Have you ever wandered into a town or neighborhood and wondered why it is the way it is? Why are certain stores located only in certain areas? Is there going to be a difference in choosing to live somewhere more urban than rural (vice versa)?
Whether you’re strolling through the West Village, or hiking in a little town upstate, the surroundings you experience are all thanks to what we call Urban Planning.
What is Urban Planning?
In simple terms, Urban Planning is the process of analyzing and observing a piece of land, and then choosing how we, as the world, are going to use it. What kind of businesses will reside? Do we build new buildings, or use what is already existing on the land? Is this an area in which we need to pay close attention to history and make efforts to preserve it in the creation of something new?
Road Trip
Upon having my fall break this past weekend, I had an itch to get out of the city. As cliche as it may sound, nature was calling my name and for my own good, I decided to listen. You see, this is the first time I’m experiencing fall in a city, and although it may have its perks, nothing compares to the fresh fall air of somewhere wide open and free, not bound by concrete and sheets of metal.
Within minutes of research Saturday night, I stumbled across a small town upstate, called Cold Springs. 1.5 hour train ride. Hiking. Small town shops and businesses.
I’m in.
Cold Spring
When arriving in Cold Spring, it was hard not to immediately admire the layout of this town. It’s not a city, but yet you can still very easily and successfully get around without a car. I, myself being from a very small town, know the importance a vehicle can play, as things tend to be much more spread out- sometimes even taking a 15-minute car ride to get to a grocery store.
But Cold Spring? Cold Spring was different.
After taking the Metro North, 8 stops later I landed at Cold Spring Station. Now previous to this trip, I of course did your basic research- what have others thought of this town when they visited? Do they have the necessities to spend a day there- food, restroom, etc.? But, I didn’t necessarily look up specific distances to get from place to place once I arrived…
However, to me, that’s all a part of the journey. You never truly know a place until you’re there and no amount of research can change that. I needed a weekend to explore and experience something new.
So, I got off the train and was immediately greeted by a parking lot… Oh boy, did I make a mistake…? Will I really be having to call an Uber on my day attempt to disconnect from the technological world? Nope!
Once I looked past the cement lot, I was drawn to a park. No sight of a town yet… but at least I had a place to sit, relax, and regain my bearings. Well, turns out the main part of town was just a 5-minute walk away- so off I went.
My Day
Although Cold Spring isn’t the home of a range like the Smoky Mountains… I would still describe it as a mountain town. Here, this place resides at the bottom of surrounding hills and peaks. The air was cool, the leaves- crip, and the people- kind and pleasant.
On my walk into town, which was entirely able to be done on safe, sidewalked roads by the way… I passed small town homes full of yards and gardens. Halfway there, there is a welcome center with public restrooms. So far so good…
Upon reaching main street, I found exactly what was expected- a coffee shop on the corner, with a wine bar next door, and don’t forget the thrift sale happening at the local church. Everything was being run out of houses… Cold Spring used the land, space, and structure already around. Why urbanize a town so much, when it’s meant to stay small? But don’t let that fool you… this place was booming.
As I looked down main street, with the exception of seeing a few businesses, and the Hudson down at the end, I wondered if this was all that this town was? With a little further exploration, I discovered an underground bridge that led me right into the center of it all.
Cold Spring Coffee. Cold Spring Pizza. Cold Spring Cheese. Cold Spring Depot. The options were endless. In my stroll through the town, I found they have everything someone could need- various clothing boutiques (some speaking to one’s adventurous needs with more Patagonia-wear, while others having more of an upscale aesthetic, for anyone’s “fancy” needs), food (restaurants and markets), a bookstore, etc.
Of course, a tourist town, yet it wasn’t necessarily apparent. There were no “I HEART COLD SPRING” t-shirts staring me in the face. It was one of those towns where the tourists definitely account for a large portion of the business, but yet it’s livable and quaint.
After my exploration of the town, a coffee at Cold Spring Coffee, and some window shopping, I was ready to embark on my hike. So, how do I get there…?
To my surprise, it was a 15-minute walk up the road. As I strolled along the Hudson, I passed more homes and a small baseball field with a little league game taking place. Before I knew it, I was staring at a trail head and a map- and don’t forget the restrooms across the street! Although it seems silly to note, when traveling somewhere you don’t live, it’s important to know what facilities are available to you, and Cold Spring simply had it all.
Cold Spring’s Urban Planning
Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better day. Everything one may need is all located right in the small town of Cold Spring. I was amazed at the walkable ability this place had, all while remaining rural. I successfully was able to navigate several different areas and aspects of the town, all with just my two feet! I do think it is interesting to note however, that in my journey, never once did I stumble upon a gas station. Perhaps this is due to the fact that I was in the strolling part of town.
The town was historical, yet modern. I was able to enjoy the rustic vibes without getting an uneasy feeling that I had just stepped into another century. It was homey, stepping into businesses that resided in what outwardly looked like a house. Around every corner of the street, was a new little adventure.
And although it was hard to find a seat on the train back into the city (because so many people came to escape for the day as I did), you would’ve never known it while in Cold Spring. There’s enough space, business, and activities, to make it feel as though it’s just you and the mountains.
