Pandemic Get-A-Way Trip – Harford County Maryland

With everyone stuck at home over the past year, unable to travel, the thought of an adventure brings a smile to our faces. Different from a Staycation because that is what we have been doing for the last year. Now we are all in need of a vacation from staying at home.

Why not a socially distant trip to a location that is nearby, and accessible by car?  Keeping to ourselves and getting out to experience some local scenery and history. A place that we have long wanted to know more about. – That somewhere for me is Harford County, Maryland. Located on the western side of the Chesapeake Bay and just along I95 and historic Rte. 1. This made a close-by get-a-way that had good food, lodging, and interesting history to learn more about.

Conowingo Dam in Harford County Maryland from the Fisherman's pier parking lot
Looking North at the Conowingo Dam and hydroelectric plant built in 1928.

As a child, I often heard the stories from my Mother, as we drove down Route 1 and across the Conowingo Dam. She would recount how she as a child walked across the Dam on the opening day in 1928 holding the hands of her two uncles. Now that I am doing family research, a visit to this historic place was something that I wanted to do to learn more about this bit of Maryland history.

We speed up and down I-95 by car or on a train via Amtrak traveling along the Northeast Corridor, crossing the Susquehanna and we miss the beauty of this rural and historic part of Maryland known as Harford County, a county that stretches from the Mason Dixon line to the Chesapeake Bay and from the Susquehanna River south to the outskirts of Baltimore.

2021 GMC Yukon Denali at historic Maryland Grist Mill on the Susquehanna River
The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali that was our ride during this Harford County Maryland adventure.

GMC reached out to me to review the new 2021 Yukon Denali for a few days, thus the opportunity for this adventure came together. Driving around a scenic area, checking out its history, in a great car that I need to photograph and write about. Win-Win in my book.

After consulting with the Harford County Convention and Visitor Bureau inquiring about picturesque local spots to photograph the car, they offered me the opportunity to spend the night at a brand new Fairfield Inn and Suites in Aberdeen Maryland, just off I95 and Route 22 in Aberdeen Maryland.

First Stop – Aberdeen

Fairfield Inn and Suites Aberdeen Maryland front entrance
The Aberdeen Maryland Fairfield Inn and and Suites by Marriott

Aberdeen Maryland is a Military town with the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, an expansive Army base. Yes there is a big military airport, and I always thought it was an Air Force base. Then I remembered that the US Air Force grew out of the Army Air Corps back in the day.

Since Aberdeen was where our hotel is located, it made sense to explore the surrounding area, from Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium, a sports entertainment park that was built in the last ten years. And then visiting the historic train station in town.

Aberdeen’s Historic Train Station

If you are like I am, the sound of a train horn and rattle of the wheels on the rails is always something I want to know more about. That leads us to the Aberdeen Train Station.

Aberdeen Maryland MARC Amtrak Train Station
Looking down on the historic Aberdeen Train Station that serves the MARC and Amtrak rail lines.

So we took some time to wander around the historic Aberdeen rail station, one that dates back til, and serves multiple MARC and AMTRAK trains that travel between Wilmington Delaware, and Baltimore Maryland each day.

Before my other half retired, he had worked on a Master Plan for Aberdeen’s Amtrak Station, as part of a review of their Northeast Corridor stations. The recommendations had not been acted on, but it was interesting to talk about how the plan was done less than a decade earlier and to reflect on how the current pandemic situation has and will affect public transportation, especially as we experienced a nearly empty train station at what would have been a weekday rush hour in January of 2021. This is something we talk about in the YouTube video on this trip, posted at the top of this post.

Havere De Grace

Harford County MD

Quite the little metropolis on the water. Just a few miles up Rte. 40 North of Aberdeen is this picturesque town. It is much bigger than I thought from seeing it from the train while passing overhead. And yes when a train comes across the bridge, you know it.  Being late January, most shops and attractions were closed, but you can tell in season this is a bustling little town, with antique shops, places to eat, and some nice Victorian homes and gardens to look at as you stroll the streets. 

