Towns and Cities of the Southern Adirondacks

Fort Edward
South Glens Falls/Town of Moreau
Whitehall
Warrensburg
Ticonderoga
Salem
Schuylerville Area
Queensbury
Speculator Region
North Creek/Gore Mountain Region
Lake George
Indian Lake
Hague/Silver Bay
Greater Greenwich
City of Glens Falls
Cambridge Valley
Granville Area

Fort Edward, Washington County!

Located on historic Route 4, the Town and Village of Fort Edward are nestled along the beautiful Hudson River and spread to the Champlain Canal.

Prior to any fort construction, this area was known by the Mohawk name of "Wahcoloosencoochaleva," or the "Great Carrying Place." Due to the abundance of waterfalls and rapids, the Hudson River was not navigable north of Fort Edward. Native Americans would leave the river at Bond Creek and carry their canoes overland to Lake George and Lake Champlain.

The village is located on the site of a British fortification built in 1755 and originally named Fort Lyman. It was renamed Fort Edward in honor of the brother of King George II. The fort was dismantled shortly before the American Revolution and its timbers were used by settlers to construct their houses.

Dotted throughout the village and town and the hamlet of Fort Miller to the south, are many historic buildings and points of interest. A visit to the Old Fort House Museum offers a look at the history of Fort Edward. After restoration, the house was given to the Fort Edward Historical Association in 1953. Since then the association has also restored and become caretaker of seven additional historic structures from several periods of history.

The Rogers Island Visitors Center gives visitors a museum-quality experience with displays which offer an eye-catching perspective of Fort Edward from prehistoric times through the American Revolution. The island was the home base of Rogers' Rangers and the site of a large military hospital during the French & Indian War. It is considered the birthplace of American Special Forces. A number of events and encampments are held there each year. Plans are underway to build a 30,000+ square foot museum adjacent to the center, which will receive a 1,200 square foot addition and new life as an archeological research center and library.

With a stop at the train station on East Street, visitors find this historic building undergoing an extensive restoration to its original condition. A passenger/baggage waiting area has been restored and extensive renovation completed on the exterior. The station is a scheduled stop for Amtrak's daily "Adirondack" passenger service between New York City and Montreal.

Not to be missed is the Fort Edward Yacht Basin which is located in the center of the village. The Basin is the home of the Fort Edward Heritage Days celebration and other events during the summer. The site is picture perfect for many events such as picnics, family and class reunions, or weddings. Boaters stopping by will enjoy free water and electrical hook-ups.

Fort Edward's close proximity to rail, water and air service have contributed to its thriving industrial, commercial and residential growth. To learn more about the Town and Village of Fort Edward, visit www.fortedward.net.

South Glens Falls/Town of Moreau, Saratoga County

The Village of South Glens Falls and the Town of Moreau are situated in northeastern Saratoga County, across the Hudson River from Glens Falls. The river provided the power for the first sawmills and then, in the mid-nineteenth century, power for paper mills.

History is a part of the fabric of this town, which was settled by the Parks family. Their descendants survived harrowing experiences during the French and Indian War and fought for independence during the American Revolution. Daniel Parks, who accepted the surrender of the British at Fort George in Lake George, built a home in what is now the Village of South Glens Falls. The site is presently occupied by the Heritage Center and is operated by the Historical Society of Moreau and South Glens Falls. The Society is dedicated to preserving local and regional history.

In 1808 the Mawney Tavern, which still stands in the hamlet of Clarks Corners, sheltered what is considered to be the first temperance meeting in history.

The area of Moreau and South Glens Falls offers a variety of housing options, excellent schools, and shopping. The Moreau Community Center is implementing an ambitious expansion plan on land donated by Nibco, Inc., and the Harry J. Betar Recreation Park is always popular.

For more information, please visit www.southglensfallschamberofcommerce.com.

Whitehall, Washington County!

Settled in 1759 and originally named Skenesborough for founder Philip Skene, Whitehall lays in the valley at the head of Lake Champlain. The village is strategically located on the north-south route from Canada through New York and provides ready access into both the Mid-Atlantic States and New England.

