Stunning Beauty - Rich Dutch Heritage   

     Henry Hudson sailed up the river in 1609, and discovered one of the truly pristine rivers of North America.  Today, it is just about as pristine as it was more than 400 years ago.  However, there are lots of cities and towns, railroads and marinas, lots of early Dutch names, and stories of the families that settled this 150+ long tidal estuary stretching from the Narrows near Staten Island - all the way up to the Rapids in Troy which is 150 miles inland - and still influenced by the 1 foot tides.  

     Rip Van Winkle fell asleep - and woke up 20 years later. Washington Irving's home, Sunnyside, is open to visitors.  Irving wrote about old Rip Van Winkle, and his story lives 'till today, and beyond.  How about the "Headless Horseman" ?  He still rides the old Albany Post Road by the Union Church.  

     Traditional Dutch homes and estates and plantations are preserved, and today, you can visit such places as Sleepy Hollow and Van Cortlandt Manor - restored Dutch estates.

     And Cornelius Vandervilt built his New York Central Railroad along the river banks and Robert Fulton took his steamboat the "Clermont" all the way up the river to Albany.  

    Go antiquing in Cold Spring, visit Contemporary art Museums - Dia in Beacon, and the outstanding Storm King Art Center.  Spectatular views from the "Walkway Across the Hudson", a retired railroad bridge - now a walking path - the highest and longest pedestrian bridge in the WORLD.  Culinary Instute of America = Yummy food. Vanderbilt Mansion, and FD Roosevelt's "Springwood" estate and Presidential Library PLUS Eleanor Roosevelt's private retreat that she called "Va;-Kill".  More ?

     ... And, you can visit the United States Millitary Academy - called West Point - stay the night at the Hotel Thayer as you explore the Hudson River Valley to hear tales of George Washington and the American Revolution - ghosts and whispers of 400 years ago.  It is all waiting for you ... in the glorious Hudson River Valley. Still MORE ... ?

     Enough for "samplers".  Of course there is so much more, but this should keep you busy until old Rip Van Winkle awakens ...

ALSO    NewYorkScenicTours.com  and  NewYorkByTrain.com