FARM-TO-TABLE CUISINEAgriculture continues to play a hugely signifi-cant role in the Hudson Valley’s ongoing history, and the area boasts a large number of farms that raise the produce, meat and poultry, and dairy products sold at nearby farmers markets and served in big-city and local restaurants—such as the five acclaimed student-run bistros at the Cu-linary Institute of America in Hyde Park. Addi-tionally, many of these working farms even have pick-your-own orchards for visiting families. Vacationing wine lovers luxuriate as they tipple their way up and down the Shawangunk Wine Trail, which offers tastings at 12 of the region’s prize-winning wineries.

ARTThe Hudson Valley became known as a center of arts and culture during the mid-19th century heyday of the Hudson River School painters, who found rich inspiration and subject matter in the surrounding natural beauty. The region continues to be the domain of many working artists, who show (and sell) their work at town-wide art walk events and in local galleries and museums around the world. And when it comes to fascinating art museums, there’s no shortage in the Hudson Valley. Most prominently, there’s Dia:Beacon, a sprawling, 300,000-square foot former industrial site now devoted to large-scale contemporary art, and Storm King Art Center,

a 500-acre, landscaped outdoor sculpture park in Mountainville with works by Alexander Calder, Isamu Noguchi, and other modern masters. Other recommended art museums include the Hudson Center of Contemporary Art in Peekskill, the Kato-nah Museum of Art, and the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Poughkeepsie’s Vassar College.

ENTERTAINMENTThe performing arts also thrive locally, with such internationally renowned venues as the Bardavon 1869 Opera House and the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, the Howland Cultural Center in Beacon, and the Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill regularly presenting leading names from the worlds of music, theater, comedy, and dance. In the warmer months, the Hudson Valley is alive with delightful outdoor festivals, county fairs, and events that draw attendees from all over and promise crafts, rides, food, live mu-sic and other entertainment, animals, fireworks, sporting events, historical reenactments, and much, much more. But whatever time of year you choose to visit, you’ll be sure to agree: There’s always a some-thing wonderful to do in the Hudson Valley!

RECREATIONVisitors to the Hudson Valley enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, and mountain biking in its many parks, such as Bear Mountain State Park, Harriman State Park, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve. They revel in sailing, kaya-king, canoeing, fishing, and cruising on the Hudson River, skiing at nearby winter resorts, and traversing the Walkway Over the Hudson, a former railroad bridge linking the town of Highland to Poughkeepsie and reopened as a state park for pedestrians and bicyclists. They love discovering the area’s wealth of quaint old towns, where they stay at charming bed and breakfast inns, discover shops offering antiques and unique items, and dine in sumptuous, five-star restaurants. They tour the area’s museums and historic sites, such as the still-operational lighthouses and many grand estates built by prominent industrial and political figures dur-ing America’s Gilded Age. They enjoy quiet, intimate evenings of wine tasting at its award-winning vineyards—maybe after they’ve spent a full afternoon of family fun at one of its nu-merous indoor or outdoor activity spots.

HISTORYLong before the early 17th century, when the Hudson Valley was settled by the Dutch and navigated by English explorer Henry Hudson, the area was home to Native American tribes who fished its waters, hunted in its woods, and farmed in its fields. It was a major hub of action during the American Revolution and the French and Indian War, and a good number of the original stone buildings constructed before and around the times of both conflicts still stand to-day, many of them open to the public. When the Erie Canal was completed in 1825, the Hudson River became one of the nation’s main arteries of trade, allowing vastly easier commercial access to the West and bringing an era of major eco-nomic and industrial expansion to the region.

But it was the advent of the steamboat dur-ing this time that really made the Hudson Valley into the prime tourism destination it continues to be. By the mid-19th century there were ap-proximately 150 steam-powered vessels traveling regularly up and down the river, bringing New Yorkers—who believed the Hudson Valley’s fresh air and evergreen forests held special therapeutic powers—to and from the area for day cruises and longer visits (estimates put the amount of Hudson Valley-bound steamboat passengers from 1850 on at over one million).

As the railroad, and, eventually, automobiles and buses became the predominant method of transporting visitors Upstate, travel to the area by water largely became a method of the past. Nevertheless, pleasure cruises on the river are still popular, with several lines offering trips from Newburgh and other sites and making scheduled stops in Beacon and other river towns during the summer. Foliage season, when many leaf lovers make their way to the vicinity to take in nature’s dazzling display of vibrant colors, is an especially popular time to visit.

