once a Hotel and is now apartments, and the west Mill Complex, otherwise known as “The Chocolate Factory”---you can still even smell the chocolate, even though it's since been turned into businesses and offices, such as The Factory Eatery & Spirits, a charming venue which everyone should check out during their visit.

Ballston Spa itself is a great place for shopping and eating. There's unique places like the Loca Luna Grill, the Iron Roost and The Great Bay Clam Company, and more! There's unique stores like the Wild Thyme Whole Food & Tea Company, which is a great place to go grocery shopping for natural organic foods and to buy bulk teas. You can also pop into cute stores only to be found in Ballston Spa such as Creative Endeavors Gift Shop & Art Center,the Two if By Sea Gallery, the Excellent Adventures Comics & Collectibles, the Sacred Journey Ceramics, the Stone Soup Antiques Gallery (Ballston Spa is famous for Antique Stores and Artist's Gallries) and more! Ballston Spa is famous for its mom-and-pop stores, and there are unique stores all over the place; you might even be overwhelmed at first---but once you choose a couple of stores to check out, you'll find yourself getting lost in the charming atmosphere and friendly staff who will make sure your time here is well-worth the trip as well as unforgettable; there's no telling what types of treasures you're sure to find!

Tuckahoe, of the 5-star Tackahoe Union Free School District in Eastchester, NY of Westchester County, is the less-expensive, but no less beneficial, villages of Eastchester. Neighbor to its affluent sibling Bronxville, Tuckahoe still has a lot to offer at less than half the price of homes in Bronxville, making it the prime place for middle-class families and students of Bronxville's Sarah Lawrence College and other schools in the area.

It's also a great community, as there's a wonderful Community Center which offers sports activities, Camp Quest, Girl's Softball, Zumba, Little League, Boy Scouts and Defensive Driving Classes in Summer from mid-July to the 1st of August. Tuckahoe Library offers Teen Performer's Showcases, so that Tuckahoe Teens can show off their talents in a public atmosphere and be proud of themselves for their hard creative work. The Community Center also takes Senior Citizens on day trips like the Bonatnical Gardens, where you can see Claud Monet's amazing work of the garden in Giverny, and there's Pizza Luncheons and Bingo nights as well.

In town you'll find neighborhood staples such as Dunkin' Donuts and CVS, as well as unique stores such as Verano Boutqiue, the Crestwood Shoe Service, Fastframe (a customizing frame store) and the quaint Tucahoe-based Antiques Shop, Consign On The Square. Tuckahoe also has its own Severino Grocery Store, and greater Eastchester has a Stop & Shop, as well as an A&P in neighboring Bronxville. For unique eats in Tuckahoe, try out the Old Stone Mill at 2 Scarsdale Road, which is actually an old historic, 1803 cotton mill! While the food is expensive, you'll love the friendly staff and lovely, unique, old-fashioned feel and décor of the place, and there isn't another one like it in this town, or perhaps anywhere!

Bronxville is perhaps best known as a “college town”, as it's home to Sarah Larwence College and Concordia College, and you'll see lots of students bouncing around town, enjoying the sites or studying at cafes on their coffee breaks. What you might not know is that Bronxville is known as one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, and home-owners here are mostly millionaires. A hamlet of Eastchester, Bronxville---like all places in Westchester County, NY---was once home to Native Americans (the Mohicans). Today it is is home to 6,200 residents who are mainly white, and some of the wealthiest people in Westchester. Just walking the streets of this beautiful suburban area and noticing the size and quality of the homes, you'll realize how expensive this area is. However, people who can afford to live in Bronxville come here for very good reasons, and here's why:

It's a beautiful place though with an outstanding community, as well as award-winning schools that are some of the best in the country. Just walking past the cherry trees in town, you'll find a sense of wonderment as you pass by the exquisitley-laid-out gardens surrounding Victorian, Tudor and Colonial-style homes.

Bronxville is a great community that makes the cost of living here well worth your pay. Your kids will be glad because there's lots of fun things to do in Bronxville. They can enjoy outdoor activities, such as Sagamore Road Playgrouna; Bronxville has more than 70 acres worth of recreational parkland, included the Bronx River Parkway Reservation and excellent athletic fields at the Bronxville School System (You might recall seeing The Bronxville School in the heartwarming movie Stepmom, (which starred Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts!). In addition to Sports programs, they can have fun with friends at the Bronxville After-School Program that offers group activities such as Creative Arts & Crafts, Sports, Cooking, and a Homework Club for extra help. There's also a Full Day Child Care, and a Community Action Program to help families with Family and Youth Counseling; there's other outreach programs like this one as well. There's an amazing Library with lots of programs such as a Meditation Circle and Book Group that meets on Thursdays, or you can enjoy a concert with Robert the Guitar Guy (great for both young, middle-aged, teenaged, and old alike). There's also great medical care to be found at Lawrence Hospital (which has a 24-hour ER and acute care for inpatients, and doctors in all different specialties work here). The community also reaches out to homes with Meals on Wheels and there's Senior Services as well, including the Bronxville Youth Counsil. Also don't forget to enroll your child in the Bronxville Day Camp in Summer---they won't regret it, and neither will you; it's sure to make this Summer a special one!

Bronxville also has its own train station, beautiful places of worship (such as St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, with its unbelievably gorgeous spires), a busy downtown section with lots of awesome stores and restaurants. In addition to unique places like the coffee shop Slave to the Grind (which has organic food and organic coffee that is claimed to be even better than Starbucks; however, they don't have wifi, which is a shame, because people would go here more than the Starbucks in neighboring Yonkers; however they do have over 50 bean varieties, which will make for an interesting decision for your new favorite hot or iced drink; the place is also street-level, making it handicap accessable, and there is parking, but it's metered, so make sure that you bring plenty of quarters!). There's also basic staples such as your neighborhood CVS and A&P, as well as others.

Located near Lake Oneida in Onandaga County, NY, Syracuse is a culturally creative and historical extravaganza that's just about bursting at the seams with excitement! No matter what you want to do, it seems that it can be done in Syracuse: with a fantastic Zoo (Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park), wonderful parks (like Onandaga Lake Park), museums (like the Emerson Museum of Art or Automobile Museum, ect.), theaters for live shows and films alike, art galleries, festivals (such as the Jazz Festival), and more, if it's entertainment you want, Syracuse seems like a place where the sky is truly “the limit”!

Not only does it have an excellent collection of venues for visitors and residents alike to enjoy, Syracuse is steeped in history: it was home to the Underground Railroad (once even known as the “City Depot of the Underground Railroad”), helping to get slaves free, and it was also home to an expansive salt and manufacturing industry. It was also home to the Onondaga Native Americans, tribal members of the Five Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, whose history is still thriving here in the NY Finger Lakes Region. Later on, Syracuse would be taken over by the French and then, from them, the British.

Today, there are over 145,170 people living in Syracuse to date. Some live here as students attending Syracuse University or the Upstate University Health System (perhaps the neighborhood of Westcott, which is right near University Hill). Others have come to live and work in Downtown Syracuse, where most of the restaurants are located (at Armory Square). There's also culturally-designated areas like Little Italy, but areas such as Butternut Circle, with its pizza shop, barber shops, hair salons, and other stores attracts many people to live there as well. There's also University Hill near Marshall Street (more than 25,000 people work here each day, and love to call Syracuse their home). On top of loads of things to do to keep yourself entertained, and great places to eat, Syracuse offers a lot to people who wish to live here: such as excellent schools (Syracuse City School District, or charter schools like Syracuse Academy of Sciences), and wonderful medical care. There's also two different train stations in Syracuse for commuters: 131 Alliance Bank Parkway and New York 695, both Amtrack stations.

The only negative part about Syracuse is the very high crime rate, but there are hopeful programs such as non-for-profit-based organizations like Syracuse Community Geography (see more info at www.communitygeography.org). Also police are on the lookout, and it's a good idea not to be walking around by yourself after dark. Keep an eye on your kids, and make sure their schools are cracking down on bullying. Charter schools are better when it comes to these issues.

Overall Syracuse is a good place to live if you watch your back on the streets. It's a place that's vibrating with culture and diversity and wonderful places for entertainment, such as museums, parks and art galleries, outstanding night life, awesome restaurants and lots of great means for learning about our country's colorful history. There's great transportation and wonderful medical care, as well as lots of convenient amenities. Homes in Syracuse are very affordable for working middle-class families at around $92,500.

I've come to Esther St. mainly for the Beanrunner Cafe, which has great food like paninis, homemade soups and smoothies, salads and more, and hosts Open Mics both for musicians and poets on the 2nd Mondays of every month at 6:30pm, as well as other Open Mics as well. (There's also exhibits of local artist's works on the walls, and sometimes the Cafe hosts artis's galas). I also come here to use the WiFi which is pretty darned good, and you can sit at either the tables or in the little back area, which is like walking into someone's living room and feeling right at home---there's even a couch, a loveseat, a TV and a chess board that's just waiting to be played! You can even used the TV yourself if you'd like, if there's not a lot of people around---perhaps a favorite show if it happens to be on, or watch the latest game! Oh, and the Beanrunner also has great desserts as well as fine beer and wine from all over the world. It's a wonderful place to come and dine with either family or friends or just by yourself, and there's even a patio in the back, weather permitting, which offers you some privacy from the crowd. (They have great iced coffee as well---I love mine with a dash of heavy cream and sugar!)

Also on Esther St. is Kwan's Kung Fu Studio. Kwan is a delightful man and respected veteran teacher, very experienced in the art of Kung Fu, which he has been teaching for years, since the early 1980's. He also offers classes in Cultural Art and Tai Chi. The Studio is very expansive and has plenty of space, so you can bet to see lots of little Kung Fu students having a ball, and learning a lot! This is an ancient art, very respected, and will teach your child the joys of learning an ancient Chinese practice. In fact, they will learn the Shaolin Fu-Jow Pai Tiger Claw, a method which is 2,000 years old! Fu-Jow Pai teaches self-confidence, self defense and concentration, just to name a few. Classes are on Mondays and Saturdays. Call (914)-737-1148 for details and get your child (or yourself) enrolled in one of these classes today! Fun for the entire family---and Kwan is a teacher that you will never forget!

