about schuyler falls

local hotspots

 

 

Arts Center:

The Schuyler Falls Arts Center was constructed in 1868, during the gothic revival period of the Victorian age. Take in a concert and enjoy the exquisite acoustics of Hudson Hall, where you can find small visiting orchestras or opera companies performing their craft. The Van Doren Playhouse Theater is home to the Schuyler Falls Players, as well as guest troupes. Finally, the Van Doren Museum houses some beautiful and thought-provoking work by regional artists. During the summer, don't fail to stop by the courtyard between the three buildings. The gentle gurgling fountain, the wisteria-draped gazebo, the medieval statuary and the Italian floor tile all provide an irresistable backdrop to a summer chamber music concert series. Located in Hamilton Park (see below).


Boondoggles:

Restaurants

This unparalleled nightspot's reputation for excellence hasn't diminished with the loss of co-founder Philip Cambpell. Owner Tristan Campbell (ubiquitous fellow!) maintains the high standards for classic music and fine dining. Located on Dock #7 on the River's east shore (off of Franklin St.), Boondoggles has an exquisite view of both water and Hamilton Park. The best in local musicians play nightly for the dancing/listening pleasure of its crowd (which skews young), and on alternate weekends audiences can hear special guests from around the world. (Call for schedule.) Chef Jerry Piedmont's eclectic and ambrosial (and pricey!) menu ensures a glorious evening out. Bring your dancing shoes and your wallet. Brunch on weekends--accompanied by music as well--is your best bet for a less expensive taste of the Boondoggles experience.  


 

C&B Square:

Located at Roosevelt Place between Franklin and Adams Streets (with other entrances at Schuyler Road), the Square is Skyfall's outdoors shopping mall, anchored by the flagship branch of C&B Department Store. Elite outlets (such as Ann Taylor, Abercrombie & Fitch, etc.) share space with The Gap, Express, a movie theater, and probably an Orange Julius stand as well. Of course, this is a hang-out for the young crowd, so shop during school hours. Food shoppers can grab their grocery needs at the Shop 'n' Go. 


City Hall/Court House:


(City Hall)

At the southeastern end of town are these two civic buildings. Their twin facades, both built in the 1790s, are beautifully carved stone, with marble steps and columns gracing the outsides, and tile mosaics decorating the insides with depictions of notable figures in the pantheon of New York's history. (The art focuses on lawmakers in the City Hall, and lawyers in the Courthouse.)


(Courthouse)

Don't miss a visit to the main courtroom, with a gorgeous ceiling mural that would take a defendant's mind off his troubles even in the face of a guilty verdict!  


Cliffside Cavern:

Cliffside Cavern: To the north of Schuyler Falls, on the east side of the river, is this appropriately-named hotel/restaurant combo. If you're a tourist, chances are you're staying at the Cavern--if not, you'll be at the Samuel Adams Inn. (Basically, if you want a cozy bed-and-breakfast with country charm and service, the Adams is your place; for elegance and white-glove service albeit a more clinical experience, reserve your room at the Cavern.) The Cavern's restaurant is first class and sophisticated-- almost oppressively so, but other than Boondoggles' there's no better dining to be had.  Across the river is Cliffside Park, a small picnic area that affords some amazing views of the rest of Schuyler Falls below. The park closes at 9:00PM, but that leaves plenty of time for you to get some unparalleled pictures at sundown.   


Farmland:

Stretching northwest of town for thousands of acres are some of the finest dairy farms in New York. Be sure to visit during the fall, the prime season for apple picking festivals!


Hamilton Park:

Park

Runners will be in scenic heaven if they include the Park in their trek. Designed in 1800 and named after famed New Yorker Alexander Hamilton (who died before the park was completed), the Park's paths wind their way past lush trees, gardens, wildflowers, topiaries, the gothic grace of the Arts Center (see above), and the banks of the River. For the non-running crowd, there are picnic grounds (sign up early for barbeque rights), a baseball field, and tennis courts. Main entrance is at Mason Ave. and River Drive.  


Jefferson Circle:

The Circle is divided by Mason Avenue, and its southern half arcs upwards as it rests on a small hill, with some very nice views of the Park and the Lakeview estates (see below). Pictured above is the residence at Six Jefferson Circle.  


Kensington Avenue:

Kensington is the large avenue that runs from Route 58 past the border of Sky Falls, where it turns into Rural Road 7; it's also the name of the second most elite residential area in town. As you move west along the Avenue, you'll find yourself looking at some spectacular Victorian masterpieces. Fans of period architecture need look no farther. Pictured above is the residence at 67 Kensington Avenue.  