Aberdeen appears as more than just a tourist town, more than just a fishing village, it seems to have a live its own with a hospital and other things that one equates with a larger community.

While we were invited to stay at a quaint B&B in town. One of several that looked perfect for a romantic weekend. I can see wedding parties coming to town to celebrate, or a business group, reunion, or family would want to spend time here as it looks so nice. When we drove around, I know that this is a quaint town I want to return to.

Where Did We Stay

 Our home for two nights would be the brand new Fairfield Inn and Suites, Aberdeen. This Marriott property is located just south of 95 at the Rte. 22 exit and is on the other side of the highway from the baseball facility, Ripken Stadium also known as Leidos Field. The Fairfield by Marriott opened at the beginning of 2021, and it’s classic Marriott. With all the amenities that Marriott puts in Fairfield properties. An indoor pool and workout room, a large lobby where in normal times breakfast would be served.  During quarantine, I experienced a different routine; a coffee station and the attendants at the front desk provide guests with a muffin, a juice cup, a snack bar, and a few other simple items.  The days of an open buffet breakfast service have ceased to exist. Of course, there is a convenience store corner that offers many items for sale, that you might need, from ice cream to aspirin.

As a frequent traveler with many hotels, I have found that booking directly through the hotel’s website or calling the hotel directly is the best way to get the best rate on a better room, get an upgrade if they are available and recognized as a frequent traveler. This is what I did in this case, being a Bonvoy Member with Marriott.

Map of I95 and rte 22 intersection in Harford County Maryland
Just off I 95 in Harford County at the intersection of Rte. 22.

This Fairfield Inn and Suites is located behind a large Home Depot shopping center, a senior living community, and in front of a residential community that borders on I-95. The location is excellent as it is easy on and off the highway, with plenty of shops and restaurants, chain ones, as well as delightful local establishments right there. 

Day Two

Ripken Stadium Parking Lot with 2021 GMC Yukon parked
The Leidos Field Ripken Stadium is a big entertainment venue
EV Charger at Ripken Stadium
One of the many Electric Vehicle Chargers on the property of Ripken Stadium

The plan for the day was to roam the backroads up and around the Conowingo Dam.. We dallied in our large extended double suite at the Fairfield and then took time to check out the baseball stadium complex across 95, which has been a boon to this part of Harford County, bringing minor league baseball, and it appears lots of youth baseball as well as other events to the area.  The large parking lot is often hosting events like local autocross groups and others. 

Two hotels are right there, the Courtyard and the Residence Inn, as well as a townhome community.  And to our surprise, BGE has located about nine Electric Vehicle Chargers at the Northend of the lot. Something that travelers up and down I95 should be aware of if they are in need of a charge for their EV’s. As it has both Chadimo and CMS chargers that will recharge pretty much every electric vehicle on the road today.

Electric vehicle Charger at Leidos Field Ripken Stadium Aberdeen Harford County Maryland
A variety of different EV chargers depending on your needs are available in the Ripken Stadium lot.

History On Display

Our plans were to visit a few of the locations on the Harford Barn Quilt Tour. While we only made it to one barn and quilt , I know we will head back in warmer weather and check out others.

At the Harford County Farm Museum lots of tractors and farm equipment
Old tractors and farm equipment are on display at the Harford County Farm Museum.
The Harford County Barn Quilt Tour with the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali
The Harford County Barn Quilt Tour with the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali
The Carter Archer House in Harford County MD
The historic Carter Archer House in Harford County MD
Harford County Carter Grist Mill
Grist Mill showing early hydro power of the colonial era.

That is just one of the many things to see and do around the county. We just blazed our own trail and saw rolling farmland, heavily wooded areas like Rocks State Park. Historic places like the Carter Archer house a surprise find along the Susquehanna river providing a glimpse of what life was like in the days before cars and hydroelectric power plants, and nearby this hydro-powered mill. 

