WASHINGTON COUNTY, NY
County Offices
383 Broadway
Fort Edward 518-746-2100
https://washingtoncountyny.gov/
Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce
136 Glen Street
Glens Falls 518-798-1761
www.adirondackchamber.org
Located in the northeastern part of New York State, Washington County is nearly equidistant to New York City, Montreal and Boston. It is a scenic area bordered on the west by Lake George and the Hudson River, to the north by Essex County to the east by the State of Vermont and to the south by New York’s Capital District. The County is rural and agricultural in nature, with commercial and industrial development in and around the county’s towns and villages.
Lifestyle
Washington County offers its residents a lifestyle that is based around its history of agriculture and its natural resources based around water. It’s impossible to be a resident of the county without enjoying all that the rural communities have to offer. Many sites, businesses and activities celebrate the heritage of farming through fairs, festivals and tours, pick-your-own orchards, fabulous farmer’s markets and special events. Many area chefs build their menus around locally grown fruits and vegetables, cheese, meats, bread, maple syrup and eggs. There is plenty to see and do for residents of the county, whether its fishing for trout or hunting for a bargain. Recreational waterways criss-cross the county, and there are hundreds of lakes, streams and brooks for boating, swimming, tubing and more.
Washington County offers four seasons of fun for the sports enthusiast. In winter, there is downhill and cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling; In summer, there are water sports on rivers, canals and lakes. Several championship courses offer a variety of terrains and spectacular views for resident golfers to enjoy. There’s also hiking, tennis, cycling, hunting, world-class fishing, archery, and bowling. Seasonal festivals, including The Southern Adirondack Fiber Festival and HarvestFest, are another great way to celebrate Washington County’s agricultural bounty. So are specialty events, like Maple Weekend, and the Fiber Tour and the Cheese Tour, which draw an international crowd. And the biggest annual event held every August for more than 100 years is the Washington County Fair.
Shoppers will find a wide selection of goods, often in remarkable settings: barns turned into gallery spaces, a bookstore in a former chicken coop tucked away in the piney woods; boutiques in restored 19th century storefronts. Some shops have been in the same family for three or more generations; many offer products that showcase local specialties. There are also a large community of internationally recognized artists, jewelers and artisans whose work is sold throughout the region. The towns and villages of Washington County offer a surprising array of museums and galleries, award-winning chamber music ensembles and chorales, superb community theater and a cabaret and main stage that regularly showcases Broadway stars. In summer, look for open-air performances and events, including Shakespeare in the Park, music & art festivals, art shows, puppet shows and open-air concerts.
Services
Washington County is one of New York State’s leading dairy counties, with maple syrup and apples being important cash crops. While over one-third of the County’s land is agricultural, manufacturing maintains a predominant role in the economy, as does agri-manufacturing, along with tourism Thanks to the lakes and rivers of the region, including Lake Champlain, the Hudson River and more. The County is also home to manufacturers of medical instruments, paper making machinery, paper products, furniture and electronic components. Numerous slate quarries are in the northeastern part of the County (known as the Slate Capital of the World), yielding the world’s only source of red slate.
The County affords outstanding educational opportunities at all levels. Public and private schools offer strong college preparatory, vocational and technical programs. The eleven school districts located throughout the county offer a variety of enrichment programs which take students beyond the normal curriculum. Academic enrichment in music, drama and art broaden the cultural awareness of local students and community. Accredited private schools that offer classes in kindergarten through grade twelve are also available. Higher educational opportunities are readily available at both the local community level as well as within the Capital Region universities.
Health care is a priority in the County and is well represented by excellent healthcare facilities and human service agencies that offer a continuum of care, resources and support to meet the physical, mental and developmental needs of the community. Excellent hospital care is available in nearby Warren County, while local communities are served by local medical professionals.
Argyle Town/Village
Town Offices
518-638-8681
Village Offices
www.argyle-village.org
Argyle is home to more than 3,700 residents who enjoy a quiet rural lifestyle. The town of Argyle has the village of Argyle within its borders. Argyle remains essentially a rural community. In fact, many descendants of the town’s original settlers are still living in Argyle. Many local residents commute to other nearby communities for work. The town has seen some growth in its population in recent years as many people have found this peaceful, rural community a great place to settle especially considering its close proximity to employment and commercial centers. In 2014, the town and village of Argyle will be celebrating its 250th birthday.
