The word is Great fun for the whole family. Kids of all ages enjoy being on a farm and children especially; love to pick their own fruit.

Attractions
Corn Maze
Face Painting
Horse-Drawn Hay Rides
Tractor-Drawn Hay Rides

U-Pick
Pumpkin Picking
Strawberry Picking

Things To Do
Birthday Parties (parties for kids and adults)
Bowling lanes (20)
Bumper bowling for children
Bowling leagues
Open bowling
Rock N Bowl

Refreshments
Lounge

The lighthouse was built on a new foundation, located to the south of the former location, traces of which are still visible on the adjoining small island. Two hundred and fifty piles, each 40 feet long, were driven into the river bottom. They were cut off three feet below the mean water mark, capped with 12 inch square timers and topped with a deck of three-inch pine. Granite blocks were stacked 16 feet high producing a pier with a diameter 49 feet at the base and 46 feet at the top. On top of this pier was built a wooden keeper's dwelling with a mansard roof and clapboard exterior. Inside the house is a kitchen, sitting room and equipment room on the first floor and three bedrooms and a bath on the second.

The light tower extends above the living quarters with an octagonal deck housing the light. Situated 53 feet above the mean water line, the lantern room previously contained an optic fifth-order Fresnel lens providing a 270 degree arc of light that was visible for 12 nautical miles.

The lighthouse was tended by resident keeper until 1965 when it was converted to an automatic solar powered system. Although only accessible by boat, without the care of on-site keepers, the lighthouse fell into the ruinous hands of vandals and Mother Nature.

In 1979, the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The road to restoration didn’t really begin until 1990 when the Save Esopus Lighthouse Commission was formed. The concerned volunteers, under the direction of Arline Fitzpatrick, leased the site from the Coast Guard and began extensive restoration efforts. SELC raised funds from various sources to cover emergency repairs, extensive carpentry, painting and shingling of the mansard roof.

By 1997, a reorganization of SELC, as well as new volunteers from the Aids to Navigation Coast Guard Station in Saugerties, continued to bring the lighthouse back to life.

The fall of 2000 brought an impressive milestone in restoration efforts – stabilization and leveling of the house was completed.

July 2001 brought another milestone for the lighthouse. The restoration was reorganized as a museum under the New York State Regents providing a provisional charter as the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse which allows the pursuit of additional funding and ownership of the house.

In September 2002, the lighthouse stewardship was formally granted by the General Services Administration to the newly-chartered Esopus Meadows Lighthouse.

Perhaps the most rewarding achievement to date happened on May 31, 2003. After 38 years of darkness, a new light was installed in the tower, thereby deeming the house “a working navigational aid.”

Press blue button for photos, history, restoration photos, and more about the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse.

Things To Do at The Esopus Meadows Lighthouse
Historic Site
Museum
Tour the Lighthouse

Esopus Meadows Preserve offers two miles of woodland trails and a shoreline with stunning Hudson River views. The shallow waters just offshore of the park are among the Hudson’s most important spawning grounds for striped bass. This impressive 2-mile trail network runs along the Hudson River and through woodlands, alongside wetlands, and above the Klyne Esopus Kill.

Things To Do at Esopus Meadows Preserve
Birding at this prime spot for watching bald eagles
Hiking Trails
Nature Study along 3,500 feet of shoreline
View of the 1871 Esopus Lighthouse in the Hudson River.

Directions
Crossing the Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north for 10.3 miles. Right on River Road. Proceed 1.3 miles. Entrance on right.

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, maps, and the Esopus Meadows Preserve.

After a day of birding, hiking, nature study, or relaxing in the fresh sea breezes, pack a picnic from the healthy produce at one of the local farms in the area. Or select one of many excellent restaurants in New Paltz or greater Ulster County.

Organic Farming
Our garden space is never plowed or rototilled. We grow our vegetables in permanently formed beds, some of which have been in place for 10 years. We then spread compost on top of the beds, and plant seeds and transplants directly into the compost. The plant roots and compost nutrients move down into the soil where there is a healthy, thriving community of soil organisms. We find that this technique reduces overall weed pressure and gives us better-tasting vegetables that keep longer in the refrigerator.

Press blue button for photos and more about organic farming. Bring the kids for a visit to Four Winds organic farm where scenic views are combined with a diversity of life.

Things To Do with Kids
Bring the Kids for a farm visit

"We are a friendly, small-town size, non-commercial operation. Take a tranquil journey through scenic routes to Mr. Apples rustic Orchard. We try to remember a time when life was simpler & more natural; a time when chemicals were not used all of the time just to make everything look better."

