Oneida Community Mansion House, Sherrill, NY

The Oneida Mansion House was built by the Oneida Community, a “free love” communalist cult that found refuge from persecution on Indian lands. These people built a virtual paradise for themselves, until bickering from within broke it all up. The Mansion is open for tours, and visitors are free to roam the grounds. I wrote a history of the cult– truth can be so stranger than fiction!

Bagg’s Square and Old Fort Schuyler, Utica, NY

Before there was Utica, there was Fort Schuyler. And before there was Walmart, there was Bagg’s Tavern at Bagg’s Square. This site, located north of the city, was the first area in the area to be settled and maintained as a merchant center. It’s quite the experience, exploring this old little building with superhighways roaring around you.

Fly Creek Cider Mill, Fly Creek, NY

Fly Creek Cider Mill is a little jewel just north of Cooperstown. It’s a combination old-fashioned store/ cider mill/ livestock farm/ educational experience. No wonder it’s such a popular place! And who the heck named the town “Fly Creek”?!