Along the Border

Hoosick Falls is my third stop along the New York/Vermont border as I continue to look for a small, affordable town offering a comfortable life, with easy access to neighboring Vermont, without the Vermont cost-of-living.  During its peak, in the early 1900s, the Village had a population near 7,000, while today it's a quiet town center of about 3,600.  The first settlers came on the Hoosic River around 1746, and by the 1890s, the largest farm machine manufacturer in the world was on the west bank.  It was a boom town in the 19th century with mills and factories, and a large number of Victorian homes were built that are well-preserved. Grandma Moses lived here in the latter part of her life, and her work was discovered at Thorpe's Pharmacy in Hoosick Falls. Jose de Creeft, the Spanish-born artist who sculptured Alice in Wonderland in New York's Central Park, kept a home in the village and his ashes are buried here. 

Today, the town has a mix of farms, light industries and retail.  At 1.6 square miles, Hoosick Falls continues to be distinctively divided by the railroad tracks between the Historic District and a working class neighborhood.  A two-mile greenway along the riverfront is a newly welcomed addition. There's a popular coffee shop, a few pizza joints that may or may not be open, one great French restaurant, churches of many denominations, and historic building renovations in progress that'll add a community center, a tavern and a bakery.  People stop and chat on the street or in the park, and live music is definitely a summer thing.      

I've thoroughly enjoyed my stay here at a comfy home hosted by a gal from Massachusetts who loves to bake. There have also been numerous conversations with locals who are proud of their Village and are working to preserve it.  Weekly visits to Bennington, Vermont, less than 10 miles east, have me once again yearning to live in the Green Mountain state.  

Hoosick Falls is so close to being the place! A river, friendly people, affordable housing, much to do nearby, and a lovely little library.  So, what's the glitch? The country roads that lead to small towns in New York and Vermont are too dangerous to bike.    

Bennington did feel like a busy town. The population is about 15,000 people though it's clearly a regional hub for folks to visit, work, shop and play. I enjoyed cycling the hills through Old Bennington, touring the Monument area, walking the rail trail, and shopping at Aldi and Job Lots.  My birthday was celebrated on both sides of the border. 

Two surprise visits from friends made my birth month extra special. Yes, I did get the mail, too, with thoughtful greetings and a few pretty packages to open first thing, birthday morning. The actual day didn't have any agenda, per se, but the universe provides. Fun all the way around.