Pine Plains in Dutchess County, New York, was settled around 1740, and the town was formed in 1823. Today the town is made up of the following communities: Bethel, Hammertown, Mount Ross, Pachin Mills, the hamlet named Pine Plains and Pulvers Corners.

It is said that Jerry Herman developed his musical skills in the area in the 1940s. He went on to create many Tony Award-winning musicals including “Mame.” Pine Plains was the originally home of the Tri-State Center for the Arts, now known as TriArts Sharon Playhouse. While in Pine Plains, the regional theater performed in the Carvel warehouse.

Those who live in the family-friendly area enjoy the scenic backdrop and easy access to art and culture. According to the Pine Plains Central School District, the communities that make up the district “are supported by a number of dairy farms, horse farms and small businesses. Many residents commute to employment in Kingston, Poughkeepsie and Westchester County.”  There are six major colleges within an hour’s drive, including Bard, Marist, Vassar, the State University of New York at New Paltz, State University of New York at Albany and Dutchess and Columbia Greene community colleges.