Top Ten Favorite Things
to See and Do
in the Hudson Valley |
BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
A perennial Hudson Valley favorite, Bear Mountain
State Park provides four-season family recreation
like no other. Start with Bear Mountain nature
center and zoo, ride on the merry-go-round
or glide on the ice skating rink. Enjoy a scrumptious
Sunday brunch at the renovated Overlook Lake
near the northern end of Hessian Lake or an
informal snack at the Stand 10 snack bar.
For
the more adventurous, there's the Appalachian
Trail to explore, and fishing, swimming and boating,
too. During April to November, take a ride up
to Perkins Memorial Tower. Breathe in the fresh
mountain breezes, gaze at the Manhattan skyline
to the south, or try to pick out the views of
four states in the distance.
While the Bear Mountain
Inn's scheduled reopening has been moved to
mid-September, it certainly
will be worth the wait, as the decor will return
to its original 1915 splendor. Expect to see
a renovated cafe, restored second-floor staircase
and new additions like a terrace and bookstore,
The Overlook Lodge can take reservations for
overnight stays.
The park is open year-round (Perkins
Tower is open front April to November) and is
accessible
from Route 9W Route 6, the NYS Thruway (1-87),
or the Palisades Interstate Parkway. 845-786-2701.
www.nysparks.com
DELAWARE RIVER
When visiting the Delaware River Web site, you’ll
find more than 20 recreational activities offered.
Twenty-two to be exact - from "auto tours" to "wildlife
viewing," and in between you'll find "backpacking," "stargazing," and "whitewater
rafting, I which leaves about 18 more.
Besides
the beauty of the river, there are scenic overlooks,
parks for picnicking and many paths
to choose from to make each visit unique. You
can take one of the highway drives that can be
found along the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational
River, beginning around Narrowsburg (Sullivan
County) and continuing north to Hancock. Or take
a kayaking trip along the Delaware Water Gap,
which is farther south and is bordered by Milford,
Pa., to the north and Stroudsburg, Pa., to the
south.
The river is home to both migrating and
year-round bald eagles, with several viewing
areas along
the riverbanks. Plan a visit for the day, or
for a few nights, at a local B&B cozy inn.
Fees are required for some river activities,
so be sure to call ahead. Contact the National
Park Service information center in Narrowsburg.
570-685-4871. Upper Delaware - www.nps.gov/upde/
or Delaware Water Gap - www.nps.gov/dewa
FORESTBURGH PLAYHOUSE
This renovated Sullivan County barn has been
center stage for many professional dramatic and
musical productions. It began in 1947 as a theater
and drama school and has since produced more
than 250 plays, from Shakespeare to Gilbert and
Sullivan. Dubbed "the miracle of the forest," the
playhouse has withstood financial challenges
over the years, and now enjoys record-breaking
attendance each summer. This upcoming sason should
be no exception.
A summer tradition for residents
and visitors, performances are held on select
afternoons and
evenings. Here's the schedule for summer 2006: “Carousel," "Thoroughly
Modem Millie," "Annie, " "Hair," "Beauty
and the Beast," and the season closer, "Broadway
Bound." The box office opens May 27, although
tickets and gift certificates can be purchased
all year long on the Web site. Performances are
scheduled for 2 p.m. on Wednesdays; 3 p.m. on
Sundays; Tuesday through Saturday evening shows
are at 8 p.m. The playhouse is located off Route
42, south of Monticello. 845-794-1194. www.fbplayhouse.com
THE
GILLINDER GLASS FACTORY AND STORE
Housed in a 19th-century building and continuing
the traditions of glass-blowing from a century
before, the Gillinder Glass Factory and Store,
located in Port Jervis, is a true local treasure.
Offering fascinating factory tours, young and
old visitors alike enjoy watching molten glass
transform into beautiful glass objects.
Just
a quick glace at the web site and you get a feel
for the tour, and you can also view selections
of their hand-crafted vases, dishes, figurens,
lamps, flower pots and more – all individullay
made and one of a kind. During the production
process, every piece is inspected five times,
from first melting to packaging for sale.
Special
glass blowing tours are planned for Saturdays,
and upcoming dates include May 13
and Saturdays and Sundays in October. Tour fees
have remained constant at $4 for adults and $3.50
for seniors and children. Groups of 20 or more
pay $3 per person. The factory store is open
seven days a week however, call ahead for hours,
fees, tour and detailed special event schedule.
www.gillinderglass.com
MINNEWASKA STATE PARK PRESERVE
This 12,000-acre park features a stunning mixture
of terrain, from rugged and rocky cliffs, to
a dense forest. There are waterfalls, lakes,
streams and meadows. So, just imagine the list
of recreational activities, views, scenery and
jus plain beauty. It all awaits you at this gem
of a spot.
Besides the activities that guests
can choose to do on their own, there are programs
and lectures
on the environment, like how to read animal tracks
and the impact of wildfires. There are also clinics
on skiing and learning to snowshoe. And in summer,
there’s refreshing swimming and boating
available. Take a long walk or an adventurous
hike. It’s all here. While open most days
year-round, the preserve’s environment
is delicate, and the numbers of daily visitors
are limited; no camping is allowed. Fee: $7 per
vehicle to enter. The preserve is located on
Routes 44/55, west of New Paltz. 845-255-0753.
www.nysparks.com
MOHONK PRESERVE
More than 100 miles of hiking trails and carriage
roads await you at the breathtaking Mohonk Preserve.
