It's a nice park and historical site. They have several…read morepermanent BBQ grills picnic tables, water fountain. A group of us went for the fireworks, that were supposed to be from Saugerties, NY. We arrived midday; to see the re-enactments and enjoy the great weather. There was an ice cream truck and a food truck. They Always had a line. By the time dusk was approaching the crowds started to fill the great lawns facing the Hudson and the city of Saugerties. By 9:15 pm there were a few sporadic flares from the West Bank of the Hudson. By almost 10 pm it was pretty obvious there would not be a fireworks display that night. We've seen plenty of fireworks displays, so for us was NBD. Felt kind of bad for the young families whose kids were probably disappointed.

The word that came to mind most often, as I was strolling around the grounds, was "unspoiled."…read moreThey're probably a bit less fancy, more basic, than other mansion grounds, but they're very well maintained, with enough signs to be informative. The gardens were nice and also well maintained, but not fancy - some signs as to the varieties of flowers and plants would be nice. There's several places to the south of the house offering scenic views of the Hudson River, and the Catskills beyond that. Mansion tours were going on while I was there. A sign at the entrance says that paid parking for 2020 began on 6/6, where you pay the fee of $5 at one of the machines at either end of the parking lot. Unfortunately, it's not $5, it's $6 now. Rest rooms are available behind the parking lot, and there's a fairly large area behind it and to the south for sitting, picnics, and light recreation (e.g., folks were throwing frisbees). Dogs are permitted on a leash. Even on a nice day on a weekend, there's plenty of space for everyone. Though I imagine this is a very popular site to visit during fall foliage season.

5.0 star rating Reviewer: Drone Shot Media…read more Our drone captured the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse--an 1874 Second Empire red-brick beacon on a granite caisson--bathed in golden-hour light above the Hudson's gentle ripples. Accessible only by boat, the guided tour shares tales of its original fog bell and offers unbeatable aerial angles. Pro tip: book early with Hudson Ferry Company for prime late-day shoots.

What a surprise to track down this lighthouse on its own island in the middle of the Hudson…read more Of course it's a home too. But your imagination runs wild when you think what the keeper has to put up with. Across from a giant grain silo on the bank.

What a peculiar place to put poor 'ole Rip, on an elbow turn with a swail and no burm to keep the…read moreauto from a tumblin' if it's iced. Rip Van Winkles Awakening is just darn adorable and kinda creepy at the same frame, no matter the angle and I absorbed every one. My Dutch bretherin hit the nips of wicked flaggon a bit too zestfully, as returning to dame Van Winkle mustn't be a desirable situation. And just then an old fellow with hip high galligasketts and a keg upon his shoulder began to call his name and poor 'ole hen pecked Rip compiled only to awaken two generations later. With Wolf, his domestic adherent and partner in lazy days in the wood not answering Rips call and his fowling piece rusted and a worm infested stock - the good natured Rip Van Winkle now remains, once again, still and permanent in time-- looking over the Hudson Valley in the Catskills, (a disjointed member of the nighty Adarondiacs) and here he shall remain.

just amazing the talent and vision of the artist is just to behold…read more just take a drive and enjoy this master piece

This house is where the pre-treasonous Benedict Arnold recuperated after being wounded at the…read moreBattle of Bemis Heights. The house is an interesting landmark for what it represents historically. It is not open to the Public.

My cousin and I came in today and were incredibly disappointed. Here's some datapoints:…read more -Half of the gallery rooms in the home were closed (we were not informed until we went into the home) -You will see more reproductions than real art -You can only view the studio from a plexiglass We mentioned to the front desk that we were surprised that we just paid $40 to see half of the house and behind a plexiglass. They said it was their first winter opening and that they would consider our feedback. My recommendation: they should list out that half the house is under renovation at the front desk, charge $5 or a suggested donation, and honestly should have refunded us the full amount. I actually am shocked that I could go to an actual nice museum for what I paid today.

Such an incredibly beautiful spot to visit. The view is outstanding. After visiting be sure to stop…read moreby the grave that is just down the street. Make a day if it and visit Olana too!

This house was where British General John Burgoyne was hosted as a POW after his loss at Saratoga…read morein October 1777. This house is an interesting landmark for it's historical value. It is not open to the public.

