Despite the busy work life in most cities, New York has developed a positive reputation for its great tourist sites. Every year, thousands of visitors arrive at Lily Dale, New York, to explore the spiritual history of the place. Many newcomers visit Lily Dale to fight off evil and enjoy the landscape.
If you want to start exploring New York, Lily Dale can be a good location, to begin with. We have covered everything you need to know about the place to help you plan your trip.
An Overview
Lily Dale is a spiritual place in the Town of Pomfret, New York. Located next to the village of Cassadaga, Lily Dale finds its root on the east side of Cassadaga Lake. The place is one hour southwest of Buffalo, closer to the Pennsylvania border. Due to its historical significance and spiritual presence, many visitors visit the place annually to explore its charm.
Lily Dale’s history goes back to 1844. It all began when the New York state invited a mesmerist to deliver a lecture to the local communities in the area. After his visit, locals showed interest in learning and practicing spiritualist techniques. 1855 laid the foundation for the first spiritualist society of Laona called the camp.
This spiritualist camp served as a retreat spot for local spiritualists for summer escapes. Moreover, the locals formed a lyceum for spiritualism at Lily Dale in 1881 and an auditorium in 1883. The spiritualist camp underwent a few changes over the years until it got its new name in 1906, the Lily Dale Assembly, due to the abundance of lilies in a nearby lake.
The history of Lily Dale highlights the sufferings of women in America. One of the founders of Lily Dale, Marion Skidmore, advocated for women’s rights. She was a liberal whose collection of books contributed to the development of the Marion Skidmore Library at Lily Dale.
The modern-day Lily Dale community has over 160 houses, a few hotels and guest houses for visitors, bookstores, a museum, and cafes. If you are a spiritual soul, you may visit the place throughout the summer to attend various events related to religious demonstrations and workshops. Lily Dale has an approximate yearly population of 275.
Things to Do at Lily Dale, NY
Although Lily Dale is a small town, you can explore various spots in the area to make your trip worth the while. We have mentioned a few popular attractions in the area below to help you decide.
Visit the Museum
The top highlight of the area is the Lily Dale Museum. Established in a historic single-room schoolhouse, the museum allows visitors to explore the area’s history. You can also explore the building that dates back to 1890. The excellent preservation techniques have helped the local administration to maintain the structure of the buildings in the area.
Ron Nagy, a historian, operates the Lily Dale Museum. He welcomes all visitors with kindness and helps them explore the different elements, including photos, documentation, artifacts, and memorabilia from the early spiritualist movement days. You may also make donations to support the preservation of the museum.
Explore Bargain Shoppe
Since Lily Dale attracts many visitors throughout the year, the Bargain Shoppe has everything to offer. You can find gift items, snacks, clothes, books, spiritual items, and other goods of basic necessity. When you arrive at Lily Dale, the shop can serve as a quick stop to grab food and other items that can come in handy while your stay at Lily Dale.
Explore Forest Temple
The Forest Temple roots in the outskirts of Lily Dale. It is a spiritual place for those who like to meditate and spend time in a secluded, peaceful setting. People spend much time at the temple to organize their thoughts and focus on their mental well-being. During summers, the temple organizes spiritual services daily, except for Sunday.
Exploring the temple can be a perfect option if you like to regain your lost peace due to the daily busy life in New York. You can take your family or friends to the temple and explore the place together.
Visit Inspirational Stump
Another popular sight to explore at Lily Dale is the Inspiration Stump. You may have to walk ten minutes from Lily Dale to reach the stump. Located within the Leolyn Woods, the Inspirational Stump has trees and foliage to appeal to its visitors. While true, this site can help you be more aware of spiritual energies (as the locals say).
If you walk in the area, you can move through the pet cemetery, serving as the resting place for the beloved local pets since 1900. The walk can give you a relaxing, scenic experience and boost your mental peace.
Explore Cassada Lake
The go-to attraction for lake lovers at Lily Dale is Cassadaga Lake. This peaceful lake is ideal for swimming and relaxing in the water. Since Lily Dale is present along the sides of Cassadaga Lake, many locals and outsiders like to spend time at the lake and its nearby areas for a peaceful time.
Staying Overnight
If it is your first time visiting the small town of Lily Dale, you may want to know the night-stay options in the area to settle down after a tiring day. The spiritual town has a few guest houses and hotels to accommodate visitors from different regions of the country. When visiting in summer, you may want to book the hotel room on a prior basis to avoid the on-site hassles.
Summing Up
The above attractions at Lily Dale can keep you engaged throughout your time in the small town. Whether visiting with a family or a group of spiritual friends, Lily Dale, New York, can be your ideal vacation spot for meditation and spiritual healing. To plan your weekend trip to Cassadaga Lake or other sites in the area, feel free to explore the official Lily Dale website for more information.