Gardnertown

People come to visit Gardnertown, a hamlet of Orange County’s city of Newburgh, for great music (Monk’s House of Jazz---as in, Thelonious Monk, legendary jazz musician, created by his nephew, Theolonious), awesome outdoor activities like hiking and fishing (Downing Park and Chadwick Lake Park); boating on the Hudson (Newburgh Landing, where you can catch the Hudson River Adventures cruise); and museums (the Manuscript Museum on Broadway in Newburgh is one of the region’s best).

If that doesn’t get you interested in Gardnertown, how about some roasted Long Island Duckling or scrumptious Filet Mignon at the Lakeview House Restaurant, right on Orange Lake? Or, how about some shopping at the wonderful variety of stores at the Newburgh Mall? If you’re into books, Barnes & Noble in Gardnertown is the place for you. Health nuts, check out Nature’s Pantry health-food store for all your organic craving needs. Personally, I prefer the fried calamari for an appetizer and, for dinner, the Crabmeat Stuffed Flounder Filet at the Torches on the Hudson restaurant, where you can enjoy great DJ’s and personal VIP cocktail service. Treat yourself to a yummy cool dessert at the local Dairy Queen afterwards. If you’re looking for international fair, try Yobo Oriental Restaurant for asian food across the board: there’s even Indonesian, and it’s rated as #1 for “best sushi” by Hudson Valley Magazine! There’s a little something for everyone in Gardnertown.

Some of the downsides to living in Gardnertown is the crime issue regarding local gangs in the area. Schools are fair; the elementary schools are supposedly phenomenal. There's also a Fundamental Magnet School that serves pre-K through 5th grade. Unemployment is 7.80% out of a national average of 9.10%; however, restaurants and shops here seem to be doing pretty well and staying in business regardless. The cost of living is a tad high, but the amenities in town more than make up for it. Perfect for working middle-class families; although I would keep an eye out for young kids during the summer days, and not let older kids go out alone out after dark (especially in certain parts of the area).

Gardnertown can be located by car via Interstate I84, by train via the Beacon Station (directly across the river from Newburgh) and by plane via Newburgh’s own Stewart International Airport.