Food Was Great

Crab cake at Water Street Seafood in Havre de Grace Md
You can’t visit Maryland without having a crab cake dinner. As we did at the Water Street Seafood in Havre de Grace Maryland.
Social Distancing at the Water Street Seafood
Blocking off a table at the Water Street Seafood done in a fun way.

Now don’t think for a minute that we went hungry on our tour of Harford County, we found two delightful and very different locally-owned restaurants to dine in. Yes, we Dined In, during these days of social distancing. Both restaurants were well set up for that, blocking off tables between parties.  Our first was Water Street Seafood in Havre de Grace Maryland, a new seafood place on the waterfront.  Sorry I enjoyed the fresh home-made crab cake before I could photograph it. Also, not pictured is the bacon-wrapped scallops another home run, and were quickly devoured.   On the second night, the delightful staff at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Aberdeen recommended Mamie’s Café with Love, a place we would never have found on our own. so you can take the extras home for another meal. The food was good, the restaurant is decorated with classic Maryland kitsch, is like going to your Aunt’s house. Lots of tchotchkes around for the décor, and portions that were more than enough to take home and make a second meal out of. Hint do like we did and dine there on your last night in tow. Happy we chose this for the last night of our visit, as we had great leftovers when we returned home.  Both places were reasonably priced for the high quality of food they served.

Why Visit Harford County Maryland

What got me all charged up to visit Harford County, beyond the family history part, was a recent episode on Maryland Public Television, PBS, about the Harford County Barn Quilt Trail. This is an app-based passport where you do selfies with the 22 quilt squares painted on barns all around the county. The more you post and check in on the app, the more opportunity you have to win prizes.

Barn Quit Tour of Harford County Maryland
Just some of the stops we missed on the Harford County MD Barn Quilt Tour.

Overall Impressions

Hi Hon wooden cutout Classic Maryland
Hi Hon wooden cutout at Mamie’s with love – Classic Maryland

When you are looking for a day trip or overnight or two get-a-way, give Harford County a try. There are plenty of things to do, plenty of places to eat, and any number of places to stay overnight.  We want to thank the Harford Country Convention and Visitors Bureau for hosting us at the Fairfield Inn and Suites, and General Motors Corporation for providing us a brand new 2021 GMC Yukon Denali for the visit.

Talk about what a get-a-way is supposed to be about. Exploring country roads and finding interesting sites to visit and enjoying the views.  That is what we found on this two-day get-a-away

Words and Images by William West Hopper

William West Hopper at the Conowingo Dam Fishing Pier in Harford County Maryland
William West Hopper on the banks of the Susquehanna River in Harford County Maryland at the Conowingo Dam Fishing Pier.

Mr. Hopper was raised in Pennsylvania in a variety of historic homes his Mother fixed up and “flipped” back in the 1960s. This has given him an appreciation for what has gone on before and how it impacts today and the future.

He lives in Washington DC with his life-partner and three rescue cats. You can find him on Twitter @wwhopper, Instagram @DCCarGuy, and on YouTube @The Real DCCarGuy.

Conowingo Pool Charge Point EV Charger
There is a free Charge Point EV Charger at the Conowingo Pool just South of the Conowingo Dam off of Rte. 1

TWA Hotel – An Icon Reopens at JFK Airport

TWA Flight Center TWA Hotel at Night with the Lockheed Constellation in front.

 

Check out our YouTube Video of our experience at the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport

20190516_215703After being shuttered for decades, the iconic 1960’s TWA flight terminal is the only surviving monument to the golden age of air travel at Idlewild, otherwise known as JFK Airport in Queens. This building has helped travelers idolize those high flying days of air travel, in movies such as Mame, and Catch Me If You Can.