Lock 12 of the Champlain Barge Canal is on Main Street in the village's historic district. Here, in the summer of 1776, Benedict Arnold built the first U.S. naval fleet which fought the British at Valcour Island on Lake Champlain. Thus, Whitehall earned the title of "The Birthplace of the United States Navy."

The canal and the railroad have maintained Whitehall's place as a gateway between New York and Canada. Shipbuilding, grist- and sawmills, textiles, and canal and rail freight are important industries that have left their mark on the village and its history. Today, that heritage supports Whitehall's growing tourism industry. Adirondack Regional Chambers of Commerce 5 Warren Street Glens Falls, NY 12801 Phone: 518-798-1761 Fax: 518-792-4147 frontdesk@ AdirondackChamber.org

Designation as a Heritage Area has brought new vitality to Whitehall's historic district with its stately Victorian buildings, including Skene Manor, "The Castle on the Hill," inviting one and all to the area.

The pleasant waterfront park is the accomplishment of the New York State Canal Corporation, local elected officials and residents. The three million dollar Skenesborough Harbor-side Park offers an amphitheatre, bike trail, walking paths, picnics and fishing. The anchor of the park is the Skenesborough Museum, a rich collection of local history. The activities on and around the canal, antique shops, auctions and weekly flea markets are attracting an increasing number of visitors each year.

The Whitehall Chamber of Commerce is excited about the activity north of Lock 12: the development of Cooke's Island, The Bridge Theatre, and growth in the harbor. Two fully equipped marinas reportedly offered boaters some of the best gas prices of the season. With the addition of campsites and waterfront rentals in 2002, the summer season is looking even better.

Location continues to be one of Whitehall's principal assets. Amtrak's Adirondack Train passes through the village, providing regular passenger service between New York City and Montreal. Route 4, a major thoroughfare to ski areas in Vermont and New England, and south into Saratoga County, also passes through town.

The Champlain Canal remains a busy waterway. Whitehall is the northern entrance to the canal, and is certain to become an increasingly busy business and travel destination.

To learn more about opportunities in Whitehall, contact the Whitehall Chamber at (518) 499-2292, or log on at www.whitehallchamber.com.

Warrensburg, Warren County

In a region of seasonal communities, Warrensburg holds its own as a thriving year-round town. It provides both the full-time resident and visitor with the supplies, services and amenities needed for a satisfying lifestyle, regardless of season.

While welcoming progress and develop-ment, Warrensburg has maintained strong ties with its history and the traditional hometown values that are so appealing to visitors, families and retirees. Long known as the "Antique Capital of the Adirondacks," Warrensburg is home to dozens of antique dealers, and hosts an Arts, Crafts and Collectibles Festival in July and the nationally famous "World's Largest Garage Sale" weekend every October. In winter, the Warrensburg dog sled races draw competitors from around the country.

Tree-lined streets and fine old homes, several of which are now operating as award-winning bed & breakfasts, grace this once river-powered mill town. The Schroon River winds through town and the Hudson River serves as its western border. Along with several quiet, secluded lakes, they offer swimming, canoeing, boating and fishing for everyone, including visitors to several popular campgrounds and dude ranches. The surrounding mountains and forests offer escape for hikers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and hunters. To learn more, log on to www.warrensburgchamber.org.

Ticonderoga, Essex County

The name "Ticonderoga" is one of the most significant and familiar in American history. The Iroquois word meaning "the land between the waters," describes the historic portage between Lake Champlain and Lake George used by Native Americans for 10,000 years.

Here France and Britain fought for an empire in the French and Indian War, and America and Britain struggled during the Revolution. Over fifty plaques throughout the Town of Ticonderoga mark historic sites and remember legendary heroes including St. Issac Jogues, British Lord Howe, Robert Rogers of the Rangers, French General Montcalm, American General Henry Knox, "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne and the Green Mountain Boys of Vermont.