Valley Cottage, a small hamlet of Clarkstown, NY, is one of Rockland's prettiest rural communities. It's home to Clarkstown Central Schools, which is an excellent choice for your kids if you're thinking of moving to the area. It's very affordable (the median price for a home goes for anywhere between $219,000-$679,000+, but the area is very safe and perfect for families wishing to relocate to a quiet, suburban area.

Plus, you're right near great places for the family to go during a warm Spring or hot summer day: Nyack Beach Park, or Rockland Lake State Park (you can swim here as well as other outdoor recreational activities) and both are awesome places to visit any time of the year. There's wonderful restaurants in town like Dee Maria's (some of the best pizza in Rockland County can be found here), Cinco de Mayo for excellent Mexican, or Pie-Man Cottage for unforgettable family fun, plus great food---what more could you ask for? There's other restaurants as well like Jonnie's Wok, Valley Pizza, and Good Taste, Inc. (another Chinese food place); there's also the Cheesecake Factory in nearby West Nyack, which can both be family-friendly, as well as a fine location for a fun-filled evening of romantic dining, and Dave & Busters, which is like the older kids' version of Chuck E. Cheese (and lots of fun for all ages, too)! There's also an A&P in town for all your grocery shopping needs, the Happy Quilter, The Little Bake Shop, a RiteAid Pharmacy, Winky Dink Ink, Camera Dynamics and Bradco Supply Corporation, as well as others. There's more to be found in surrounding villages, such as West Nyack.

You'll be happy you chose Valley Cottage for your new home, because it's very safe, with beautiful scenic surroundings, a fantastic public library with awesome programs for everyone, wonderful parks to visit and enjoy, and amazing schools to offer an outstanding education for your kids, and is simply a great place to live and raise a family.

Most people know of Stony Point, in Rockland County, NY as the home of one of the Revolutionary War's most crucial battles, and people still visit the battlefields with their families to learn about this important piece of American history.

What those who visit just to see the battlefield may not know is that Stony Point has a lot to offer for those who wish to live here: great schools (North Rockland School District), two libraries (Tompkins Cove Public Library & Rose Memorial Public Library), beautiful Charles S. Eccher Park (complete with picnic pavilion and grills, adult pool and kiddie pool, playground, walking track, basketball courts and more), glorious Riverfront Front Park (with its breathtaking views of the Hudson River, fishing pier, volleyball court, picnic pavilion, grills, and more), and other parks as well (there's also a Municipal Pool, which opens in late June and closes September 3rd; hours of operation are from 11am until 7pm each day (depending on the weather). You can also call the Town's Recreation Department for information on birthday parties at the Pool, and how to sign up for swimming lessons!

Also, for people of all walks of life who wish to quietly reflect in a welcoming community to people of all different faiths, there is the Stony Point Center, a conference center that offers many different types of programs. (Note: This is NOT a Bible Camp.) This is a place for people to come and meditate and enjoy nature and connect with the Divine, or to simply enjoy the quiet and reflect on the grandness and mysteries of Life. The Stony Point Center offers its patrons food from local farms, simple and charming living quarters for retreats, and a spiritual feeling of togetherness. The Center is located at 17 Cricketown Rd.

As far as shopping goes, Stony Point is very convenient for residents, as stores include a Walgreen's, a Dunkin' Donuts, a CVS Pharmacy, Deli Central, Homestead Hardware, Patsy's Boat Marina, Stony's Food & News, ShopRite, and more: including further ventures in shopping in neighboring villages such as Haverstraw, West Haverstraw, Montrose and Garnverville, NY (which, for instance, has your local 7-11). As far as restaurants, you're not without great choices such as Yummy's Chinese Restaurant & Sushi, Las Margarita's, China King, Fireside Steak Pub, Hogan's Family Diner, Gilligan's Clam Bar & Grill, and more where that came from! (Here's a tip for searching for a good restaurant: as far as online reviews go, it's always best to check the place out for yourself, as some people will find anything to complain about and there's lots of whiny people out there.)

West Haverstraw of Rockland County, which became an official village in 1883, is somewhat placid, with few points of interest; still, it is a pretty safe community and, consequently, not too bad for retirement (there are some affordable housing for people over 55). It's very affordable for middle-class families (around $335,178) and has a population of 10,165. As it's also very safe, it's a great place to raise a family, and people can feel good about retiring here with the reassurance that they'll have plenty of peace and quiet. There's excellent child care and gyms, but you'll have to go to the local Ossining Train Station for public transportation; that being said, it's best to have a car or two to help you and your family get around with ease. The West Haverstraw School District is a mixed bag (especially the Elementary schools), but the new administration is apparently in the midst of reforming the Elementary School and it is making a difference!

While there are a few restaurants (such as Rosie's Coffee Shop, Pizza Hut, Papa's Pizza, Asian Express, Kowloon House, Avenue Deli, a Subway, a Dunkin' Donuts; for more options, you'll want to go elsewhere for further ventures in eating. There's a few stores (Stop & Shop Grocery, Carvel Ice Cream, Italian Food Center, West Marine Boat Parts, Samsondale Wine Merchant, Dollar Tree Variety Store), and a couple of bars in the area M.J. Foogens and Jose O' Shays' Irish Pub for some nightlife), but, for the most part, you'll have to head elsewhere to find anything truly interesting to do.

That being said, West Haverstraw is the home to the Great Hudson Sailing School, which offers intensive sailing courses for anyone who has recently gotten a boat or simply has an interest in the art of sailing and wants to improve their sailing experience. They've been teaching the craft for 25 years and are also joined with the approval of the American Sailing Association. Boats are very safe (non-capsizing) and extremely safe, with high booms, (so you won't get whacked in the face if you're not looking). All instructors are certified U.S. Coast Guard Lisenced Captains. There is even a brand new course, a “Mentor Sailing Program”. It's $400 per individual or $360 for an additional member of the family to join you in this unique experience. Courses are 16 hours long (spread over two weekends). Lessons can be modified for individual needs. Call for the 2012 Basic Sailing Schedule at: (845)-598-3349 for more info, and get yourself set up for sailing with finely taught expertize today!

In addition to the Sailing School, West Haverstraw is also home to Helen Hayes Hospital and Rehabilitation Center---an award-winning hospital that offers state-of-the-art care! It's been one of the leading hospitals for more than 100 years in both medicine as well as research. The Rehab Center deals with the chronic disease population as well as debilitating injuries, and helps these patients to live normal, happy, healthy lives as much as humanely possible. As a patient, you can choose from inpatient, outpatient and even special services. If you've undergone a serious debilitating, physical experience in your life, Helen Hayes Hospital will help remind you that there is still hope for you and your loved ones, even in the darkest of times. Remember, Helen Hayes is also a great place to volunteer and work at for your career, to check out their employment and volunteer opportunities today! Visit the campus at Rt. 9W N, West Haverstraw NY 10993. Alternatively you can call 1-888-70-REHAB or (845)-786-4000; or you can also visit online at www.helenhayeshospital.org.

Tuxedo Park is what one might call “a diamond in the rough”. Driving through, you will see a run-down plaza, one gas station (Tuxedo Gulf), and a deli that is now closed. It's fairly expensive to live here, catering to the upper-middle-class, who wish to be secluded in luxurious privacy while being surrounded by woods and three lakes: Tuxedo Lake, Wee Wah Lake, and Little Wee Wah Lake. The Orange Top Diner (192 NY 17, 5 Stars), and Take A Break (another Japanese food and sushi place, which is reputed to be Orange County's “best”.

However, people usually visit Tuxedo Park for one reason, and one reason only: the special magic that one can only experience at the NY Renaissance Faire. Here, you will be whisked away into the magical world of Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood and his love, Maid Marian. You can watch Robin ask Marian to marry and seal the deal with a kiss on the appropriately named “kissing bridge”. You can watch jousters fight each other right in front of your eyes as they race their horses towards their opponent. You can see someone put their life in another's hands as several sharp knives are thrown in their direction---and live to tell the tale! You can ride a camel, eat boar, see valiant swordfights, get your face painted with Henna, treat your kids to all kinds unforgettable adventures, and more! There's also an amazing Birds Of Prey Show. The Jousting Finale is amazing as well. Of course, there's always lots of vendors selling unique items that you won't find anywhere else---such as garments of the day (which you can rent as well).

The one downside to the Ren Faire is the price of food. The water is $3 (which I find utterly ridiculous) and by the end of the day, you're pretty thirsty---so I highly recommend bringing a 2 liter water jug with ice that you preserve overnight before going in the morning. The food is pretty pricey as well ($4 for a plate of fries isn't bad, I suppose (when they're good) but...$3 for a pickle? (C'mon! That's just silly.)

Here's a couple of tips to help you better enjoy your time here: Eat ahead, but get 1 special, unique thing to eat at the Faire, something that you might not be able to have elsewhere, which will make the moment even more memorable. Also, there is a sprinkler with very gentle downfalls of droplets that will cool you off (and your kids): don't be shy, adults get wet just as much as the kids do, and LOVE it: especially on a hot day (hey, I did)! Another thing is: Bring hats and wear light colored clothing. Also, be prepared for the bees...they like to hover around sweet-tasting food if you're in one place for too long. (Don't be afraid of them though: if you leave them alone, they'll leave you alone; it's the rule of thumb when it comes to animals in general that don't wish to interact with humans on a daily basis.) Also, make sure to get there as early as possible so that you can find a good parking space (there's at least 2 lots that I know of that cost $5) and then you won't miss the opening show that is actually the opening of the doors to the festival as well. It's definitely not something to be missed!

Aside from that, the Renaissance Faire has the four ingredients I think that makes a great festival: 1) Excellent entertainment 2) Awesome food 3) A unique theme to the festivities that makes it extra-special, and therefore extra-memorable for years to come and 4) wonderful staff that really care about their patrons and know what they're doing. It really shows, as a lot of the people who work there are actors, and some know this as their only job (so, here's another tip, remember to tip the performers, because they're working for us---and boy do they work hard)! The entire atmosphere of the place is fantastic, and your kids will have a blast! Even more magical than that is that you will find yourself having a blast as well, perhaps remembering what it's like to be a kid again, forget your worries, and simply enjoy the festivities and celebrations of the day!

Remember: Adults love coming here just as much (if not perhaps sometimes more) than the kids! Going to the Ren Faire for the first time today was truly an unforgettable experience that will stay with me for years to come. I definitely plan on getting there next year!

