The Town of Hillsdale
With no disrespect to the Town of Hillsdale, not too long ago it was primarily known as a “drive-through” town. It is located between the attractions of Hudson and Great Barrington with Route 23 running right through it (leading to the Taconic Parkway and New York City). However in recent years, boosted by the influx of thriving businesses and passionate townspeople, the days of just driving through Hillsdale are long gone.
Established in 1788 and listed as a National Historic District, Hillsdale today is home to just under 2000 residents. All the present day changes in the community can be traced to the many new businesses. Jeffery Neumann, owner of Neumann Fine Art on Cold Water Street, has seen much happen in town since he opened his gallery in 2009. “The opening of the Passiflora gift shop and Village Scoop ice cream shop has pioneered what may be called a renaissance in the center of town. The Hamlet of Hillsdale has become a new place for high quality retail shopping.” Indeed, besides the aforementioned businesses, Hillsdale General Store, Boxwood Linen and the recently opened C. Herrington Home Design offer many shopping opportunities. For sustenance Boxwood Linen, CrossRoads Food Shop, O's Diner and Swiss Hutte (which also offers lodging) are popular with locals and tourists alike. An especially notable community business (for over 100 year) is Herrington's Lumber and Supplies, the largest employer in the area. “It could be said that Herrington's is the reason for the town's very existence,” says Neumann.
Hillsdale General Store owner Matthew White echoes many similar sentiments. “The changes in Hillsdale I have seen since I've opened have been phenomenal. We've restored our new Town Hall and created a Town Hall Public Garden. The Rail Trail from Hillsdale to Copake Falls is now open and walkable and we've gotten a grant to begin paving it. Hillsdale has also gotten a grant for new sidewalks which will make the hamlet more walkable and safe for pedestrians. It's the Hillsdale Renaissance!” The enthusiasm from the townspeople like White is no doubt another one of the secrets of Hillsdale's success.
One of the undeniable perks of our region is the concentration of cultural events as well as four seasons of outdoor sports and recreation in our mountains and forests. Hillsdale is no different. It offers skiing, hiking, and biking opportunities at Catamount Ski Resort, Copake Falls, Taconic State Park and Bash Bish Falls. The scenic area is, as White so accurately puts it, “pure magic. The entire region is visually stunning, steeped in history and filled with interesting people doing exciting things."
As winter continues, Hillsdale proves to be the perfect place to stop for lunch on your way to Catamount or to shop in stores within walking distance of one another. Do keep an eye out for happenings in the warmer months as the area will come alive. In July the Roeliff Jansen Community Library will present an Artist Studio Tour featuring 20 local artists who open their studios to the public for one day so one can tour their workspaces and purchase art. In late August the Hillsdale Arts Festival will return for a second year featuring over 40 local artists exhibiting in the Town Park and other locations around the Hamlet. These events, businesses and dedicated townspeople promise to continue Hillsdale a growth as a destination for all.