Today if you are an Aviation Geek or love mid-century architecture and style, a visit to the TWA Hotel across from the Jet Blue Terminal 5, should be on your bucket list. If your schedule does not allow an overnight stay, a cocktail or two at the cocktail bar inside of Connie, the retired Lockheed Constellation airplane parked out front, or a leisurely stroll around the renovated Eero Saarinen terminal will inspire you to reserve a room.

20190516_205226In May 2019 after a three-year restoration that has brought the iconic wing-shaped air terminal to a new life as the centerpiece for the TWA Hotel. The 1962 building, a New York City Landmark in 1994, had already out of date by the time it opened as larger jetliners were replacing the smaller propeller craft. Though the terminal continued to operate and service passengers until 2001, when airport operations, think pre-flight security, outgrew the building that had travelers standing outside waiting to board aircraft, no longer the elegant era of air travel.

20190517_102319MCR Development, a well-known hospitality real estate developer took on a labor-intense project of restoring the Eero Saarinen designed Flight Center to period-correct detail. Now it serves as the central core, the 200K square foot lobby, of the TWA Hotel. The clean design was to appear like floating wings to attract travelers to fly the airline.

20190516_183546Today, after a multimillion reportedly upwards of 265-Million-dollar renovation the original TWA Terminal has been restored to its 1960’s glamour. Expansive amounts of open space give you the feeling of freedom under the floating wing-like roof. Large modern windows had to be remade to fit the original design, as well as penny tile remade and re-laid, restored terrazzo floors that seem to flow to the far reaches of the building. All of these give the space a fresh and open feel, just as it was designed to do. Views at the time, back in the 1960s, would have been of the arriving and departing airplanes and runways. Today the view is of the Jet Blue Terminal and the access road as well as the airports parking garages. That does not take away from the experience you will have standing inside the restored terminal building, walking along the chili-pepper-red carpeted flight tubes that passengers would use to access the gates, made famous in the movie Catch Me If You Can. These two tubes now connect to the hotel’s two flanking six-story sleeping room towers housing 512 guest rooms, as well as JFK’s Terminal 5 housing Jet Blue Airlines.

20190517_102238Between the historic terminal and the automobile access road that leads travelers to the terminal is an expanse of pavement on which a 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane sits. Connie, as she is known and is one of the hotel’s cocktail lounges. As a historic aviation artifact, this is one of the must-visit aspects of the hotel. You walk out of the flight center and up the historic steps to board the plane, just as you would have in the day.  Once inside, slide into the cockpit for the pilot, co-pilot or navigator experience, as they would have when it was in operation. The original controls and switches are all operational, not connected to anything, but you will have the fantasy of being a pilot in the heyday of aviation. Just be careful, as the cockpit space is small and the bank of switches in the ceiling will hurt if you jam your head into them as I did.  Better yet, settle into one of the passenger seats for a cocktail, all the while imagining you are on a trip to some exciting destination.

20190517_101607While the tarmac around the plane is expansive, it is what is underground that houses the 50K square feet of meeting and ballroom space. While not convention center sized, is still spacious enough for a trade show, business event, or grand social soiree. With breakout spaces, cocktail bars and other areas for hosting events, all designed to keep with the rest of the hotel property in that mid-century modern style. And here you will find all the latest modern technical audio-visual and internet-capable amenities to bring any event into the 21st century.

TWA’s twin hotel wings named after 20th Century aviation leaders.

20190516_181713The hotel offers two sleeping room wings, the Saarinen and Hughes Wings, an ode to both the architect and Howard Hughes, the elusive aviation magnet of the era, who had owned TWA at one time. Both wings have rooms that have either an airport view or a TWA Terminal view and are broken up into a variety of rooms from standard King and double queen to Presidential suites.

