NY: New Paltz: Mohonk Mountain House Mystery Weekend
Hands down Mohonk Mountain house provides an escape from the real world. It’s several miles away from civilization upon a mountain – just enough distance. Happily snowbound for the mystery and puzzle weekend, we all remained immersed in the 1920s during prohibition to uncover the clues to solve the case of who murdered Lulu! The…
NYC: NY Botanical Garden – Orchid Show
What’s great about returning to a recurring event is it gives you the opportunity to see the lesser obvious parts of the attractions. While we took in the bigger draws of this years orchid show – and they were stunning – I was intrigued by the patterned greenery as well as the cactus “snakes.” They…
NY: Lake George- Ice Castles & Winter Festival
With mild winters upon us, the frozen ice castles in Lake George is not always a certainty. The first year I signed up it was cancelled due to the warm weather. But this year it was a go! There was a real igloo with an ice bar. I had a “Dirty Snowman” which was hot…
NY: Tarrytown: Farmer and the Fish
Time simply unexpectedly unfolded in our best interest. Sunset was at 7PM and the traffic was horrific. Stopped. We reached our chosen restaurant – small without reservations on the water on the perfect evening. The valet reached for the car door and I was convinced we wouldn’t be staying I shared. Table 11 on the…
Inspiration: Lyme And Life
Always advocate for yourself. I spent four months trying to figure out a plethora of symptoms to learn I have and have had Lyme for a while while being dismissed by a host of doctors (and unfortunately some friends). Truth is, some of the symptoms started three years ago. Lyme can mimic some very serious…
NY: Katonah: Caramoor (American Roots Festival)
I’ve written of the beautiful Caramoor property before but their improvements and schedule enhancements bring it from a nice stop to a MUST stop. It has a great summer season of music to include a couple of music festivals. My favorite is the American Roots Festival which offers several artists performing throughout the property leading…
NY: Katonah: Muscoot Farm
My healing injury has offered me the opportunity to find local easier outdoor offerings to enjoy. Fun to see all the smiling families on a hayride around the farm. I was hanging around watching with the cow as he showed off the strength of his tongue. Did you know that since a cow has a…
NY: Catskills- Peekamoose Bluehole
For a couple of years I read about a small swimming hole with a blue glow within the NY Catskill preserve. It would get so busy that now it requires reservations and is manned to ensure it’s kept clean. I met a really nice 25 year old ranger named Eli who checked us in. He…
Inspiration: The water bug’s shadow
I watched the sun’s shadow of a traveling water bug in the clear waters of this river while butterflies were dancing and the brook was babbling. Take time for yourself.
NY: Millbrook- Innisfree Garden- Daffodil Viewing
The soft opening of the 2022 season starts with a daffodil viewing. It’s not only about the daffodils. It’s about the rolling hills, the misty waters, the chatty geese and the biggest snapping turtle. While the pictures don’t do this place justice, I’m so grateful for having taken them to recall each magical moment so…
NY: New York Botanical Garden (Spring)
No better place to celebrate Earth day then at Daffodil Hill at the NYBG! The garden’s website will advise you of what is in bloom so you can determine the right time to go. The dedication of the team there is clear. The gardens are just immaculate. Bring a picnic lunch is my tip. Grab…
NY: Katonah: Lasdon Park
Happiness is . . . chasing cherry blossoms, magnolias and other flowers as they spring up over night. I had last snow shoed at Lasdon Park but with its focus on horticulture I decided to see what may be blossoming. How awesome it was to reach the top of a hill and look down upon…
NYC: The Summit One Vanderbilt
A new cultural experience that truly hits all your senses! The Summit! NYC sights in the heights! While it was one of the first beautiful spring days in NYC the staff at the Summit did a great job getting everyone in and once you reached the top it was better than I expected. Different senses…
NYC: Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
Every year for over half a century it rains on or within a day of my birthday. Not the kind of refreshing type of rain but the winter worn colder than expected all day type of rain. In its anticipation I opted for a day in NYC where there are so many great indoor options…
NY: Bronx: NY Botanical Garden- Orchid Show
I was born in NYC. The hustle, the bustle, Broadway shows, the subway, the late nights, the early mornings and yet it took me all this time to just STOP and smell the orchids! Fortunately rain or shine, cold or hot, you enter the conservatory and enter a rainforest manicured to perfection. This years kaleidoscope…
NY: NY Botanical Garden- Holiday Event