Ticonderoga also has a significant history of papermaking. International Paper's Ticonderoga mill traces its origins to 1882 on the banks of the LaChute River in the Village of Ticonderoga. The Ticonderoga mill is one of the few in the industry that includes the entire papermaking process - from eight-foot logs at one end to reams of copying paper at the other. On a typical day the Ticonderoga mill produces 850 tons of fine white paper. Ticonderoga is also the home of the former Dixon Crucible Company that produced the original "Ticonderoga Pencil," which remains famous to this day. Everywhere you wander in this valley you will find history unequalled anywhere else in the United States.

This area also offers a unique opportunity for new business and for light industry to relocate here. The Ticonderoga Chamber of Commerce www.ticonderogany.com offers resources, information and assistance to new and expanding business as they encourage the growth of the area.

Salem, Washington County

Located in a peaceful valley on the Vermont border, the Town and Village of Salem are found along historic Route 22. The backdrop of the Taconic Range and the Green Mountains creates a fine setting for this historic 1764 village, one of the oldest incorporated villages in New York State. Three covered bridges cross the famous Battenkill River, giving travelers the opportunity to reflect on earlier times.

Steeped in history, Salem is the home of the Revolutionary War cemetery, containing the graves of 101 militia soldiers. Salem is also the home of the Civil War's 123rd Regiment, New York State Volunteers, for whom the Soldiers' Monument is dedicated.

The town is a close-knit community of historic and rural charm. Agriculture continues to be a vital part of the area's economy, which also supports a number of small businesses that meet the needs of residents. Hundreds of acres of corn, potatoes, alfalfa, and pastures dotted with cows and sheep greet the eye. Part of Salem's agricultural past was as the home of Dr. Asa Fitch, Jr., first professional entomologist for New York, and in the United States.

The village's National Historic District contains shops and restaurants in New England style buildings dating from the early 1800's. Just 45 minutes from Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs, Salem offers the adventure of country life within an easy drive of urban centers.

For more information, visit www.salemnychamber.com.

Schuylerville Area, Saratoga County!

Archaeological investigations reveal that Mohawk Indians inhabited the Schuylerville area over 1200 years ago. It was an excellent hunting and fishing area and provided the Indians with a natural water highway network which could take them to the north or south via the Hudson River, to the west via Fish Creek, and to the east via the Battenkill. In the Mohawk tongue the area was called "Sa-ragh-to-ga" meaning "hillside country of the great river." The Dutch called the area Saratoga.

The first title to this territory was granted to Peter Schuyler and others as early as 1684. At a convention held in the City of Albany on in 1689, it was resolved that "there be a fort made about the house of Bartel Vroman at Sara-chtoge." In the summer of 1690, Major Peter Schuyler, then mayor of Albany, cleared a spot in the forest, built a blockhouse for his military stores, and gave this spot the local name Saratoga. Mills and other buildings were erected by the Schuyler family on the south side of Fish Creek as early as 1709-1710. In 1745 a village and thirty families at Saratoga were attacked and destroyed by the Indians. The peace of 1763 between France and England removed most of the fear of trouble and more homes and mills were built. In 1767, General Phillip Schuyler erected a flax mill, the first in the American Colonies. The Old Saratoga Reformed Church was organized in 1770 and was used as a hospital during the Revolutionary War.

Schuylerville is historically significant as the site of the 1777 Battles of Saratoga. These engagements are considered to be the turning point of the American Revolution. General Phillip Schuyler played an important part in the defeat of British General Burgoyne. Many famous people including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and the Marquis de Lafayette spent time at the Schuyler House in Schuylerville.

In the years following the Revolutionary War the village grew and prospered. Flour, linen, paper, and saw mills were built. Schools, churches, and business establish- ments were common. Two highways passed through the village. They were the Old Montreal and Albany Military Road and the road east from Saratoga Springs to Boston. The completion of the Champlain Canal in 1822 was a great impetus to the growth of Schuylerville. A large basin (terminal) and dry dock (a place where boats were repaired) were built.