Cambridge Village/Town
Town Offices
518-677-5532
http://townofcambridgeny.org
Village Offices
518-677-2622
https://v3.cambridgeny.gov/
Cambridge is a small town with a unique character and strong sense of community. The town is located in south central Washington County. The area is made up of beautiful rolling hills and farms. Although one-third of Cambridge Village lies within the Town of Cambridge, the town remains a very rural area. The only population concentrations outside the village are the hamlets of Coila, South Cambridge and Center Cambridge. Although many of Cambridge’s residents commute to other areas for work, the mainstay of the town’s economy has always been agriculture. Today the strength of the agricultural community lies in the many successful dairy farms. In addition, one of the two major poultry farms in the area is located in Cambridge. Recreational activities abound in Cambridge. Many vacation cabins and home sites are located in the area where one not only enjoys rural living, but has easy access to the cultural life at Saratoga, Glens Falls and Bennington. There is excellent fishing in area lakes, the Battenkill River and other streams. First-rate camping facilities help make swimming, boating, canoeing and hiking popular activities as well.
Easton
Town Offices
518-692-2678
http://eastonny.org
The Town of Easton is a pleasant agricultural community of more than 2,300 residents. Being home to more than 30 farms makes Easton the most agricultural town in the region. Bordered by the mountains on the east and the Hudson River on the west, Easton is a scenic region of open fields and wood lots. Easton boasts a variety of agricultural businesses – dairy, beef, horses, sheep, vegetables, fruits, field crops, plus small scale ventures such as emus, goats and poultry. There is also a meat processing operation, an agricultural products store, a veterinary clinic, a farm machinery business and an organic farm. The recreational and cultural opportunities in this rural area are surprisingly rich. The Hudson and Battenkill Rivers provide excellent fishing and boating, while nearby Willard Mountain boasts an alpine ski area noted for its highly competitive ski teams. The view from this 1,400-foot peak is of the Albany skyscrapers to the south, the Adirondack and Green Mountains in the distance and the rolling farmlands and forests directly below. Resident enjoy locally grown produce available at many farm stands, homemade ice cream, world-famous melons, golf courses, picturesque views and hiking trails at Dionondahowa Falls. Easton may be a quiet community, but it is a fantastic place to call home.
Fort Ann
Town Offices
518-639-8929
www.townoffortannny.com
Fort Ann is mostly a farming town full of historic, well-preserved homes and old canal locks with much of their original stonework still intact. It is home to more than 6,400 dedicated residents who take great pride in their quiet community. Residents not engaged in some type of agriculture-related business commute to work in other nearby towns. Numerous small businesses are scattered throughout the town including two stores, two garages, antique shop, bakery, motels, hotel and two restaurants. All locally operated to serve the community. There are also two manufacturing companies in the town. The northern part of Fort Ann is the center of recreational activity for the community. The many beautiful lakes and ponds in the area host several scout camps and other activities. Camp Little Notch on Lake Nebo, Camp Wakopominie of Sly Pond, Crossett Lake Camp and Camp Andrews on Lake George are popular with local residents. Fort Ann offers its residents a little bit of classic American small town living.
Fort Edward Village/Town
Town Offices
518-747-4023
http://villageoffortedward.com
http://fortedward.net
The town of Fort Edward has within it a village named Fort Edward. The town is on the west border of the county. The Village of Fort Edward is located on the East bank of the Hudson River, approximately fifty miles north of Albany. There are more than 6,500 residents in the community. Fort Edward has the advantage of being located on the Hudson River (and Champlain Canal), located near Highway I-87 and having major railroad access. This makes it an ideal location for businesses and for commuters. Fort Edward has been able to retain the historic and country charm of a rural community. Fort Edward has always been a rural and agricultural community, but it has always had an industrial nature due to its location. Fort Edward was and is a center for paper goods manufacturing and today not only are paper goods produced here, but General Electric manufactures capacitors here as well. The community maintains several facilities for residents with recreational facilities located in Hodgeman Park on Roger’s Island and McIntyre Park on the street of the same name. Underwood Park, which fronts on Broadway and the Hudson River with the Yacht Basin located nearby, also is a center of activity.
Granville
Town Offices
518-642-2640
www.villageofgranville.com
Granville is a town on the eastern border of the county and is home to more than 6,500 residents. The town of Granville contains a village that also bears the name Granville. Granville has been called the “Colored Slate Capital of the World.” There are Quarries in the town that mine slate, that comes in colors such as green, gray, gray black, purple, mottled green and purple, and red. Slate quarries define the town and its history. In addition to thriving industry, the Village of Granville has a bustling retail scene with both chain and specialty shops, a variety of eateries and professional services. Granville also offers a rich cultural life, with institutions like the Pember Library and Museum of Natural History and the Slate Valley Museum providing opportunities for both recreation and education. The Granville Area Chorus and the Granville Town Band, or a visit to the Summer Concert Series, are the perfect solutions to those with musical talent or a desire to hear some great tunes. A skateboarding and ice skating park, Granville Little League, Granville Youth Soccer and Granville Panthers football offer activities for area children year round. Opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors abound, too, with parks, a recreation trail and the Mettowee River all to be found within the village borders.