20190516_203901

Sleeping Rooms as well as Disability Accessible Rooms

https://www.twahotel.com/rooms/accessible-guestroom

20190516_201641We were lucky enough to snag what appeared to be a presidential suite on the seventh floor of the Hughes Tower. Spacious, modern and decorated in timeless mid-century style with a wall of windows it had a foyer bar area and a sitting area equipped with a wall-mounted flat-screen TV. The view was overlooking the terminal and taxiways. Which for AV Geeks like ourselves was a dream come true. The only worry we had, would we stay up all night and watch as the international bound planes were loaded and taxied out for takeoff on their overnight flights abroad. We did find as the night settled in, the traffic at the terminal slowed to a snail’s pace.

20190516_203207The king bed was comfortable and offered a sound night’s sleep with the plush with soft linens. And in the morning, we were not disturbed by the noise as the floor to ceiling windows are multiple panes of glass that keep the room quiet, even with both automotive and airplanes traversing about just a couple hundred yards away.

The only thing missing in the accessible room was the house phone (supposedly a rotary dial one,) a wastebasket, a clock, and in today’s world USB outlets, which may have been overlooked as they prepared the property for guests.
20190517_095743The bathroom while large and with Broadway Bright Hollywood lighting could have used a dimmer switch and a nightlight. For late nite visits to the Loo were like stepping on stage. The shower stall, a walk-in, roll-in one was small, as this was an accessible room, did have a seat for a disabled person — plenty of soft terrycloth towels and nice quality soaps and lotions.

On-Hotel Property Food Options

20190517_102825As one would expect, food choices are limited to on-property options. And when we were there on opening day two, just the Jean-George’s Paris Café on the upper level overlooking the entrance to the hotel and the Hughes hotel wing was operating. Both food and libation were well presented and well made with fresh ingredients. Spirits at the bar seem to be from New York State distillers, and while the options were limited, they were of a high-quality. And at a price that was not outrageous, as you would think of from either an NYC hotel or an airport establishment. As this property is truly an on airport, there is no walking down the street to find a nearby restaurant. Other food options are planned and will be appreciated, as the hotel is not convenient for stepping out and finding other options. We did wander over to the terminal, but food options were on the other side of TSA security, and we were not ticketed to go anywhere.

Modern Tech is the Key  where the 1960’s vibe meets 2020 efficiency

20190516_175840Registration is on the street side at ground level in what once was the TWA ticket counters. Checking in to get your key, as well as valet parking, is all computer-assisted. Our valet ticket was via text message. The hotel check-in process uses a tablet screen with a credit card reader mounted on one side and a room key program pad on the other. While a bit onerous, it was the first time other guests, or we had seen or used it, which lead to confusion for many  The front desk staff quickly resolved any issues and people were on their way. While we had checked in online earlier in the day when we arrived, the automated system told us to check with a front desk staff member, who informed us our room was not ready. An hour and a half after our arrival an email arrived indicating that our room was ready and to pick up our key at the front desk.  That time was spent relaxing in the bar with a cocktail.

TWA Hotel Room Key Cards
TWA Hotel Room Key Cards

As the key-card system is automated, our key expired exactly at 11 am, and as we had not done late check-out our room was locked, which required a trip to the lobby to get a check-out extension. Hotel cleaning staff were gracious but did inform us that they could not let people into rooms. A response that made us feel more secure staying in the hotel.

 

Meeting Rooms, Events Center, Fitness Center, and infinity Pool

While the Saarinen building is all about open space tucked between parking garages and the Jet Blue Terminal, you might be surprised to find the outdoor spaces at the TWA Hotel are just as interesting with amazing views. The ramp where Connie the historic TWA aircraft, now cocktail lounge, is parked outside of the hotel is wide open and perfect for hosting an event with both the airplane and the building as a backdrop.

20190517_101708Underneath that the TWA Hotel has 50K square feet of modern mid-century style event and meeting space. To build that they first had to excavate and remove 74K cubic feet of sand, using four thousand dump trucks. The sand was donated to nearby Spring Creek Park for their storm resilience and ecosystem restoration project.