Schuylerville became a major shipping terminal on the canal. Boat loads of potatoes, grain, lumber, hay, and paper would originate in the village, and numerous warehouses, hotels, blacksmith shops and other businesses were established.

The first fire engine was purchased in 1836 and the first fire house was erected in 1837. In 1968 the new library opened and in 1971 the General Schuyler Rescue Squad was formed.

The first schools in Schuylerville date back to the late 1700s and by the late 1800s, there were 12 different districts within the town. The Schuylerville Central School District was formed in 1946 and community has supported the building of a Jr.-Sr. High School an Elementary School and a series of additions, renovations and upgrades. Today, Schuylerville Central School is recognized as one of the finest districts in New York State.

To learn more about Schuylerville, please visit www.schuylervilleareachamber.org.

Queensbury, Warren County

The Town of Queensbury, founded in 1763, is located in northeastern New York State. It is centrally located between New York City, Boston, Buffalo and Montreal. Its 72 square miles stretch from the shore of Lake George to the beautiful Hudson River. The town has a population of more than 26,000 and is one of the region's fastest growing communities.

The Queensbury Union Free School District, with an enrollment of over 3,700 students, has long been recognized as one of the finest schools in New York State. Students score extremely well on the SAT, ACT, CEEB and AP examinations. Approximately 77% of the graduates earn New York State Regents Diplomas and 85% go on to higher education. All buildings are located on a 200-acre campus, complete with athletic and play areas and an indoor pool which are used as focal points for town recreation and Little League.

The town is the home of Adirondack Community College and is within a 50-mile drive of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Siena College, Union College, College of St. Rose, College of St. Joseph in Vermont, Skidmore College, the Russell Sage Colleges, and the State University of New York at Albany.

Cultural and recreational activities abound throughout the town. Some examples include Aviation Mall, Gurney Lane Recreational Area, The Adirondack Balloon Festival, and Great Escape Fun Park/Splashwater Kingdom, which opened in 1954 as Storytown, USA, one year before Disneyland, and the new Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark which opened in 2006.

For more information on the Town of Queensbury visit www.queensbury.net.

Speculator Region, Hamilton County

The Speculator area also includes Wells, Piseco, Morehouse and Lake Pleasant. The region is known as "The quiet side of the Adirondacks" and offers lakes and streams with the best water quality for fishing, boating, swimming and canoeing. Other popular pastimes are mountain and trail hiking, hunting and enjoying the great fall foliage season.

There is never a lack of fun in the winter, either, with miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, ice skating in Speculator's covered pavilion, and groomed snowmobile trails from Wells to Morehouse which connect with 600 miles of county trails. Ice fishing for trout is especially challenging, and there is no shortage of first class accommodations and dining.

For more information on accommodations, fishing, hiking, canoeing, trails, maps and seasonal calendars of events, visit the Adirondacks-Speculator Region Chamber of Commerce in the Visitor Information Center at the intersection of Routes 30 and 8 in Speculator. They may also be reached by mail at PO 184, Speculator, NY 12164, by phone at (518) 548-4521, or visit their website at http://www.adrkmts.com.

North Creek/Gore Mountain Region, Warren County

Long renowned as one of New York's leading winter sports regions for alpine and cross-country skiing and snowboarding, North Creek and the surrounding area are quickly becoming a summer vacation destination as well. Gore Mountain Ski Area is leading the way for summer fun in the mountains. Gore is a big mountain - 3,583 feet at the summit. Visitors are rewarded with one of the most spectacular mountain vistas anywhere. Looking north is the panorama of the Adirondack High Peaks including Mt. Marcy, New York State's highest mountain. From the saddle area are hiking and mountain biking trails leading to Gore's alpine summit and also back down to the base area. The Hudson River Gorge is the region's premiere rafting trip. Outfitters are located in North Creek and the surrounding areas. Local outfitters also offer fishing trips, canoe and kayak rentals, clinics and guided tours.

The original ski center in North Creek, The Ski Bowl, is still an activity center for the town in summer and winter.

