Location: Fort Plain
Top Things to do in Fort Plain
What to do and see in Fort Plain, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Fort Plain is a village in Montgomery County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the village population was 2,322. The village is named after a fort built during the American Revolution at the junction of the Mohawk River and its tributary Otsquago Creek.
Restaurants in Fort Plain
1. Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
This Diamond Mine & Campground is now under new ownership & management, as of February, 2017! We offer camping, including primitive tent sites, other sites (tenting, trailers, RVs) with electric and water, a dump station and showers. Mining for Herkimer Diamond Quartz Crystals is also available at our location. Come try your luck!
Reviewed By Sandis415 - Grants Pass, Oregon
After being on the road for 10 hours (took an hour off for sit down dinner) we arrived late, tired, after dark. We didn't anticipate speed limits of 50 & 55 MPH on the NY Turnpike because of contruction. (Highly recommend the turnpikes, yes there are tolls to be paid, nevertheless, there's less traffice, no signal lights nor stop signs, AND they save miles!) Do not know the names of camp hosts as there were no name tags, nor did they introduce themselves. Guessing they're the owners. A woman walked out of dwelling/ house across from office, crossed in front of our RV with no acknowledgment, over to the office. We exited our coach to follow her.
Once inside the office I apologized for arriving later than we had anticipated. Even that was not appreciated. When she gave instructions as to where our site was, Rob looked out the door to make sense of it. She made a comment, "the is the orientation time that I'm telling you now ". WOW! She was irritated that Rob was not clear on where to go. Granted everyone's tired, it had been a long day, nevertheless, she's lacking respect, quite unpleasant. Did I mention that it's dark out, no exterior lighting whatsoever. Had we the energy, and there was still some sunshine, we would've chosen a rest stop for a few hours over her attitude. Wondering if we interrupt her TV time?
As we hunted for our site, finally a gentleman drove up in a golf cart to show us exactly where the site was and was more helpful. We will never return.
It is beautiful, however we didn't appreciate the way we were treated.
2. Spring House Spa
Overall Ratings
5 based on 78 reviews
The opening of the Spring House Spa marks the return of spa services to historic Sharon Springs. We offer a menu of restorative programs that include skincare, massage, exfoliations and body wraps. Our carefully selected retail lines feature botanical products that naturally beautify the body, face and home. The Spring House Spa combines the luxury and amenities of a modern spa with the hospitality and old world charm that is uniquely Sharon Springs.
Reviewed By svan1 - Westchester
Property is charming. Staff were super welcoming. Therapist took a good deal of time with us prior to massage, customizing our aromatherapy oils (which we were sweetly packaged and presented to us to keep after services). An ultra personal experience, and technically, the best massage I have ever had. I left feeling thoroughly relaxed and more centered. We will definitely be returning for services during our "Girls" get away in the Fall.
3. Arkell Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
The mission of the Arkell Museum at Canajoharie and the Canajoharie Library is to promote and celebrate the understanding and enjoyment of the arts and humanities in Canajoharie, the Mohawk Valley, and beyond. The Arkell Museum collects, preserves, researches and presents American Art and Mohawk Valley History, and promotes active participation in art and history related activities, to enhance knowledge, appreciation and personal exploration by all.
Reviewed By Old_Tyme_Farmer - Mohawk Valley
Stopped here recently to view the Erie Canal exhibit for the bicentennial of the canal. Although I enjoyed the exhibit which gives a good grounding in life along and on the canal through the ages the museum itself doesn't present an inviting welcome to visitors.
The museum building itself is an unappealing non-descript white box obviously intended to mimic the decaying Beech-nut factory building across the street and incongruously grafted onto the charming 18th century Dutch limestone styled library. The idea would have been much better aesthetically if the museum were physically separated from the library and connected via garden paths.
Within the museum the visitor is greeted with a charmless gray, white, and black expanse. The garden area so prominent in the photos is off limits from the street and only accessible from within with difficulty. Even on cloudy days the garden view is obscured by dark blinds that conceal the outdoors.
Adding to the disappointment were acres of white folding chairs obscuring what was intended to be a showpiece mural of the area landscape and hydrology.
4. Fort Plain Museum & Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By NCRedhead105 - Cary, North Carolina
This was our first stop on a tour of the American Revolution in New York. The guide was very helpful and gave us a one-on-one tour of the museum. She was able to connect many of the artifacts on display to when and how they were used. Lots of Dutch and Indian items to see. They also had a very large hair wreath on display which I had never seen before. After touring the museum, we did a self-tour of the grounds where they are currently doing archeological research which was interesting to see. The views are also spectacular from the top of the fort landscape. A must see if you are learning about early American, the American Revolution and the Indian raids along the Mohawk River..