The Holiday glow and Train event was wonderfully executed and clearly a lot of work went into it. A great place to immerse yourself into the surroundings and stay present. There was so much detail to entice your senses. I went back several times to the above spot to get this shot as I waited…
NY-Hudson Valley-Irvington- The Octagon House
There are only so many (about 100) Octagon houses in the United States so I figured it was worth a visit. The house was built in 1860 and the top rebuilt by the new owners. The home is painstakingly maintained to its original design and decor. It was part of a haunted movie and the…
NY: Hudson Valley- Tarrytown- Mario Cuomo Bridge
Formerly the Tappan Zee Bridge, the new Mario Cuomo bridge is the longest bridge in New York State spanning three miles. It is not only for vehicular traffic but is also a pedestrian bridge with a bike lane. Notwithstanding the name is currently politically charged, it offers reminders to reflect on impactful or celebratory moments…
NY: Catskills Region- Tannersville- Deer Mountain Inn
Beautiful environment, some history, clearly loved by the owners and staff and farm to table food. I very much enjoyed walking around the property before the meal. Once inside I took a peek in each room that was so elegantly decorated. The freshly made sourdough bread with accompaniments was delicious. The wines were carefully selected…
NY: Greene County- Pratt Rock
When you review what to do in the Northern Catskills, Pratt’s Rock is one of the sites you might find. Located in Prattsville, the rock has stone carvings commissioned by Pratt himself to represent his life. It’s a short steepish hike about 1/4 mile to the rock. It is easy to get too since the…
NY: Greene County- Windham
About 1/2 hour away from Hunter mountain is the town of Windham. The drive up itself offered beautiful photo ops on this October Fall day. I was often asked where the picture of the first house was taken and learned from a Facebook reader it’s at Route 23 & VanAken Rd., Grand Gorge. I wound…
NY: Delaware County- Stamford- Mt Utsayantha
Per their website, Located just outside of the Catskill Forest Preserve is the 3214 foot Mount Utsayantha and it’s popular fire tower. It is located just southeast of the village of Stamford in Delaware County After a couple of days of hiking about 12 miles an overlook to a fire tower with a driveable road…
NY: Catskills- Greene County-Hunter Mountain
Per the Catskills website, “Capping out at 4,040 feet, the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is one of the Catskills’ most challenging treks and the most difficult of the five fire tower hikes.” Fortunately there’s also the option of closing your eyes for an 11 minute Skylift ride ($15 for a round trip as of Oct…
NY: Catskills Region-Plattekill Falls
At the top of Platte Clove across the street from the main trailhead lot is a short hike to a beautiful drop waterfall. While perhaps not as majestic as the close by Kaaterskill, these falls are with the short but steep climb to the bottom with a lovely overlook peek on the way. After taking…
NY: Catskills Region- Huckleberry Point
A moderate hike with a surprise series of waterfalls! The distance was manageable at 5 total miles out and back to the point with clear markers along the way. Start on blue for about a mile and then switch to the yellow at a hard right until you could go no further. As you start…
NY- Dutchess County- Millbrook- Innisfree Garden (Fall)
I went away for a weekend in the Fall with a friend expecting to stay in Millerton when I discovered I was staying in Millbrook! Fortunately Millbrook has Innisfree Garden where you can make a wish and see rainbows! We walked around the lake which offered distinct foliage and views from each angle. Note that…
NY: Dutchess County- Hyde Park- FDR home
An easy walk around the property of FDRs library and home has a lot to offer. A beautiful garden surrounds the resting place. Statues made from the Berlin Wall offered an area for contemplation and motivation with busts of FDR and Churchill. The horse barn had nameplates including one called the New Deal. His country…
NY: Hudson Valley-Poughkeepsie- Walkway Loop
The Walkway loop trail is approximately a 4 mile loop around the Walkway over the Hudson and the Mid-Hudson bridge. Each turn offers you a majestic view of the landscape. From the Walkway you see the Mid-Hudson bridge with the church in the foreground. On the other side is the view of the mountains with…
NY- Hudson Valley- Rhinebeck- Ferncliff Forest
Thank you to the Hudson Valley sunset for encouraging my fearful climb up the fire tower on 9/11/21. It felt meaningful to overcome a fear on this 20th anniversary of 9/11. The hike to the fire tower was a quick and easy 1/2 mile or so. As I looked up the fire tower I assessed…
NY- Hudson Valley-Red Hook- Poets walk
From the moment I parked the car I saw people on benches reading or writing in a journal. The walk was easy and relaxing and beautiful. The weather also happened to have been perfect not being too hot. The walk is a lollipop look of about 2 miles. From the lot you reach the first…