Steeped in history since the days before the Europeans settled here, when the Native Ameri-can tribes were its only inhabitants, the Hudson Valley has hundreds of historic sites that are open to tour. These include the United States Military Academy at West Point, Bannerman’s Island, Constitution Island, Washington’s Head-quarters in Newburgh, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Home, Library, and Museum at Hyde Park, Samuel Morse’s Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie, the Boscobel estate in Garrison, and Manitoga, designer Russel Wright’s home in Garrison, to name only a few.

NOT ONLY IS THE HUDSON VALLEY KNOWN AS THE CRADLE of European settlement in North America, but it’s also been called the country’s first tourist destination. It’s easy to understand why. The land makes up one of America’s most geographically beautiful and culturally diverse regions. The majestic Hudson River runs through the its heart, Catskill Mountain peaks rise skyward, lush forests and sweeping fields stretch out for hundreds of miles—all dotted by picturesque, historic towns and other attractions. No wonder the Hudson Valley has been drawing delighted sightseers for centuries.

Clockwise from top left: Paramount Center for the Arts, Peekskill; Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park; Boscobel estate, Garrison; Storm King Art Center, Mountainville.

Military Maneuvers

WEST POINT is, quite simply, one of the truly essential destinations for Hudson River Valley visitors of all ages. The oldest contin-uously occupied military post in the country, the site was named during the American Revolution as the most important strategic position in America by George Washing-ton. Located on an expanse of the Hudson Highlands that overlooks an S-shaped bend in the river, the 16,000-acre spot is widely known as the home of the United States Military Academy, established in 1802 by President Thomas Jefferson, and is open to the public for guided tours and features nu-merous architecturally stunning Neo-Gothic buildings constructed from gray and black granite. One of these is West Point Museum, which houses the oldest, largest, and most diversified public collection of military-relat-ed artifacts in the Western Hemisphere.

West Point Cemetery is the final resting place of many of America’s most noted military figures. Interned there are the remains of Lt. Gen. Joseph “Vinegar Joe” Stilwell, Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott, Lt. Col. George A. Custer, African-American troops from the Civil War’s famous “Buf-falo Soldiers” cavalry units, and many oth-ers who served their country with honor.

West Point also encompasses Constitu-tion Island, which during the Revolution-ary War operated an artillery battery and helped to anchor a massive iron chain stretched across the Hudson as a blockade against British warships.

Daily one- or two-hour tours are available

through West Point Tours (845-446-4724;

www.westpointtours.com). The West Point

Visitors Center (845) 938-2638; www.usma.edu/

visiting) is open daily 9 am to 4:45 pm.

Discover the River TownsDINING GUIDE

BIRDSALL HOUSE970 Main Street, PeekskillLocated behind an unassuming storefront, this funky urban boite features 20 beers from small pro-duction breweries across New York and the North-east, as well as a curated list of beers from across the country and Europe. The menu is driven by local products and the restaurant purchases their grain, polenta, bread, and crackers from Wild Hive Farm in Clinton Corners, and beef from Hemlock Hill Farm in Cortlandt Manor. Think of it as pub fare with a southern accent. Offerings include a Hudson Valley cheese and charcuterie plate, pulled pork tacos, fontina and peas mac-n-cheese, and blackened shrimp and grits.(914) 930-1880; www.birdsallhouse.net

BRASSERIE 292292 Main Street, PoughkeepsieWhite-tiled walls, a long red leather banquette fronted by cafe tables, a tin ceiling, Kronenbourg 1664 on tap. The French invade Poughkeepsie at this charming spot on a revitalized Main Street. The raw bar is suitably briny, and a spinach salad with hot bacon vinaigrette and poached egg (add-ing oozy goodness to the dressing when broken open) sets the tone for refreshingly nonhealth-con-scious fare: escargot with green garlic butter; duck confit with crispy gnocchi; mussels swimming in a tasso/leak cream served with an abundant cone of fries and begging for mopping-up bread; steak frites with béarnaise. (845) 473-0292; www.brasserie292.com

