Discovered in 1609 by Henry Hudson, Columbia County was home first to Dutch and German Settlers. Today the Dutch Colonial tradition lives on, with many fine examples of colonial and federal architecture still existing throughout the county. Antique collectors can have a heyday here!
More than thirty antique shops and centers throughout the county offer American, English and Continental antiques from every historic period. In addition to the traditional county craft fairs, church bazaars and auctions, Columbia County provides excellent outdoor recreational activities, fascinating museums and a variety of exciting cultural events. New York State's oldest county fair is held in Chatham every Labor Day. And the Columbia County Council on the Pas takes pride in its varied program of performing arts offered year-round.
Columbia County rekindles fond memories of an era gone by. Its county lanes, winding creeks and spectacular fall foliage are just some of the attractions that make many people decide to call Columbia County "home".
Churches
There are numerous places of worship in Columbia County representing numerous denominations. Many sponsor youth groups, adult classes and community activities in addition to formal religious services. Check the local papers for formal service times and locations.
Medical
Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson serves the county. For information call 518-828-7601. Northern Columbia County is just a short commute from hospitals in Albany.
Transportation
Bus: Mountain View bus lines provides morning and evening express runs to the state office buildings in downtown Albany.
Rail: AMTRAK has rail service to destinations nationwide and in Canada. Located in Hudson and Rensselaer. For Rensselaer information call 518-462-5763.
Air: Columbia County Airport on 9H serves small planes. The Albany International Airport for commercial flights, is located in Colonie.
Clubs
& Organizations
A large number of both civic organizations and cultural oriented groups exist. In order to find out more about these groups and when they meet, call the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce at 518-828-4417.
Local shopping is available in small shops and plazas. For shopping centers, Albany and Hudson offer the most centrally located malls. Numerous farm stands, country stores and gift shops can be found throughout the County.
Library
The Kinderhook Memorial Library in Kinderhook offers a number of programs to the public including story hours for juveniles, monthly exhibitions of local artists' work and book and album loan programs. For information call 518-758-6192. The Chatham Public Library provides an inter library loan system and access to films, video cassettes and computer software. For information call 518-392-3666.
In Hudson, the Hudson Area Library Association offers story hours and summer films for children, record loans, an Apple computer and a video cassette player available to the public. For further information call 518-828-1792. The North Chatham Library Branch is located on Rt. 203. For information call 518-766-3211.
Parks
& Recreation
Festivals and parades make Columbia County a great place to be for a celebration! The Van Alen Festival and Antique Fair, held the third Sunday in June in the Town of Kinderhook is always a treat for collectors of memorabilia. New York State's oldest county fair is held every Labor Day weekend in Chatham with all the fine traditions that mark a real county fair.The Mac-Hayden Theater offers an excellent selection of Broadway musicals and children's theater. The Spencertown Academy presents a variety of musical and cultural treats, also. For family outings, you might like to visit the Firefighters Museum in Hudson or the Shaker Museum in Old Chatham. The Shaker Museum also sponsors one of the county's largest festivals on the first Saturday in August featuring a renowned flea market which draws thousands. For a change of pace, the family might enjoy the auto races in Lebanon or a bicycle tour in the country. For those who thrive on outdoor activities, Columbia County offers them all: boating, hiking, fishing, fall foliage tours, plus skiing and ice skating in the winter. No matter what the season, you'll find an enjoyable activity in Columbia County!