Lakeview Drive:

Lakeview Estate

The tree-lined Lakeview Drive separates from River Drive and moves in the direction of the estates belonging to the scions of Schuyler Falls society. Unfortunately, the best views of these houses are along a private road, but you can catch a glimpse of some impossibly grand mansions if you keep your eyes peeled above the treetops. At least the lake referred to by the street name is visible, and it's a gem surrounded by towering pine trees. Pictured above is "Lakeview," the oldest and largest home in this area from which the drive gets its name. Lakeview, also known as the Campbell Estate, once belonged to a branch of the Vanderbilts. Built in 1740, this miniature Versailles is private but visible from atop Jefferson Circle.  


Metropolitan Country Club

This exclusive playground for the well-to-do is strictly members-only, except for the four-star restaurant open to anyone (who's willing to pay top price for their delicious menu). For its members, the Met Club offers a wide variety of amenities, from an 18 hole (par 72) golf course, a fully equipped fitness center, conferencing and banquet facilities, an olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, riding grounds...and its own gift shop, where forgetful types can purchase bathing suits, tennis equipment, golf clubs and other vital paraphenalia.  


OmniCorp Plaza:

Omnicorp

The huge complex west of Route 58 (off Schuyler Road) houses the mirrored glass and steel offices of OmniCorp (aka "Omni"). The executive offices on the upper floors naturally have the best view of a small man-made lake to the west. A fountain surrounded by trees, grass,walkways and benches is at the center of the Plaza. For the convenience of employees (and the efficiency of keeping the workers in one area for the entire day), the Plaza is also home to a daycare center, a health clinic, a grocery store/deli and two small restaurants (The pizza at Fiore's is highly recommended even for non-Omni workers!). Executive parking is underneath the main building; others can park their cars in the enormous lot surrounding the compound. Over the years, with few exceptions, Omni has continually been run by its founding families, with either a Campbell or Brooke as CEO.    


"The Numbers:"

"The Numbers" is the nickname of this blue-collar section of town, characterized by pale gray apartment complexes, unimaginatively symmetrical street geography and uninspiring street names (1st Street, 2nd Street, etc.). Bordered by Route 58 to the east, Kensington Ave. to the south, Franklin St. to the west, and Stuyvesant to the north. Some good shopping can be done on 1st and Hudson, and there's a burgeoning nightclub scene in some bars on 3rd. Walk around during the day and take note of what interests you; then take a cab at night to your destination. (Walking the Numbers at night is not recommended for visitors.)  


River Drive:

River Drive stretches down from Schuyler Road to Mason Avenue, and (no surprise) it provides a nearly uninterrupted view of the River. No trip to Sky Falls should be considered complete without a walk or drive along its curving path. Up to the north are some gorgeous townhouses, where artists and other bohemian types at the turn of the century used to convene and presumably suffer for their art in tiny subdivided apartments. None of them could afford to live in one of these beauties now, almost all of which have reverted to their original use as single family homes. Those boats you see tied up on the docks along the shore are owned by the folks who live here. You can rent a boat yourself (though not one as ritzy) by going to Dock #4, just north of the Park. Pictured above are the residences at One and Two River Drive. 


Schuyler Falls:

Schuyler Falls is the series of waterfalls that gives the town its name.  They also signify the start of the Schuyler River. Sightseers can get the best view of these beautiful but dangerous falls from the picnic area near Cliffside Park, across the river from the Cliffside Cavern hotel.


Schuyler Falls Community Hospital:

Hospital

One the finest research facilities in the upstate NY region. Centrally-located, SFCH is easily accessed by all.  


Schuyler Falls High School:

Small, high quality school for students from 7th through 12th grades.


Schuyler Falls Police Department:

The cop shop, located off of Route 58. An institution with a reputation for being unsure as to whether it's an urban police force or rural small-town posse.   


Schuyler Falls Record:

Owned since its founding by the Van Doren family in the 19th century, the Record has just changed hands due to the death of longtime owner/editor George Van Doren. The new generation is represented by town newcomer Jeremiah Van Doren. Tourists interested in learning some regional history shouldn't miss the newspaper's offices (located at Adams St. and Livingston Place), which feature an archaic printing press and an extensive microfilm/archival collection.  

 

 

 
Copyright © 1997 - - Falling Sky Productions