CATHRYN’S TUSCAN GRILL91 Main Street, Cold SpringFollow the garden path from Cold Spring into the heart of Northern Italy at Cathryn’s. Start with a salad, perhaps the Insalata Gloriosa: romaine, as-paragus, avocado, corn, hearts of palm, and green olives. Then try some beef carpaccio, or Scampi alla Giudice (shrimp with Gorgonzola cheese, wrapped with prosciutto). For the main event, pasta’s a great choice—Topini con Sugo di Agnello, gnocchi with lanb ragu is a simple and simply delicious prepa-ration—but don’t forget the Tuscans know their meats as well. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Faraona Farcita con Prosciutto e Foie Gras: Guinea Hen stuffed with prosciutto, Hudson Valley foie gras, and pistachios in a mushroom sauce.(845) 265-5582; www.tuscangrill.com

THE FALCON1348 Route 9W, MarlboroTake in dinner and a show at the Falcon, an honest-to-goodness music venue that happens to have a delectable menu and clever cocktails. The antique building, which dates back to 1800, when it was a button factory that ran on water power, now has a wide stage, a part-contemporary, part-rustic bar, and local art on the walls. On a recent evening, “La Vie en Rose” floated up toward the peaked cathe-dral ceiling as Amy Correia belted out the French verses and wooed everyone in the darkly lit restau-rant. Farm-to-table cuisine never sounded so good as it does streamside at the Falcon.(845) 236-7970; www.liveatthefalcom

THE HOP458 Main Street, BeaconBrooklyn-on-the-Hudson, beer bar style. Don’t be surpised to find tattooed mommies filling up their strollers with growlers of microbrew at The Hop. The craft beer retailer and tasting room runs six tap lines that change daily and sells 100 bottled brands. The Hop pairs its fine beverages with dishes made by Culinary Institute of America-trained chefs us-ing area-harvested ingredients (charcuterie is a specialty), and boasts a micromarket offering lo-cally made products. including McClure’s pick-les, Oliver Kita chocolate, and Wild Hive breads. (845) 440-8676; www.thehopbeacon.com

SAPORE STEAKHOUSE1108 Main Street, FishkillBring a friend so you can sample Sapore’s signa-ture dish, a 52-ounce Porterhouse steak for two. Sapore’s steak is prime dry-aged and ranges from a 12 ounce filet mignon to a 24 ounceT-bone and the supersize Porterhouse. For steak lovers looking for something new to try, maybe you’d like to dip your toe into the world of big game: medallions of elk, venison and buffalo steak keep company with baby greens and roasted potatoes. Standard steakhouse fare like creamed spinach, veal chop, and rack of lamb are available, as well as unexpected menu items like paella (pirate style or vegetarian) and pa-pardelle with ox tail.(845) 897-3300; www.saporesteakhouse.com

TORCHES ON THE HUDSON120 Front St, NewburghEat the view on the Newburgh Waterfront at Torches on the Hudson. The festive atmosphere is aided by floor-to-ceiling windows providing a year-round view of majestic Hudson. (There’s also seasonal patio dining.) Behind the bar: a 6,000 gal-lon saltwater aquarium that’s home to 30 varieties of fish, and serves as a dramatic backdrop to the mahogany woodwork and handcrafted sea-themed lighting fixtures. The crab cakes are a standout as is the Sunday brunch buffet with omelet, waffle, and carving stations.Get excited (or be warned): Torches is a vibrant nightlife spot after 9pm on weekends.(845) 568-0100; www.torchesonthehudson.com

WOODY’S ALL NATURAL BURGERS & FRIES30 Quaker Avenue, CornwallWhen it comes to meat, it’s impossible to ignore the quintessential hamburger. While you can find them just about everywhere, they don’t all compare to the burgers at Woody’s All Natural in Cornwall. If you’ve grown suspicious of the label “all natural” in the grocery store, this is one time you can surely trust it. The hamburger meat comes from grass-fed beef. The restaurant has its own garden near the trestle on Taylor Road. In the summer, daily har-vests of herbs, vegetables, and heirloom tomatoes fill their recipes. They use locally produced Jane’s Ice Cream in the shakes. Pine Island red onions are thinly sliced and flash fried to make light, fluffy On-ion Hay. And the consensus is that these burgers don’t leave you with postburger regret. (845) 534-1111; www.woodysallnatural.com

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Tours include Bannerman’s Castle, Moodna Marsh Wildlife Tour, Black Rock Forest, Storm King Mountain, Sunsets, Full Moons and Many More! We’ll make sure you and your family or other group have a safe and exciting time.

