Arts and Entertainment

Sometimes the name says it all such as “Lincoln Boyhood Home National Memorial.” Other times the name is misleading. Such was the case with the Root Farm in Sauquoit near Utica. I was expecting a farm growing beets, carrots and other root vegetables. It turns out it is named for its founder, Alice Root. The name does not do it justice.

Thomas Cole was born in 1801 in England and immigrated to the United States. By the time the 1800s rolled around most of England and Europe had been turned into farmland or villages and cities so there were very few forested areas. Cole was enthralled with the scenery of the Hudson Valley and painted many works of art that personified the beauty and serenity of the area. His work gained him the status as being the founder of the Hudson River School of Art, a movement that flourished in the mid-19th century creating many landscape artists.

Down a tree-lined road with luxury homes snugged behind the trees is Sagamore, the place Teddy Roosevelt called home. He named it after Sagamore Mohannis who, as chief of his tribe, signed away his rights to the land. Roosevelt’s first wife, Alice, and his mother died on the same day. His wife died of Bright’s disease giving birth to their daughter, Alice; and his mother of typhoid fever. Roosevelt married again. He and his new wife, Edith, called Sagamore home for their family which included their three children, Teddy Jr., Kermit, and Ethel along with Roosevelt’s first daughter, Alice.

John and I often drive between Central New York and the New York City/Long Island area. And, when we don’t take the train, we usually take the NYS Thruway. Why? We have Easy Pass and it’s convenient. This last trip we decided to take the Taconic State Parkway. The Taconic State Parkway is a 104.12-mile, limited access, divided scenic highway snugged between the rolling hills of the Berkshires and the Hudson.

John and I had visited the St. Marie Among the Iroquois a couple of times years ago but I knew it had been redone so decided it was time to revisit. We were impressed with the changes and, as always, inspired by the Native American’s perspective on Mother Nature. In reality, the site is two historic sites and there are great views of Onondaga Lake. The museum, which was closed for a couple of years, reopened on November 21, 2015, and is now called Skä•noñh-Great Law of Peace Center.

There is time for one more outing before the young ones start the new school year. Hershey is a great destination for the whole family. The story of Hershey is fascinating. Milton Hershey established a company town that had the workers in mind. Not to milk them of their pay so they “owed their soul to the company store,” but he created a model community that included housing, schools, church and parks.

I love small museums especially if they deal with only one topic, that way I can conquer it in an hour or two and remember what it was all about. Here are eight small museums in close proximity to Central New York. Great summer day trips. Call the museum first because many rely on volunteers so are only open a few days a week but will often open upon request.