NY: Hudson Valley- Rhinebeck- Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
I am honestly not an air show type of gal. Can’t say why exactly but on an average day that likely would not be something that might turn my head. But this was a very clear day. It also happened to be the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. It felt appropriate to acknowledge this…
NY: Hudson Valley- Garrison-Boscobel House & Gardens
I learned of Boscobel from my cousin as an awesome venue to see Shakespeare performances in a beautiful outdoor landscape on the Hudson. A recent trip to Boscobel surprised me as it turned out to host a farmers market on Saturdays so I had a lovely last minute picnic with fresh kalamata olive bread and…
NY: Ulster County- Saugerties- Esopus Creek (Kayaking)
Had a nice paddle on the Esopus Creek in Saugerties. I launched at Saugerties Village Beach at 47 S Partition Street, NY. The creek is along side Esopus Bend Nature preserve. A very easy flat water paddle. There was also the ability to stop along the nature preserve along the way which provided a pathway…
NY- Westchester- Katonah- Caramoor
Caramoor Center of Music & Art is delightful and a bit like a fairytale as you walk through the various destinations with sound soothing elements. There are various paths which have different offerings for each of your senses. The forests chime and the paths lightly rustle. The sunken garden offers a grass stage on which…
NY-Catskills-Haines Falls-Artists Rock
North-South Campground, Catskills has a lot to offer! A hike to Ashley Falls, Artist Rock and Newman’s ledge is about 4 miles round trip. There’s also a little jaunt to Sunset Rock I have yet to experience. Artists Rock was aptly named for painters. From artists rock stop go on to Newman’s ledge! See related…
NY: Catskills- Tannersville- Mountaintop Arboretum
I’m an early riser and wondered what to do before my scheduled breakfast. I had missed the origin of the days sunrise so decided to explore this public garden. From the moment I saw the sun peeking over the trees and the inviting pergola and pond I knew I made the right decision. At over…
NY- Catskills Region- North South Campground- Newman’s Ledge
I came to Tannersville for a bike tour which turned out to be a strenuous and serious bike race. I opted for a slower ride and ride into the North South campground in Haines Falls beside Tannersville. I found it’s also an area with several hikes to three overlooks. This blog is about Newman’s ledge.…
NY: Catskills Region- Tannersville
The little town of Tannersville was a big win for me! What a rush! First it has a 2.7 mile bike path. It is a dirt and gravel road so better for a hybrid versus road bike but fun nonetheless. You can then return on route 23 through the town to a lovely variety of…
NY- Catskills Region- Ashokan Reservoir (Sunset)
I chase sunsets and love to go to see them in different places and find unique perspectives. In the Catskills I read to go to Ashokan reservoir and just stop your car. I stopped the car on the side of the road, climbed over a barrier and stepped on my glasses to get these cell…
NY: Catskills Region- Woodstock- Overlook Mountain (Hiking)
Not too far from CT, a couple of hour drive, is an achievable hike to the Overlook Mountain Fire Tower in Woodstock, NY. The 2.5 mile hike up offers the remnant of an old Stone Hotel around mile marker 1.9. It’s an easy hike up when you consider you are walking up a gravel road.…
NY: Hudson Valley- Sauguerties- Falling Waters Preserve
Falling Water preserve is part of Scenic Hudson hikes and was opened to the public in 2011. A few miles offering a variety of types of hiking including scenic views along the river, fun benches and structures and two small but refreshing waterfalls. I even spied a snake taking a sip. There’s parking for about…
NY: Catskills region- Kaaterskill Falls
Tropical Storm Elsa had just passed. For me that meant it was time to chase waterfalls! Located in the Catskills mountains, I heard of Kaaterskill Falls and how crowded the hike had become since the pandemic with the parking overflowing necessitating strict rules be put in place. Fortunately this was a weekday and I was…
NY-Hudson Valley- Nyack Beach State Park
Cliffs, river and a path with a view! Looked like a perfect place to discover on my bike. Started at Nyack State Beach park and was definitely impressed as I started my ride along the shoreline of the Hudson River. The first mile to mile and a half was flat with a gravel/dirt path with…
NY: Hudson Valley- Olana State Historic Site
The morning following Tropical Storm Elsa, I took a chance to walk the grounds and see the view at Olana State Historic Site. Should the rain have continued, my contingency would have been an inside tour of the house (for those who know me they’re smiling now as I am known for my contingency planning…