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Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce14 Garden Street, Cold Spring, NY(845) 265-3200 • www.coldspringchamber.com

River Towns Visitors Guide is published by Luminary Publishing in association with the Cold Spring Chamber of Commerce. Information in this publication was carefully compiled to ensure maximum accuracy. However, Luminary Publishing cannot guarantee the correctness of all informa-tion provided herein. Readers noting inaccurate information should contact Luminary Publishing with corrections and updates.

@2012 Luminary Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission is strictly prohibited. www.luminarypublishing.com.

Front Cover: Main photo: Aerial of the Hudson River from Dennings Point/Photo by Patricia Dunne, Courtesy Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries. Inset photos (from left to right): Battle Monument at West Point; Hudson House River Inn, Cold Spring/Photo by David Morris Cunningham; Canterbury Brook Inn, Cornwall.

Cold Spring AreaChamber of Commerce

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Left to right: The Hop, Beacon; Brasserie 292,Poughkeepsie; Torches on the Hudson, Newburgh

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ArtAlongtheHudsonYour Guide to Art in the Hudson Valley

Art Venues, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Events, and Studio Tours

2012-2013

BeaconGarrison/Cold SpringKingstonGreater New Paltz NewburghPeekskillPoughkeepsieRhinebeck/Red HookSaugertiesWoodstock

ArtAlongTheHudson.com

ArtAlongtheHudsonYour Guide to Art in the Hudson Valley

Art Venues, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Events, and Studio Tours

2012-2013

BeaconGarrison/Cold SpringKingstonGreater New Paltz NewburghPeekskillPoughkeepsieRhinebeck/Red HookSaugertiesWoodstock

ArtAlongTheHudson.com

ArtAlongtheHudsonYour Guide to Art in the Hudson Valley

Art Venues, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Events, and Studio Tours

2012-2013

BeaconGarrison/Cold SpringKingstonGreater New Paltz NewburghPeekskillPoughkeepsieRhinebeck/Red HookSaugertiesWoodstock

ArtAlongTheHudson.com

ArtAlongtheHudsonYour Guide to Art in the Hudson Valley

Art Venues, Museums, Galleries, Cultural Events, and Studio Tours

2012-2013

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Frank Bannerman VI purchased Pollepel Island—which he called Crag Inch, Scottish for “rocky island”—in 1900 from Mary Taft, for storage of his extensive collection of military supplies. Ban-nerman was the third person to own the island, and the last before the Rockefeller Foundation do-nated the land to the State of New York in 1967.

Between 1901 and 1908, Bannerman designed and constructed multiple buildings on the island, including several arsenals, a residence, and a har-bor, most built in part with recycled material such as bed frames, bayonets, and rail tracks. Banner-

man intended to construct a mausoleum on the island for he and his wife to be forever interred; his untimely death in 1918, however, came before any work could begin. After a 1920 gunpowder explosion in one of the island’s warehouses, so powerful it showered debris onto the eastern shore’s rail tracks 1,000 feet away, the remaining family members chose to leave. The island was soon abandoned, sold to the State and after a dev-astating fire in 1969, closed to the public until the Bannerman Castle Trust began volunteer efforts to preserve the island in the 1990s.

Plump foliage forms a halo about the island. It is laced with narrow, slinking paths, each lined with low stone walls. The buildings, de-signed by Bannerman, favor architectural ex-travagance: archways, windows, engravings, a drawbridge, and grand staircase all can be found on the main arsenal alone. Moving inland from the castle along slim trails, the charming perfume of Bannerman’s Garden takes hold. Though the route to the garden is challenging—the low-hanging foliage favors the short while the steep steps better fit the long-legged—the reward is sanctuary. From the humidity of the lower slopes, the garden provides breezy re-lief, rich with the colors and scents of creeping speedwell and petunias. Just beyond the family residence, currently under construction, is an unprecedented view of the Hudson Highlands, with Storm King Mountain and the Breakneck Ridge invading the river’s curve, rising domi-nant over the looping river.

The Bannerman Castle Trust hopes to make the island an “educational, cultural, historical, and recreational facility that promotes heri-tage tourism in the Hudson Valley.” A number of events are held on the island, which can be reached via kayak or boat.

