Arts and Entertainment

Rome, Italy, may be called the “Eternal City” but Rome actually started several miles southwest of present-day Rome in a place called Ostia. Today Ostia Antica is an archeological site near the modern resort town of Ostia. Two thousand years ago, Ostia Antica was located at the mouth of the Tiber River making it an important commercial city with a population of around 60,000. It declined as the harbor silted up eliminating its place in the trading market and making way for the growth of what is Rome today.

Labor Day usually signals the end of summer for most of us. But, it is one of the best times to travel, especially midweek when the crowds are less. It is the perfect time to visit Kingston, Canada – for the day or longer. I love the ferry from Cape Vincent and then the ride across Wolf Island – take note of all the windmills.

I knew that Harden Furniture Company in McConnellsville was in the process of being sold and thought maybe they would have some great deals in their showroom. The internet said that the company was open so John and I decided to check it out. The factory was open but only operating on a limited basis but they hoped the changeover would be completed in a couple weeks and then they would be back in operation. However, it was not a lost day. On the way back, just before we entered Camden, we saw a sign for Forest Park.

Toronto is only four hours or so from central New York. Take the southern route one way and the northern route the other. Do it while the ferry from Cape Vincent is operational. The ferry stops on Oct. 17 this year.

Need a great summer daytrip? Check out Rochester. There are indoor places where you can escape the heat and outdoor things where you can relish summertime. Rochester was first called Rochesterville after its founder Nathaniel Rochester who established the settlement in 1811. It has grown into a thriving city with many exciting things to see and do.