He was walking home one night, he said, through the quiet streets of the old town center.

NEWYORKER: Silver or Lead

At the center of town is an old ski jump, while the surrounding wilderness of the Adirondacks holds multiple museums for exploring and 43 peaks for hiking.

CNN: 5 real-life wonderlands

One night after dinner I drove to the outskirts of town, where the old shopping center faced off against the new mall in a battle of slashed prices.

NEWYORKER: Miracle Polish

Many of the residents, like 52-year-old Morris Manan, left town and took refuge with relatives in the center of the country.

NPR: One Year Later, Vestiges of War Fading in Israel