The Ren Faire is located at 600 17A in Sterling Forest Park of the hamlet Tuxedo Park in Tuxedo (Orange County) NY.

The suburban comfort that is so enjoyed in Warwick, was forged in the fires of the Revolution. The Revolutionary War culminated in egalitarian society in Warwick, and that heritage lives on in the hearts of Warwick's citizens. The Iron that blocked the British Ships was forged here in 1778.

Today, Warwick (of Orange County) is all about apples and retirement: a good thing, too, because there is a hospital that provides 'round the clock care for the infirm, as well as Applefest (where tender apples appreciators of yore can revel in all kinds of applely goodness. (At least 30,000 come each year to this apple lovers' magnet! All in all, it's critically acclaimed family fun.) Not to mention the nearby Oktoberfest where Grammy Award-winning Polka Artist Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra do their level polka best. It may be a problem for those not on the ball that the town of Warwick also contains the Village of Warwick (of the same name), but the locals like to think of the situation like one of those little Russian dolls, only carved out of apples.

Warwick is very affordable with a home going for around $297,500 (the median sales price). The population is around 32,065 and counting. Warwick Valley Central School District is a great school system, and there are also a few private schools (including St. Stephen, St. Edward School, Calvary Christian Academy, and Good Shepherd Lutheren Pre-School.

Living in Warwick has some great benefits like Senior Housing and Medical Care (St. Anthony Community Hospital---which provides around the clock EMS). There's also great child care and several to choose from, several gyms, and while the closest train station is in Croton, it's only an hour and a half by car to NYC, and by NJ Transit Bus 197, 2 and a half hours. The crime rate is average so Warwick is a very safe place to live in and raise a family. They have an excellent community center, wonderful parades, and of course the Applefest and Oktober Fest; nearby Tuxedo also hosts the New York Rennaisance Faire and, in October on the same grounds, one can get scared silly at The Forest of Fear. Wisner Public Library offers wonderful programs like Evening Book Discussions, Teen Creative Writing Workshops, a Library Chess Group, and more. There's 2 parks in Warwick as well: Warwick town Park and Union Corner Park, and both offer plenty of recreational activities which can be fun for anyone, as well as the whole family!

There's plenty of restaurants such as American Quisine, Claude's Artisan Bakery & Dessert Cafe (French), Lai Shun, Hunan Garden, Harvest Restaurant and Brew Pub at Pennings, Panini Deli as well as others. After a great meal, you can relax and catch the newest Flick outside under the stars at Warwick's Drive-In Movie Theater. After the movie, you may wish to hit the Carvel Ice Cream Bakery or Dairy Queen. There's several antique stores in Warwick as well as Ye Olde Warwick Book Shoppe, Marilyn's Consignment Boutique, Shoprite Supermarket, Price Chopper, Dock's Fine Woodcrafts, and several others.

So, Warwick sounds pretty great, right? After visiting, you might find you may not want to leave!

A wealthy yet sparse community, the town of New City of Rockland County is great for those without independent transportation and who can expect a higher cost for the necessities of life. As a result, merchants and services understand that they have a captive audience for the most part, and they charge high prices based on that. However, it is a lovely area if you are earning good money, or happen to be well to do.

Established in 1798 (the same year that Rockland County itself was established), New City is a fine example of 20's Craftsmanship, as are the Dutch Gardens surely worthy of a visit (should you be in the area). There are fine examples of housebuilding dotted throughout the hamlet, adding character to the scenery, and an instant charm. A point of interest to those of us who may be aspirationally inclined is the Paramount Country Club (formerly DellWood, home to Adolph Zukor, founder of Paramount Pictures).

Today the population is around 33,559 and the median sales price is $548,586, which is pretty affordable for middle-class and upper-class individuals. The school system is the prestigious Clarkstown School District which is quite good. They also have quite a few Private Schools that run the gamut from Preschool to K-8 including Busy Bee Play School, St. Augustine, The Hebrew Academy Ohr Menachem, and Ramapo Community Nursery School, among others. The Public Schools are also quite good, including Laurel Plains Elementary, New City Elementary School, Link Elementary School, and also Little Tor Elementary. Clarkstown North Senior High School gets somewhat mixed results, but it is apparently great for over-achievers.

Some benefits of living in New City are Senior Housing (Sunrise of New City and Sunshine Home Care in nearby Nanuet), as well as Affordable Housing (Meager and only for Senior Citizens at Squadron Gardens). There's great Medical Care at Clarkstown Pediatrics, as well as Hudson Valley Radiology; Integrated Medical Care handles Physical Therapy and there's Dr. Diane Digiacomo and her private practice as well. (Also don't forget there's a VA New City Clinc in nearby Nyack Hospital, which offers plenty of other medical facilities inside its walls as well.)
New City also has excellent Child Care (All My Children Day Care or Kreative Kids, for example, among several others) and there's plenty of gyms to choose from, including the Wellness Institute, Retro Fitness, Ferber Fitness, Tread Lightly, the EFT Group, and Moti Horenstein Karate Academy. (There's also a Planet Fitness in nearby Nanuet).

You have excellent transportation accessed only 11 minutes away at the Pacscack Valley Line to Hoboken, NJ and the Path commuter train to NYC. To drive to NYC from New City, it only takes 56 minutes and is a beautiful and very scenic drive as well! Plus, New City is safer than 75% of US cities with an above-average crime rate.

On top of all this, there's also the Community Center (the Street School Community Center is outfitted with a gym, a weight room, a TV room, and a game room). New City offers wonderful community-oriented events such as the Promenade of Heroes, New City's version of the Memorial Day Parade. There's also the Library with great programs such as Story Time for Kids and Families and Smart Seniors, a Senior Awareness Program. Knitting ,Stress Management, and Puppet Shows are among the many events that the library hosts. New City also has great parks such as Kennedy Dells Park for Picnics, High Tor State Park, and Dutch Gardens (an award-winning enterprise, which is historically renowned).

In town you'll find most stores situated on Main Street: a Walgreens Pharmacy, Pet Palace of New City, a CVS Pharmacy, ShopRite Grocery, New City Florist, Back to Earth Natural, and Decicco Markets. As far as restaurants, you'll never be without a place to choose from, as there's so many, it might at first be overwhelming! There's Yamaya Japanese Restaurant, Disorrono Italian Restaurant, Twist & Shake, Potato Republic, Rocco's Family Restaurant, Agnello's Brick Oven, CB Kitchen Bar for American, Barbecue, Tacos, Boston Market, Mandarin Restaurant, and Rocket Wrapps is a popular favorite! For excellent nightlife, have a blast at the Liquid Ice Nightclub in nearby Nanuet. Howver, New City is so close to NYC, it doesn't really need much of a night life to begin with! You'll find everything you need here---and more. It's an awesome place to live and raise a family where you can feel safe and prosterous while building a future in the naturally stunning, gorgeous Hudson Valley that's never too far from the wonderful, glorious Hudson River.

Southeast is a quiet little town that is part of the historic “Oblong”, a stretch of land that was once a tug-of-war between New York and Connecticut. Today the town of Southeast, established in 1730, is now home to more than 18,404 people and counting.

Southeast is famous for being the home of the abandoned mine, Tilly Foster, as well as Tilly Foster Farm (now a museum). When visiting the museum you will see farm animals that are very uncommonly seen nowadays: Narragansett Turkeys, Randall Cattle, Indian Runner Ducks, Donkeys, American Rabbits, and Pilgrim Geese. In the town of Southeast, you'll also find the Putnam County Antique Machinery Association, which hosts antique tractors, equipment, and gas engines, ect.; there's also the Avalon Archives Museum, which will tell you all about the History of America's Rock n' Roll (open only on weekends).

Southeast has several stores such as Kohl's, an A&P (and Pharmacy, together in one store), Fortune Ridge at Southeast, Lanci's Package Store,Speedy Pet Products (in Brewster, a hamlet of Southeast), Animal Kingdom USA (a unique pet store that hosts birthday parties in the store and has its own makeshift rain forest inside the store: an unforgettable experience!!! Also you might just find yourself bringing home your newfound animal friend!),Michael's, (Brewster) a Home Depot (Brewster), Game Stop (Brewster), Southeast Wine & Liquor Ltd., Marshall's, and more! (As you can see, the place to shop is Brewster.)

As far as restaurants go, Rraci's Restaurant of Brewster is one of the best places in town! Here is where you'll find the finest of Italian food, and some of the best key lime pie around! Lots of seafood dishes to choose from, and patrons rave about it online and at the store. It's said to get busy quick, so make sure you get here early! The Red Rooster is another gem; they have excellent burgers and an outdoor sitting area, as well as a small playground and plenty of room for the kids to run around. Their egg creams and ice cream is fantastic! This is what you call an old-fashioned burger joint (sadly though it's not a drive-in; that's the only thing that's missing)! Definitely a must if you're in Brewster. You can find it on Rt. 22. If you're in the mood for Mexican, try Fiesta Mexicana; they are the type of old-fashioned restaurant that will make your guacamole with expertly-guided motions right in front of your eyes as your mouth waters even more, and when the food comes, you won't regret it! As far as international goes, Jaipore Royal Indian Quisine is quite good as well! (All of these places get 5 out of 5 stars in my book!!! Awesome places to go whether you're with your family, friends or on a date, these places will make everyone's evening!) Southeast has many more restaurants to choose from. Come visit and take a look for yourself!

In addition to wonderful schools (Brewster Central School District and North Salem Central School District), the town of Southeast is very affordable for the working middle-class , hovering around $317,000; most houses go between the $200,000s and the $300,000s. There's also a Metro-North train station that can get you easily to NYC and elsewhere along the Hudson River. Enjoy your visit to Southeast, NY: where there's lots of adventures to unfold!

Considering that I grew up in LaGrangeville, a hamlet of Union Vale in Dutchess County, NY, this town has a special place in my heart, as I was a child for many years playing here in the woods and massive yard around my childhood home. The schools were excellent as I had a several great teachers and many memorable moments of learning. Today Arlington High School of the Arlington Central School District has a 97% graduation rate! I did not graduate with that school as I went on to live in Yorktown Heights with my family in Westchester, but I still remember how wonderful Mr. Clark of 9th Grade English was, how patient and encouraging he was when I was having a difficult year.

