Pine Plains

Pine Plains has a few things going for it, and these positives nicely offset any negatives, which are mostly due to the size and economic level of the town.

First, I've been hiking in the Stissing Lake Park, and I loved the amazing view from the top of the mountain. It's not an incredibly difficult climb but it's great to get to the top, as outside of the mountain there are very few hills or other mountains, so you can see a really long ways from the top. It's really quite beautiful. I read up on Stissing Mountain a bit, and in the past they used it as a lookout for forest fires, and I can see why they used it. Like The Who sang, I can see for miles!

In addition to the beautiful outdoor scenery, there's a wonder quaint charm to Pine Plains itself. The various establishments all have a really authentic feeling and flavor that sets them above so many similar places. The Stissing House is a great place to get a bite to eat, with a nice selection of very American food, from steaks and duck to burgers and gourmet pizza, and the service is very friendly. Overall I've been impressed. The local pharmacy (I've never had to fulfill a prescription) is very cool as well, and has a small town friendliness that I like. I'm sure if I needed a prescription filled it would be a pleasure getting it here.

Pine Plains is also fairly safe, and the schools are supposed to be good, as I've heard Seymour Smith High School is above average, and I'm pretty sure I've been waited on by some of the students when dining at the Stissing House, and I can attest to their friendliness and professionalism. That, in my opinion, bodes well for the school.

All in all, I would give Pine Plains a very high score. It's a solid small town that can be a bit sleepy or slow at times, but it's not so bad that you will hate it, and there are great options for getting out and hiking some beautiful scenery. Not the best I suppose, but definitely above average.