Essex, New York

Back in June (How in the world are we ending the month of August already? How is this the last day of August?! Where has this summer gone?!?!) we made the trip to go to Essex, New York to visit Essex Farms. You may have remembered this instagram photo where I shared that we had made the trip to Essex Farms as we were exploring their organic and natural produce. It was not only a gorgeous day but it was a gorgeous farm to visit. It was a little bit of a trek but my heart leaped when I was invited to drive a tractor and horses to help plow! Seriously ... when I get better! (Yes, I dream of a farm life and living in the country. *smiles*) I can't wait to share some pictures of the farm but I wanted to share a few pictures of Essex, New York first because it is absolutely delightful.

When I was a kid we would only go to Essex maybe once or twice a summer but it has a special place in my heart and truly is one of my favorite towns in the United States. I honestly would love to live there. The surrounding area is simply gorgeous country and is settled right in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. It has a lovely mixture of historic and new, a lovely art community, and is absolutely adorable. There are adorable eateries, a wonderful inn (that also has a lovely dining experience), and absolutely gorgeous buildings from the late 1700 and 1800's. It is important to note that Essex, New York is definitely an "all around year town" but many of the businesses & shops on main street close down at the end of October. They "re-open" for the first week of December (which I would love to see someday!) and then close again until the beginning of May! If y'all have never visited I completely recommend it! Until then I hope these pictures inspire a future trip!

The churches stone walls are so intricate and absolutely beautiful!

Like I mentioned above, Essex is a wonderful mixture of new and old. There are many antique shops to be found (like the one below - the picture on the left that was written up in Country Magazine) and many old buildings that have been restored and used as historical museums. I must have taken over a hundred pictures just on the gorgeous architecture but don't want to overwhelm y'all in this post! *smiles*

One of my favorite buildings since I was a teenager is the Essex Library (or "The Belden Noble Memorial Library")! The architecture on this ancient building is stunning and is the quintessential "Book Lovers Dream". As you step through the doors you feel like you are stepping back in time and escaping into another world- even before you pick up a book!

And as a teenage girl I would often walk out with a book or two found at the book sale looking up at these beautiful balconies and dreaming of love and a knight on a white horse coming to meet me and bring me flowers. (Can you tell that I am a romantic at heart?!? *smiles*)

Finally, Essex is often visited as a "stopping point" to go over to Southern Vermont by Ferry. I definitely recommend this (y'all know I love the Lake and Ferries)! Similar to what I mentioned above though you would want to check the ferry schedule as times and dates of usage change throughout the year and seasons.