Memories of visiting Freedom Lake flood back, of going down the slide into the water, and having picnics at birthday parties with friends. I always loved getting ice cream at the concession stand as well! When I was younger I always felt safe being in the shallow part of the lake because it was closed off with a rope, but just enough space so that I could swim easily around in and feel like I was going far (haha) but of course, when you're small, everything seems bigger!

There's also two other parks in Union Vale: Tymor Park (500 acres, as well as trails, an outdoor swimming pool, an ice rink, a senior center, sports fields, a concession stand, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, a playground for the kiddies to enjoy, a concession stand, and rights to fish, ride horses (there's an equestrian center), camp, and more!

The other park is 12 acre Frederick E. Godfrey Memorial Park and while that is smaller, it still offers a volleyball and basketball court, trails, playground, baseball/softball fields, and, of course, restrooms for “when nature calls”.

There's more than 4,546 people living in Union Vale throughout its many hamlets. To own a home here costs around $380,000; to rent goes for around $1,475 and up, depending on what kind of housing you are looking for. There's excellent shopping venues including an A&P, Dunkin' Donuts, Crystal's Closet (a designer clothes store that sells new and used clothes) , and Hannaford Supermarkets in LaGrangeville alone (there's 11 other hamlets to choose from)! LaGrangeville has The Daily Planet Diner (a fantastic, memorable place to eat out with the entire family, kids will have a blast) and The Links at Union Vale, an Irish-run golf club with an excellent food menu and plenty of greens for the golfing day of your life (they even do weddings here as well)! It's a beautiful scenic place to be and is surrounded by the natural splendor of the Hudson Valley way beyond the tailored green.

Come over to Union Vale to enjoy the quiet splendor of the Mid-Hudson Valley countryside: you won't be disappointed; it's well worth the trip!

Brown St. is a famous street in Peekskill NY because it is home to Peekskill's famous theater, The Paramount Center for the Arts. At first, it was a movie palace built by Publix Pictures in the year of 1930 (a very exciting time in film, when stars like Charlie Chaplin were at the height of their career). It has 1500 seats, and is now restored to host live shows, as well as independent films (a wonderful mix of titles as well). Big stars such as George Carlin have come to the theater to entertain a packed house, and lines can sometimes seen going all the way down the block!

It sustained itself throughout the Great Depression, as well as WWII. Sadly, its fame as a movie theater was washed out by surrounding shopping malls (as well as the popularity of television). Today it is a nonprofit art center and is multidisciplinary. Sometimes there is an art show here, and you can buy tickets online to all the live shows, as well as gallery events (offering exhibits of a wide variety of art) and arts-in-education programs. More than 63,000 people come here from around the Hudson Valley to see such stars as Donny Osmond, Sweet Honey and the Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm On Tour, Joan Baez, The Indigo Girls, and more! Upcoming artists include Blues Traveller and Amos Lee. Buy your tickets directly from the box office at the Paramount itself, or online through their website, today!

PS: After a show, grab a wonderful bite to eat at Hugo's (which will be opening soon), and some coffee at The Peekskill Coffee House! Both are not to be missed! Brown St. is also home to the Elks Club, as well as the building that has Peekskill's DMV and Military Recruitment offices (and more).

Founded in 1787, the town of Woodstock (of Ulster County, NY) came into being as an Art Colony in the early 1900's. The town that actually held the Woodstock festival is Bethel NY in Sullivan County, an hour and 34 minutes from Woodstock NY. This is 60 miles away from Woodstock NY. Many who live here are artisan craftspeople who work from home, and favor walking and biking to driving more than the state average. However, a sizable portion of the populace has non-artistic careers. This diversity in Woodstock leads to a very livable and sociable place to visit and live. Plenty of local color in the best possible use of the word.

There's currently more than 5,884 people living in Woodstock today, whose homes cost around an affordable $341,000. The schools of Onteora School District (of 4166 State Road 28 in neighboring Boiceville, NY) are pretty good (for instance, Woodstock Elementary School gets a 4 out of 5 stars, and the high school has an 82.1% graduation rate). There's senior housing to be found at Woodstock Meadows (100 Woodstock Meadows Drive), great child care at First Step Day Care (223 Tinker St.), and excellent medical care (Maverick Family Health and the Woodstock Animal Hospital), as well as St. Benedictine Hospital in nearby Kingston NY and Dutchess Hospital, in Rhinebeck, NY (which is only 31 miles away). The Community Center (located at 56 Rock City Rd.) has Summer Recreation Programs for Children, and there is the Woodstock Artists Association & Museum on Tinker Street, which offers Art Exhibitions and Volunteer Opportunities. Woodstock doesn't have a town pool, but there is one at Aspects Inn and Spa (however only open to adult paying customers).

Woodstock has excellent restaurants such as The Red Onion Restaurant & Bar (1654 Rt. 212), Wok'n'Roll Chinese (Mill Hill Rd ) the Garden Cafe on the Green (6 Old Forge Road), Mountain Gate Indian Restaurant (that is some of the best in the Hudson Valley Area, located at 4 Deming St.), Ruth's Country Kitchen (located at 138 Tinker St.), as well as Taco Juan's at 31 Tinker St.).

You can find excellent night life when catching a flick at Upstate Films (132 Tinker St.), and the Woodstock Playhouse hosts Music, Theater, Dance, Film and Art. During the day, you can fly fish or enjoy toobin' down the beautiful Esopus Creek!

There's also unique stores such as the Woodstock Meats Delicatessen and Market (57 Mill Hill Rd.), Pondicherry yoga Arts (12 Tinker St.), the Emerson Country Store (Rt. 28 and Mt. Pleasant Road), the Woodstock Music Shop (6 Rock City Rd.), Woodstock wine & Liquors (63 Tinker St.) as well as The Liquor Cabinet (7 Zena Rd.), Jarita's Florist (17 Tinker St.), The Woodstock Trading Post (7 Tinker St.), BirchTree Fashions (6 Tannery Brook Rd.), The Golden Notebook, Woodstock's independent bookstore (it might be small, but it's quite magical, and has a wonderful selection of books, as well as unique events, such as visits from local artists, and workshops such as “Are You Experienced? How Psychedelic Consciousness Transformed Modern Art”, and more! You can find it right next to Jane's Ice Cream (yum yum!!), a very colorful store, and both are not to be missed! There's also The Reader's Quarry at (97 Tinker St.)which offers rare, used, and out-of-print books (they can be found right across from the neighborhood public library; there's also lots of parking spaces to choose from, which makes it easy to get too; it's right on State Rt. 212, north of the heart of Woodstock). They have an excellent selection of books and it's a very cozy place to be; it might be small, but you can browse for hours and never get bored! Also is the Sweetheart Gallery of Fine American Crafts (8 Tannery Brook Rd.) and the Sunflower Market (a little Pricy, but however good food---they are located at 75 Mill Hill Rd.). Also don't forget the Sunfrost Farm Organic Market & Juice Bar Cafe, found at 217 Tinker St. (Yes, Tinker St. is the happenin' place in Woodstock, but that's not to say that other businesses are worth your time as well---they definitely are, and have a charm all their own!) For instance, there's three gyms for a great workout: the 28 West Gym, Moving Body Pilates Studio, and Reflexology for the Spirit, all great choices with wonderful equipment and encouraging atmosphere!

Woodstock is a very quiet, peaceful place and is also very safe, with a very low crime rate. Whether you're living or visiting, you'll feel welcomed as a part of the community during the many Festivals and Events held here: the Halloween Parade and Memorial Day Parade, DruM Circles on the Village Green, Pet Parades, the Woodstock Guitar Festival, the Phoenecia International Festival of the Voice, the Woodstock Fringe Festival of Theater and Song, the Woodstock Writers Festival (in April), the Summer Songs Festival (in nearby Saugerties), the Maverick Summer Chamber Music Festival, the Woodstock Annual Film Festival, and the Woodstock Fruit Festival at Camp Walden in August. More programs reside in the Woodstock Public Library (located adorably at 5 Library Lane), which hosts a library forum with Poetry Readings, a Summer Reading Program with Special Guests from All Walks of Life (Bird Handling, anyone?), Booksales, Geneology Research Services, Story Activities for Kids and Teens, and More! Parks include Echo Lake, the Village Green and Woodstock Dog Park.

Whether visiting or planning to live here, you can see that Woodstock is not just a town, it's a community with a rich diversity and fun recreational activities that help bring everyone together in an unforgettable way! It's safe, is fairly affordable (especially for the working middle class) annd offers excellent education. If you're looking to live in Ulster County, why not choose Woodstock? It might not be where the legendary festival was held, but it's got plenty of Festivals to make up for that! Just come by and see for yourself---you'll wind up celebrating not just come Festival Time, but Every Day.

Greenwood Lake of Orange County, NY started functioning like a village around 1856, five years after Theron Felter started operating a big hotel in the area to cater tourists to the lake, but it was officially incorporated as a village in 1924. “No maybe's about it”, Greenwood Lake is a special place---and clearly, director/writer Rob Reiner agrees; he shot his 2012 movie “The Magic of Belle Isle”, starring Morgan Freeman, here.

In addition to the lake, the town's religious communities Initiative is very evident in the many generous Drives and events they are involved with. In addition to the large religious community of different variety there are several key places of worship in town: Church of the Good Shepard, Congregation B'nai Torah, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church.

Greenwood Lake has awesome events that draw people from all over the county and beyond. For instance all events are tailored to the 4 Seasons. In the Spring, there is the Easter Egg Hunt, the Community Gardens, the Recycling Drives, and the fun of joining Little League for the young ones! In the Summer (remember this town is centered around its lake), there are occasional boat parades, Movie Nights on the Waterfront, the Celebrate America 4th of July Parade, Regatta, and Concerts in Thomas P. Morahan Park. Fall events inlcude the magical Blues Festival in September, as well as Seaplane Flyin'! In the Winter there are Carriage Rides, Menorah lighting and Tree Lighting in December. Greenwood Lake's public library, the Greenwood Public Library of 79 Waterstone Road, offers programs such as the Adult Game Club, Adult Independent Film Night, Book Lovers' Club, Moms & Tots Playgroup, and even a gallery (Budding Artist); as well as Magic: The Gathering Wednesday Nights (tornaments for fans of the awesome cult-classic card game that's been around, it seems, like forever; Express Yourself; and Get Crafty: a Do-It-Yourself-Craft Night.

