Things to Do

Did you know (according to a recently published article in the Times) the Hudson Valley is the 15th MOST POPULAR SPOT IN THE WORLD FOR TRAVELERS. Conveniently located in the Lower Hudson Valley, our home is just minutes from many fabulous places. There is so much to do in the area, from world class shopping, hiking, skiing, to wine tasting, art galleries, apple picking, hot air balloon rides, swimming and water spots, museums, The Renaissance Festival and so much more! The local area is rich in history dating back to the revolutionary war..... and for those really into the history of pasteurized prepared cheese products, and who isn't....Monroe is the birthplace of Velveeta Cheese. Click on a pictures below to be taken to that section of the page. 

Local Wine, Cider & Beer Tastings

There are several great wineries in the area. Below are just a few of our favorites. ​
Brotherhood Winery 

Brotherhood Winery is one of the oldest wineries in the USA. It was established in 1839, a few years before our house was built! They offer a great brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. It is definitely a neat spot to check out. 

​www.brotherhood-winery.com
Palaia Vineyards 

This vineyard is about 10 miles from our house and is located in Highland Mills, NY. Stop by on the weekend when they have live music. In addition to their own wine, they also carry several craft beers and hard cider. 

​www.palaiavineyards.com
Applewood Winery 

Applewood Winery makes wine and hard cider! They are located in Warwick, NY. Their cellar is on their farm. They also have a seasonal cafe and live music.

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www.applewoodwinery.com
Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery

Located in Warwick, NY, this winery and distillery is open all year round. They have regular wine tastings and no reservations are required. There is also a cafe on cite which is open Thursday - Sunday. Check their calendar to find out about music happenings and other events.

www.wvwinery.com
Newburgh Brewing Company

If you're not a fan of wine, be sure to check out this local brewery located in Newburgh, NY. Their selection changes pretty often so be sure to look on their website for what they have to offer. 



www.newburghbrewing.com
Orange County Distillery

A very local distillery, the owners do everything themselves. They are truly your farm-to-bottle operation. The owners would be happy to talk to you about their distillery processes. They are very warm and friendly guys! 



www.orangecountydistillery.com

Art Galleries 

A Town of Art in Sugar Loaf 
The Exposures Gallery 

If you are looking for art for fine homes, corporate and health care settings, this is the place to go. Located in the quaint town of Sugar Loaf, this is a great art gallery to see. 

Pacem in Terris

This gallery is a trans-religious sanctuary. The creator, Dr. Fancks; art has been on display throughout the world. This gallery is rated as one of the top galleries in the area. 
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Storm King Art Center

Highly regarded as the United States best art sculpture parks, Storm King Art Center is definitely a place for art and nature lovers. The 500-acres of land is carefully landscaped with fields, artwork, and woodlands. The hours depend on the season, so be sure to check out their website: www.stormking.org/visit
Be sure to take a drive to the lovely town of Sugar Loaf. This town is a community of artists. Shops sell handmade arts and crafts, pottery, leather goods, local American Indian items, artwork, hand made toys, wood working, fine art, candles and soaps, stained glass as well as beautiful one of a kind jewelry. If you are looking for a special gift, this is definitely the place to find one-of-a-kind pieces. The stores are owned by the local artists and many have been around for decades. This is such a cute town. You don't want to miss out on visiting. Open year round.www.sugarloafnewyork.com/fun

Outdoors Fun

Hiking 

Harriman State Park

​Our favorite hiking spot is in Harriman State Park. Harriman State Park is home to wildlife with an abundance of wildlife. There are 8 different hiking trials that anyone can visit. There are separate hiking trials for experienced hikers only. Harriman State Park has over 52,000 acres, 235 miles of hiking trails and countless lakes, beaches, ice skating in winter, fishing and boating.  This is the second largest state park in NY. Check out this map for further direction and information. 
Sterling Forest State Park

For more experienced hikers, you may want to check out Surprise Lake in Sterling Forest. The hike is about 4.0 miles but has a lot of steep climbs, rough terrains and rocks. Check out this website for more information.

