Annyeong haseyo, travel adventurers! I’m your guide, coming to you from the small town Ava which is extremely country style. Today is August 6th, 2026, and I am finding that while there is not much content here yet, there is a deep story to tell.

Many people are completely unaware of this tiny dot on the map. To the skeptical traveler, Ava might seem like a place you simply pass through. However, after researching the history of this town, I found it has a quiet resilience. It was named after an ancient city in Burma, which is a surprising fact to learn in the middle of Oneida County.

A Familiar Landscape

While driving through the intersection of NY 26 and NY 67, I felt a wave of nostalgia. This intersection is the heart of the town. Consequently, I realized that Ava shares very similar characteristics with Kent, NY.

In my previous job, I worked as a delivery driver with an Amazon DSP. I was based out of Rochester. Frequently, I received urban routes that took me into farming areas like Kent. Consequently, I learned to appreciate the rhythm of rural life. Ava follows this same concept. It might have a different DSP and a different delivery station, but the soul is identical.

Specifically, both towns feature a unique land architecture. You will see a dense forest canopy sitting right next to vast corn farming lands. Additionally, there is only one small branch of the post office here. These sights brought back many memories of my days on the road.

The Core Value of Peace

In this town, the core value is peace.

 Unlike the bustling energy of Rochester, or Rome, Ava lacks standard amenities. There are no shopping malls or crowded theaters. Instead, the town focuses on the essentials.

You will find the Town Hall and the Highway Road Management Department. These are the pillars of the community. In this region, the highway department is vital for snow plowing during the harsh winter seasons.

Currently, during this hot summer time, Ava seems to be sleeping. The fields are quiet. The air is still. It is a town waiting for its moment to wake up.

The Seasonal Transformation

When the season changes into autumn and winter, Ava undergoes a true transformation. The density of the forest canopy becomes a vibrant display of color. Furthermore, this landscape makes it a premier choice for hunting and camping.

The preferred destination is one of three pocket forested State Park:

• Point Rock State Forest: Directly bordering the town of Ava (just off Tuffy Road), this 1,200-acre forest allows free primitive tent camping.
• Tug Hill State Forests: Just north of Ava, massive tracts like Fall Brook State Forest, Buck Hill State Forest, and Tug Hill State Forest offer secluded back-country camping.
• Or you can choose even more peaceful at Ava town park.

During my drive, I also spotted a river sign. This indicates great opportunities for fishing activities. Consequently, the town becomes a hub for those who love the great outdoors. What was once “sleeping” in the summer becomes a playground for nature enthusiasts in the cold months.

Looking Forward

Reflecting on this visit, I find myself thinking about the future. There is something deeply attractive about an adaptive mindset. Learning to see the beauty in a place that others overlook is a gift.

In my future retirement years, I can imagine living in a peaceful place similar to Ava. It offers a life without the noise. It offers a connection to the seasons and re-discovery the nature’s beauty. Perhaps, in the end, we all just want a little bit of that country-style peace.

annyeonghi gaseyo