New Paltz, NY

"Oldest street in America"

Nominated by Stephen Deck

The Huegonot family, pictured near the Deyo House, anchor historic New Paltz. (Credit: Stephen Deck)

This town hosts the French huguenot houses that date back to the seventeenth century. It is a national histiric landmark and tours of them are available. It also has a State university of NY campus. There are many local hotels and restaurants.

The huguenots have many activities on there grounds. There are holiday activities and colonial day and paintings of the houses. Lectures are given on issues such as slavery (most of the original French huguenots were slave owners but fought in the civil war as abolitionists). All in all, it offers some hospitality. I am personally related to several of the original twelve families who founded the town.