Greenwood Lake also has a wonderful park, Thomas P. Morahan Park of Windemere Avenue, which hosts concerts and even more events as well all year round for everyone, residents and visitors alike, to enjoy.

Amenities in town include the County Grocery, Kwik Mart, CVS, A Fine Line Hair Design, Arnell's Antiques & Restoration, Friendly Beer & Soda, and the Village Wine Company. Restaurants include the Subway, Planet Pizza, H'Hare's Pub (excellent nightlife), and Murphy's Tavern & Restaurant (also excellent nightlife).

Greenwood's population in 2010 was 3,154 and is still climbing in 2012. The estimated median value is $217,000, which has gone down in price over the years. However, the cost of living index(as of this year, 2012) is 137.2, which is high compared to the national average (100). Unfortunately Greenwood Lake doesn't offer senior or affordable housing, but on occasion you might be able to find a 2 family apartment for as low as $850. On the other hand, a single family ranch in Greenwood Lake (and beautiful at that---almost looks like a rustic cabin---can be as low as $1,100). A residential bungalow can be as low as $99,000, which is not bad as far as houses go in NY state. All of this can be very affordable for working middle-class families.

Families with kids have access to Greenwood Lake Schools, which receives a rating of 7 out of 10. Slightly above average schools include Greenwood Lake Elementary School (public, K-3) and Greenwood Lake Middle School (public, 4-8).

Residents of Greenwood Lake are an hour and 15 minutes away from NYC (by car). The town provides excellent transportation via NJ Transit and Greenwood Lake to Port Authority, NYC. The crime rate here is very low, making it the perfect place to live and raise a family. Excellent medical care can be found 15 minutes away in Warick, NY at the St. Anthony Community Hospital, and Greenwood Lake itself has its own Volunteer Ambulence Corp., which provides excellent service to all residents in town.

In general, you can understand why a movie with the name “The Magic of Belle Isle” was filmed here. After joining in the fun of waterfront activities or watching the fireworks on the Fourth of July, it's no secret why people love Greenwood Lake and choose to spend the rest of their lives here: it's safe, has a wonderful community, and is a very “special place”, indeed! Come soon and experience the magic of Greenwood Lake's sparkling waters for yourself!

While visiting Orange County and traveling Interstate 86, NY 17, NY207, or Interstate 87, you might find the pleasant little town of Montgomery NY. History buffs will know this town for the name of the fort that was built there during the Revolutionary War of the same name: Fort Montgomery. The Fort was unfortunately an American loss, but it still helped out to prevent the British from getting further up the Hudson River, and was a major contribution to the war. Today it is a museum and is one of Montgomery's greatest attractions.

Montgomery itself was named after General Montgomery who was killed during the battle of Quebec, and to have a war general named after itself only adds to the historical charm of the town itself.

Today Montgomery (founded in 1810), contains a rich tapestry of villages (five) and hamlets (also five). It is dotted with pastoral locations and verdant green. The communities within Montgomery include the village of Montgomery, a confusing situation that may lead visitors to ponder, “Where am I again?”. It currently has a population of 22,606 and counting. The median sales rate for homes are around $295,024 (great for working middle-class families). There are no Subsidized housing, but apartments are very affordable at $700 and up. There's also senior housing which is offered at Patchett's Crossing Apartments (100 Crossing Lane), and Montgomery Manor, at 4 Brescia Way.



Children who live here get to attend two excellent school districts: The Greater Amsterdam School District (fantastic reviews, teachers are excellent) and the Valley Central School District (which mostly gets 4 or 5 star reviews on all schools, as well as excellent stats on academic skills, both math and English). All schools are very encouraging. (Remember every school has one or two bad apples in the batch!)

Montgomery residents and visitors from Montgomery County can enjoy free access by card at the wonderful Montgomery Free Library (located at 133 Clinton Street). Events and features of the library include a local history section, Magazines, award-winning books for both adults and children, an adorable Children's Corner (that includes table and chairs, perfect for at least four kids to sit in and enjoy each other's company while reading), videos, the Kate Seredy collection (an author as well as illustrator of local fame), large print (as well as paperbacks), recorded books and more. There's also the Oprah's Book Club for anyone to come and enjoy (Oprah's Book Club includes specific books that were chosen by the talk show host as a special selection of books that touched her soul). The Library offers 15,000 volumes and has been around since 1912! In addition to the Library, the Senior Center at 36 Bridge Street holds the Grand Montgomery Chamber Music & Theater Series five times each season. There's great parks in town like the Montgomery Village Playground, Veterans Memorial Park (60 Bachelor Street), the Recreation Center, and the Pleasure Ground Park includes the Ground Park Pavilion which is available for visits without reservation, as well as walking trails and Boat Launch. Benedict Farm Park contains the Community Garden at Benedict Park, located at 1675 State Rt. 17K.

The wonderful restaurants in town include a Dunkin Donuts (2095 State Route 208), Amore Village Pizza (91 Clinton Street), a Blimpie (109 Hakwins Drive), Burger King (Rt. 208), Montgomery Bake Shop (141 Ward), Jim Brady's Tavern (2022 State Route 208), the Yankee Kitchen Restaurant (631 State Route 17k), the Wildfire Grill (74 Clinton Street), and Taste of Texas located at 601 State Route 17k. Both Jim Brady's and the Wildfire Grill offer excellent nightlife, and Amore Village Pizza and Blimpie are excellent places to take your kids (as well as the Yankee Kitchen Restaurant).

Stores include a Rite Aide Pharmacy, WalGreens Store and Pharmacy, Home Depot, Shoprite, and Basset Flowers.

If you're planning a visit to Montgomery, you should check out the rooms and rates at the National Hotel (73 Clinton Street), the Super 8 Hotel (207 Montgomery Road) or---for a romantic getaway that both of you are sure to love—-the Borland House Bed & Breakfast, located at 130 Clinton Street.

Montgomery is a great place to visit with your family and friends. There's the General Montgomery Day Parade, the 8K Run, the Soap Box Derby (in Septemer), as well as Fireworks on the Fourth of July. Also, don't forget to check out the (Vikings Youth Basketball games---and encourage your kids to sign up as well, if you live here!)

Montgomery, NY is an 1 ½ by car, 2 ½ hours by bus and 1 hour and 20 minutes from Beacon's Metro North train station. There's fantastic child care and medical care, as well as a low crime rate.

With affordable homes, excellent schools, awesome community that holds lots of wonderful programs and events, convenient amenities, and a very low crime rate, I'm sure you can see why Montgomery is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. I highly recommend coming down for a visit and experiencing it for yourself!

North Divison Street is Peekskill's livelihood, the place where you'll find all the best restaurants, including galleries and more! Whether you're in the mood for pizza (La Viletta has the best pizza in town), live music (Twelve Grapes is the place to be), authentic Irish food and award-winning drinks (The Quiet Man Pub is your destination), or a quiet romantic setting (The Division Street Grill), North Division has it all.

Weekends are North Division's busiest time. It's a one-way street and while there's not a whole lot of parking options on the street itself, right around the corner is a fairly-sized parking lot right across from the uniquely awesome neighborhood used books and music store, The Bruised Apple. You can park anywhere in Peekskill for free on the weekends, but during the week, you'll want to get here anytime after 6pm, so that you don't have to put quarters in the meters (most parking spots in Peekskill are metered, and will take up to 2 hours).

Patrons who go here to eat will love the Twelve Grapes' Two Course Dinner Deal---perfect for couples out on the town---which cost only $19 per dinner. Zagat has rated Twelve Grapes' food 20, décor 20, and service 19. Toni of ToniOn says of Twelve Grapes, “I Love This Place!”

Next to Twelve Grapes is Marlen's, where you can use the computer for 3 dollars per hour, as well as buy a variety of items that are encased in the front counter, and is Hispanic-run. Next to Marlen's is Marlyn Productions, and after that is The Division Street Grill, where you can buy yummy soup for 4 dollars a bowl (or 5 dollars a cup). (Dinner is a bit more for the soup, which costs 8 dollars, and the cheapest appetizer is the fresh mozzarella and tomato for $9). The priciest thing on the menu is the Rack of Lamb, which is $36; on the other hand, you can get a top-quality sliced frank of steak for only $14.95. (Yum!) All of these locations are on the left side of the street, and include Governor George E. Pataki's Leadership and Learning Center, as well as a real estate office. You can see from the street upstairs a funky-dressed mannequin in the window, and this is Maureen Winzig's Studio 44. Maureen Winzig is “a visual artist, a graphic artist, a poet and a writer” including “Master of Ceremonies”. She recently ran Peekskill's Open Studios Day, when all studios in town are open to the public. She's been an artist in both poetry and painting/drawing for more than 40 years! Standing in front of one of her paintings make you feel like you're actually there, surrounded by the Hudson's natural beauty---or you might find yourself in some wonderful world of her own imagining that draws you in with magic and ease. You can purchase Maureen's artwork directly at her studio or make an appointment (visit maureenwinzig.webs.com for more information).

Below Maureen's studio, next door, is the wonderful funky Driftwood Gallery, which has been a part of Peekskill for over 15 years! Featuring the lovely work of artists from all over and around the Hudson Valley, you can buy a wide variety of items including photography, portraits, general paintings, sculpture, furniture and ceramics. They are open Wednesday through Saturday, 12:30pm to 5pm, or you can make an appointment. Right now the web site (www.driftwoodgallery.com) is down for maintenance but you can reach the Driftwood Gallery by phone at 914-788-4650. Visit their home at peekskill-patch.com.

The right side of North Division contains the entrance to the Peekskill branch of the award-winning college, Westchester Community. WCC is affiliated with SUNY (State University of New York). The Peekskill branch offers a wonderful Center for Digital Arts, Nurse Leadership, and general education. There's Peluqueria Latina, a unisex hair salon, that's right next door (though I would recommend going to the Westchester School for Hair Salon on Bank Street for cheaper rates). There's Azimuth Multimedia Studios and 3 & Co., two graphic design companies (3 & Co. does web branding, packaging, illustration and design), and then, next door to 3 & Co, is the newest member of North Division: The Quiet Man Pub.