The hamlet of North River is just five miles away on Route 28 at the Warren-Hamilton County line. Tours of the world's largest garnet mine are available daily in summer, and a mineral shop sells souvenirs.

North Creek is also a popular jumping off point for adventures in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness, Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, Vanderwalker Wild Forest, and the Adirondack High Peaks.

Downtown North Creek features a unique collection of stores, overnight accommodations and restaurants. A scenic train ride along the Hudson River from North Creek to Riparius opened in 1999 to help celebrate the centennial of Theodore Roosevelt becoming President of the United States. He was hunting in Tahawus near Newcomb when word of President McKinley's assassination reached him. Roosevelt traveled by coach to North Creek, then by train to Albany and Buffalo.

To learn more about the Gore Mountain Region, log on to www.goremtnregion.org

Lake George, Warren County

The Town and Village of Lake George lie on the southern basin of "The Queen of American Lakes." Here, the mountains' wooded slopes rise from the edge of the 32-mile long lake. The village developed primarily as a popular tourist destination, and the surrounding town's growth contains many year-round residences and second homes.

The Lake George area, especially Fort William Henry, the Lake George Battlefield Park, Bloody Pond, and the village site itself, played important roles in both the French & Indian War, American Revolution and War of 1812.

Changing seasons bring the village to life with a winter carnival, craft shows, band concerts, fireworks, and a variety of free events for families to enjoy. The community beaches, a 350-acre park with ice skating, cross-country ski trails and ball fields are enjoyed by all ages. The new Lakewalk presents opportunities to enjoy the lake, jog, fish, or just relax.

Detailed information may be obtained from the Lake George Village offices at 26 Old Post Road, Lake George, NY 12845, phone (518) 668-5771, fax (518) 668-3735, e-mail at lgvill@capital.net, or contact the Lake George Chamber of Commerce at www.lakegeorgechamber.com.

Indian Lake, Hamilton County

The hamlet of Indian Lake lies deep in the mountains near the headwaters of the Hudson River. It is a popular community not only for residents, but also for the many tourists who visit throughout the year. This is an area where culture, history and nature combine to offer a wide variety of year-round activities and events.

The world famous Adirondack Museum and the Adirondack Lake Center for the Arts are the cultural hubs of nearby Blue Mountain Lake. The museum offers a full schedule of events and workshops in addition to its extensive exhibits and galleries.

Indian Lake is a great town for children because the town centers itself around its youth. The town and fire department sponsor many annual activities for both young and old.

Vacationers cherish the seclusion of lake and mountain cottages, but can still enjoy fine dining and shopping right in town. Indian Lake is within an hour's drive of many of the region's most popular attractions and events. This quaint place has been known for year as "The Heart of the Adirondacks."

Hague/Silver Bay, Warren County

The Village of Hague sits on the western shore of Lake George between Bolton Landing and Ticonderoga. The renowned YMCA Silver Bay Conference Center is located nearby, as are fine accommodations and restaurants. Hague is also the home of the Hague Cartoon Museum, home of examples of original internationally famous cartoons by such artists as Mort Walker, Stan Burdick and Charles Schultz. The town's natural beauty and restful pace make this vacation community the ideal getaway spot.

Greater Greenwich, Washington County!

Greenwich is a town of open spaces, working farmland, numerous hamlets and a small village of the same name nestled along the Battenkill River. It is surrounded by rolling countryside stretching from the Hudson River on the west to the Green Mountains of Vermont in the east. Typical landscapes from a Grandma Moses painting abound.

Greenwich has managed to combine the best of the old and the new, maintaining a vitality that attracts new residents and businesses. Its proximity to Saratoga Springs contributes to its growth, as does being within an hour of the Capital District, the Adirondacks, Glens Falls and the Green Mountains. While its economy is firmly based upon the area's agricultural enterprises and the paper industry, Greenwich has a healthy business community that includes manufacturers, retailers and service industries. It has a growing town-wide commercial diversity and a healthy "Downtown Business District" of professionals, unique shops and restaurants all within a beautiful designated Historic District. Christ the King Spiritual Life Center in neighboring Easton offers a large campus for meetings, accommodations and recreation. Greenwich is a highly regarded community in which to live and work. It continues to attract new residents and visitors, and is a refreshing day trip to the country.

