Get out of the house and have some late-summer fun without breaking the bank.
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The Hudson Valley is full of ways to enjoy a day of fun for little or no cost. The natural surroundings and cultural opportunities provide something for everyone.
Stony Kill Farm’s Walking Trails
Hike the trails at Stony Kill Farm in Wappingers Falls, which is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Check the website to learn more about the trails and download the scavenger hunts available for each trail. The Woodland Trail is only a half mile and wheelchair-bound accessible. Situated near the Visitor Center, the wooded trail promises sightings of many small critters, including chipmunks, woodpeckers, and squirrels. Looking for a more arduous trail? Check out the Sierra Trail, which has a one-mile inner loop or a two-mile outer loop. Explore hardwood and evergreen forests and wetland and open meadow habitats. Each area is home to different wildlife, including ducks, herons, frogs, turtles, and beavers. 79 Farmstead Ln Wappingers Falls stonykill.org
Pelham Art Center’s Opening Artist Reception of Cover Lover Remix
Artists display their interpretations of great album covers at the Pelham Art Center from July 21 to August 27. The juried exhibition began in 2011 in Brooklyn and was known as the “vinyl-revival.” Artists from around the area will be participating with their reimagined album covers. Pelham Art Center 155 Fifth Ave Pelham pelhamartcenter.org/event/clropening/
Vanderbilt Mansion Grounds and Tours
If you want to walk peacefully among the 211 acres of gardens and trails while enjoying majestic views of the Hudson, head to Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park. The grounds are free to roam and open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset (except on major holidays). No matter what season it is, the richness of the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley is palpable. History buffs are encouraged to consider touring the mansion, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except on major holidays for a fee of $10.) 119 Vanderbilt Park Rd Hyde Park hudsonvalleyexplored.com/vanderbilt-mansion-vanderbilt-homes/
Westchester Riverwalk
Days of adventure are available along the partially constructed Westchester Riverwalk. With over 50 miles of pathways in 14 municipalities when the project is complete, the Riverwalk promises a variety of views along the Hudson River. The Croton-on-Hudson and Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow sections are now complete with all the trail markings for a very informative trek. Download the maps to learn about the ecology, culture, and history of both Croton and Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow. Tarrytown Riverwalk 250 W Main St Tarrytown
Croton Landing Park 1 Van Wyck St Croton-On-Hudson
The Magazzino Italian Art gallery presents both temporary and permanent exhibitions of Italian artists. A permanent exhibition, Arte Povera, includes 12 artists associated with the Arte Povera movement. With the philosophy of “Art is Life,” these artists represent art from the Post-war era. Scholars and students are invited to make an appointment to explore the Research Center’s extensive library.
Walk-in entrance to the gallery is free, but reservations (donation based) are suggested since space for guests is limited. The museum is open Thursday through Monday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2700 Route 9 Cold Spring magazzino.art/visit
Greenburgh Nature Center
The Greenburgh Nature Center encourages peaceful picnics (carry in and out) and lovely strolls. For those in search of adventure, visit the Butterfly Arbor, which is open from June to August, or the Nature Discovery’s Playground. The Native American Replica Village allows visitors to see the designs and techniques used 6,000 years ago by Eastern Woodland Indians. The two sites include a life-sized wigwam, longhouse, dugout canoe, and hide drying rack. The sheep, goats, and chickens add to the many sounds of the Nature Center. Enjoy the grounds for free daily from dawn to dusk. Tours of the Manor House are given Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a fee of $7 for all over 2. Senior citizens are $6. 99 Dromore Rd Scarsdale greenburghnaturecenter.org
A media specialist in the education and not-for-profit sectors, Patrice Athanasidy has written in the Hudson Valley for over 25 years. A Bronx native, she loves exploring all the Hudson Valley has to offer, from parks to theaters to historic places. Athanasidy is an adjunct professor of communication at Manhattan College and also an alumna. Now a resident of Westchester County, she is a wife and mom of three grown children and has written columns about living family life on the autistic spectrum.
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