Mrs. Clinton's Neighborhood

I received a similar reception at Wags & Whiskers, a pet-care shop just up the street. In response to queries about whether the Clintons had brought Socks or Buddy in for a trim yet, shop employees furrowed their brows. "Nope," one of the cutters said.

By comparison, the folks at Nordic Therapy Spa were positively gushy. Yvette Smyth, a skin-care specialist, said she'd just given a Clinton aide three gift certificates. "You know, this is the closest place for them," Smyth said, adding that she's sure Hillary will take advantage of the offer. "Like all women, she wants good skin care."

I wanted to make one last stop, a place in town near where Bill Clinton once got out of his car to shake hands with volunteer firefighters and all other comers. This was Peabody's Cafe. From a bar stool there, you can see the Grand Union parking lot where the network television trucks park when the president is in town. You also come across locals who've actually seen him.

Arthur Richardson, sitting five stools over, was there when the Clinton caravan stopped one day not long ago. He said residents who professed indifference rushed over to greet him.

"I saw him get out. He was wearing a leather jacket," he recalled. "His head, it's very distinctive."

Chappaqua is about an hour's drive from New York City. Take the Henry Hudson Parkway north to the Saw Mill River Parkway. Take the parkway north to Chappaqua/ Route 120 and get off at Exit 32.

The hamlet has a number of lively cafes, pubs and restaurants, including Calhoun's Restaurant (76 King St.), with eclectic American cuisine; dinner for two, including a drink, costs about $50. Other eateries include Giona's Tuscan Kitchen (62 King St.) for northern Italian food and Takayama (95 King St.) for Japanese cuisine.

For more info, contact the New Castle Town Hall, 914-238-4771, www.newcastle-ny.org.

Robert O'Harrow Jr. is a reporter in The Post's New York bureau, where he writes about privacy, technology, Wall Street and, now, rich New York hamlets.