Main Street News

Whitney got a bit nostalgic this holiday season and is sharing fond memories and thoughts of Millerton, NY, a place she called home for over 20 years. For those not in the know, Whitney served as the editor of The Millerton News for the majority of that time, and as a result, became intimately connected to this community and its people. Since moving out of the area, she wanted to reflect on fond memories. Enjoy. 

It’s been a tumultuous 2024, especially with the lead-up to the presidential election. But now we’ve finally reached year’s end and the holiday season – the singular time when most people are willing to set aside their differences and focus on what most would agree truly matters – family, friends, and faith.

It’s not important what religion one practices or what holiday one celebrates: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, Bodhi Day, or something else. The point is, December is when many holidays are celebrated and when the hope is that most of America, and the world, will set aside our differences so that everyone can celebrate their faith and their holiday in peace.

A more relaxed pace of life

Here in New York’s Harlem Valley and its immediate environs, crossing east into Connecticut’s Northwest Corner and northward to Massachusetts’ Berkshire Foothills, residents are well aware of how fortunate they are to live in such a magical part of the country. The growing number of tourists who have likewise discovered our heavenly homeland have added to the burgeoning crowds in our shops and restaurants – many loving it so much they’ve created an uptick in second-home sales – not that business owners or realtors are complaining. 

Part of the appeal that draws so many to small towns and villages like North East and Millerton, respectively; the town of Amenia, just nine miles south of Millerton; the town of Pine Plains, also nine miles away, due west from Millerton; or the village of Millbrook, about 30 minutes southwest from Millerton; is often reported to be the slower and more relaxed pace of life.

A sense of community

Let’s face it, life is a whole lot simpler, or at least a whole lot more peaceful, in the country than it is in the city or even in the suburbs. Come holiday time, that peace and fellowship is more of a gift than people might realize. Just spend some time elsewhere in the world to get an idea of how chaotic the holidays can be to appreciate how rare our locally-rooted hometown holiday traditions are. Residents here are pretty darn fortunate to have such civic-minded folks serving in their municipalities, in their fire departments, at their libraries, with their VFWs and their American Legions, and volunteering with countless local organizations, to help create festive holiday events for themselves and their families – because not everyone’s hometown offers that.

Places like Millerton, for example, foster an incredible sense of community and connection during the holidays. For generations, the Millerton Fire Company has hosted a Parade of Lights. The tradition began in the village back in 1959 and has been a major focal point of the holiday season ever since, drawing families with excited young children, high school sweethearts, middle-aged married couples, and even seniors in their twilight years who still have a twinkle in their eyes when they glance in each other’s direction. Regardless of who bumps into whom watching the parade and tree lighting, which the all-volunteer grassroots community beautification group Townscape helps prepare for, there are always shared traits and behaviors among the parade-goers: broad smiles, gleeful laughter, and claps of delight.

Along with holiday fun at the Parade of Lights, tree lighting, and after-party at the Millerton Firehouse on Century Boulevard, the village itself is pretty much bedecked for the season through December. The final effect is charming, as Millerton on a normal day is enticing enough. But, add a bit of holiday glitter and glamor, sparkle and shine, and it’s nearly impossible not to succumb to the spell of the season.

A dollar spent locally, stays locally

Then, of course, there’s the fact that Millerton boasts some of the coolest shops, boutiques, antique stores, galleries and eateries in the region, making shopping there a thrill. Adding to the experience is that local businesses offer the type of intimate attention that’s next-to-impossible to find in a traditional store these days. Such specialized service is really only available to those who shop in uber-exclusive retail environments, where one must be willing to part with a lot of dough – but that’s not necessary in Millerton, as prices here allow for every budget.

What I’ve always loved most about shopping locally, aside from knowing that I’m supporting my friends and neighbors, is the connections I get to make while I’m out and about. It’s a special kind of thing, going into my community, mulling about, seeing everyone I know, catching up and having a good chat. It helps one reconnect, engage and foster that sense of creating a strong and stable hometown.

That’s what helps build community, that’s part of why I’ve always loved Millerton, and it’s part of why I will always consider Millerton my home – no matter where I wind up in the world.

A genuine connection

Millerton is a great example of how so many rural communities in the Hudson Valley and beyond function, and why full- and part-time residents here love the region. Whether one’s hometown is carved into a hamlet, a village, a town or a city, our communities seem to encourage a genuine connection among neighbors more so than many of the other places I’ve lived throughout my life. Perhaps that’s because of the region’s rural roots, back when we had to lean on one another for our livelihoods in more meaningful and integrated ways, or perhaps it’s because of those who reside in the area today who were drawn here by like interests, whether those interests were conservation and environmental stewardship; natural beauty and outdoor activities; local attractions, education, or professional work; or a variety of other reasons – but those are just some of my own personal theories based on conjecture. 

Whatever has drawn people here throughout the years, the fact is it’s an incredibly peaceful and lovely place to spend time and, if you’re lucky, to call home. It also turns into a winter wonderland come holiday time, making for an absolutely enchanting experience.

What truly counts

Small towns simply seem to come alive during the holidays, when humanity appears to be at its best. Here in the Hudson Valley, it’s easy to stumble upon dozens of dozens of small and beautiful communities where one can get lost in twinkling lights and local traditions. And don’t get me wrong, one is almost lovelier than the next. I’m partial to one in particular, and no, I’m not claiming to be impartial. I am completely biased, and I’m perfectly fine with that. After all, I’ve spent decades in Millerton and have a great affinity for this tiny village, with its people, its businesses, and its special energy.

That’s exactly why I’d encourage travelers to head to the far end of northeastern Dutchess County, to a small pinpoint on the map where the village of Millerton boasted a population of just 862 in the 2022 US Census. 

Regardless of the low resident count, one will encounter loads of friendly faces, be greeted with an outpouring of warmth and sincerity, and be reminded of what truly counts during the holidays: joy and peace. 

I can all but guarantee the gift you’ll get from a visit to this gem of a village is gratitude – and pure enjoyment from a simple holiday experience that cannot be gained from any urban environment – no matter how hard they may try to manufacture it.