Castle on the Hudson

Prominent among such spots is the incred-ible Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, located in Poughkeepsie. With a stated mission “to enlighten minds through a fun and creative learning envi-ronment where hands-on experiences spark cu-riosity, discovery, and the joy of exploration,” the unique and safe all-encompassing museum boasts interactive exhibits, events, and hands-on activi-ties that focus on history, the environment, sci-ence, the arts, and multi-cultural subjects. Also in Poughkeepsie is Kids Kingdom indoor play center, which features large two-level and toddler-play structures, a sandbox, an air-bounce ride, air hock-ey, floor activities, sanitized ball pits, spiral slides, an indoor basketball court, a cafe, and more.

Farmed by the Clark family for over 200 years, Prospect Hill Orchards in Milton offers farm tours, hayrides, pick-your-own apple and pump-kin sections, and themed programs covering ci-der pressing, orchard ecology, apple art, the story of Johnny Appleseed, and more. In Wappingers Falls is the Stony Kill Farm Environmental Cen-ter, a working 1,000-acre farm with natural histo-ry, ecology, and agricultural programs and trails for hiking, fishing, birding, and snowshoeing.

Called “America’s Biggest Little Waterpark,” SplashDown Beach in Fishkill, is open from May through September and promises dozens of rides, slides, and other examples of watery wildness (with trained lifeguards always on duty, of course). Visiting events have included environmentally themed shows with live animals, and both day and season passes are available. The aptly named Fun Central, in Wappingers Falls, is a multi-activ-ity indoor and outdoor recreational facility open all year with miniature golf, bumper boats, an ar-cade, food, and a virtual reality roller coaster.

Cornwall-on-Hudson is home to Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, which includes liv-

ing exhibitions of native animals, a gallery for temporary exhibitions, a museum shop, and a 100-acre natural area with well-marked walking trails. Located in Fishkill is Jumpin Jake’s, an in-door activity park for toddlers and kids through age seven with giant inflatables, a toddler zone, a game room with interactive games, and a snack bar (party packages are available). Fishkill is also the location of Dutchess Stadium, home of Minor League baseball team the Hudson Valley Ren-egades, who play 38 games there per season.

Hudson Highlands State Park stretches 7,400 acres and spans the towns of Cold Spring, Gar-rison, and Phillipstown. A hiker’s paradise, the park is filled with trails and mountain summits that afford spectacular panoramic views.

And remember, all of this is just a small sam-pling of what the Hudson Valley has in store for kids!

Bring the Kids

On the Waterfront: Newburgh

BUTTERMILK FALLSMiltonAfter seeing these rooms, you’ll want to hire an in-terior designer. From exposed stone chimneys to spiral staircases, charming accents that distinguish each of the 10 rooms and seven suites all contrib-ute to a pervading theme of modern luxury. If that wasn’t enough, trails spanning the 75-acre estate lead to ponds, gardens, flower fields, and a water-fall. Millstone, the on-site farm, provides ingredi-ents for meals at Henry’s Farm to Table Restaurant and fresh herbs for spa treatments. www.buttermilkfallsinn.com

THE GARRISONGarrisonThis intimate four-room inn is located on 300 acres with 360-degree views of the Hudson River and mountains. Rooms geared toward indulgent com-fort, with goose-down duvets and soothing earth- tone color schemes, aren’t the only outlets for re-treat. The 18-hole golf course, critically acclaimed fine dining restaurant, massage and aromatherapy salon, and yoga and fitness center offer peaceful respite from life’s daily stresses. Fresh vegetables and herbs are sourced from Garrison Farm, locat-ed in the restaurant’s backyard.www.thegarrison.com

GOLDSMITH DENNISTON HOUSE B&BNewburgh This elegant 1820s bed and breakfast is located in Newburgh’s historic district on the banks of the Hudson River just steps away from the thriv-ing waterfront. The house offers four bedrooms, each one decorated in a different era-specific style to represent the four early owners. All meals are prepared by co-owner and caterer Nancy Billman in the professional on-site kitchen, and catering for parties up to 75 can be accommodated.www.dennistonbb.com

HUDSON HOUSE RIVER INNCold SpringAn operating hotel since 1832, Hudson House River Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places. Located just 100 feet from the Hudson River on the Cold Spring waterfront, rooms fea-ture views of West Point and Storm King Moun-tain. Accommodations include 11 rooms and two suites as well as fine dining in the River Room or lighter fare in the Tavern Room. Both eater-ies boast the Inn’s award-winning wine list. Cold Spring’s Main Street, just steps away, is a regional hub for antique shopping. www.hudsonhouseinn.com