NY: Hudson Valley- Milton- Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa
This born and bred NYC gal chased waterfalls and farms this past weekend with a great experience at this Hudson Valley venue. I was here during the remnants of Tropical Storm Elsa which at first put a damper on things. First thing I did was schedule a deep tissue massage. I also brought with me…
NY: Hudson Valley-Red Hook- Zabriskie’s Waterfall
After a rain storm I like to chase waterfalls. Having visited most of the largest in Connecticut, I expanded my circle to the Hudson Valley. This one sits within Bard College in Red Hook, NY. Per Hudson Valley Magazine : A short walk on a defined path along the Sawkill Creek at Bard College takes…
NY: Hudson Valley Farm to Fork Fondo
The experience is unparalleled for me. Supporting local farms, appreciating the surroundings, meeting such nice people and accomplishing your choice of length of ride! I’ve supported this effort for a few years now and the experience is consistently fulfilling. The ride is very well supported by the staff. The route well marked and app supported.…
NY: Putnam County- Patterson- Great Swamp (Kayaking)
Highly recommend a kayak down Great Swamp. I started in Patterson NY launching down a dirt road from the Patterson Recreation Center. The recreation center is at 65 Front Street. Drive passed it and make a left and go to end of dirt road about 1/2 mile. Parking for about six available. The river felt…
NY: Orange County- Warwick- Bellevale Creamery
This spot combines two of my favorite things in one – ice cream and a sunset! In Warwick, New York on the top of a mountain lies the creamery. I have been here twice at sunset as I’ve been told it’s the best place for a sunset! While it was cloudy on this evening the…
NY: Dutchess County- Millbrook- Innesfree Garden
Magical land of make believe is what I kept thinking as I saw uniqueness in the grounds at each turn. While I took hundreds of photos, I am an amateur and could not capture the true beauty that was so carefully painted by the volunteers you maintain these grounds. The different textures, types of trees…
NY: Dutchess County-Dover Plains- Dover Stone Church Trail
A short path (about .5 mile) takes you to Dover Stone Church – a cool water cave with a waterfall. Keep in mind the signs take towards it and the final sign directs you to the other hiking trails to the left not reflecting you are to go to the right for the cave. Once…
NY: Dutchess County- Harlem Valley River Trail (Wassaic to Millerton)
The Harlem Valley River Trail starts in Wassaic, NY. I have since learned this hamlet has a lot of artistic galleries to see. But as it relates to the rail trail, I parked at the Metro North station ( no fee on weekends) and started down the path. How wonderful it was to see the…
NY: Dutchess County- Empire State Trail (Brewster to Hopewell Junction)
Empire State Trail way is 750 miles from NYC to Canada! I have biked the trail both below and above this new segment. Today’s section was the Maybrook Trail from Brewster to Hopewell Junction- the 22-mile paved portion of the trail was only recently completed in 2021. I started in Pawling which is 15 miles…
NY: Bronx- New York Botanical Garden- Kusama Exhibit
I have chased this exhibit for a few years in different towns each time something getting in my way. Finally I had the opportunity and for those that enjoy immersing themselves in whimsical fairytales then go! Below is the link to the exhibit through October 2021 at the New York Botanical Garden. Tickets were $35…
NY: Ulster County- Marlboro-Benmarl Winery
One of my favorite trips was biking in Napa Valley and stopping at vineyards along the way. Seeking a touch of Napa on the east coast, I stopped at Benmarl Winery in Marlboro NY. According to an article it’s the oldest vineyard in America. I admit I am a bit skeptical so I will see…
NY: Dutchess County- Beacon
It has been quite a while since I ventured outside of Connecticut. Not too far over the border is the town of Beacon, NY in the Hudson Valley. This town and its surrounding area has a little bit of everything- cute stores, museums, waterfall, restaurants, biking friendly and loads of hiking with spectacular views. I…
NY: Westchester County- Peekskill-9/11 Memorial
One of my inspirations for my outdoor adventures is pausing at a site of a 9/11 memorial (original link for my inspiration at bottom). I find the memorials especially poignant this year, 2021, which is the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. I find each memorial has a uniqueness and they each are in a special…
Inspiration: 20th Anniversary- Remembering 9/11 (Westport CT)
This terrorist attack was certainly one where everyone likely remembers where they were. I was facilitating a meeting at a Bank a few blocks away from the World Trade Center. A participant working from home shared that it appeared a plane may have crashed into the World Trade Center. Having grown up in NYC as…
NY: Westchester County- Untermeyer Gardens (Holiday Ticketed Event)
