ROAD TRIP

10 Coolest Small Towns: Port Jervis

These towns all have fewer than 10,000 people—but they can rival larger cities when it comes to good food, culture, and quality of life.

By Karen Tina Harrison, September 2008 issue  |  Subscribe to the magazine
Port Jervis, N.Y. (Michael Mohr)

Port Jervis, N.Y.
Population: 9,161
Nearest City: New York, 93 miles

Priced out of New York City by rising rents, many artists and shopkeepers are moving to this old railroad and canal hub on the Delaware River. "You can own a house with real character at a price that's unheard of downstate," says Mark Washburn, who opened an arts and crafts furniture store, Bungalow Antiques & Unusuals, with his partner, Billy Stephens, last year (80 Front St., 845/858-8021).

Cheap commercial real estate also attracted Gordon Graff and Debbie Raia. They started a gallery, UpFront Exhibition Space, four months ago to showcase the works of emerging artists and to host poetry and short-story readings (31 Jersey Ave., 845/856-2666, upfrontexhibitionspace.blogspot.com). The couple also owns Twenty Seven Gallery, an antiques store up the street (27 Front St., 845/856-2727). Visitors can stay at the 1880s Erie Hotel, which has nine single rooms (9 Jersey Ave., 845/858-4100, $70). The best dining option is Restaurant at 20 Front, housed in a neoclassical former bank. Chef Daniel Weber cooks American dishes like chorizo-stuffed pork chops and butternut squash risotto (20 Front St., 845/856-8955, twentyfront.com, pork chops $24).

> See photos of the coolest small towns

> See available real estate in the coolest small towns

COOLEST SMALL TOWNS

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REAL ESTATE: COOLEST SMALL TOWNS 2008
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Note:This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
 

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