More Forests and Parks within 20 minutes
​• Bear Mountain State Park
• Ringwood State Park
• Norvin Green State Forest
• Abram S. Hewitt State Forest
• Wawayanda State Park

Golfing

Miniature Golf & More
There are more than 5 golf courses within 10 miles of our home. Located just down the road is Mansion Ridge Golf Course. This 220-acre estate is open to the public and designed by Jack Nicklaus.  They are open all year round and booking for tee time can be done on their website. West Point Golf course has an 18-hole golf course nestled in a mountain layout and is spikeless. You can also check out the 18-hole golf course at Falkirk Estate and Country Club, and the Monroe Country Club.
In case the kids are not ready for the pro golf-courses, you can take them to the Castle in Chester, NY. The Castle Fun Center also has several other kids activities such as laser tag, go-kart racing, roller skating, rock climbing and much more. Be sure to check out there website.

​ www.castlefuncenter.com

Swimming

Boating
If you prefer to change it up and go for swim somewhere else besides our pool, be sure to go visit these lakes. Lake Welch and Tiorati Beach with crystal clear water, sandy beaches and areas to jump off of rocks is set inside Harriman State Park within over 47,000 acres and is the 2nd larges park in New York State. 

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Hot Balloon Rides
Boat rental is available at Harriman State Park. Another option would be to visit Greenwood Lake, where you can rent boats from the Marina.
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Watersports
Take a ride in a hot air balloon. There is no better way to experience the breathtaking aerial views of the lush Hudson Valley. Incredibly quiet and peaceful and only 20 minutes from Orchard Hill. ​
​Check out Harriman State Park and Greenwood Lake for lots of water sport activities. 
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Skiing

Ice Skating
We are just a short ride from four ski resorts. Sterling forest is about a 15 minute drive (but it is under renovations for the 2016/2017 season as of now). Another great ski resort is at Mountain Creek. Mountain Creek has 4 peaks, 8 ski lifts and various options for different levels of skiers. They offer rentals for skis and snowboards and they also have a snow tubing section! Have you ever been snow tubing? It is so much fun! The kids will love it. Other options include to check out skiing at West Point and Mount Peter, which is about 20 minutes away. Ask us about ski and stay deals for skiing at Mt. Peter!!
If you have your own skates, the town of Monroe offers free skating on the duck pond when the weather permits. If you don't have your own ice skates and want to skate outside, we would highly recommend going to Bear Mountain. Here you can skate under the open sky, you can also check out Harriman State Park, which is on the other side of Bear Mountain. However, if you would like to be inside, feel free to check out Ice Time Sports Complex, in Newburgh, NY. ​​

Visit the Ananda Ashram for Yoga

Visit Ananda Ashram for yoga, meditation, dance, classes, spiritual-educational center. Ananda Ashram is a Yoga retreat, spiritual and educational center around the corner with daily Yoga, Chanting, Sanskrit classes plus classical Indian dance, music instruction and workshops. The Ananda Ashram is located just up the road. You can walk there (1 mile walk) or take a 3-minute car ride. 

Private Yoga Instruction

If you would prefer to have a yoga instructor come to the house, please reach out to us and we can make arrangements for you. 

Local Attractions

The Woodbury Commons Outlets

Antique Shopping
Shop till you drop at the world famous Woodbury Commons Outlets just 1 mile from our home.  The Commons features over 220 brand outlet stores saving you money on all the brands you'd ever want and some you can't do without.  The mall is outdoors and its spectacular year round. 
The Lower Hudson Valley is rich in history. While visiting, take a piece of history home. Visit the fabulous town of Sugar Loaf or Warwick for some great antique shopping. For hardcore antique collectors, visit the small towns running along the Hudson River. 

Museum Village

Warwick Drive-In
Museum Village is an open-air historical museum. Visit here for the oppotunity to explore the 19th century American life. They have a wide range of eclectic artifacts, and they also provide hands-on experiences and exhibits that ilustrate the transition from rural to industral culture in America. This is a great spot to visit in the winter too. 

Check out there website for admission rates and hours: ​www.museumvillage.org
One of our ultimate favorite things to do in the area is to go to the Warwick Drive-In to catch a double feature. This is perhaps one of the few authentic drive-in movie theaters left in the country. The theatre was built in 1950 on 5 acres of land. There are 3 different screens, and each has a double feature. This is a definite must-do in the area. Although they close in the winter, the Warwick Drive-In opens in March!!! 