U-Pick
Apple Picking

A new scenic overlook, opened in 2009, features dramatic views of the Mid-Hudson Bridge and the new Walkway Over the Hudson . The land boasts a broad array of tree species and features carriage trails and stone walls that crisscross the acreage.

A trail leads to the property from the Town of Lloyd's Johnson-Iorio Park, located immediately north of the bridge's Ulster County side. The path takes visitors under the bridge and connects them to a carriage trail that accesses the site.

Things To Do
Birding | Bird Watching
Hiking / Walking Trails
Mountain Biking
Picnicking
Ruins of former estate buildings
Scenic Views
Woodland Trails (2.5 miles)

Winter Activities
Cross-country Skiing
Snow-shoeing

Directions
Crossing Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north and take first right onto Haviland Road. Parking area for Johnson-Iorio Park is located at the end of Haviland Road. From parking area, descend stairs and cross under Mid-Hudson Bridge. Trailhead is on the right.

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson, hours of operation, parking information, trail maps, photos and more about Franny Reese State Park.

After a day out at the Franny Reese State Park, select from one of many excellent restaurants in Ulster County.

U-Pick
Apple Picking

Things To Do
Banana boating on the lake
Exotic Wildlife Exhibit
Gardens
Horseback Riding
Miniature Golf
Outdoor Water SportsOrganized Activities
Spa at Rocking Horse
Swimming pools
Waterskiing
Waterslides

Winter Activities
Indoor Fun Barn
Indoor Water Park

The word is "Perfect family getaway for active kids and parents." Although pricey, with mixed comments about the quality of the food, many families have visited Rocking Horse several times and continue to offer rave reviews to this family getaway, where a family of four or even six can comfortably share a room, and an abundance of activities will keep all the kids happy over a four day or week long vacation.

From the owner: In response to comments about the high price "Call to arrange the best date to fit most budgets . . . We have many opportunities to spend less than the $1,500 posted rate. There are several weekend packages that are lower and all of our activities remain 100% open.

Rocking Horse Ranch is a family resort that is geared toward kids. It is a year-round getaway for active families who want the comfort of a year-round resort, and the peace of mind that comes with an affordable, all-inclusive price. Press blue button for year-round information about Rocking Horse Ranch resort.

Reviews

"A taste of the West with a New York Flavor... One of the largest and best equipped Dude Ranches east of the West ... A full scale year round resort. Complete with everything from skiing and sleigh rides in Winter to water skiing and tennis in the Summer weather. And oh, those horses." by Daily News

Outdoor Winter Activities
Bonfires with hot chocolate & marshmallows
Horse drawn Sleigh Rides
Ski Area
Snow Tube Run w/Lift
Ice Skating

Ski Area Features . . .
100% snow making and grooming
Rental equipment
Ski lessons

U-Pick
Apple Picking
Pumpkin Picking

Belleayre Mountain is located off of State Route 28 in Highmount, NY 12441 in Ulster County in the mid Hudson River Valley, just hours from New York City. It was declared “Forever Wild” by the New York State Forest Preserve in 1885. Early on, skiers would side-step or hike their way more than 3,000 feet to be the first to make tracks down un-named and woody trails. Since the very beginning of the American skiing and snowboarding experience, skiers and snowboarders gazed at the steep, rugged inclines of Belleayre Mountain and dreamed of refining them.

From the beginning, Belleayre was an immediate hit. Local residents still remember how skiers and snowboarders pitched tents outside the lodge to be first in line. Since the first lifts were installed in 1949 each decade brought improvements and refinements. As business increased, Belleayre expanded. Twelve trails, three lifts and a new base lodge were added in the 1950’s. Innovative snow making technology was introduced between the 1960's and 1970's. From 1985 through 1993, six million dollars was spent to upgrade machinery and equipment, assuring that Belleayre would maintain the quality and reputation of its important recreation program. From new lifts to new lodges to new trails, Belleayre strives to continually break new ground - and stay at the forefront of the ski industry - by successfully operating for over five decades with its extraordinary staff, state-of-the-art equipment and a constant vision of the future.

Belleayre now stands as a model in the ski industry. Its continued improvements allow it to be the Catskills’ only “Cat-Access” skiing and snowboarding with a widened and improved halfpipe and Area 51 Terrain Park. Skier and snowboarders visits have grown from 70,000 in 1995 to more than 175,000 skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. With 47 trails, parks and glades, 8 lifts, including our new High Speed Quad, Belleayre Mountain has certainly evolved . . .

