Hamilton, New York

This small town is named after American patriot Alexander Hamilton.  Colgate University is located in Hamilton. As of 2008, Colgate is ranked 17th in U.S. News and World Report's rankings of liberal arts colleges in the United States. It is also listed as one of thirty ‘Hidden Ivies’, or schools of academic excellence.   In summer months, weekly farmers markets are held in Hamilton’s attractive village green, adjacent to its downtown district. Colgate University owns and operates the downtown Palace Theater, a 300-seat performing arts center, and the Barge Canal Cafe, a coffee shop and performing venue for local and student performers. Much of the historic core of the village is part of the Hamilton Village Historic District, which became listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Many of the buildings in today’s village date from 1895, the year of "the great fire" which destroyed much of the village. The Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed Seven Oaks Golf Course is located on the east side of the village. The Picker Art Gallery is inside the Colgate University campus. The Towpath Trail, beginning in the village and extending northward for 6 miles (9.7 km), consists of restored portions of the Chenango Canal towpath.