The Quiet Man draws in so much activity to North Division each night (but especially Saturday nights) that I would say it has become the pinnacle of North Division's night life. Inside is an authentic Irish pub, with authentic Irish food cooked directly on the premises, and Irish music to liven up the evening. The Quiet Man has the “finest pint of Guinness on the Northeast Coast” and one of the best meals is the Corned Beef Sandwhich. Patrons will tell you that the food is “awesome”, and one customer also raved to me about Joe, the bartender, who even has an authentic Irish accent to pair perfectly with the uniqueness of the environment. There's a lot of history to this pub, which has furnishings brought over all the way from Ireland. For instance, the centerpiece of the bar is from the inside of a church that's still in Ireland. The bar's wooden countertop is made out of planks from an old military ship. The atmosphere is very cozy but be prepared to get downright rowdy on Saturday evenings and into the night.

Perhaps after a drink (or before) you'd care for some pizza? La Viletta II has some of the best pizza in all of Westchester County. My favorite is the chicken, tomato and onion slice ($3.50 for toppings; $2.50 for a plain slice). You can have your pizza, calzone or whatever your heart desires in the world of Italian food here, as well as Italian Ice for $1.50 (there's even chocolate---but any flavor is perfect on a hot day---yummy!). You can eat indoors or take a seat on the Gazebo steps and watch the world go by.

No matter what your hunger is or your desire, North Division Street is the place to be---you can find either your favorite meal, drink, desert or live music band, or perhaps---if you take enough classes at WCC---the next step towards a great future!

Mount Vernon's urban district “Southside” was made famous for Denzel Washington's contribution of the Boys and Girls Club which kept him on the straight and narrow. Aside from The Boys and Girls Club, many residents and visitors alike can find enjoyment at the Wilson's Woods Park, which is 23 acres of park that even has its own water park with slides, playground and wave pool, as well as a bathhouse with its charming English Tudor architectural style. There's plenty of trails here for hiking and picnicking, and fishing is allowed for those who have a license. There's also the Ice Hutch, an ice-hockey rink, where you can possibly view games from the Hutchinson River Parkway.

There's the Empire Zone of the business district which is home to many major businesses such as the now world-famous Columbus Construction Company, which was responsible for the cleaning up of Ground Zero after the World Trade Center disaster. Mt. Vernon is also home to major businesses such as Tiffany & Company or Century 21 Awnings.

Kids who live in Southside attend Mount Vernon City School District. Mount Vernon's major streets like East Sandford Boulevard, South Columbus Ave, and Broad Street have lots of great shopping opportunities, such as Duane Read, the Hobby Store or the Target Pharmacy. Mount Vernon also has its own Metro-North Train Station which can take you easily to Grand Central Station in NYC in under less than an hour. Excellent restaurants to choose from are Yvonne's House of Soul (wonderful Southern quizine with live music on Saturday evenings) and the Bayou Restaurant (Cajun restaurant and live music) on Gramatan Ave., attesting to the wonderful diversity of Mount Vernon's residents, and the food and atmosphere is something that you won't want to miss!

The prestigious community of Pound Ridge of Lewisboro, NY in Westchester County is perhaps one of the prettiest regions of NY State, home to the Pound Ridge Reservation, which offers many camping and hiking opportunities that's perfect for first-timers to experts of all ages.

If you're looking for a great place to bring family and friends, North Star American Restaurant is the place to be for live music and great food. There's lots of shopping and other restaurants galore in neighboring hamlets, Katonah and Cross River.

Pound Ridge, located off of Rts. 100 and 35 and not far from Interstate 684, Pound Ridge is a bit pricy, over $400,000 per home, but the Katonah-Lewisboro School District and events like the Town Pool, Lobster Festival, Harvest Festival, Arts & Crafts Festival, 4th of July Celebration in the Park, Movies in the Park, Concert in the Park, and more, PLUS a fantastic community and lovely library, make this area more than worth the high cost of living. Commuters will be reassured by local train stations that can take you directly to Grand Central Train Station in the heart of NYC in under an hour flat. Main shopping is found in Katonah, but also some in Cross River Plaza.

Pawling is the place I go to when I want to hear great music and enjoy a fun Wednesday or Thursday night at the Town Crier Cafe's Musical Open Mic.

The staff at the Cafe are always friendly, and the atmosphere reminds one of a rustic cabin. It actually used to be a Mexican restaurant and some of the flair, such as the festive paint colors and dried peppers in batches hanging from the wall, are still there as a reminder of what was. It really lends a festive atmosphere to the place though, and the lighting is always very cozy and inviting. Not forgetting the food, of course, which is fantastic---the burgers and wings are awesome, but everything is, from what I hear. The Open Mic is $5 at the door.

Pawling has a great school district, and excellent stores like CVS, The Book Cove (an independent bookstore) and the Angler's Den, a funky sports goods store where you can find anything you need for an awesome fly-fishing adventure (or simply fishing in general, plus any other sports equipment your desire takes you). Pawling is also by the Appalachian Trail, which runs from Maine to Georgia and is a wonderful place to hike. Pawling itself is part of the beautiful NY's Harlem Valley region. Commuters will find that it's easy to get from here to there from Pawling's very own train station. Also, you're not far from major roads like I684 and I22, as well as others. McGrath's Tavern is a fun place to be on a weekend night, but be warned, it's usually hopping on Friday nights, so if you want to catch that game, make sure you get there early!

Once again, however, I will reiterate that I come to Pawling mainly for the Town Crier Cafe, which has had very reputable and award-winning musicians in the past, and continue to rock the house every Wednesday and Thursday night at 7:30ish/8:00ish pm. With grat food and wonderful music (of all kinds), the Town Crier Cafe of Pawling is always a delight!

Once the prominent Mead Family's vacation home location, Waccabuc is, today, mainly known for its lake of the same name and as one of the most expensive hamlets of Westchester County, NY. Part of the upscale neighborhoods in the town of Lewisboro, NY, Waccabuc has a 2-acre land minimum for all homes, and residents have the opportunity of enjoying the Waccabuc Country Club.

Historical sites in Waccabuc include the Mead Homestead and the Mead Memorial Chapel (both on the National Register of Historic Places list). Enjoyable places are found in neighboring hamlets such as Cross River's Pound Ridge Reservation (great for hiking, camping and learning about nature at the Reservation's Trailside Museum) and shopping and dining out along Katonah's wonderful, bustling Main Street. You're also right near the Katonah Museum of Art and Caramoor Gardens, also the Center for Music and the Performing Arts---where you can enjoy outdoor concerts and stroll the beautiful grounds, enjoying the myriad of flowers and beautiful Elizabethean-style statues.

The median price for a home here can range between $620,000 to $909,000, but the amenities and prestigious Katonah-Lewisboro School District, with its award-winning John Jay High School, more than makes up for it. It's a great place for commuters and middle-to-upper-class working families who wish to live just far enough away from the city to be in the country, but still within close enough distance by train.

South Salem is very rural, secluded hamlet located in the town of Lewisboro, NY, part of a predominantly white community. It’s one of the most expensive places to live in Westchester County, where homes will cost generally around 700,000+ or up (average listing price is $756,605, and renting will cost you over $2,000 a month). South Salem kids go to the prestigious Katonah-Lewisboro School District, serving towns like nearby Katonah and Goldens Bridge. The district’s stats are way above average in all fields across the board.

Kids will love visiting the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem (call ahead for a reservation), where you’ll see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat, even wolf cubs if you’re lucky! You’ve also got Onatru Farm Town Park and Preserve, which offers fields for bird watching, soccer, basketball and lacrosse playing. You can camp here too. There’s also a short 1.5 mile trail (perfect for young kids) that will take you into beautifully dense Scotch pine forests. The town of Lewisboro has a Nature Museum, where a guide will take you on a long 6-mile hike, which is worth it because you will learn about all the different ecosystems here (like woodland and marshlands).

Great restaurants are the quaint Horse and Hound Inn, which is an old-fashioned Inn and Restaurant with fine dining quizine. Once a stagecoach resting point, a schoolhouse and gin and rum mill, the Inn now hosts celebrations out on the patio for people who want a gourmet meal and excellent services. Also, for fine French quizine, La Chateau is the place to be.

South Salem is very quiet and very safe. You’ll find groceries at Greenwhich Produce, Vista Market and the Spring Street Country Market right in town. For other amenities like coffee and specialty items, you’ll have to drive to nearby Ridgefield CT for shopping expeditions (there’s a Dunkin’ Donuts and Nature’s Temptations, a health food store). It’s one of New York’s prettiest places to live in and there’s plenty to do outdoors. People who want a good nightlife will be disappointed, but people who appreciate peace and quiet will be in Heaven. Teens, visit the nearby Danbury Mall for a great hangout with friends.

Valhalla is a lovely residential community located within the heart of the greater town of Mount Pleasant, NY. It's home to New York Medical College, one of the state's largest colleges, and is named after the mythical paradise in Norse culture, home to many slain warriors.

Driving along Rt. 9A, you will pass the expansive Gates of Heaven Cemetery. Valhalla is known for its beautiful cemeteries such as the Kensico Cemetery, named after the enormous Kensico Dam (fireworks are shot off here during the Fourth of July). After September 11th, a memorial was put up at the Dam to honor those who were fallen on that terrible day in American history. The Kensico Dam is a beautiful place and is a wonderful site to take your family for a picnic outing or just to walk around and enjoy the scenery.

Valhalla is a college town, noted for its Westchester Community Campus, which is a two-year college and is partly supported by SUNY (State University of NY) while the other half is supported by Westchester County. Valhalla's Union Free School District has earned as solid 7 out of 10, with the middle school being the highest (9 out of 10) on the charts; Valhall High School gets an 8 out of 10, and the Kensico School gets a 7.

You're not far away from the Galleria at White Plains or neighboring Peekskill and Croton for excellent shopping. There is a Walmart on Main Street for all your basic shopping needs. The town has its own train station which is excellent for commuters! (Manhattan is only 30 minutes away.) NY Medical Center is also in Valhalla, offering plenty of top-quality care.

Mount Pleasant has a wonderful community center for a variety of indoor activities, including the town's pool. For those going to either the medical college or community college, you can drop your kids off with confidence at All Aboard Child Education Center on Columbus Ave., or the Little House Day Care respectively. Valhalla Crossing is the place to take the family out for eating and has excellent burgers; plus, the kids can watch the train go by right from the window seat! The Cliffs at Valhalla offer excellent rock walls for climbing that people of all ages can enjoy, and the Cliffs offers classes and birthday party opportunities (ranking Best of Westchester 2012 for Best Kids Birthday Parties). There's also a cardio workout area. NY Sports Clubs and Planet Fitness are not too far away in White Plains as well. With a crime rate of 96 out of 100, Valhalla is one of the safest places to raise your family.

