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6 Things to Do While Visiting The Lower Hudson Valley This Summer

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If New York City is your destination this summer, consider taking a trip just north to the Lower Hudson Valley. The Lower Hudson Valley is just about a 45 minute drive from New York City, or you can get there on the Metro North Railroad out of Grand Central Terminal. Below is a short list of the multitude of things to do in the Lower Hudson Valley this summer. 

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Things to Do in the Lower Hudson Valley

Act Like a Kid Again at Rye Playland 

This amusement park is a load of fun right on Long Island Sound. Playland is full of carnival food, games and amusements, plus live performances that happen frequently during the spring and summer months. The park is probably best known as a filming location for major Hollywood productions such as Big starring Tom Hanks. Take a ride on the famous Dragon Coaster, just like Glenn Close did in Fatal Attraction

popcorn stand.

Get in Touch with Nature at Marshlands Conservancy  

You will not have to venture far from the city to get back to nature this summer. This wildlife sanctuary contains many habitats including meadows, forest and salt marsh. It is an excellent place for bird watching, where over 230 species have been spotted here. The 147 acre sanctuary has three miles of trails that are perfect for hiking. Some children’s camps will be resuming in the summer of 2021, including Nature and Muscoot Young Farmers. You can also sign up children for basketball and golf camps this summer. The Marshland Conservancy is open daily Wednesday through Sunday. 

Rye

Visit Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate

See the home and grounds of one of the founders of American commerce, John D. Rockefeller. Four generations of Rockefellers lived on the Kykuit estate. While walking around the estate, visitors will see the beautifully kept gardens, fine furnishings and collections of sculptures and Chinese and European ceramics owned by the family. The home is now a site for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The estate reopened for the 2021 season on May 3rd, and guided tours are required for visits. 

Kykuit

See American Colonial History at Phillipsburg Manor

In Westchester County, the towns of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow are rich with early American history.  Philipsburg Manor will take you take to all the way back to 1750 , as it is a living history museum of the birth of America.  You can visit Sunnyside, the home of author Washington Irving, famous for his Legend of Sleepy Hollow. This story was inspired by Irving’s time in the area, and you can visit landmarks of which the story  was based such as the Old Dutch Church and cemetery. The Historic Hudson Valley reopened for tourist early May 2021, check the website for the schedule and purchase tickets. 

Phillipsburg Manor

Camp at Bear Mountain State Park

This picturesque park is open for fun year round. At Bear Mountain, you camp pitch your tent for some time in the woods and you may even spot a black bear or two. For summer 2021, most parks in New York State are operating on 50 percent capacity to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is best to book early so you can get a campsite at your desired time. Bear Mountain Golf Course is due to open for the summer season on May 20th, and Summit Bike Park is due to open on June 11th.  Indoor facilities at the park including Bear Mountain Inn Restaurant and Perkins Memorial Tower, are currently still closed.

Sunset in Bear Mountain State Park

Shop, Dine and Relax in Cold Spring

This quaint little village in northern Putnam County is a wonderful place to spend a weekend. The Main Street is lined with antique shops, restaurants and cafes, and small locally owned art galleries. Stop in for a bite and a brew at the Cold Spring Depot Restaurant, adjacent to the train station, or enjoy a fine Italian meal at Cathryn’s Tuscan Grill. You can also relax in the gazebo at the riverside park. A number of events are happening this summer in the village including outdoor activities, live music and performances. Cold Spring is located just 50 miles north of New York City and is accessible on the Metro North Hudson rail line.  

Cold Spring

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.