Hudson Valley Tourism Press Announcement
Published:
PRESS RELEASE
May 9, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contact: Susan Hawvermale
shawvermale@orangecountygov.com
845-615-3863
Hudson Valley Tourism
Hudson Valley's Bucket List
Tourism Directors choose their favorites. Hudson Valley, NY (May, 2011) - Where would a tourism professional go in their own area if they could only choose one place? Tourism directors from the ten counties in the Hudson Valley region chose their favorites recently, providing an inside look at what they personally think is fun. Some walk on the wild side, some just want a little peace and quiet, but all the places chosen are definitely worth a visit.
Greene County chose the heart pounding excitement of Hunter Mountain's New York Zipline. It's the fastest and highest zipline tour in North American and the second largest in the world. Five separate lines take you down varying lengths for an incredible adrenaline rush. You'll hear your pulse beating on the longest zip that's 600' off the ground! Need more thrills? Go to Columbia County and travel the treetops at Catamount Adventure Park in Hillsdale from platform to platform. Eleven separate courses challenge you to cross bridges, climb ladders, and avoid obstacles high above the ground. Over forty zip lines take you on trails of varying difficulty that will have you catching your breath even as you enjoy the view.
For those who would rather amuse themselves on terra firma, choose one of the fifty rides at the Art Deco style Playland in Rye. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, there's plenty of up-to-date fun riding the Dragon Coaster or the hand-carved horses on the carousel, splashing at the watery Playland Plunge, or just walking the boardwalk along Long Island Sound in Westchester County. Spend another nostalgic day at Rockland County's Bear Mountain State Park. The Trailside Zoo has been a sentimental favorite since the early 1900's. Climb Perkins Tower for a gorgeous view of the Hudson Valley, then stroll over to the carousel to ride one of the region's beautifully depicted wild animals.
A truly unique way to see the city is aboard Albany Aqua Ducks. Travel the urban streets listening to a narrated tour of the historic Capital City, passing the NYS Capital, The Empire State Plaza, and Washington Park. Then the Aqua Duck splashes into the Hudson River for a mariner's view of the city's skyline, the USS Slater, and Dutch Apple Cruises. Further down the river in Orange County, the West Point ferry leaves from the Academy's South Dock for a short cruise to Constitution Island. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the 17-room Warner House is currently being restored. Guided tours take you to the Revolutionary War fortifications and the site where the Great Chain crossed the Hudson River to prevent the British from sailing further north.
A more contemplative experience can be found at Chuang Yen Monastery in Kent, home to the largest statue of Buddha in the western hemisphere. Putnam County's tourism staff love the beautiful grounds include Woo-Ju Library which houses one of the largest literary collections on Tibetan religion. On Sundays, visit the monastery for a meal with the monks, an experience you won't soon forget. Quiet isolation can also be found at Lake Awosting outside of New Paltz in Ulster County. One of three lakes in Minnewaska State Park, the crystalline mountain lake's pristine beauty makes it the perfect place to fall off the grid. A four and a half mile stroll along an old carriage road with views of the Catskills winds its way to this lake surrounded by hardwood forest. A rock beach carved after the Ice Age by receding glaciers beckons swimmers in the warmer months.
History lovers abound in the Hudson Valley, and Staatsburgh State Historic Site provides visitors with a terrific look at how the wealthy lived during the Gilded Age. This 65-room marble mansion was built in 1832 and furnished in the style of the French monarchs. The 334 acres of uninterrupted lawn roll right down to the Hudson River, a favorite in Dutchess County. Rensselaer's tourism staff likes another state historic site located at Crailo, the museum of the Colonial Dutch in the Hudson River Valley. New exhibits feature interactive components that tell the fascinating story of the Dutch and their trade partners along the River in the 17th century. Stop by for one of their special events where you can experience the hearthside cooking programs.
Stick with the professionals and visit the places tourism directors are crazy about. They may not be the best known, but these are the sites that offer more than a travel guide can describe. Find out why the Hudson Valley's best kept secrets are the favorites of those in the know.
Hudson Valley Tourism, Inc. is the 10-county region designated by I LOVE NEW YORK to promote tourism for the area. Counties include Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester. Regional information can be obtained from any of the county tourism offices, the Hudson Valley Tourism website, www.travelhudsonvalley.com, or by calling 845-615-3863.
RESOURCES
New York Zipline at Hunter Mountain, Hunter. 518-263-4388, www.ziplinenewyork.com
Catamount Adventure Park, Hillsdale. 518-325-3200, www.catamounttrees.com
Playland, Rye. 914-813-7000, www.ryeplayland.org
Bear Mountain State Park, Bear Mountain http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/13/details.aspx
Constitution Island, West Point. 845-446-8676, www.constitutionisland.org
Chuang Yen Monastery, Kent. 845-225-1819, www.baus.org Lake Awosting, New Paltz. 845-255-0752, https://ui.constantcontact.com/rnavmap/em/ecampaign/www.nysparks.com/parks/127/details.aspx
Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburgh. 845-889-8851, www.staatsburgh.org
Crailo State Historic Site, Rensselaer. 518-463-8738, https://ui.constantcontact.com/rnavmap/em/ecampaign/www.nysparks.com/parks/127/details.aspx
Albany Aqua Ducks, Albany. 518 462-DUCK (3825), www.albanyaquaducks.com
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