Greenwich
Town Offices
518-692-7611
www.greenwichny.org
The Town of Greenwich is located just east of Saratoga among green rolling hills, it is home to more than 4800 residents. Less than an hour from Albany, Lake George, the Adirondacks, and southern Vermont, Greenwich offers visitors and resident’s great restaurants, attractive shops, and many leisure activities with quick access to some of the area’s best recreation. Greenwich is somewhat of a shopping center for southern Washington County, northern Rensselaer County, eastern Saratoga County and adjacent parts of Vermont. Besides the traditional business zone along Main Street from Bridge Street to Church Street, the development of Greenwich Plaza on West Main Street and the location of several businesses at the junction of New York Routes 29 and 40 in Middle Falls have added significantly to the county’s shopping experience. Many other retail establishments are scattered throughout the town. The community is also home to several manufacturing facilities. Greenwich is a thriving small community that offers its residents a high quality of life.
Hudson Falls
Village Offices
518-747-5426
www.villageofhudsonfalls.com
Hudson Falls is a village located in the southwest part of the town of Kingsbury, on US Route 4. Hudson Falls is part of the Glens Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. The village is home to more than 8,000 residents. The village has a beautifully maintained downtown historic district that is listed on the National Historic Register and the State Historic Register as well. The downtown contains shops, restaurants galleries and more. It’s a great place for locals to take a stroll and spend an evening. The center of the village has a beautiful park, called J. Walter Juckett Memorial Park. This park plays host to several village events throughout the year including a G.E. sponsored concert in the park series. The town borders the Hudson river on its west side, this location makes water based activities a mainstay to the area. Hudson falls is a great place to settle and call home.
Kingsbury
Town Offices
518-747-2188
www.kingsburyny.com
Kingsbury is home to more than 12,000 residents. Within the town of Kingsbury lie several villages and hamlets, including the Village of Hudson falls. Together Kingsbury and Hudson falls support a community swimming pool and summer and winter sports programs through the Hudson Falls-Kingsbury Recreation Commission. The town is home to several large fabricating, sales and service firms at the Washington-Warren County Industrial Park, making the town one of the county’s industrial centers. In addition to the Industrial Park, Kingsbury is the site of several other large businesses. Besides the many sports and other activities that the area’s wilderness and waterways offer, there is plenty to do in Kingsbury. As the town moves toward a more suburban lifestyle, it still remains essentially rural in nature, offering its residents an easier pace of life.
Salem Town/Village
518-854-3277
www.salem-ny.com
The Town of Salem is located in Washington County, New York and is situated east of Saratoga Springs and southeast of Lake George on the Vermont border. Salem, founded in 1761 is steeped in Revolutionary and Civil War History. A number of historic landmarks, handsome period homes, covered bridges, museums and cultural events make Salem a place that maintains a rural charm and preserves its historical traditions. Agriculture remains an important and vital part of the area’s economy. Dairy and potato farming, Salem’s major agricultural enterprises, have recently been joined by a resurgence of sheep farming. The rich farmland is fed by the waters of the Battenkill River, White Creek and Black Creek which join at Fitch’s Pont before running on to the Hudson River. The area abounds in activities and entertainment. Family fun includes outdoor experiences of canoeing, swimming, camping, hiking and fishing. Live performances for adults and children are found at the Fort Salem Theater, The Mettawee Theatre and Music from Salem. Three classic wooden, covered bridges span the Battenkill and are open to the public.
Whitehall Town/Village
Town Offices
518-499-1535
www.whitehallny.org
Village Offices
518-499-0871
www.whitehallny.org
Whitehall is located at the southern tip of Lake Champlain. Whitehall has a rich history dating back to colonial times, and it was the first permanent settlement on the lake. Today it is home to more than 5,000 residents. Just outside the Adirondacks on the NY / Vermont border, the town’s location on Lake Champlain with ample lookout points in nearby mountains allowed it to become the ‘birthplace of the US Navy. The community is based around the lake and also the Champlain Canal – which runs right along the main street of the town. Residents can take a boat cruise, jump aboard one of the ships that launch from Whitehall and tour around Lake Champlain. The town is also home to The Skene Manor, affectionately known as ‘Whitehall’s Castle on the Mountain.’ This symbol of turn-of-the-century wealth overlooks the harbor and offers additional views of the region. During the warmer months residents enjoy the Music in the Park Series in the town center. This local tradition showcases some of the best musical artists the region has to offer. The Champlain canal including its towpaths attracts many residents who enjoy cycling along the canal, and fishing as well. Whitehall is a quiet town with a very long history. It offers its residents a traditional small town lifestyle with a high quality of life.