THE PIG HILL INN Cold SpringThis three-story bed and breakfast, built in 1825, consists of nine individually themed rooms rang-ing from the romantic “Tranquility” to the rustic “Country Sunrise.” Most of the antiques and re-production period pieces used to decorate the rooms are for sale. If you choose not to take your breakfast in bed, spaces like the Garden Terrace in summer and the Glass Victorian Conservatory in winter offer seasonal views of the Hudson River to accompany your meal. www.pighillinn.com

POUGHKEEPSIE GRAND HOTEL BANqUET AND CONFERENCE CENTERPoughkeepsie Whether planning a wedding or a weekend get-away, the Poughkeepsie Grand offers an atmosphere of functional glamour. Rooms range from Standard and Executive Guest to Presidential, Imperial, and Bridal Suites. The Market Street Bar & Grill as well as 12 different meeting and banquet rooms offer ample space to congregate outside of your room. Located in the heart of Poughkeepsie near shops, restaurants, and entertainment, the Grand is a short jaunt from the Walkway Over the Hudson. www.pokgrand.com

ROCKING HORSE RANCHHighlandIf you are visiting the Hudson Valley with your kids, this is your getaway. Voted #2 family resort in the U.S. by TripAdvisor in 2012, the little ones will never run out of things to do. Rocking Horse is a mecca for indoor and outdoor activities. From water parks and horseback riding to educational programs and winter fun parks, every season of-fers new adventures. While the kids are off having fun, treat yourself to the spa or fitness center.www.rockinghorseranch.com

THE ROUNDHOUSE AT BEACON FALLSBeaconThe Beacon Falls set a dynamic backdrop for this chic hotel designed by the same group that brought you the urban sleek of Union Square and The Cos-mopolitan. This cosmopolitan gem in the country will open late summer of this year on the east end of Beacon’s vibrant Main Street. Three buildings with 56 rooms will include two penthouse suites with private roof decks. The former industrial space will be home to a restaurant, Swift, an outdoor patio—currently open for drinks and light fare—and a lounge, all of which will offer locally sourced, sea-sonal dishes, craft beer, and artisanal cocktails. www.roundhousebeacon.com

THE THAYER HOTELWest PointOverlooking the Hudson River and the United States Military Academy, the Thayer Hotel is nothing short of grand. Stone façades, battlements, towers, 30-foot ceilings, gothic marble and glass, candle-lit chande-liers, national flags, and portraits of military leaders all contribute to a powerful atmosphere appropriate for a military destination. Enjoy meals at MacArthur’s Restaurant, cocktails at General Patton’s Tavern, and views from the Thomas Jefferson patio as well as tours of the academy to complement your stay.www.thethayerhotel.com

WILLOW LAKE COTTAGESFishkillLocated on a 100-acre private estate in the Taconic Mountains, Willow Lake Farm is home to four fur-nished cottages surrounding a five-acre lake. The Hickory cottage consists of three bedrooms; the Chestnut, two plus a loft; the Cottage, two plus a fold-out sofa; and the Lakeside Log Cabin includes two bedrooms downstairs and two up. The expan-sive grounds and lake allow for a true outdoorsy visit with hiking, lawn games, birdwatching, fish-ing, swimming, and boating. www.willowlakeny.com

POLLEPEL ISLAND, BANNERMAN ISLAND, CRAG INCH—three names, one six-and-a-half acre island that draws the eye of every traveler on Metro North’s Hudson line. Native Americans feared it was haunted by night. Early Dutch settlers imagined resident goblins mischievously altering the weather. If sailors passed the island on their way up the Hudson River, they believed a safe journey for the remaining stretch awaited them. (Some unseasoned crewmen were forced to remain on the island until the ship returned in an obscure hazing ritual.) During the Revolutionary War, over 100 logs with sharpened iron tips were staggered, upright, across the river from the island to Plum Point on the western shore to keep the British downriver. This technique, known as the chevaux de fries, was ultimately ineffective: The Redcoats burned Kingston in 1777.

VISITING BANNERMAN CASTLE

Via The Pollepel from Newburgh: Saturday and Sunday, 12pm; from Beacon, Saturday and Sunday, 1:30pm; $30 adult, $25 child; (845) 220-2120.

Via kayak tours from Cold Spring: July 21, August 4, August 18, September 10, September 2, October 28 at 10am; $130; (845) 265-0221.

Via kayak from Mountain Tops Outfitters, Beacon: August 11, 12:30pm; August 25, 12pm $120; (845) 831-1997.

