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 picture below to be taken to that section of the page.
Local Wine, Cider & Beer Tastings
Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery
Our favorite winery. Located in Warwick, NY, this winery and distillery is open year-round. They have regular Cider, Wine, and Spirit tastings. No reservations are required. There is also a cafe on site, which is open Thursday – Sunday, plus holidays, and live music. Check their calendar to find out about music happenings and other events. In addition to the winery, they have a wide variety of apples for apple picking.
www.wvwinery.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.
www.applewoodwinery.com
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
Newburgh Brewing Company
If you’re 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
Angry Orchard
One of our favorite places! They make their own cider, have lots of samples, tours, tastings, parings, food, cider lessons, mixology, recipes and a fun place to visit.
www.angryorchard.com
The Little Wine Bus
Art Galleries
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, has been on display worldwide. This gallery is ranked among the top galleries in the area.
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 are carefully landscaped with fields, artwork, and woodlands. The hours depend on the season, so be sure to check out their website:
www.stormking.org/visitA Town of Art in Sugar Loaf
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, handmade toys, woodworking, fine art, candles, soaps, stained glass, and 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 & Walking Trails
Harriman State Park
Our favorite hiking spot is in Harriman State Park. Harriman State Park is home to abundant wildlife. There are 8 different hiking trails that anyone can visit. There are separate hiking trails 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 New York. Check out this map for further directions and information.
Heritage Trail
14 Mile Linear Trail from Harriman (Village of Harriman off of River Road) to Goshen.
Access Points/Parking
Chester Depot Museum, Village of Chester; St. James Place, Village of Goshen: Park and Ride Lot B, Village of Monroe, and the Village of Harriman off of River Road.
Sterling Forest State Park
For more experienced hikers, check out Surprise Lake in Sterling Forest. The hike is about 4.0 miles long but features many steep climbs, rough terrain, and rocks. Check out this website for more information.
More Forests and Parks within 20 minutes
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- Bear Mountain State Park
- Ringwood State Park
- Norvin Green State Forest
- Abram S. Hewitt State Forest
- Wawayanda State Park
Golfing
There are more than five 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 year-round, and tee times can be booked on their website. West Point Golf Course has an 18-hole, mountain-laid-out, spike-less course. You can also check out the 18-hole golf course at Falkirk Estate and Country Club, and the Monroe Country Club. Hickory Hill golf course in Warwick is a pleasant drive (about 20-25 minutes).
Miniature Golf & More
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 offers several other kids’ activities, including laser tag, go-kart racing, roller skating, rock climbing, and more. Be sure to check out their website.
www.castlefuncenter.com
Swimming
If you prefer to change it up and go swimming somewhere other than our pool, be sure to 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, covering over 47,000 acres, and is the 2nd largest park in New York State.
Boating
Boat rental is available at Harriman State Park and at Greenwood Lake, where they offer all kinds of boat rentals: pontoons, private yachts, PONTOONIKS, speed boats, water skiing, wakeboarding, Jet Skis, Kayaks, Paddle Boards.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
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.
Watersports
Check out Harriman State Park and Greenwood Lake for lots of water sport activities. Lots of rentals in the area. Paddle Board lessons offered on the lake in Monroe. Please inquire.
Skiing
- Mountain Creek Ski has 4 peaks, 8 ski lifts, and various options for different levels of skiers. They offer ski and snowboard rentals, and they also have a snow tubing area! Have you ever been snow tubing? It is so much fun! The kids will love it.
- Mount Peter – has day and night skiing as well as lessons, lifts, and tubing. It is about a 20-minute drive.
- Victor Constant- open to the public, it is West Point’s ski resort (about 20 minutes).
- Campgaw Ski – Lessons, tubing, and rentals.
- Bear Mountain Skiing- skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, private lessons, (they also have ice skating at Bear Mountain).
Ice Skating
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 recommend going to Bear Mountain. Here you can skate under the open sky, and 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.
Walkway Over the Hudson River
With a breathtaking view, this is the world’s longest pedestrian bridge. The Walkway over the Hudson is a beautiful walk or bike ride on the Walk Across the Hudson River. From sunrise to spectacular starry nights, this is a great experience.
Horseback Riding
There are about 15 different Horseback Riding Stables near us. Let us know what you are interested in, and we will gladly help you with this.
Paintball, Rock Climbing, Zip Lining, etc.
MSG Paintball in Middletown, NY
Ring Homestead, Middletown, NY – has paintball, zip lining and a ropes course
The Castle Fun Center, Chester, NY
Battle Creek Paintball, West Milford, NJ
Masterclass Shooting Range
Indoor shooting range for target practice. One needs a permit to rent a gun and practice. Those without a gun permit can rent a .22 rifle and a shotgun to shoot.
Hudson River Expeditions
Enjoy and explore the spectacular river views and rent a kaya or canoe.
Thunder Mountain Trap & Skeet
Open year-round for trap & skeet shooting. Night shooting too. No experience or license required, plus practice fields for the beginner.
Hudson Highlands State Park
Climb Breakneck Ridge and see spectacular river views.
Orange County Choppers
Come tour the Orange County Choppers, where they make unique and custom motorcycles. They gained fame from the TV reality show American Choppers.
Motorcyclepedia Museum
Not far from Orange County Choppers is the Motorcyclepedia Museum, which features over 500 motorcycles on display, ranging from a supercharged Harley-Davidson to a 1897 De-Dion motorcycle.
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
Local Attractions
The Woodbury Commons Outlets
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, as well as some you can’t do without. The mall is outdoors, and it’s spectacular year-round.
Antique Shopping
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
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
Warwick Drive-In
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 three different screens, and each features a double bill. 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
Discover What is Happening in Orange County. Visit
https://orangetourism.org/
Visit the Ananda Ashram for Yoga
Local Farms and Farmers Markets
Farmers' Markets
- 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
- Saturdays from 9am – 2 pm June 18-Nov 19 @ 240 Rt 17 in the Train Station
- Wednesdays from 12pm – 6pm June 1st – October 26th @ 183 Main Street
- 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
Warwick Valley Apple Picking, Winery & Distillery
A huge selection of apples for apple picking. Also, our favorite winery. Located in Warwick, NY, this winery and distillery is open year-round. They have regular Cider, Wine, and Spirit tastings. No reservations are required. There is also a cafe on site, which is open Thursday – Sunday, plus holidays, and live music. Check their calendar to find out about upcoming music events and other activities.
www.wvwinery.com
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
Theme Parks
LEGOLAND –
Legoland theme park is a short drive from us. It is themed after the Lego toy brand. Rides, attractions, and interactions, dining, and shopping. It’s a super fun place.
Other Theme Parks
Mountain Creek Waterpark offers skiing in the winter, as well as 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.
Visit the Farm
Renaissance Faire
The New York Renaissance Faire is located in Tuxedo, NY, which is approximately a 10-minute drive away. The fair is open on Saturdays and Sundays in the fall. 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 spans 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 ownership, the Monroe Cheese Company closed its doors in 1926. It was then sold to Velveeta Cheese, which Kraft subsequently acquired. 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 seven 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 October. Check out opening times and ticket rates on their website: www.renfair.com/forestoffear
