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Warwick is known for its quaint shops and antiques, but those who live and work in the town and village say there's more than just Victorian charm.
Where else can you stick your toe onto Main Street and stop traffic? Yes, it's the law for drivers to stop for pedestrians, but these drivers actually smile as they wait for you to walk to the other side. There's no rushing here. Even during the week, residents sit outside, enjoying a cup of java outside one of the various cafes.
How many places can still say they have their own pharmacy, bookstore, toy shop, card store, hardware shop, newspapers and publishing company that aren't owned by a big chain? In the town, there are family- owned farms and apple orchards. In the winter, real Christmas trees are sold. What other place has its Chamber of Commerce housed in an old train caboose? And where can you find handmade chocolate, ice cream and a bakery strictly for pets, all within walking distance of one another?
The Village of Warwick has won awards for its floral decorations, but residents say what makes it flourish the most are the people. "Even though it's an old community, it feels forever new," says Mayor Michael Newhard. "It loves its past, but it's not a slave to its past. There's room for new generations, thoughts and ideas." So come take a tour of Warwick as part of Times Herald-Record's 50 Things to Love series.
1. The little mom-and-pop shops
2. The people
3. The beautiful peace wall for Sept. 11 built by third- and fourth-graders at Sandfordville Elementary School
4. The volunteers
5. The scenery
6. Family-owned farms and apple orchards
7. The beauty and practicality of The Clocktower business center
8. Its rich history
9. The gorgeous Victorian houses with their wrap-around porches
10. Style Counsel "real clothes for real people"
11. The Port of Call gallery and gifts
12. The Red Hat Society tea party at Victorian Treasures shop
13. The floral centerpiece in town
14. Merchants who know their customers by name More>> |
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Warwick is a town of villages and hamlets in the hills of the Shawangunk Mountains in Orange County's Appalachians. It's a magical mix of history, country, romance and culture that brings people to these mountains – where the daily grind is left behind. Located 55 miles from New York City, the Town of Warwick has a distinctly rural character with rolling hills and farmland dotted with red barns and gracious old farmhouses.
Warwick is an award-winning town, having achieved the status of a "quality community" by New York's Governor Pataki. Warwick's Applefest was recently designated as one of the country's top 100 events. The town, renowed for its Victorian charm, sophisticated culture and agriculture, is home to many talented artists, musicians, crafts people and performing groups – with several at galleries featuring fine arts and crafts and several theatre groups. Artists come to Warwick for affordability and proximity to the city, and for the quality of life – it is scenic, quaint and quiet.
Twenty-five years ago, the stores on Main Street served the farm community. In the 80's, young entrepreneurs recognized that Warwick was having a real estate boom and grabbed the opportunity of an urbane market and the rebirth of tourism. The infrastructure was there for a successful shopping area – far enough away from the malls – thus, it re-emerged into special niche stores. |
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