ROXBURY
When you reach the quiet hamlet of Roxbury, the State Route 30 will be transformed into a timeless maple-lined Main Street. You might think you’ve been transported back in time! Rich with history and architecture, Roxbury also offers other pleasures — golfing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, gallery hopping — with plenty of culinary treats to keep you fueled for your “perfect day.”
Start with a stroll through the emerald gem at the heart of the hamlet — Kirkside
Park’s gorgeous 11-acre “lawn”scape stretches behind
the majestic Gould Church, a field of green beckoning your entire family.
The scent of fresh mown grass accompanies you as you explore this rustic
park Helen Gould Shepard loved, now restored much as she would have remembered
it. Helen, daughter of railroad tycoon and Roxbury native son, Jay Gould,
made Roxbury her summer home and lavished on Kirkside Park the simple yet
elegant landscaping usually reserved for wealthy estates. The park has now
been restored to the 19th century splendor, and the historic barns on site
are currently being restored as museum and exhibition space with other visitor
amenities. With its adirondack-style bridges, gravel paths and the East Branch
of the Delaware meandering through its meadows, Kirkside is the ideal spot
to fish, picnic, ponder or throw a frisbee, all cradled in a stunning mountain
backdrop.
High noon on many summer Saturdays, you’re in for a special treat as this “field of dreams” comes to life and the Roxbury Nine vintage base ball club, with their baggy flannel 1898 uniforms and 19th century style of play, take to the diamond as the true heirs of Kirkside Park. There are no admission fees, no parking hassles, no outrageous salaries or fancy equipment (only the catcher gets a glove!): just pure base ball played for the history and the love of the game, and genuine sportsmanship that harkens back to an earlier time. (Backtalk the ump and you will get fined a nickel!) You’ll find the entire season schedule for the Roxbury Nine here.
Once a year, on Labor Day weekend, the Roxbury community hosts “Turn of the Century Days” and turns the clock back to 1898. On September 2-3, all of Roxbury will greet you in their fin-de-siecle finest with food, music, period fashion shows and pastimes, walking tours, horse drawn wagons, newsboys hawking an 1898 Roxbury Times and a two-day vintage base ball tournament.
Soak in more breath-taking mountain scenery while you take in a few holes of golf at Shephard Hills. Perched on the mountainside above the village, the course boasts some of the most challenging terrain in the region. The friendly staff, with a full service pro shop, can supply everything you need to hit the fairways. The newly renovated 1911 Stone Clubhouse offers the most scenic views in the area along with a full service restaurant and tavern. Even folks who don’t golf enjoy spending time at Shephard Hills for the food -- and the view!
There are hikes along the Catskill Scenic Trail that offer beauty and fresh air for walkers and climbers of all abilities. For the more ambitious hiker, trek up to the stone terraces just outside Kirkside Park. Horseback riding at Stone Tavern Farm, mountain biking at Plattekill and kayaking — the whole outdoors — are right at your fingertips.
Be sure to enjoy Roxbury at street level too: the entire hamlet is on the National and State Register of Historic Places. Its maple-lined Main Street is a feast of 19th century architecture, from the most humble vernacular homes to the truly grand Victorians, and guided or do-it-yourself walking tours are available. Roxbury's dedication to its heritage and its integration of its history in tourism, education and recreation recently earned it official White House designation as a "Preserve America" community, one of only a handful of New York towns to receive this prestigious distinction.
Roxbury isn't just history, though, it's also hip and happening. You can gallery hop right in the heart of the hamlet. The Enderlin Gallery has established a strong reputation for aesthetic excellence and value in contemporary fine art since it opened in 2002. You’ll see established and emerging artists, a wide stylistic range of painting, sculpture and photography. Whether you’re a collector or just want to see what’s up, you’re always welcome. At The Roxbury Arts Group’s Walt Meade Gallery as well as in its Main Street gallery space, there’s always something inviting on the walls, often inspired by the visual riches of our area. But “RAG” — founded in 1978 — is much more. Open year round, RAG is the most comprehensive multi-arts cultural organization in the area. It presents concerts, theater, and workshops for kids and adults in all types of expression, from fiber arts to ballet to 10-minute plays. Once a year, RAG sends artists out to roam the area and create “Whet Paint” — artwork on the spot, each of which are sold that day for just $100. In October, they host an all day mountain music jam called Fiddlers! Check the RAG calendar to see what’s happening before you visit.
Golf, base ball, hiking, art — by now you’re starving, and you’ll have choices for every taste in the family. How about authentic? Then take in breakfast at Bud’s, a venerable country eatery where the old-timers gather to gossip. But that’s just one of the many “bistro to biscuits” options within walking distance right in the heart of Roxbury.
If you’re an “eclectic” bunch, The East Branch Cafe-Restaurant-Pizzeria has everything from full evening meals, specialty coffees, outdoor patio dining, and the best pizza in the area. East Branch prides itself on its relaxed atmosphere, its reliance on local produce, and the best paninis west of the Hudson. They’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There is also Fane’s Family Deli, open early and late, to provide comforting homemade meals, wraps and sandwiches, cold cuts and snacks. You can enjoy it all in their newly designed, colorful dining area — or unwind with your lunch streamside, watching the ducks go by, at the outdoor picnic area. As the afternoon dwindles, slip into the aptly named Oasis Coffee and Tea in the newly restored, historic Corner Store for an afternoon bite and soothing aprés-midi aperitif. This newest Roxbury eatery features a healthy, light menu of soups, salads and sandwiches which comes ‘a la carte” with jazz and other appetizing live entertainment in the late afternoon and evening.
Why make it just one perfect day when you can stay at the incomparably chic and homey Roxbury Motel? Those lime green doors tell you you’ve reached the grooviest place in the Catskills. Let the cool mountain air settle in around you, as you and yours raise a welcoming glass of bubbly and the kids settle in with their favorite DVD. This 11-room “boutique motel” offers an entirely fresh twist on the classic country “motor lodge.” Vibrant colors, sleek and thoroughly modern design and a full range of luscious amenities made The Roxbury the 2005 Delaware County Business of the Year. The Roxbury draws travelers from down the road and around the globe.
But don’t end the perfect day just yet — slip into something comfortable and stylish: the chic and cheeky Public Lounge is a pebble’s throw from your motel room. Knock back a latte or a specialty cocktail in this cozy, intimate lounge, enjoy the intriguing wide screen video projections or Euro music videos as your host Andy hits the perfect mood mix throughout the afternoon and evening. Whoever says there’s no nightlife in the country hasn’t been in the Public! It’s the perfect spot to plan your next “perfect day” in Roxbury.