The hotel has also built the world’s largest hotel fitness center, at 10K square feet. Here you will find state of the art fitness equipment as well as classes to keep up your healthy routine. While on the top of the hotel you will find an infinity pool as well as more event space with sweeping views of the bustling airport.

Museum Space and Shopping

20190517_111706While the building itself is a museum piece of modern architecture, not unlike the Guggenheim or Getty Museum. The TWA Hotel has a variety of displays of period-correct history from vintage travel and aviation art to TWA employee apparel and uniforms. As well as automobiles of the 1960s and other devices say dial payphones. All on display, and in the case of the payphones and the Lockheed aircraft, you can pick them up and touch them.

20190516_204855Shopping is an important part of any travel experience. We found the TWA Hotel Store had some wonderful and well made TWA specific items, like clothing, card games and other things that were of the 1960’s era, just new and now ready to be the perfect retro gift items to take back home as gifts or remembrances.  Also, you can shop at a Warby Parker retail store, the online glasses retailer; Shinola, the Detroit retailer of watches, leather goods, and other high-end items that have become popular in today’s modern age. Or maybe stop into The Reading Room to peruse books and periodicals.

 

Getting To the TWA Hotel and Terminal 5

The TWA Hotel is the only actual on-airport property hotel, located in the middle of John F. Kennedy Airport, adjacent to the Jet Blue, Terminal 5.  You can get there by plane, as many will do, pre, post or in during a trip. The TWA Hotel is the perfect kick-off or wind down place, before or after a flight. And for those with connecting flights, the hotel plans to offer short term rooms to those on a layover between flights, a real benefit to a weary traveler, who wants a shower and a quiet place to sleep.

20190517_102630While a more mundane way to arrive is by private car, and the hotel offers valet parking for $48 a day plus tip – or you have the option of parking in the airport’s garage and schlep your way into terminal 5 and into the hotel.

Ground transportation by private, pubic, or shared automobile is easy. But for those that want to bypass the New York traffic congestion, the airport is accessible by air train which connects to both the NYC Subway system and Long Island Rail Road.

20190517_102559Want to reach the hotel in style? How about by helicopter? Blade provides helicopter service to and from the city, interestingly enough, this has long been an option to access the airport.

20190517_115318The more mundane way is by private car, and the hotel offers valet parking for $48 a day plus tip – or you have the option of parking in the airport’s garage and schlep your way into terminal 5 and into the hotel.

No matter how you arrive, allow plenty of time for traffic and delays, as that is the New York way.

20190516_213231

Off the Beaten Path in Sharon Springs New York

The 2nd floor balcony at the American Hotel in Sharon Springs NY.

Main Street in historic Sharon Springs NY.
Main Street in historic Sharon Springs NY.

Travel takes us to places that are out of the way and interesting. Sharon Springs in New York State may not be considered exotic; it is interesting and out of the way.  Located three hours Northwest of New York City, it is close to Cooperstown, NY, home to the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Glimmerglass Festival, a world renown opera, and theatre venue.

What took us to this historic town was not the restorative healing waters frequented by the American Indians. We were attracted because it has become a destination for many established LGBTQ community of persons who have come to realize that they are looking for a less fast-paced lifestyle. In Sharon Springs they have found they enjoy the company of other well educated and creative souls in a community that can be easily commuted to and from major northeast cities.

Beekman 1802 Mercantile the shop that sells items from the Beekman Boy's farm in Sharon Springs NY.
Beekman 1802 Mercantile the shop that sells items from the Beekman Boy’s farm in Sharon Springs NY.

It is that sense of community along with gorgeous farmland vistas that attract many. Like lifestyle icons the Beekman Boys, who have a goat farm nearby and a mercantile in town, selling their world-famous products.

While Josh and  Brent (aka The Beekman Boys) have become a hot ticket, the real town fathers are Doug and Garth, another couple who settled in Sharon Springs in the 1990’s purchasing several properties including a dilapidated historic hotel. These gentlemen are the economic engine that has inspired others and attracted investment back to this hard-scrabble, historically agricultural part of New York State.

