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TRAVEL FOR THE 50+ WOMAN ... |
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Travel By-The-Book : Senior Women's Travel : Favorite Cities : Theatre Tours |
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One-day Tour of Hudson, New YorkAvailable many Fridays and Saturdays, May through NovemberThe city of Hudson, in the Hudson Valley, is two hours north of New York City. Arrive in Hudson about 11 a/.m. by Amtrack or car from New York City. The fare on Amtrack is around $66 round trip, expensive but well worth it. The tracks run right along the Hudson with lots to see: West Point, a ruined castle, tiny lighthouses, the Catskills and many bridges. Exclusive: I supply a written script of what you will be seeing with a brief history of the under-appreciated Hudson River. You can also fly to Albany, where we will pick you up for the one-hour drive to Hudson. Think of Hudson, as a possible pre-trip before going on to New York City. Why Hudson? As a new resident of Hudson (less than a year) and a tour operator specializing in Europe’s most vibrant and exciting cities, I am intrigued and entranced with Hudson. Why does a native of New York City love this rural town? Hudson fascinates me because of its rich history and varied architecture, much of it has survived and been lovingly restored. Hudson also offers an excellent picture of a young 18th century town moving more than once from boom to bust and back again to a thriving community. I also idolize the Hudson River, and deplore its lack of respect. It’s importance in the development of New York state is little-known and under-appreciated. Hudson is also a study in contrasts…older residents who are a little distressed over changes in their town, a determined farming community dedicated to preserving their small farms, and the new people who with the earlier residents bring sophisticated vibe equal to many larger cities. Entrepreneurs, mostly from New York City, bring a cultural energy that extends to every segment of the arts…I call it Hudson Valley Lifestyle.
Tour Highlights Hudson’s Historic Warren Street and Olana: • 57 antique shops, 27 Art Galleries, Artists’ Studios…I will lead you to the best. My favorite Hudson shop has an eclectic mix of furniture, home accessories plus jewelry, scarves, and tempting miscellany. • The story of Hudson…the city has gone through many boom to bust cycles. Its history includes periods ranging from a whaling, merchant economy to an infamous period of prostitution and corruption to its present thriving stance. • A dictionary of American architecture…Fine examples of Federal, Greek Revival, Second Empire and Italianate styles. As a member of Historic Hudson, an organization devoted to preservation of Hudson architecture, I rely on their extensive research to tell Hudson’s architectural history. • Performing arts venues…At the Hudson Opera House, see the first theater in New York State, a huge theater waiting for renovation. Time & Space Limited is a factory-like space that hosts edgy movies, controversial speakers and quirky music. • Lunch at a favorite restaurant…The chef-owner, a New York City émigré, has created an informal restaurant serving delicious salads and sandwiches and more substantial entrees. • After lunch, visit Olana, just a few minutes by car, from Warren Street. Olana is the former home of Frederic Church, one of the leading painters, in the famed Hudson River School of painting. Olana is a Moorish villa with spectacular views of the Catskills and the Hudson River, a landscape that was the inspiration for the Hudson River painters. • Farmer’s Market, the best in the area. You might want to stock up on farm grown vegetables here. • Back to Warren Street, for afternoon tea, at our new tea salon and art gallery. I favor their lavender lemonade and chocolate biscotti. Leave for home or choose to stay overnight at a bed and breakfast and continue your exploration of the Hudson Valley the following day, self-guided or with us. Cost 1 to 2 people: $195. Does not include lunch and admission to Olana ($6) 2 to 4 people: $325 Larger group tours: prices on request. |
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