Via kayak Tour from Storm King Adventure Tours: July 29, August 11, August 26, at 2pm; September 8, September 23 at 10 am; $120, (845) 534-7800.

Bannerman Castle, Pollepel Island A GREAT PLACE TO BRING THE KIDS, the Hudson River Valley has been a popular family leisure destination since the days when vacationers arrived to the area via riverboats and steam locomotives. The region offers an endless list of youth-friendly attractions and activities, enough to keep even the most restless young visitor knee-deep in fun and put a smile on their face no matter what the time of year. Whether you’re looking for amusement parks, zoos, children’s museums, water parks, pick-your-own farms and orchards, state parks, or nature centers, the Hudson River Valley is filled with fantastic and educational adventures for families.

Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, Poughkeepsie

Recently reborn after decades of blight, the Newburgh Waterfront is a busy destination that features beautiful new and restored historic build-ings, several operational marinas, fine restaurants, nightspots, art galleries, shops, and other busi-nesses. The quarter attracts thousands of custom-ers every weekend year-round and is especially popular during the warmer months, when visitors enjoy boating, jetskiing, and kayaking on the Hud-son. Views of the river are spectacular from the waterfront’s meticulously maintained pedestrian walkways, as well as from the full-service outdoor riverside dining at such acclaimed eateries as Torches on the Hudson, the River Grill, Cena 2000, Billy Joe’s Ribworks, Cafe Pitti, Pamela’s on the Hudson, Big Easy Bistro, and the newly opened Newburgh Brewing Company. For a relaxing ride with up-close views of the river, cruises are of-fered by the River Rose, an authentic New Orleans paddlewheeler. The vessels Pride of the Hudson and the Pollepel also host cruises, as well as tours of historic Bannerman Castle. From June through October, the Beacon-Newburgh water taxi makes for a wonderful 10-minute cross-river commute.

Close to the waterfront, other locations of his-torical interest abound. Nearby is Washington’s Headquarters, the state’s first registered historic site, and the Karples Manuscript Library Museum. At the waterside is Unico Park, which makes the

perfect spot for a picnic, and a few minutes away in the town center is Downing Park, designed by renowned 19th-century landscape architects Calvert Vaux and Fredrick Law Olmstead.

Another attraction on the water is the Downing Film Center, an intimate cinema specializing in in-dependent, foreign, and classic movies. Inspiring art is on view at the contemporary-leaning Ann Street Gallery. Looking for some pampering? Wa-ter’s Edge Salon & Spa offers massage, spa, and hair and cosmetic services.

Over 400 years later, it’s clear just how right Robert Juet was—the Newburgh Waterfront is a pleasant place, indeed.

IN 1609, WHEN THE HALF MOON SAILED into Newburgh Bay, the crew sensed right away the spot was a special one. The ship’s first mate, Robert Juet, noted that the waterfront area looked like “a pleasant place to build a town.” Juet and shipmates didn’t know that the city that would be settled there almost exactly 100 year later would for generations be a leading center of commerce and transportation. Or that today, those same shores he and his crewmates so admired would be home to the Newburgh Waterfront, one of the most popular and attractive leisure districts in the Hudson Valley.

Newburgh Waterfront

LODGING GUIDE

9 & 12 Vassar Street · Poughkeepsie, NY (845) 486-4571 · cunneen-hackett.org

Left to right: Willow Lake Cottages, Fishkill; Rocking Horse Ranch, Highland; Buttermilk Falls, Milton/Photo by David Morris Cunningham.

The Saunders Farm Project 2012Garrison NY

September 1 — October 28

100 artists / 140 acre farmwww.collaborativeconcepts.org

23 Garrison’s Landing, Garrison, NYgarrisonartcenter.org 845-424-3960

RiveRside GaLLeRies Open Tues – sun, 10 – 5summer sculpture exhibitionClasses year roundart auctions May and OctFine Crafts Fair aug 18 &19

1980 Crompond RoadCortlandt Manor, NY 10567914-737-9000

We practice a different kind of

medicine...it’s called

“pa.tient.ol.o.gy”– noun 1. combining the latest technology withaward winning care and the heartfelt convictionthat a patient is ALWAYS a person fi rst.

Main Hospital – 737-9000Cheryl R. Lindenbaum Comprehensive Cancer Center – 293-8400Maternity – 734-3257 Physical Therapy – 734-3251Women’s Imaging Center – 734-3674Wound Care – 734-3030

In 2010 we opened a magnifi cent new facility featuring beautiful private rooms. We followed that a year later with the opening of the newest comprehensive cancer center in Westchester.