Cross River is one of the prettiest places in Westchester, bar-non, especially because it is home to the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, which is a 4,7-- acre park that allows for great camping experiences (within reach of well-kept public bathrooms) and a Trailside Museum right on the premises (a fantastic field trip for children and adults alike). As part of the greater town of Lewisboro, Cross River is also home to Lewisboro Town Park with its town pool, tennis courts and numerous sports fields, as well as an ice skating rink only accessible (needless to say) in Winter. There's also Mountain Lakes Camp which has lovely ponds and hiking trails, not to mention “Lookout Point”, the top of a cliff that can give you great views of the three different lakes in the area: Lake Rippowam, Lake Waccabuc and Lake Oscaleta. There's an abundance of other parks as well, and you'll have more than your fair share of parks and recreational activities to choose from! You're also right near the Katonah Museum and the beautiful Elizabethan-type surroundings of the Caramoor Gardens at Katonah's Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts (with concerts and events sure not to be missed).

Traveling down Rt. 100 past its sister hamlet of Katonah, you will pass the wonderful Yellow Monkey Antiques (where inside you'll find Yellow Monkey, an awesome antiques place, and o2Living, a raw food bar and cafe, among other cute shops to explore within the vicinity)! Cross River has its own shopping center and you can find numerous gas stations in the area to fill up your car on the way from here to there (you will definitely need a car to get around) and you're only a few minutes away from Interestate684, which can take you to White Plains and beyond by other roads. The Plaza offers patrons Cameron's Deli, a Treat Frozen Yogurt shop, and Bramson's Music, including more. Nearby Katonah has fantastic shopping options and restaurants galore as well (a couple favorite stops of mine are Mrs. Green's Natural Market and the awareness shop, Awakenings, which sells lots of cool metaphysical items like crystals, incense, Buddhas galore, books and music, among more.) Willy Nick's is a fantastic place to eat in Katonah as well. In Cross River, you have the wonderfully unique family-oriented Mediterranean restaurant, Bacio Trattoria, as well as La Famigilia Pizza and Pasta, or Haiku Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar.

Cross River is home to the Katonah-Lewisboro School District and John Jay High School, with its outstanding and award-winning Performing Arts and sports programs. The median sales price for Cross River is $460,000; the crime rate here, on an average of 1 to 10 is a low 1, making Cross River one of the most safest places in NY state. It is right near the Cross River Reservoir as well as Croton Reservoir, which makes for many scenic and lovely spots to have a picnic or just simply enjoy the natural scenery that abounds (making the cost of living---which is actually less than the national average---more than well worth the price). Commuters will be happy to have the Katonah Train Station less than 10 or 20 (depending on where you live in Cross River) minutes away, and nearby Goldens Bridge (accessed quickly by I684) has its own train station too. Cross River is also home to an award-winning psychiatric hospital, Four Winds, which continues to enrich the lives of patients each and every year with outstanding results. For general care, there's always nearby Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, NY. One of the main drawbacks is that there's no nightlife here, but you can find bars in neighboring towns, and White Plains is always a fun trip to take by car or train if you have the means. In the meantime, enjoy the peace and quiet and natural beauty that Cross River lends to those who can appreciate it.

Cross River is a beautiful hamlet that is well worth the trip.

Philadelphia NY of Jefferson County, NY is home to the wonderful Indian River School District, which serves it and neighboring towns such as Antwerp, Evans Mills, Pamelia, and Calcium, NY (ect.). Once part of the neighboring town of Le Ray, Philadelphia is found at NYS Rt. 26 and US Rt. 11, and is home to more than 2,140 people. Indian River School District is a highly-rated school system, with schools like Antwerp Primary School and Evans Mills Primary School receiving 5 out of 10 stars, and Indian River High School receiving 5 stars as well, with a successful graduation rate of 71.9%.

Philadelphia NY is perfect for families, with excellent medical care, affordable housing prices, and wonderful child care in the vicinity. The North Country Store is an old-time country market, and there's also a Stewart's Shop in town as well as a Dollar General and Phoenix Rising, a tatoo shop. For eating out, try Brenda's Pizzeria, where you can get fantastic service and top-notch pizza and wings, either eat-in or take—out! Don't forget to stop by the Otter Creek Winery on your visit here, as well as the Indian Creek Golf Course. There's also a little zoo in nearby Watertown and wonderful activities at Crystal Lake, a beautiful lake in the neighboring town of Theresa, NY. Residents and cardholders of the county will also have access to Bodman Memorial Library.

The town of Catskill, named after the beautiful Catskill Mountains, is also home to the founder of the Hudson River School of American Painting, Thomas Cole. One of the joys of visiting Catskill is taking a tour of Thomas Cole's home, Cedar Grove, which is on a lovely property and contains his studio on the premises.

In addition to the fascinating history of the area, Catskill has a great Public Library and “Imagine That”: a Paint Your Own Pottery Studio. You can have outstanding corn on the cob and lobster at The Fernwood, a wonderful seafood restaurant in town, as well as awesome food and wonderful atmosphere at the Garden Gate Cafe on Main Street. There's also the Fireman Old Times Carnival which happens annually on August 3rd and 4th, when you can enjoy games, rides and food to your heart's content (curtosy of the Catskill Fire House). Also on Main Street is the Catskill Country Store and Sweet Sensations, a scrumptious chocolate store. Catskill also has fun yard sales, and this year on August 11th you can enjoy the Cat-n-Around Catskill Wine Tasting. Catskill recently opened a Home Depot, WalMart, and Lowe's on Main Street. It's a fantastic place for boaters who can launch from Dutchman's Landing. There's plenty of nightlife at the B&B Lounge, or the Creekside Restaurant and Bar, both of which are right in town.

Catskill is located in Green County, NY and has a population as of 2010 of 11,775 and is located off the NYS Thruway (also known as Interstate 87) and US Rt. 9W. It's home to the famous Hudson River School of Painting, the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, a bunch of art galleries, and Catskill Creek. Main Street is the place to be for shopping and eating. Kids attend the Catskill Central School District, which is improving its technology and has dedicated teachers who really care. The High School graduation rate is 96.%.

Catskill offers great medical care (Urgent Medical Care and Catskill Regional Medical Care, ect.); great childcare (Giving Tree and Dandelion Nursery Preschool, ect.); fantasic places to work out (Curves, Summit Hill Health & Fitness, & Snap Fitness); reasonable cost of living (93.9, which is less than the natural average); and fairly safe as violent crimes go, but property crimes are higher than averge for NY State.

Overall, Catskill is a fantastic place to live with lots to offer as far as community, eateries, shopping and recreational activities go. There's also Catskill Adventure Resort, which has cabins for a fun camping experience and places to park your RV. Dutchman's Landing, a park located at 1 Main Street, has a boat launch and is right on the Hudson River, with beautiful views for everyone.

Aside from its fun-filled Crellin Community Park, the town of Chatham has a lot to offer everyone who visits or who wishes to build their lives here.

Established in 1795 first by the Dutch and afterwards by the Quakers as well as New Englanders, the town of Chatham in Columbia County was the one of the area's first industrial centers for inner-state rail lines during the 1900's in NY state. Today, the Taconic State Parkway and I90 run through Chatham, and it is located at the intersection of NY's major Rts. 203 and 66. Chatham borders Kinderhook on its western end, as well as Canaan in CT on its eastern end; Nassau and Schodock are to its north (both part of Rensselaer County in NY) and Ghent and Austerlitz border its southern end: making Chatham itself a hubbub of activity, inviting everyone to stop and take in the sights on their journey.

Crellin Park is the main attraction in Chatham. It hosts Chatham's annual “Party in the Park”: when, each and every year on June 2 (usually a Saturday), everyone gathers to enjoy each other's company while also enjoying face painting, live music, concession stands, skateboarding and disc golf demontrations, and a Chicken BBQ Cook-out ($10 each) that is served curtosy via the Ghent Fire Department: just one way that you know you're part of a great community! There's lots of youth activities (one of the main reasons that Crellin Park exists, and has since the 1970's): you can always rely on the annual summer camp to keep your kids active and engaged, and the beach is open every single day of the week from 12pm to 6pm.

Everyone can find something to love at the Old Chatham Country Store in the oldest hamlet of the entire town:a wonderful restaurant whose menu is made fresh from its very own Seven Bridges Farm (right on Seven Bridges Road). At the store you'll find famous cheese made locally at the farm, as well as homemade cheeses and maple syrup from local farms. There's also the store's famous chips that go great with salsa cruda, a special salsa that you won't forget! The Old Chatham Country Store can be found in the Village Square of Old Chatham. Also have a wonderful soup by the cozy fire on a cold winter day at The Chatham House, located at 29 Hudson Avenue. (Their burgers are also reputed to be fantastic.) Highly rated by Zagat in 2009 and Westchester Restaurants Magazine! A great big dining room, perfect for special occasions as well, and an awesome tavern atmosphere. So easy to find, just take the Chatham exit from the Taconic Parkway, near Rt. 66 (otherwise known as the lower side of Main Street).

Kids who are lucky enough to live in Chatham attend the Chatham Central School District, which is pretty good, with a middle school that offers smaller classes which promote more chances of individual attention, and a high school that offers fantastic teachers that patiently work to know your student as an individual. Mary E Dardess Elementary School gets 5 stars for its dedicated teachers (including a wonderful Special Ed program) and the PTA is very involved in the activities and school assemblies; the school offers plenty of after-school activities as well as during the school hours: bottom line is, your kids will be very happy at Chatham Central School District!

Chatham serves 4,128 people and counting (since 2010).

Aside from its wonderful community center---which offers free wifi and programs like a teen journalism group---the town of Stillwater in Saratoga County offers fantastic camping opportunities near the lovely Stillwater Reservoir, which is a part of the western side of the Adirondacks. Here you can find a myriad variety of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, rowboting, canoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter. It's a beautiful preserve that's a must-stop when you're here, but that's not all that Stillwater has to offer!