Press blue button for Belleayre mountain condition report, resort info, snow info, events, kids zone, lodging and more about Belleayre, New York's Winter Snow Park.

Outdoor Winter Activities
Ski and ride
Ski boarding
Snowboarding

Ski Area Features . . .
Adaptive Snowsports Program
Adult workshops
Kidscamp
Lessons for children and all levels of adult skiers

U-Pick
Apple Picking
Berry Picking
Blackberry Picking
Blueberry Picking
Grape Picking
Pumpkin Picking
Raspberry Picking
Strawberry Picking

The word is Great fun for kids. Children enjoy being on a farm; and kids love to pick their own fruit, go in the corn maze, and older kids can play Mini-Golf.

Things To Do
Birthday Parties (parties for kids and adults)
Bowling coupons
Bowling lanes (40)
Bowling leagues
Bumper bowling for children
Open bowling
Pro Shop
Rock N Bowl

Refreshments
Sports Bar
Snackbar

From Cartwheels to Confidence
Practically overnight, your little one changes from an unsteady toddler into a rambunctious child. At The Little Gym, our gymnastics program for preschoolers and kindergarteners has been specially designed to help your child channel all that energy and reach developmental milestones. Independent enough to attend classes without parents, children in this age group still learn best in a structured environment where gymnastics activities are combined with a healthy dose of fun.

Features
Children's Birthday Parties
Gymnastics

Things To Do
Birthday Parties (parties for kids and adults)
Bowling lanes (26)
Bowling leagues
Bumper bowling for children
Open bowling
Pro Shop
cosmic N Bowl
Scoring (automatic)
Tournaments
Youth programs

Refreshments
Bar / Lounge
Snackbar

Golf Course Attractions
Miniature golf
Driving range

Winter Outdoor Activities
Skiing
Snowboarding
Snowtubing

Ski Area Features . . .
Rental equipment
Ski lessons for children
Ski lessons for adults
Ski or Snowboard Packages

In 1887, to recognize Senate House's role in the Revolution, New York State acquired the property, which quickly became a vital community museum. A two-story Museum Building was constructed in 1927 to house and display the site's burgeoning collection. Among its treasures are: major art works by John Vanderlyn and other members of the Vanderlyn family of Kingston, dating from the 1720s through the 1870s, and notable paintings by Ammi Phillips, Joseph Tubby, James Bard, and Thomas Sully. Press blue button for more information about the Senate House State Historic Site.

Sleightsburgh Park is a spectacular spit of land reaching almost all the way to the Kingston Lighthouse

This 79-acre peninsula at the mouth of the Rondout Creek was purchased by The Scenic Hudson Land Trust and conveyed to the Town of Esopus. A conservation easement held by our land trust ensures the property will forever remain parkland.

Sleightsburgh Park offers deep water boat access onto Rondout Creek, the wooded peninsula is criss-crossed with trails that offer good bird watching and views of the Kingston Lighthouse.

Things To Do
Birding | Bird Watching
Deep water boat access onto Rondout Creek
Hiking Trails
Nature Study
Picnicking
Views of Kingston Lighthouse

Directions
From Route 9W in Esopus, head east on North Broadway, then right on First Avenue, left on Everson Street. Park Entrance is on the right.

After a day of hiking, nature study or just relaxing in this scenic wonderland, pack a picnic from the produce at one of the local farms in the Hudson Valley. Or dine at one of the many excellent restaurants in Ulster New York.

"Local craftsman John Nicklin constructed an old-fashioned wagon to escort customers through the orchards to pick apples, or to just enjoy a leisurely ride around the farm. Picnic tables surround the lake so that you may sit, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor."

Attractions
Apple Bakery
Face painting and sand art
Lookout station and pirate ship entrance
Petting Zoo
Pirates of the Hudson Corn Maze
Playground for children

U-Pick
Apple Picking

Kids learn how maintaining a farm this size is a year-round job. Winter months mean covering the strawberries beds, pruning the trees and packing the crop just picked. The spring brings planting, fence building and repair, continued apple packing and strawberries in June. July and August are planting, repairs, summer pruning and by early August-peach picking. And then we start all over again.

