I know it's been a very long time since I've dropped an episode of If Only She Knew. I haven't forgotten about it, I just haven't had the necessary energy to work on it. Creating stories with the sims has been the only way I've been able to keep being creative, so for those who have watched, thank you so so much. I know it isn't the same, but hopefully you're enjoying these videos.
We're almost done with Jackson's arc, after which we'll be taking just a slight break while I prep for our next Gary towner. While I prepare for that, I'll be posting the beginning of a shorter series, which will feature yet another Gary character 😋
Anyway, thanks. You have no idea how much your support means to me ❤️
The Oldest Covered Bridge In New York Is Still Standing — And It’s In A Tiny Town You’ve Never Heard Of
This Historic Bridge Dates Back To The 1850s And Continues To Be One of The Catskills' Main Curiosities.
— Corey Fuller, Staff Writer • September 6, 2025
Source: New York State Covered Bridge Society
New York is full of surprises — from charming Main Streets straight out of a postcard to hidden foodie towns you’d never expect.
And tucked away in the small Delaware County town of Hamden (population: just over 1,000), you’ll find another gem: the oldest covered bridge in New York that’s still standing today.
The Hamden Covered Bridge was built in 1859, making it more than 165 years old.
Spanning 128 feet across the West Branch of the Delaware River, it’s one of just over two dozen historic covered bridges still left in the state.
Source:ShutterStock
Once a vital river crossing for farmers and merchants, the bridge has survived floods, storms, and the march of time — thanks to several restorations that have kept its original character intact.
In 1973, it was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its place as a true piece of New York history
Source: ShutterStock
A Tiny Town With A Big Piece of History
The Hamden Covered Bridge is more than just a relic — it’s the pride of this small Catskills town.
Visitors can still walk across the bridge, admire its classic wooden trusses, and take in the peaceful river views below.
While Hamden itself is tiny, its surroundings are rich with scenic drives, charming small towns, and outdoor escapes.
The bridge often makes the perfect pitstop for leaf peepers in the fall or a photo-worthy detour on a weekend road trip from NYC.
Raphaela and I just got home from a week spent in central Colorado. One of our favorite places we visited was Tiny Town, outside of Denver. It's a miniature village and train that has been entertaining children for 110 years.
The park features beautifully crafted doll-sized houses and buildings. Most of them are designed where you can peek inside and see the dolls within living their tiny lives.
You can walk around at your own pace, or ride the little train around the town and over a bridge. Over the years, it has never stopped expanding as new buildings continue to be added right alongside the original structures.
I first heard about this place from someone here on Tumblr, but I can't remember who it was..... so whoever you are, thank you! At the time I thought it looked like fun, so I added it to the destination list. I think even if I were here without a doll, I'd still have enjoyed it, because it really is for everybody! I saw plenty of adults there without kids, just appreciating the exhibits. So don't be shy about visiting if you're by yourself, or just with a doll.
Everything is scaled a bit closer to Barbie size, so a little bit small for Raphaela. But she sure looked cute next to the houses and businesses. Some of them have empty interiors and rear entrances, so children (and dolls) can go inside.
The jail house was a favorite. I sent Raphaela to dolly jail for the crime of being just a bit too adorable without a license.
The church was also open on the inside. Look at the beautiful stained glass windows.
We loved the re-creation of the house in the iconic painting, American Gothic.
Also, check out Raphaela's shirt! It's from the American Girl Place location in Denver, a store we lost to the pandemic.
This cute little Alpine chalet made me want one of my own in my yard for my dolls. It's sized a little bit bigger than the rest of the buildings, so children can go inside. I thought it was sized perfectly for Raphaela.
Behind the cut, I've got a whole lot more pictures of individual buildings (including a miniature version of The Addams family house), so take a look if you like what you see here.
And my favorite, the interior of the library. Can you even believe this is 1/6 scale?