Historic Route 20 in New York State. Sharon Springs is one of the towns along the road.
Historic Route 20 in New York State. Sharon Springs is one of the towns along the road.

Sharon Springs is along historic Route 20, a travel route used by Indians and settlers, and later as the automobile took hold, by travelers heading west. While today the interstate highway 90 has bypassed the fast paced traffic, this scenic byway still holds many wonders of the Empire State.

While the town of Sharon Springs is small, there are some hotspots that one should not miss while visiting:

The American Hotel, the center of Sharon Springs."<yoastmark

Once well-known, The American Hotel has now become the heart and lifeblood of the Sharon Springs community. Rescued and reconceived in the 1990’s, the hey-day of home-grown Bed and Breakfasts and small country inns. Today the American is an intimate and cozy hotel, no matter if you are straight or gay. While not the largest of the town’s hotels, it is responsible for the rebirth of Sharon Spring’s vitality. With only nine guest rooms, a tiny, and we can we say adorable, copper covered bar, (just five bar stools) it adjoins a dining room that attracts guests from all over.

A delightful patio at The American Hotel in Sharon Springs NY. Perfect for dining alfresco.
Located behind the American Hotel is a delightful patio. Perfect for dining alfresco, or a late night aperitif.

Staying at the hotel may not be a five-star experience one might expect, from other chic inns around the country. The American provides a welcome and warm experience from the staff and owners. Staying overnight and eating breakfast on the patio, or just stopping by for a drink at the bar, or dinner in the dining room.

204 Main Street and the Black Cat Cafe

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These are two of the other eateries in town, the Black Cat Cafe is a breakfast and lunch stop, while 204 Main Street is more for lunch and dinner.  On opposite sides of the street, in the center of town, both provide delicious locally sourced food.  While not the fanciest of decor, expect an artistic and contemporary experience as well as finely prepared delicious meals.

Signs abound throughout the Sharon Springs NY talking about community and history.The Springs Art Gallery

The Spring Gallery, open in season has revolving shows from various local and national artists. Curated by a West Coast native with international art world connections. Be it photography, watercolor, pen, and ink or innovative sculpture.

Theater in the Park

Sharon Springs Town Park is where live theatre happens.Creative experiences include live theater, in the town’s park. And this year it was As You Like It, a well-known production that became the talk of the area, and provided free to attend performances. While a fundraising campaign helped support the project, much came in kind from the local community.

The Sharon Springs Village Gift Shop

Cobbler & Co is an eclectic gift shop in the heart of Sharon Springs NY.
Cobbler & Co is an eclectic gift shop in the heart of Sharon Springs NY.

The gift shop Cobbler & Co. features many eccentric and useful gifts. Crammed packed with interesting items that you might not think you would find in a rural town, each room has a theme, be it pets, kids, men, or women’s fashion, as well as decorative household items. Here you can find almost anything to fit any budget, for a fancy occasion or that perfect gag gift.

Beekman Boys 1802 Mercantile

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You can’t come to Sharon Springs and not leave without a visit to The  Mercantile. Even if you have never heard of the Beekman Boys before, after visiting you will be following their latest cookbook, internet feed or product release.

Josh and Brent became a reality show sensations after winning the Amazing Race. Investing their winnings in the Beekman 1802 brand, named after the farm they own outside of town.  Here you will find soaps, salves, and lotions made from goats milk from their farm.

The TePee, Dairyland, Icons on the American Road

The Tepee stands as an icon to motorcar travel on Route 20 outside of Sharon Springs NY.
The Tepee stands as an icon to American auto travel on Route 20 outside of Sharon Springs NY.

While not technically in the village of Sharon Springs, the Tepee is a must stop “tourist shop” on any American road trip in the mid-twentieth century.  Yes it is shaped like an Indian Tepee, and yes it has tourist chachkies, interestingly enough, some things you will want to take home as mementos, as you might not find them anywhere else.