Attractions
Animals to Feed
Corn Maze - free for all ages
Hayrides
Homemade Apple Cider Donuts & Cider Made on the Farm
Winter Squash

U-Pick
Apple Picking
Peach Picking
Pumpkin Picking
Stawberry Picking

The Story of Huguenot Street
After decades of sojourn and relocation, a group of twelve Huguenot refugees from what is today northern France and southern Belgium and linked by family, religion, and friendship purchased nearly 40,000-acres along the Wallkill River in the Hudson Valley. They purchased this land from the native Esopus Indians, thus establishing a permanent home where they could pursue their Protestant faith free from religious and political persecution. They named the new town after die Pfalz, the region along the Rhine River where they had found temporary refuge before journeying to the new world.

The families began replacing their temporary homes in the early 1700s with stone houses along what is now known as Huguenot Street, seven of which survive today. The houses were added to over the first century or so of their existence to provide more comfortable living arrangements, and today the domestic environments of the colonial period and the early years of the Republic are preserved to inspire and to educate. While four of the houses are similar to their early appearance, the National Historic Landmark district also includes three original stone houses that were altered in the 1830s, the 1890s, and the 1940s, enabling three hundred years of history to be told on the street, displaying both continuity and change in American history.

Press blue button for more about Huguenot Street and the Huguenot Historical Society.

Attractions
Corn Maze
Honey

U-Pick
Apple Picking
Berry Picking
Blackberries
Pumpkin Picking
Raspberries
Strawberry Picking

A favorite of outdoor enthusiasts looking for an 'adventure fix' within reach of New York City is the Shawangunk region accommodating a range of travelers and visitors.

Press blue button to join us for a good, ol'-fashion TRAIL RIDE at Payne Farm Too. Guests enjoy the breath-taking views of the majestic Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains from their saddle on one of our sweet, safe and willing horses or ponies. Western and English riding lessons are available on our equine companions.

Envision a course fashioned after St. Andrews, set against a majestic 2,200-acre backdrop. An enchanting Victorian castle towering seven stories above the pristine “lake in the sky”, welcomes you after a day on the course. Escape to our distinctive old-world New York State golf course, and you’ll see why we have received distinctive praise. Day visitors are also welcome. Press blue button for rates, photos, and more information about Mohonk.

Golf Course Attractions
9-hole regulation length course
2707 yards / par 35
Course rating / slope = 33.0 / 112
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Lessons
Pro shop
Pull cart rental
Restaurant
Riding cart rental

Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing
Ice skating
Ski rentals
Snowshoeing

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
This is our version of what is commonly called Community Supported Agriculture. The people agree to purchase a share of the anticipated crop. The farmer agrees to supply the people with a fresh assortment of high quality, in our case, certified organic produce. The shareholders commitment implies a willingness to share with the farmer the bounty from the land, and some of the risks of its production.

Press blue button to learn about CSA membership, certified organic farming, vegetables and fruits that we grow, and more about our certified organic farm.

CSA Products
Organic Apples
Organic Blueberries
Organic Melons
Organic Strawberries
Organic Raspberries
Organic Vegetables

The trail extends for 12.2 miles from the southern border of Gardiner to the northern border of New Paltz. Along the way it passes through woods, open fields, and agricultural lands, and links the hamlet of Gardiner with downtown New Paltz. Trail users will discover a wide variety of birds and other wildlife and beautiful views of the Shawangunk Ridge and the Wallkill River. The trail surface is gravel and packed dirt, except for a section of the trail in the heart of New Paltz from Plains Road to Broadhead Avenue, which is wheelchair accessible.

The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a multiuse trail, welcoming hikers, joggers, bicycle and horseback riders, dog walkers, and, in the winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Except for vehicles for the disabled, no other motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail. For everyone's safety, please follow the guidelines for multiuse trails and be courteous to other trail users.

Things To Do
Biking
Bird Watching
Explore Local History
Family Outings
Horseback riding
Hiking / Jogging
Picnic
Nature Walks
Scenic Vistas
Stream Watch

Winter Activities
Cross-country Skiing

Our market has fruits and vegetables picked at the peak of flavor, corn, vine-ripened tomatoes, cantaloupes, yellow watermelons, hand picked green beans, peppers, . . . raspberries, blueberries, and fruits of all varieties. During Halloween and Thanksgiving enjoy robust pumpkins of all sizes that you can pick right from the patch . . . The children and their parents enjoy a complimentary hayride to and from our pumpkin patch along the Wallkill river.