Activities abound all year. Whether you choose to fish the Battenkill in the spring; ski Willard Mountain in the winter; enjoy the Washington Country Fair in August; or take a beautiful fall foliage walk or tour with lunch in the village, Greenwich has it all.

For more information, contact the Greater Greenwich Chamber of Commerce at (518) 692-7979, or visit them on the web at www.greenwichchamber.org.

City of Glens Falls, Warren County

The City of Glens Falls has an overall crime index of 387 (based on 2005 crime data), which is about half the national average. The Glens Falls MSA was ranked third in Morgan Quitno's list of America's Safest Metros in 2006. -EDC Warren County website 2007

The City of Glens Falls is located in the "Big Bend" area of the Hudson River at the southern edge of the Adirondack Park. The city is surrounded on three sides by the Town of Queensbury and is the local headquarters for most of the region's large firms. Nearby are the cave and waterfalls made famous by James Fenimore Cooper in his novel The Last of the Mohicans.

The area was first settled in 1763 by Abraham Wing and, for a time, the town that grew up around his sawmill was called Wing's Falls. The name changed to Glen's Falls, or Glens Falls as it is spelled today, when Colonel Johannes Glen collected on a debt from Wing and won the right to give the town his name. Queensbury and Glens Falls are steeped in history and the surrounding landscape is dotted with historical markers relating to important events in American history. The village was burned by the British during "Carleton's Raid" in 1780.

Known as "Hometown, USA," Glens Falls is a friendly community of comfortable residential neighborhoods with quiet, tree-lined streets, great schools and charming historic commercial areas. It is the home of many of the region's major entertainment and health care facilities, and cultural institutions. The award winning Glens Falls City School District is comprised of Glens Falls High School, Glens Falls Middle School, and Kensington, Sanford Street, Big Cross and Jackson Heights Elementary Schools. The independent school district of Abraham Wing Elementary is on the east side of town.

Expansion Management magazine ranked the Glens Falls City School District #19 nationally in 2006. -EDC Warren County website 2007

Glens Falls has its own police and professional fire departments. The City maintains the atmosphere of a small town, but, when combined with the Town of Queensbury, offers the amenities of a much larger city. Glens Falls is the home of the Glens Falls Civic Center, Glens Falls Hospital, Crandall Public Library, City Park, Family YMCA of Glens Falls, Crandall Park and East Field. A new roundabout in the heart of the city at the five way intersection opened on May 7, 2007. It is part of a massive infrastructure improvement which started in 2005. Part of this plan includes the redesign of City Park, spearheaded by the Glens Falls Business Improvement District, in conjunction with the newly completed expansion of the Crandall Public Library.

Backpacker Magazine August 2009: The Best Cities to Raise an Outdoor Kid: The Winning 25 by Jason Stevenson 23. Glens Falls, NY

Pop: 14,354 Median home: $156,600
Overall score: 47
One of highest ratios of Boy Scouts in the East, with 6 active troops
Near Catskills arts, music, and educational resources but with lower home prices 16 Situated between Catskills' quieter northern peaks and Adirondacks' southern/western wilds and Great Range; 10 km of well-lit cross-country ski trails at Cole's Woods

To learn more about Glens Falls, log on to www.cityofglensfalls.com.

Cambridge Valley, Washington County

Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Washington County, the Cambridge Valley is home to scenic views, historic buildings and one of the premiere fly-fishing streams in the country...not to mention "Pie a la Mode," which is said to have been first served at the Cambridge Hotel in the 1800s. Arguably the best cheesecake in the country is made by the Nuns of New Skete in our picturesque valley, and the maple syrup judged best tasting in the world is produced here.