Aside from the town's public library (the Stillwater Free Library) which offers a variety of programs to all involved, kids can enjoy a fun-filled day of outdoors-related games and then board games and pizza at night with their friends or family. There's teens and adult activities too, and adults will enjoy the book club. Stillwater Central School District is a fair 6 out of 10 and the High School/Middle School has subsequently fair reviews; the school has an 82.1% graduation rate. Stillwater Elementary School is supposedly stellar for encouraging responsibility and acceptance of self and others.

In town you'll find Book In Hand, a fun used book store, a Stewart's Shop and a Simply Fun toy shop, that has a fantastic selection of board games and inspirational ideas for family get-together time. As far as restaurants go, you won't be without places to find pizza, and Mechanicsville has wonderful choices outside of town to eat with the entire family (as well as fun night entertainment). Moreno's Pizza has fast deliveries and less expensive prices, but Dom's Pizza Subs and Wings is reported to have the better food in town, unfortunately with more expensive tastes.

Overall Stillwater is a great place to live with a wonderful sense of community, fantastic outdoor recreation and is a pretty safe place to live. Enjoy and don't forget to visit the Saratoga National Historical Park before you leave!

Once a booming city filled with saw mills, textile mills and paper mills, Mechanicville is now a residential area that is very quiet and peaceful and perfect for those who like to walk down charming countryside streets.

Beautiful parks are central to visitors and rsidents, such as Hemstreet Park with its lovely River views, and Tallmadge Park provides entertainment with its awesome bandstand. Aside from the fact that Mechanicville lies near a hydroelectric power plant, it is a pretty safe place to live, as crime indexes have gone down a steady amount since the early 2000s.

There is a recently re-established working train station but it is only for container trains and is not for passengers. The Mechanicville City School District is rated a 6 out of 10. Mechanicville Elementary School is said to be excellent; however aside from the pool, the High School also has mixed reviews: some good, some bad, although it does have a graduation rate of 82.6%, and has a swimming pool which can be used by the entire community, and an auditorium to house 750 for special events.

Shopping is great for residents (and visitors) of Mechanicville: there's your neighborhood Dunkin' Donuts and your local Price Chopper, as well as Collins Flower Shop and Joe's Cycle Repair. There's nightlife offered at the End Zone Pub & Restaurant---which is a fantastic place to watch the game and eat the best pizza and wings in town. (Locals will tell you that after 10pm on Saturday is the best time to go.) Also awesome---ignore the name---is the Ugly Rooster Cafe, where a family with three members will find a valuable meal no less than $20! Eat French Toast for breakfast and wonderful Italian food for lunch or dinner! Bubbles is also a fantastic restaurant and ice cream place with lovely staff as well as fair prices (also a great place to go and have breakfast, especially with the entire family!) There's also your neighborhood Subway.

Mechanicville is a great place to live, visit and raise a family. There's over 6,000 people who live in Mechanicville. Families with young children will be happy to find many daycare centers throughout Mechanicville. Residents and visitors have the choice between the Mechanicville Public Library and the Stillwater Public Library of neighboring Stillwater. It's a beautiful place with lots to offer for everyone who comes by here! Enjoy your fantastic river views.

Located in the beautiful, warm and welcoming city of Hudson, NY in Columbia County, Ghent is home to Van Valkenburgh-Isbister Farm, which is a historic farm and part of 2006's National Register of Historic Places list. The private property contains a beautiful farmhouse, which was partially established in 1790, and later re-established through Greek Revival-style in 18745. There's an 18th century barn and stable as well as two wagon sheds, carriage barn, smoke house, garage, gas pump, and even an outhouse that was put in sometime between the years of 1900 and 1925.

Today there are more than 5,402 people living in Ghent over 45.4 square miles of land. Residents can enjoy the Crandell theater, Columbia County's oldest theater, which can be found in the neighboring town of Chatham. Fun places to visit in Ghent are the Omi International Arts Center, which has educational programs, arts residency programs and the Fields sculpture park; also offered are musical concerts and dance showcase events on the premises.

There's farms that offer produce to the public like LoveApple Farm and its famous “tree-ripe fruit” stand, where you can pick your own, as well as buy retail and wholesale fruit packages on the farm. There's Georgia Ray's old-fashioned catering, the Turose toy star, and the Hawthorn Valley Farm and Fam School (it's 400 acres of Biodynamic education and fresh produce). Aside from your local neighborhood Dairy Queen for old-fashioned fun, there's a couple of restaurants that sound promising like the White Stone Cafe and the Red Barn, both American eats---but they're really not that great as far as service, food quality and prices go; you're better off going to the heart of Hudson city for the best food in the area and further shopping.

Don't forget to visit the Harvest Moon Festival (also known as Ghent's "Community Day") which begins October 1st and is not to be missed!! For library goers, Rudolph Steiner Library which, while small, includes 25,000 books on its shelves---including many German volumes as well!

Ghent has that wonderful small-town feel right near the heart of a beautiful, wonderful city. It's a fine community that you'll be glad you've found as part of your own!

Claverack is a town found in Hudson, a city of Columbia County. It used to be a college town formed around Claverack College (once Washington Seminary, which once taught president Martin Van Buren), but the school closed back in 1902, and now Claverack is more known for its wonderful community and beautiful Claverack Creek than of anything else.

Families with kids will be pleased to know that their children will attend Taconic Hills High School, named as such because the Taconic Parkway runs through the town. The High School offers a Shakespeare-focused acting program each year and kids will be thrilled by the Rock Wall and the chance to learn how to swim during PE classes. The elementary school is fantastic as well with excellent parent and former student reviews.

Everyone can enjoy the Claverack Town Park which can be found at 91 Chuch Street and is perfect for all sports fanatics; there is even a softball field and tennis court. The park is pleasanty smoke-free and there is also a gazebo for shelter from the storm. Kids can make fairies and gnomes in the Fairy or Gnome container garden at the local library, as well as enjoy other programs (great for adults as well). Seniors can also enjoy an annual picnic in the Mellenville ahamlet's town park, and all seniors are encouraged to volunteer within the community.

Everyone can do their grocery shopping at Filli's Claverack Market, which also has a deli and bakery for all your favorite meats and dessert treats. Unique stores in Claverack include “Heavens to Betsey”, a store whose products are all made with “100%% milled wool”, as they like to say, and can also be seen on their website. Another awesome store to visit is “Traditions”, which is a home-care store, where you'll find just the right item to make your house feel very special and mix-and-match to make it just your own. If you're hungry, I highly recommend Coyote Flaco, which offers its customers fine Mexican dining in a festive atmosphere. Locals will recommend to you---as far as drinks go---to have their famous Margueritas, as well as fajitas at a reasonable price. Not to mention that the atmosphere is very comfy and relaxing as well as very welcoming to all who stop by! This reviewer must say: “Muy bien”!

Once known as “Factory Hill” because of its numerous wool factories, Philmont NY is now famous for being the site of the highest waterfall in Columbia County which is a 150 feet drop into the pool below. The fall is located at High Falls Conservation Area, which has 47 acres of land that is owned by the parent town of Claverack, located off of Rt. 217 in Columbia County, NY. (Also to be found in the High Falls Conservation area is a deciduous tree forest, an overlook, a picnic bench for pleasant viewing, and the Agawamuck Creek.

Philmont is great for families because of its outstanding school system, the Taconic Hills School District. The high school prides itself on its Shakespeare-focused drama program and 97% graduation rate; the middle school offers great activities---even in PE, where kids can take swimming lessons and climb a rock wall; the elementary school is very nurturing as well!

Famous restaurants in the area are the Vanderbilt House, which is also a beautiful old-style B&B with a beautiful wrap-around porch (They only offer dinner however; try their delicious crab cakes for appetizers or their house Fettucini made with wine-roasted garlic broth! (A must visit if you're in Philmont.) Also great is Local 111, which gives you a sense of eating at an old-country town. The meat is all fresh from the many farms in nearby areas and can house 39 people. Parties and corporate dinners can host up to 16 in their specified “North Room” which is used only for such purposes. This place is very kid-friendly and there is outdoor seating, perfect for a beautiful summer, spring or fall day.

Philmont NY is very affordable, starting at around $127,200 for homes. It's also very safe and is perfect for middle-class families looking to relocate with children of all ages. Reliable medical care can be found in the nearby wonderful town of Hudson, NY at Columbia Memorial Hospital. Get your shopping done at Columbia Farms, the Dollar Store and get your money at Key Bank right on Main Street. Nearest train station is the Amtrack train station in Hudson street. A car is necessary to get around to where you have to be. Enjoy and don't forget to visit the Falls before you leave---it's a must visit and a must-see for all to enjoy, an unforgettable experience!

Harriman is a 1.0 square mile village in the towns of Monroe and Woodbury in Orange County, NY. As of 2010 there are 2,424 and counting. The name Harriman was taken in honor of E.H. Harriman, Union Pacific Railroad President of the day. Monroe itself is famous for being the home of Velveeta Cheese and the Velveeta Cheese Factory, which is now Monroe 6 Cinemas.

Monroe is the home of Bear Mountain State Park, which has an ice skating rink and lots of trails to hike. There's also Mary H. Harriman Memorial park, which is in honor of the woman who donated about 1000 acres to NY so that they could preserve Harriman State Park (located in Tuxedo, NY).

Harriman is also home to Woodbury Commons, a large retail complex that is every shopper's heaven. You're also near the beautiful New Sebago Beach (a great place for families, as well as small kids), and the Tuxedo Ridge Ski Area of Tuxedo, NY. Bear Mountain Park also has Lake Tiorati Beach.

There's fantastic restaurants in town once you're done hiking or shopping or seeing a movie at Monroe 6: the Crossroads Cafe and Angelo's are two popular favorites, but there's more where that came from, like the New China Restaurant, Marina's Pizza and, last but not least, Legends Bar & Grill.

Harriman is served by the Monroe-Woodbury Central School District, and Sapphire Elementary School is a 5-star reviewed school. Monroe Woodbury High School offers a 99% graduation rate. Homes in Harriman start at between $213,125-$320,000. The village offers fantastic medical care, child care, places to work out, as well as transportation (Harriman has a Metro-North train station that can take you to NYC and elsewhere in a jiffy). Harriman is a pretty safe place to live and is a great place to visit, live, work and raise a family. It's definitely not to be missed!