05/23/2026
Out on a 40-mile training loop the other day, spinning through some of those classic Hudson Valley destinations, I was impressed with the hustle and bustle of the town centers. You know the vibe—the kind of towns that tourists flock to, where people happily stroll the sidewalks with an iced coffee or a scoop of ice cream, taking photos of the historic architecture and the mandatory town cannon on the village green.
It got me thinking as I rode back into town. Why not us?
Seriously, look at what we have right here at our own crossroads. We have creative and cozy restaurants, a sweet local ice cream shop, a cracker jack chiropractor, a world-class independent bookstore, an old-school butcher, a square dealing frame shop, and a whole lineup of fantastic independent shops. Pound for pound, our local business scene completely holds its own. Yet, we get overlooked as a "destination."
Why?
Well, history might have the answer, and it’s time for a radical theory: We traded our soul for a California marketing gimmick.
For two hundred proud years, this place was Adamsville. It was a name rooted in local heritage, grit, and actual identity. But somewhere along the line, we co-opted "Delmar"—an ersatz, manufactured California misnomer that sounds more like a coastal subdivision than a historic Northeast hamlet. Saugerties kept its name. Kinderhook kept its name. They kept their history, and they reap the rewards.
So, here is the modest proposal to instantly put us on the map:
Switch it back. Let’s reclaim the proud Adamsville name that worked just fine for centuries.
Lose the eyesore. Demolish the vacant, run-down tavern at the Four Corners.
We already have the booblehead clock, let's grab a cannon too! Plant some vibrant green grass, acquire a proper piece of vintage artillery like every other cool town in the valley, and create a beautiful new village common right at our central intersection.
Imagine a vibrant green space where a derelict building used to be—a place to sit, feed the ducks, gather, and maybe even grab some small-batch artisanal fruit sorbet on a hot summer afternoon.
Let's stop pretending we’re a sunny West Coast suburb. Let’s reclaim our crossroads, honor our roots, and build a destination.
Who is ready to bring back Adamsville? 🚩💥