And this year we have been awarded Magnet® recognition for the second time in a row, placing

us among the less than 7 percent of hospitals nationwide to achieve this recognition for nursing

excellence! We keep getting better and better.

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

June 12–September 2TICKETS

AVAILABLE NOW:

Online at hvshakespeare.org and Box Office 845/265-9575

Performing at BOSCOBEL Garrison, New York

Love’s Labour’s LostRomeo and Juliet

The 39 StepsAdapted by Patrick Barlow

From the novel by John Buchan

From the movie of Alfred Hitchcock

Car

l How

ell a

nd A

ngel

a Ja

nas

in R

omeo

and

Jul

iet,

2012

POUGHKEEPSIE • KINGSTON • NEWBURGH • WAPPINGER

www.adamsfarms.com

EXHIBITIONS

Jean-Luc MoulèneOpus + One Through Dec. 31, 2012

Circa 1971: Early Video & Film from the EAI Archive Through Dec. 31, 2012

Ian WilsonThe Pure Awareness of the Absolute / Discussions Ongoing

Beacon

Chelsea

Sites

Affiliates

Dia:Beacon, Riggio Galleries3 Beekman Street Beacon NY845 440 0100 www.diaart.org

www.rhinebeckchamber.com845-876-5904

www.rhinebeckchamber.com

Unique specialty shops, fi ne dining,

art & culture, history...you’ll fi nd it all in

Rhinebeck!

The ArtFull Living Designer Showhouse

AT GLASSbury CourT

33 Hudson Valley artists

7 interior designers

1 s p ec tac u l a r H o m e

June 3 - september 9, 12-4pm (Closed Wed & Thurs)

845-265-9600 • 845-265-3618

3370 ALbAny PoST rD. (rT. 9) CoLD SPrinG, ny

www.coldspringarts.com

Unique Gifts, Wooden Toys, Games and Puzzles for the Whole Family. A great selection of

Eco Friendly and USA made products

The Gift Hut86 Main StreetCold Spring, NY 10516

Come visit us Friday, Saturday, Sunday10am to 6pm

A LANDMARK ON THE HUDSON. WHERE HISTORY IS MADE. WEST POINT, NY • WWW.THETHAYERHOTEL.COM

Complimentary Drink CouponPresent this coupon at Zulu Time for a FREE DRINK

Free drink is based on Domestic Beer, House Wine or Well Brand Drink. Coupon is not redeemable for cash and must be surrendered at time of order.

Offer valid August 1, 2012 - September 30, 2012.

The Historic Thayer Hotel at West Point, 50 miles North of New York City, is the only full service destination on the Hudson River. The Thayer offers elite access to the pomp and circumstance of

West Point. You’ll find fine dining at MacArthur’s Riverview Restaurant, General Patton’s Tavern, and expansive vistas from the Zulu Time Rooftop Lounge. All within a stone’s throw of the Golf

Hall of Fame Honoree Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed 18-hole West Point Golf Course, hiking trails, wineries, world-class shopping at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and adventure. Come

for an afternoon, stay for a weekend. An easy ride by train, bus or car. Give us a call at 800.247.5047 to reserve your adventure.

What time is it...? Zulu Time! The Hudson Valley’s only Outdoor Rooftop Bar

at The Thayer Hotel at West Point.Open Wednesday - Sunday, 4pm-12am, weather permitting

Daily Food and Drink SpecialsRT2012

The Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce Summer Sunset Music Series

July 8, 2012 – August 26, 20125:30 PM – 7:30 PM

By the waterfront at the Bandstand, Cold Spring, New York

Enjoy great music •Stroll Historic Main Street •Savor the shops & restaurants•

July 8 Painted BettyAcoustic Country Jazz Blues

July 15 Buddy Traina BandRock & Roll

July 29 ShwizzProgressive Funk Rock

August 5 Burr Johnson Band TrioFunk Jazz Blues

August 12 Tenbrooks MollyTraditional Country

August 19 The TrappsAmerican Rock

August 26 Six Stories ToldAlternative Pop

July 22 Al Hemberger and FriendsCountry Blues Rock

The Gift Hut

Your Celebration of Putnam County’s 200th AnniversaryBegins in Cold Spring, NY Gateway to the Hudson Valley

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