My Hometown

         It is always easy for someone to boast about their hometown. In truth, it is often an extension of themselves; the place has shaped them their entire life. From both their good and bad experiences it has taught them lessons that have resulted in the person that they are today. So, while I know that my hometown is far from perfect, it is a place that I would encourage everyone to visit. 

The first place I would encourage visitor candidates to explore is the historical monuments scattered around the area. Most notably, I would recommend visiting the DeWint House. While this sounds like it would be some random, unimportant location, it actually stands as an important, unrecognized symbol for our country. Standing as a relatively tall dwelling of brick and stone, this house was first built in 1700. More noteworthy than the owner of the house itself, however, was the fact that the structure served as the temporary headquarters of George Washington in  1783. Here, Washington met with a British general to coordinate the exit of British troops during the American Revolution. Today, the house serves as a local monument, featuring the same furnishing and qualities as it did during the time of Washington.

Next, I would recommend a visit to Tallman Mountain State Park. Here, a person unfamiliar with the area would never be able to tell how close they are to New York City. This park serves as the best representation of our local nature. With several trails and paths, people of all skill levels could hike here for hours, with each trail ending in a scenic overlook of the Hudson River. Regardless of a person's outdoor inclination, they would enjoy both the experiences and appearance of this activity.

Truthfully, there are not many standout restaurants in the area where I live. Rather than searching for a life-changing culinary experience, here, a person would find success searching for the restaurant with the best service in history. When thinking about this, two locations come to my mind—the first being Zapata, in Palisades, New York. From both the inside and out, this restaurant looks like a stereotypical Mexican restaurant. While the menu appears identical to all similar restaurants, from the moment that you step in, you will realize that you are entering a family's personal endeavor, as opposed to an ordinary business. The married couple who own the restaurant will immediately greet you at the door and ensure that you have the best experience from start to finish.

The second restaurant that comes to mind is called Il Fresco, located in Orangeburg, New York. While the menu of Italian dishes and individually handmade pasta is incredible, it is the ambiance of this restaurant that stands out in my mind. This restaurant is located in a farmhouse from 1728 that has been completely transformed into a modern restaurant. However, nobody would ever be able to tell that this transformation has occurred. On the inside and out, the restaurant feels like it is still in its original state. While it is quaint, it is immaculately beautiful.

While these restaurants are amazing, I would also recommend that a person visit our local farmers' markets. While I often focus on how much I love these establishments for their produce, I don't think there is truly that much difference between these markets and markets in other areas. The one standout difference, however, is our local pickle and olive vendor. While I do not know what goes into the process of making them, these products are unlike anything one could buy in a store or find at other markets. 

While these restaurants are amazing, I would also recommend that a person visit our local farmers' markets. While I often focus on how much I love these establishments for their produce, I don't think there is truly that much difference between these markets and markets in other areas. The one standout difference, however, is our local pickle and olive vendor. While I do not know what goes into the process of making them, these products are unlike anything one could buy in a store or find at other markets. 

Additionally, I would recommend that visitors take time to experience every part of the area; modern, historical, and natural. My hometown would not be the place it is without the historical and natural pillars that support it. However, it is crucial to see the way that these places function in combination with the modern adaptations that have been made. When looking at these three aspects, one will be able to see every part of the town, thus helping them improve their understanding and appreciation for the past, present, and future of the area.

This town has impacted me in more ways than I can acknowledge. From growing up among a community of supportive individuals to learning the true role and reverence that one should hold for nature, every characteristic that I hold has a connection to my hometown, to some extent. Most noteworthy, my hometown has shown me that I should treat every person I encounter with warmth and kindness. By living among supportive individuals, such as those in my favorite locations and restaurants, I know that I want to be that person for those around me. This is the one quality I will always think of and be thankful for in my hometown.