5. Stone Arabia Stone Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By bikingfarmer - Holland, Michigan
Driving through central New York State we stumbled across this National Register of Historic Places church built in 1788. Beautiful limestone building preserved by volunteers and still periodically used for community events and concerts. A pump organ that maintains a beautiful tune dominates the rear of the sanctuary.
6. Beekman 1802 Mercantile
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By svan1 - Westchester
Feels and smells awesome from the moment you enter. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Wonderful, quality, products (testers available for trying stuff out and products are thoughtfully displayed). Shopped late Saturday...the salesperson was so sweet, we hadn't even realized that she had stayed open past closing time for us! She arranged to hold our packages in back and we were able to pick them up on Sunday, after the farm tour (also really nice). On Sunday the place was wonderfully alive with lots of happy shoppers, samples of goat milk ice cream and really great live music. Worth a return visit next time we are back in town!
7. Fort Klock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By kayofcny - Syracuse, New York
$3.00 / adult for a tour (with David Klock if you are lucky) of this fortified home. Interesting history. David does and excellent job explaining the history for the home and some of the surrounding area. Hard to imagine that this home was lived in (minus the W/C) till 1936. They have done a pretty good job resorting it back to it's colonial condition. Admission also allows you to see the one room school house and the blacksmith's operation. Worth it.....and please give an added donation to these small but crucial historical sites. Often times they are manned by just a handful of our senior citizens .... and once they are gone......
8. Hilltop Paintball
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
We are your one-stop party destination! Birthdays-Graduations-Corporate Outings-Family & School Reunions-Special Events-Bachelor Parties Hilltop Paintball Sports Complex has it all!!! Complete equipment Rentals-Compressed Air & CO2 Fills-Safety Rules & Game Instructions-Experienced Referees-BBQ Area-Picnic Tables-Indoor Game Room Pro Shop-Snack Bar-General Store
Reviewed By Iamseasick - Ridge ,N.Y.
Hilltop paintball was louts of fun. We had a great time. The staff was very helpful. The fields are well maintained. We will do this again.
9. Ace Of Diamonds Mine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By Willof72
OK, so you want some Herkimer diamonds but don’t know what to do? The following is my review which should help you prepare and succeed:
It’s cheap fun! $10/person and tool rental is relatively inexpensive (your driver’s license is used for collateral). They bring in fresh dirt and rock everyday so your chances of finding something are almost guaranteed. We opted for Ace’s over the other Herkimer Diamond mine as Ace’s is less commercialized and offers just as much. It’s not a pretty place but we weren’t after pretty landscaping or buildings…we were after pretty diamonds!
1) This is a dirty place. You can drive your car right in and close to where you want to dig/crack rocks. You are essentially driving into a stone quarry with a building in the front of the property. Park wherever you can and go inside to pay for your wrist band(s).
2) Bring a clean change of clothes. Like I said…it’s dirty and you will be too once you’re done. I wish I had done this as we all climbed into our car afterwards a dirty mess. Save yourself the hassle and change in their restroom before you leave. Your vehicle will thank you!
3) Wear boots, long sleeves, pants, gloves and safety glasses/goggles/ face shield. Smashing rocks, to gain access to the Herkimer diamonds inside, will have stone chips going everywhere. I found out quickly that the flying shards hurt. By the end of the day, my arms/fingers/face was bloodied up from no protection as I became the “rock smasher” for the family. Its fun but be prepared.
4) Bring any equipment you have or you can rent everything. If you bring extra tools and don’t need them…leave it in the car or truck. I brought 2 masonry hammers along with a hand pick/trowel. I wish I had brought a sledge hammer and a bucket. I ended up renting 2 stone chisels for a grand total of $1 each. You either be digging in semi-compacted dirt or breaking rocks…whatever you choose.
5) We staked “our claim” on a mound of stone and dirt and began chiseling away at rocks. Success was had almost immediately as we were finding small diamonds easily. As the day progressed, we were all tired from smashing rocks and turned to simply digging in the dirt mound when we found an 8 pound motherlode of calcite crystals with a Herkimer diamond imbedded in the center. This energized us and kept us going.
6) They have a long water sluice there if you want to scoop dirt and pan for diamonds. We didn’t do this as success was achieved by simply keeping your eyes open while digging.
7) If by chance you had no luck…just head to the gift shop and buy yourself a Herkimer diamond. Their gift shop is well stocked with tools, shirts, gems & stones and all sorts of goodies sure to please everyone.
All in all…we will return. This is a perfect activity for the young or young at heart. It is all outside so it is weather-permitting. It’s a cheap way to spend the day and once you “discover” the diamonds…it will keep your motivation level on high. Definitely give them a try!
10. Cobbler & Co
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By hhmck120 - Saratoga Springs, New York
A real gem of a store that carries so much you could spend a day there. Next time, I now know this store will be a solo experience. Many things to absorb and enjoy!
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