Enjoy Summer Beach Getaways in the Hudson Valley!

July 13, 2009 - PRLog -- Bali Hai may call you, but the easiest way to connect with a tropical summer is to stay local in the Hudson Valley. Breezy islands and sandy beaches offer fun in the sun that feels like you’ve been transported to faraway places.

River and rapids provide spectacular views at Peebles Island, where the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers come together. Bring a picnic and a fishing pole, or stroll through miles of scenic paths. Nearby is the Schaick Mansion on its own island, a beautifully preserved historic home. Sail away to Constitution Island, where the Warner Family built their home in 1836. Revolutionary War fortifications precede the founding of West Point, and offer a spectacular view of the United States Military Academy and the Hudson Highlands.

Just up the river, discover the mystery of Bannerman Island, the baronial Scottish castle in the Hudson Highland, seen from Cold Spring and West Point. A short boat ride takes you to the foot of the island where guides share the historic castle’s secrets as you wend your way along the paths of the ghostly structures and manicured gardens.

Discover island living of a different sort at the Saugerties Lighthouse. This charming faded brick 1838 lighthouse still guides ships through a narrow stretch of the Hudson, and also operates year-round as a bed and breakfast. Day visitors can tour the lighthouse and museum and relax on the large wooden deck that reaches into the river.

A rare opportunity to see the Hudson Athens Lighthouse occurs the second Saturday of August, September, and October. Tours offer visitors a peek into the life of the last family to live at the lighthouse, and a walk around the grounds provides a 360-degree view of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. On August 18th, at Schodack Island State Park, discover what Henry Hudson really found when he sailed up the river that is now named for him. Henry Hudson & Native America explores the history of the island 400 years ago in this family-friendly program. You’ll also enjoy the scenery and trails along Henry’s scenic river.  

Script Ahoy! Performance Art Flotilla Swimming Cities presents its innovative offshore theater on August 28th in Nyack. Seven intricately handcrafted boats floating in the Hudson River will provide the stage for a theatrical and musical performance by an Obie-winning playwright. If you’d rather get sand between your toes, Playland Amusement Park in Rye has beach, boardwalk, and pier on Long Island Sound. This Art Deco National Historic Landmark also has over 50 rides with concerts and fireworks on Friday nights.  

Some prefer lake swimming to ocean waves, and two beaches at Greenwood Lake offer an idyllic way to spend a summer afternoon lolling in the sun. Both beaches have lifeguards, picnic areas, and play areas for a fun family escape. South Beach at North/South Lake State Park at Haines Falls is another easy way to kick back and relax. Swim in the gentle waters, take a leisurely hike, or rent a rowboat to see more of the shore.    

And you thought we just had a river!  Come visit our own special Hudson Valley islands and beaches. It’s a short trip to a getaway that feels like a vacation.  For more information, contact:

Peebles Island, Waterford. (518) 237-7000 ext. 220, http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=120

Constitution Island, West Point and Cold Spring. 845-446-8676, www.ConstitutionIsland.org

Bannerman Island, Newburgh and Beacon. 845-220-2120, www.prideofthehudson.com  

Saugerties Lighthouse, Saugerties. 845-247-0656, www.saugertieslighthouse.com   

Hudson Athens Lighthouse, Hudson and Athens.  518-828-5294,
www.hudsonathenslighthouse.org

Schodack Island State Park, Schodack Landing. 518-732-0187, http://nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/info.asp?parkID=87

Performance Art Flotilla Swimming Cities, Nyack. 845-358-4973
   
Playland Amusement Park, Rye Beach. 914-813-7000, www.ryeplayland.org   

Greenwood Lake Beach, Greenwood Lake. 845-986-1124, www.villageofgreenwoodlake.org/beach.html

North/South Lake State Park, Haines Falls. 518-589-5058, www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24487.html


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 845-615-3860.