Oneonta

In 2005, Steven and Patricia Kent donated 1036 acres of land to the state as a part of the Robert V Riddell State Park. It had been in Patricia's family since 1871 and the park was therefore named after her father. In 2008 Hartwick College sold an additional 840 acres to the park but retained the use of it for outdoor education and research. The northern section of the park was formerly agricultural land whereas the southern section is forested. Also in the north, is Schevenus Creek, a trout stream and tributary of the Susquehanna River. Mud Lake is a bog in the park. It is rich in peat and has floating mats of sphagnum moss and carnivorous plants.

Delaware Otsego Audubon Soc. Sanctuary was established in 1968 and has been a member of the national body since 1970. They raise awareness of the importance of birds and provide opportunities for the public to interact with them. The society organizes monthly bird counts by species and location. Their 100 acre sanctuary has a variety of habitats and marked trails which enable visitors to see not only birds but the resident mammals, amphibians and reptiles. The annual Open Day and week-long Summer Day Camp are held at the sanctuary. The Franklin Mt provides panoramic views of the town and is the focal point for a hawk watch.

52 Grange Hall Rd. Spur, Oneonta, NY, Phone: 607-397-3815

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

A.J. Read Science Discovery Center was started by Albert Read, in 1990. He was a retired physics professor at the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Oneonta and director of the center until 2005. Admission is free to this hands on science museum which adults and children find interesting. It is located in the Physical Science building at SUNY. There are more than 80 simple science experiments at the center, focusing mainly on physics. The center hosts schools and other interested groups and schedules events such as the annual Nano Day. There is also a planetarium at SUNY.

108 Ravine Parkway Oneonta, NY 13820, Phone: 607-436-3500

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Willard Yager (1855-1929) was the publisher of the Oneonta Herald. He established the Oneonta Normal School which later became the State University of New York (SUNY) College at Oneonta. He wrote several books on Native Americans and the history of the area. He also accumulated approximately 6000 artifacts and meticulously documented them. He started a museum adjacent to his house which he called Long House. This he bequeathed to Hartwick College. His sister added an endowment in 1959. Yager Museum of Art & Culture has collections of contemporary art, archaeological findings, ethnography and the history of the first human settlements in the area.

Oneonta, New York 13820, Phone: 888-HARTWICK

The objectives of the Community Arts Network of Oneonta are to link artists, promote the arts and educate the community. They run three galleries showcasing monthly, solo and collaborative exhibits and an annual members' show. There are music evenings on the second Tuesday of each month with an open mic session and a featured artist. The Writers' Salon is on each third Thursday where writers read their works and share thoughts with others. The network offers after school art and music lessons for beginners and hosts regular fundraisers and the annual Art and Music Festival.

Wilber Mansion, 11 Ford Ave., Oneonta, NY 13820, Phone: 607-432-2070

Lawrence Swart (1755-1841) purchased 230 acres of land along the north bank of the Susquehanna River. He built a house and lived there with his family until his death. Subsequently, much of the land was sold to the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad and their workers. The house and remaining 74 acres were sold to newlyweds, Henry and Phoebe Wilcox in 1867. They updated it according to Victorian style. Henry was in the lumber industry and farmed the land. He kept a daily diary of his experiences. The last Wilcox son died there in 1970. The Friends of the Swart-Wilcox House opens the Swart-Wilcox House Museum on Sundays in summer.

Wilcox Ave, Oneonta, NY 13820

Where to Eat

Local farm fresh food, craft beers and wines from New Yorks' vineyards can all be enjoyed at Sloan's NY Grill. Everything is cooked from scratch, using a variety of cooking methods. Dry rubs, marinades, roasting, smoking and grilling all bring out the best in the rich, country flavors. Vegetarian options are made from the freshest of local herbs and vegetables There are lunch, dinner, bar and catering menus. The butchery retails beef and chicken cuts and the bakery sells pies, cakes, cookies, bread and seasonal fruit pies and flans. Sloan's is closed on Mondays.

337 Chestnut Street, Oneonta NY 13820, Phone: 607-267-4779

The Garufi family restaurant, Pizza Land, was renowned for its pizza pies. Tino's Pizza and Restaurant became a spinoff of the main business. Pizza by the slice was sold out of the back of the downtown Black Oak Tavern. As demand grew, Agatino and Nancy opened their own restaurant. They can make any dish taste good as a pizza and they have a range of unique salads as side dishes. They invented the cold cheese pizza because university students regularly burnt their mouths in their haste to consume the food. Diners can choose to dine in, order take outs or have their food delivered.

180 Main Street, Oneonta, Phone: 607-432-0008