U-Pick
Pumpkin Picking

"Town Tinker has two courses, novice and expert. As the name implies, the novice course is for first-time tubers and those who prefer a gentler ride down the creek; the expert course is for more experienced tubers. Each course is about 2 1/2 miles long and each takes about 2 hours. The novice course begins near the Town Tinker headquarters on Bridge Street. This course has a variety of exciting rapids, fun flumes, and calmer stretches just made for drifting. At the end of this course, our Town Tinker Tube Taxis will be your transportation back to Bridge Street.

"The expert course, which is definitely more challenging and contains the best of the whitewater, begins 2 1/2 miles upstream from headquarters. Transportation to the entry point is by Town Tinker Tube Taxis. Along the expert course, you'll encounter larger, faster sets of rapids with names like "Railroad Rapids" and "The Chute"."

The word is Fantastic tubing in Esopus Creek with a staff that is focused on safety. Be sure to bring water shoes that will not fall off, and a dry change of clothes.

Atlantic Kayak Tours is the largest and most experienced kayak outfitter in the New York tri-state area, specializing on the Hudson River Valley. We offer over 75 different kayak tours and instructional programs from New Jersey to Cape Cod. Tours and instructional programs are offered at our Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center and Norrie Point Paddlesport Center located in New York on the Hudson River.

Things To Do
Birthday Parties (parties for kids and adults)
Bowling lanes (20)
Bowling leagues (adults and children's leagues)
Bumper bowling for children
Open bowling
Pro Shop

Refreshments
Lounge
Snackbar

Things To Do
Ball fields (11)
Bandstand (enclosed)
Basketball courts (3)
Conference center
Grandstands (2 covered)
Hiking Trails (views of the Catskills and Berkshires
Horseshoe pits (8)
Pavilions (4 with service Kitchenettes)
Picnic areas and barbeque equipment
Playgrounds, (3) including a Small World Playground
Senior Citizen’s multi-purpose recreation center
Shuffleboard courts (indoor and outdoor)
Soccer fields (4 regulation size)
Tennis courts (4 lighted)

Winter Activities
Ice Arena (Olympic size, fully enclosed)

Scenic Hudson purchased the Black Creek Preserve in 1992 to protect it from development and provide a beautiful, natural area where people can experience the Hudson.

Things To Do at Black Creek Preserve
Nature Study
Hiking two + miles of nature trails leading to Hudson River
Views of Mills-Norrie State Park and Esopus Island

Directions
Crossing Mid-Hudson Bridge from east to west, take Route 9W north for 7.6 miles. Right on Winding Brook Road. Immediate left for parking lot.

Press blue button for Scenic Hudson and the Black Creek Preserve where you can view Black Creek Trail Map or download the Black Creek Park Quest for information and maps that will guide you on a quest to learn about the history and wildlife at Black Creek Preserve.

After an invigorating day of birding, hiking, nature study, or just relaxing; pack a picnic from the healthy produce at one of the local farms in Ulster. Or select one of many excellent restaurants in Ulster County.

"the lands of the State now owned or hereafter acquired, constituting the forest preserve as now fixed by law, shall be forever kept as wild forest lands. They shall not be leased, sold or exchanged, or be taken by any corporation, public or private, nor shall the timber thereon be sold, removed or destroyed."

The forest preserve has thousands of acres of forests with meadows, remnants of old farmsteads, lakes, rivers, springs, waterfalls, cliffs, fire towers, bears, rattlesnakes and other wildlife, rare plants and animals. Also, there are hundreds of miles of abandoned woods roads and trails to enjoy. Today, it serves as watershed, recreation area and ecological and scenic reserve.

Press blue button for more information about the following outdoor activities:

Attractions and Outdoor Activities at Catskill Park
Accessible Recreation
Boating
Camping
Cross-Country Skiing
Fishing
Hiking & Rock Climbing
Hunting
Shellfishing
Trapping
Snowmobiles

After an invigorating day of birding, hiking, nature study, or just relaxing at Catskill Park; pack a picnic from the healthy produce at one of the local farms in Ulster. Or select one of many excellent restaurants in Ulster County.

Come visit Minnewaska State Park Preserve, one of the most unique and beautiful parks in New York State, featuring numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, more cliff-edge views that we can mention, world-class rock climbing and 35 miles of carriageways and 25 miles of footpaths on which to bike, walk, hike and simply enjoy. And, all this within an hour and a half drive from New York City.

Things To Do
Beach
Biking
Boat Launch
Boating
Food
Hiking / Walking
Horseback Riding
Hunting
Picnicking
Scenic Views
Swimming

Winter Activities
Cross-country Skiing