You will find plenty of items with Bears at the Tepee.
You will find plenty of items with Bears at the Tepee.

Dairyland is where you go for ice cream cones. On Route 20 just as you come to Sharon Springs NY.
Dairyland is where you go for ice cream cones. On Route 20 just as you come to Sharon Springs NY.

As classic a road trip stop, as there is on any roadway in America.  In New York State, along historic Route 20, a visit to Dairyland is a must! Where else would you go on a summer’s evening for ice cream or a quick meal with a date? Dairyland is how you envision the original fast food places along the highway. All we need now is a 1957 Chevrolet BelAir!

Come Visit

Etched into the sidewalks in Sharon Springs are the names of the town's businesses from long ago.
Etched into the sidewalks in Sharon Springs are the names of the town’s businesses from long ago.

A tiny town resurrected by gays may seem odd in the conservative farm country of New York State. It is often gay men who buy and spruce up areas that have fallen upon hard times. Many areas have benefited from the efforts of the LGBTQ community. Gay men, Lesbians,  Transgender, and others have created inclusive communities bringing life back to neighborhoods, as well as increasing property values to areas once forgotten.  No matter what your proclivities might be, a visit to Sharon Springs is well worth the drive and will give you a wonderful neighborly experience, which is not often found today.

Enjoy the Adventure!

Gardens are wonderful accents to the Sharon Springs NY town.

A wall features signatures in the Cobbler and Co.

Antique Stores are a New York State commodity.
Antique Stores are a New York State commodity.

Welcome signs are frequent sights in Sharon Springs NY.
Welcome signs are frequent sights in Sharon Springs NY.

Delights for the senses and the eye at Beekman 1802,
Delights for the senses and the eye at Beekman 1802,

Beekman 1802 now features MacKenzie-Childs products.
Beekman 1802 now features MacKenzie-Childs products.

Hello Neighbor, Beekman 1802 features many goat milk based products.
Hello Neighbor, Beekman 1802 features many goat milk based products.

The Beekman 1802 store has great displays.
The Beekman 1802 store has great displays.

Historical road markers give history of the Sharon Springs NY community.
Historical road markers give history of the Sharon Springs NY community.

Classic buildings are a hallmark of Sharon Springs NY.
Classic buildings are a hallmark of Sharon Springs NY.

Tastefully classic furnishings are found throughout the American Hotel in Sharon Springs NY.
Tastefully classic furnishings are found throughout the American Hotel in Sharon Springs NY.

Real Keys are how you enter the American Hotel.
Real Keys are how you enter the American Hotel.

Route 20 features small town intersections like this one in Sharon Springs NY.
Route 20 features small town intersections like this one in Sharon Springs NY.

Sharon Springs has a rich American heritage, and is proud of it.
Sharon Springs has a rich American heritage, and is proud of it.

Dairyland is where you go for ice cream cones. On Route 20 just as you come to Sharon Springs NY.
Dairyland is where you go for ice cream cones. On Route 20 just as you come to Sharon Springs NY.

Beekman 1802 Shop is home base for the Beekman Boys, as well as their lifestyle brand.
Beekman 1802 Shop is home base for the Beekman Boys, as well as their lifestyle brand.

Sharon Springs is in the heart of agricultural farm land in New York State.
Sharon Springs is in the heart of agricultural farm land in New York State.

Words and Photos by William West Hopper.

Welcome to Queer4Travel

Set sail, be it on land, water or air, for new experiences and adventure.
Set sail, be it on land, water or air, for new experiences and adventure.

Welcome to the world of travel, you do not have to be LGBTQ just Queer4Trave to join us. While we will have an LGBTQ focus, as we are gay.

The world is an amazing place, and so many things to see and experience, no matter who you are, who you love, just enjoy the travel.  As the trip is often as exciting as the destination, and often better than the day-to-day world we all live in.