The moon rising under the Illuminations of the walled garden at Untermeyer with musical accompaniment from various disciplines made for a truly enchanted evening stroll. You will likely feel enlightened within the 20 minutes allotted in this free ticketed and timed event. I was fortunate enough to go on a clear night with just enough…
NY: Westchester County-Pound Ridge-Zofnass Family Preserve
Buddha Bridge, a Tarzan vine, a waterfall staircase and a double breed maple growing out of a rock are only some of the sights to see at the largest preserve of the Westchester Land Trust. With wetlands, rocky paths, well marked trails and fun facts the secret is out. This is likely the most fun…
Inspiration: Whistle Near the Blindman
The title of this blog is not my own. When I was in my teens my boyfriend shared he one day wanted to write a book with this title. He felt that folks needed to be reminded and/or taught that even with only sparing a moment you can support someone else. He thought that perhaps…
Inspiration: Dancing Trees
At first I felt awkward going on some of my outdoor adventures on my own. I realized, however, that if I approached it a bit differently I could greatly improve the experience. I decided to make others part of the adventure through my lens. This was actually a huge and successful pivot. Now as I…
NY: Westchester County- Katonah- Lasdon Park (Winter)
An under rated four season park with lovely child friendly events. I posted about Lasdon park in the Fall where I also referenced summer and spring events. Recalling its many paths and one specifically to a Chinese Pagoda I was the first to break the trail during this last snow fall. While many of the…
Inspiration: Mud & Sticks
Capturing the colors of the sky with subjects in its shadows is especially rewarding once the leaves fall off the trees. That led me to learn that in Vermont they actually have named two more seasons – Mud and Sticks! Mud season is the period after the snow melts and before spring when the ground…
NY: Westchester County-Katonah- Lasdon Park
If you’re looking for a low key walk in the park alone or with kids, Lasdon Park offers different paved areas to include explanations of the surrounding trees and plantings as well as interactive areas for the kids. Lasdon park is a former estate of a philanthropist that enjoyed birds and nature. The property was…
NY: Hudson Valley- Beacon- Bear Mountain Anthony’s Nose Overlook
The hike referred to as Anthony’s Nose is a 2.6 mile out and back hike in Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, Beacon, NY. It is considered a short but steep hike up a natural stone outdoor staircase. There are several trails to get to the overlook but I have chosen each time to enter near…
NY: Hudson Valley-Mario Cuomo Bridge
The former Tappan Zee Bridge had been identified as one of the more dangerous bridges to cross due to its wear and tear. Many years later the new Mario Cuomo Bridge was constructed. It includes a walkway and bike way. Two distinct dedicated paths for walkers and bikers connecting the wonderful towns of Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow…
Rail Trail Biking
Ashokan Rail Trail-West Hurley, NY
The Dutchess Rail Trail is a 13-mile rail trail that stretches from the former Hopewell Junction train depot, north to the Poughkeepsie entrance of the Walkway over the Hudson. It’s a shared use rail trail open for pedestrians and bicyclers. The Dutchess Rail Trail forms part of the proposed Empire State Trail
The Harlem Valley Rail Trail is a paved rail trail on an abandoned portion of the New York and Harlem Railroad, north of the Metro-North Railroad Harlem Line terminus in Wassaic. It is owned by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
The Hudson Valley Rail Trail is a paved 4-mile east–west rail trail in the town of Lloyd in Ulster County, New York, stretching from the Hudson River through the hamlet of Highland. The trail was originally part of the Poughkeepsie Bridge Route, a rail corridor that crossed the Hudson via the Poughkeepsie Bridge.
The North County Trailway is a 22.1-mile long rail trail stretching from Eastview to Baldwin Place in Westchester County, New York. The North County Trailway was constructed along the Putnam Division railbed of the former New York Central Railroad.
The Putnam County Trailway is a paved 12-mile bicycle and pedestrian trail in Putnam County, New York. With few exceptions, it follows the former right-of-way of the New York and Putnam Railroad from the northern end of the North County Trailway at the Putnam County line in Baldwin Place north, then east, to Carmel.
The South County Trailway is a 14.1-mile long rail trail stretching from the Putnam Trail in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx to the North County Trailway in East View, New York. Westchester County Parks constructed the trailway in segments beginning in 1990 and completed it on October 31, 2017.
Pivot and Pause in New England 