The Cambridge Valley, which includes portions of the Towns of Cambridge, Jackson and White Creek, has a long history as an agriculture community and the Village of Cambridge is surrounded by majestic farmland filled with cattle, horses, sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas. Recently a community group began the process of restoring the historic freight yard in the center of the village, a location where farmers used to bring their herds and crops for transportation to market via train. Already, the freight yard is home to an outdoor farmers market on Sundays from May to October. Eventually the freight buildings will be restored as artist gallery space, a farm museum and a dance center. The surrounding grounds will be used as a community picnic and performance area, and for those interested in history, artifacts from the region are preserved at the Cambridge Historical Society & Museum, just a short walk up the street.

Although farming is in the community's blood, do not let the Cambridge Valley's rural appearance fool you. It is also home to one of the top public schools in the Capital District in both academics and athletics. Several internationally-known manufacturing companies call this area home. Simply, the Cambridge Valley is more than meets the eye and visitors will be surprised at the number of things to see and do here - not to mention our proximity to Saratoga, Albany, Glens Falls, Lake George and Bennington, Vermont (all within an hour's drive).

To discover what we have to offer, take a trip down our village streets and visit art galleries, museums, gift shops and bookstores. Look at some of the architectural treasures on the walking tour and stop in at one of the local restaurants for friendly, hometown service. Spend the night in a camp along the Battenkill or stay a one of the bed & breakfasts, inns or motels. Drive out in any direction to enjoy nature's beauty in the farmlands that surround the village center or get a closer look on one of the farm, barn, garden or historic home tours that are often happening. For a real look at history, there are even five historic covered bridges within the Cambridge Valley Buskirk Bridge, Rexleigh Bridge, Eagleville Bridge (all still in use), the Shushan Covered Bridge (now converted to a museum) and the Victorian walking bridge in the center of the Village of Cambridge.

Throughout the year the area is teeming with activity from outstanding concerts and plays in Hubbard Hall, our restored 1878 opera house, to relaxing afternoons floating on the Battenkill River or swimming in the local lakes. Canoeing, fishing, skiing, outdoor concerts all can be found in the area. Not to be missed is the Cambridge Valley Balloon Festival, held the second weekend in June, the "Christmas in Cambridge" celebration held the second weekend in December, and the Outdoor Concert Series held on Sundays in the summer. The Cambridge community invites visitors to discover its old-fashioned hospitality through these and other events planned year-round.

For more details about Cambridge, visit the Cambridge Valley Chamber of Commerce website at www.cambridgenychamber.com, PO Box 405, Cambridge, NY 12816, or log on to The Towns and Villages of the Battenkill Valley website. It's a great place to live, work and play!

Granville Area, Washington County

Located east of Lake George and south of Lake Champlain, Granville is a rural community between New York's Adirondacks and the Green Mountains of Vermont. Granville is known as the "Colored Slate Capital of the World" with the only known working red slate quarries. The slate industry, which developed over one hundred years ago, continues to flourish.

Industries include Telescope Casual Furniture and Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corp. whose products are sold worldwide. Several other manufacturers provide a variety of products such as trailers and stone.

Blended through the rural area are the farms and orchards that add to economic growth in Granville. They supply dairy products and fresh homegrown fruits, berries and vegetables. Businesses are drawn to Granville by its location and opportunities, from shopping plazas to small stores on Main Street and throughout the village.

Granville is the home of the Pember Library and Museum of Natural History, and the Slate Valley Museum. Both sites are connected by a walking bridge which spans the Mettowee River. The project was spearheaded by the Granville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the river is a favorite for boating, swimming and fishing. The Mettowee begins in the hills of Vermont, passes through the Village of Granville while gracefully flowing through the Little League Park, and finally empties into Lake Champlain.

The churches, schools and medical facilities, along with numerous adult and youth organizations, all contribute to the quality of life in Granville. This quality of life attracts more and more families each year, steadily increasing the population to over 6,000.

For more information on Granville, contact the Granville Area Chamber of Commerce at www.granvillechamber.com.