Three Business Success Stories in the Town of Esopus

Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses

Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses sits on a 250 year-old farm that incorporates over 65 acres of naturally landscaped property including foreboding woods, surreal ponds, fruit orchards and more. It has won awards from MTV American Airlines, HauntWorld, New York Daily News, CNBC, Fangoria, and more. It has been featured on The Travel Channel, Comedy Central, Emeril Live, Good Morning America, Nightline, CBS Evening News, and The Today Show.

The Birchez at Esopus

Opened in 2009, The Birchez at Esopus in Ulster Park, NY, is an 80-unit, affordable senior housing community overlooking the Hudson River. Named New York State Association for Affordable Housing’s (NYSAFAH) Project of the Year in spring 2010, The Birchez at Esopus is also one of four national finalists for Senior Project of the Year for Affordable Housing Finance Magazine (and featured in their July/August issue). It is also the first new construction, low rise multi family to be designated an Energy $mart Building by the New York State Energy Research & Development Agency (NYSERDA) for over 30% energy savings.

Town of Esopus Library

On April 15, 2007, The Town of Esopus Library celebrated the opening of a new, environmentally green building. NYSERDA provided funding to incorporate energy efficient measures which led to being designated a high performance building. The library uses two solar arrays: one on the roof and one in the back yard. A geothermal heat/cooling system keeps the temperature comfortable, and with an 80 person Community Room, we offer wonderful programs for all ages. The town had rallied around this project, and led by an Eagle Scout, the townspeople volunteered to move the entire library collection from 189 Broadway to its current location at 128 Canal St. Creating a community place and outdoor learning center was essential to the vision of the townspeople. As a part of our low environmental impact, we have a pond created from ground water runoff in which turtles, frogs and fish thrive, and with the addition of a new vegetable garden, opportunities for outdoor learning abound.  Beautiful views of the Hudson River and Esopus Lighthouse, as well as a robust collection, make the Town of Esopus Library a great destination.