​Check out the current features at : www.warwickdrivein.com

West Point Military Academy

West Point Military Academy not only has breathtaking views, this is the place where all cadets are trained. It is a national landmark complete with the oldest museum in the United States Army. They have concerts, shows, an 18 hole golf course, sporting events, children's tennis instruction,  and recently opened up their Victor Constant Ski Area to the public and offer lessons (see section in skiing). Be sure to stop by for your own tour.

Local Farms and Farmers Markets

Farmers' Markets

Monroe:
  • Sundays from 9am - 2pm June 5th - October 20th in the commuter parking lot by airplane park. Check out the vendors here. ​
  • Wednesdays from 9am - 3pm June 8th - October 26th @ 1010 Rt 17M, Museum Village 
  • Saturdays & Sundays from 10am - 2pm @ 1231 Route 208, hosted by Blooming Grove Organic Farm

Tuxedo: 
  • Saturdays from 9am - 2 pm June 18-Nov 19 @ 240 Rt 17 in the Train Station 

Cornwall:
  • Wednesdays from 12pm - 6pm June 1st - October 26th @ 183 Main Street 

Washingtonville
  • Wednesdays from 3pm -8pm June 1st - October 26th @ 31 West Main Street

For other days of the week, please check out this website: ​http://orangetourism.org/explore/attractions/farms-and-markets/weekly-downtown-farmers-markets/

Visit the Farm


Bellevale Farms Creamery - excellent ice cream
Warwick, NY

Ochs Orchard - Apple, Pumpkin and Fresh Fruit Picking (seasonal)
Warwick, NY

Pennings Farm Market - Apple, Pumpkin & Fresh Fruit Picking (seasonal)
Warwick, NY

Blooming Hill Organic Farm 
1251 Route 208
Blooming Grove, NY 

My Saddlebrook farm - animal rescue
163 Berea Road
Walden, NY 

Gray Family Farm - meat, olive oil and maple syrup 
261 Otterill Road
New Windsor, NY 

Brookfields Farm - all natural beef sales
220 Route 17A
Goshen, NY 

For other farms in the area, please visit: ​http://orangetourism.org/explore/attractions/farms-and-markets/

Summer Fun

Although our favorite summer activities consist of hanging out by the pool and having a BBQ, there are lots of other great options in the area. There are several kid-friendly attractions as well as fun for older adults as well.
 Waterparks 

There are two waterparks within 40 minutes from our house. Although they have skiing in the winter, Mountain Creek also has a waterpark in the summer. A little further away, you can visit Splashdown Beach in Fishkill, NY. Splashdown Beach has been termed the largest, little water park in the nation. Both places are great options. 
Renaissance Faire

The New York Renaissance Faire is located in Tuxedo, NY, which is about a 10 minute drive. The fair is open on Saturdays and Sundays from August 5 - Oct 1, 2017. Tickets can be purchased online. Not sure what the Renaissance Faire is? It is a recreation of a Renaissance or Medieval village. Take a step back in time and explore this village that is filled with laughter, shows and excitement. The Renaissance Faire features more than 125 performances on 20 stages, over 100 craftspeople, and is located on 65 acres of forest. 

Seasonal Events

Monroe Cheese Festival

One of the first cheese factories in the United States was built in Monroe, NY in 1873 by Julius Wettstein, a German immigrant. The factory was sold in 1878 when he returned to Germany. After many years of changing of ownership, the Monroe Cheese Company closed its doors in 1926. It was then sold to Velveeta Cheese, which was then bought out by Kraft. Starting in 1989, the town of Monroe decided to throw a festival in honor of the company and celebrate. This festival is held every year in September. ​You can read more about the cheese festival here. 

Forest of Fear

After the Renaissance Faire closes it doors, it is time for the Forest of Fear to open! This very scary attraction is not recommended for children under the age of 12. However, for adults, be prepared to be very very scared. With over 7 main attractions and several smaller acts, the forest of fear will definitely be all you need for the best Halloween experience ever. The Forest of Fear is open during the month of October. Check out opening times and ticket rates on their website: www.renfair.com/forestoffear