Situated in Gardiner, within the renowned Shawangunk
Mountains ("Gunks" for short), the
preserve also offers mountain biking trails,
horseback riding areas and cross-country skiing.
Mohonk is the largest member and visitor-supported
preserve in New York State and encompasses more
than 6,500 acres; its motto, “visit for
a day, be inspired for a lifetime" is right
on the money.
There are incomparable cliff-top
views, and activities to be enjoyed by everyone
from the
experienced rock climber to the novice walker
or hiker. It is adjacent to the famous Mohonk
Mountain House, and while they share a similar
name, the two are unrelated. The visitors center
and the self-guided hikes are free. There's also
no charge for children 12 and under; an adult
day pass is required for certain activities.
Special events, holiday hikes and children's
lectures are featured throughout the year. 845-255-0919.
www.mohonkpreserve.org
NEWBURGH WATERFRONT
In what was once a forgotten area of Newburgh,
there are now several blocks of topnotch riverfront
restaurants, nightclubs and cafes. The street
is Front Street, and on a warm afternoon, there's
no better place to be. In fact, with the sailboats
on the Hudson River to one side, and great
dining on the other, it's really a treat any
time of year.
Relaxing outdoor dining, picture-postcard
views of the marinas, and in the distance, the
Newburgh-Beacon
Bridge, create unforgettable daytrip memories.
Enjoy the Hudson River up close with a narrated
tour on one of the sightseeing boat cruises,
browse in the Oft shops, or have a picnic in
the park. Take in a wine tasting at one of the
brand new shops, Vino100 (www.vino100newburgh.com);
spend an afternoon at the Yellow Bird Gallery
(www.yellowbirdgallery.com), which features lectures
and musical performances. It's one of those places
that you can visit whether you just have an hour
or a whole day to spend, savoring the fine dining
and Hudson River ambiance. You can get to the
waterfront via Exit 10 off of 1-84. Public parking
is available. Call the Orange County Tourism
o ice for details, 845-291-2136. www.orangetourism.org
THE
SHAWANGUNK WINE TRAIL
Even if grape juice is your drink of choice,
you'll find plenty to enjoy on the Shawangunk
Wine Trail. Whether it's one of the fun events,
live concerts or fancy feasts, there's a selection
on the "menu" for everyone.
The trail
leads north from Warwick Valley Winery to the
last one on the list, Rivendell Winery,
located in New Paltz. And in between are seven
more wineries, each of which is family-owned
and dedicated to creating a tasty event, focusing
on the beauty of the Hudson Valley. Along the
trail, stop at one of the quaint bed and breakfast
houses, visit a thoroughbred farm or take a hike
in the mountains. Annual events are popular and
sell out quickly. This year they include the
16th annual "Around the World in 60 Miles," when
each winery takes on the flavor of a different
country (June 17-18); and the 10th annual "Bounty
of the Hudson Food and Wine Festival," where
fresh farm products, cooking workshops and live
music are the order of the day (July 29-30).
845-255-2494. www.shawangunkwinetrail.com
STORM
KING ART CENTER
No two visits to the Storm King Art Center in
Mountainville are ever the same. The outdoor
sculpture garden features objects that move
with the breeze and change color depending
on the angle of the sun, or a change in wind
or weather. Not only does a stroll around the
sculptures provide an enjoyable afternoon,
but the center’s landscaped lawns, rolling
fields and woodlands provide one of the best
scenic spots in the Hudson Valley.
There are
special events throughout the year, like concerts,
children's activities and lectures
that highlight a selected artist or a particular
sculpture design. The 500-acre grounds include
works by Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson and
other renowned artists. Some highlights include
the free tour by one of the docents of the center
(2 p.m. daily); self-guided tram tours (a "hop
on, hop off' feature that is free with admission);
and audio tour equipment for rent. Storm King
is located off Route 32 and open from April to
November. 845-534-3115. www.stormkingartcenter.org
U.S.
MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT
Looking for some historical touring? Then, West
Point is for you. This ever-popular destination
welcomes three million visitors a year, and
is one of the top three tourist attractions
in New York. It features not only spectacular
views of the Hudson River and the Catskills,
but the largest military museum in the world.
Tracing almost two centuries of warfare, the
museum includes captured items from the British
after their defeat at Saratoga in 1777.
Concerts,
sporting events and military parades are just
a few of the events scheduled throughout
the year. And historical spots like Trophy Point,
the Cadet Chapel, and West Point Cemetery provide
interesting historical information. Among the
many military notables buried at West Point are
Major General Daniel Butterfield, the composer
of "Taps," and Major General George
A. Custer, Civil War cavalry commander.
At press
time, the Visitors Center is under renovation,
but still offers information and
guided bus tours. It is open daily, but because
tours can be canceled at any time, it is advised
to call first. 845-938-2638. www.westpointtours.com,
www.usma.edu |
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