Woodstock is an eclectic town in the Adirondacks. It's about 2 - 3 hours northeast of NYC…read moredepending, in my opinion, on the amount of time you have to sit in traffic on the George Washington Bridge. The drive itself (except for traffic on the GW) is very pleasant. Many people believe it was the site of the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969. That was actually held in a field outside Bethel, NY, about an hour away. Despite my pleas my family wouldn't take me to the field because we would get back to the city too late. I've wanted for years to lay in the field with my eyes closed & feel the presence of the event that was a highlight of my generation. Of course at my age, I would need a strong hand to help me get back up again. Our visit was because my Grandson loved to swim in a stream that ran through a part of town. After seeing the incline down I chose to roam the town during his swim. The town, for someone of my generation, was not just charming. It appeared to be a place where old hippies went to live the remainder of their life around like minded people, Of course there were souvenirs stores that capitalized on its famous name. But there was so much more. Sitting on a bench watching a band playing in the town square, I chatted with people of my generation. It was pleasant and calming, a place where "Peace will guide the planets.....And love will steer the stars." When my family returned from their swim we ate at a cafe with 60's decor then headed back to the city without a detour to the field. Sigh.....

Mostly everyone, associate the 1969 concert that originally took place in Bethel, NY, with…read moreWoodstock, NY (the concert's namesake). But the "Free Loving", energy and music that occurred then- just extended here. Most people ask me, "what do you do up in Woodstock? Do you wear hippie clothes? Do you just roam around mindlessly? Do you sing in the Town's Square ?" No. No. And. No. Please fast forward to the newly rich Woodstock. It's more than Janis Joplin and tie-dyed t-shirts- please; (though I love every Janis song). I've seen the changes in the last 16 years; and the presence of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban (pre wedding) while Mr. Man and I had lunch at Landau Grill, just bumped Woodstock to a modern destination spot; attracting folks from the city- by the bus loads! Locally-owned shops, rightfully remain, with a more refined appearance. But it also holds that country vibe also. That's perfectly fine. Creativity in the form of paintings, sculptures, Art Galleries and film, flows everywhere you go. I've driven in for the day, spent a long weekend and have spent a week. Either or, you will not be at a loss- there's something for everyone up here. People are genuinely approachable. And that aura of Peace and Love that initially took place more than 40 decades ago- will never go away.

I enjoyed the hotel and it's scenery. Unfortunately my friend and I did not have a room that faced…read morethe valley. But we were the first to arrive as the entire hotel was booked. Because of a nearby motorcycle rally called Rolling Thunder. Only 12 rooms. Our room was at the end of a very long hallway on the second floor which is where all the rooms were located. We were on the left-hand side which faced the front of the hotel at the rooms on the right hand side where the rooms that have the great view. All of the doors were open as the captain told us he had been preparing the rooms for his guests. My friend and I proceeded to unpack our suitcases and get everything ready for the three days that we would be staying putting our clothes away putting our toiletries into the bathroom etc. When I was done putting my things away I walked across the hallway into the hotel room across from us and looked out the window. I wanted to check out the gorgeous view and it really was gorgeous. All of a sudden I heard a crashing sound coming from my room so I ran back in and I said to my friend what was that and she said it was something in the bathroom. So I looked on my toiletries which I had put into a large Ziploc bag had fallen into the trash can. It was impossible that they would have fallen in the trashcan from where I have placed them so I found it very odd but I just brushed it off. So I decided to go and have a look with my friend who is now done putting her things away at the room that I was looking out the window and across the hall. As we walked out of my room I noticed that the door was closed to the other room. I know for a fact that I did not close it because I ran out of the room when I heard the noise. And I suddenly felt I guess this very strange energy. I suppose it gave me the creeps. And then it happened again... My toiletries ended up in the trashcan!!! I decided I would run downstairs and talk to the captain about where we could purchase some bottled water on the premises since the soda machine was broken. I found him sitting outside having a glass of bourbon and a cigar and he was a super nice guy. So I sat down with him and he offered to give me some free bottled waters which I thought was nice and I asked him point blank if his hotel was haunted. He laughed but only slightly and said I guess you met her. I said yes not exactly but she's messing with my stuff. So he told me the story of a woman that they had found murdered who was a prostitute in the room across from ours. And nobody knew that she was under the bed for a couple of weeks until she started to smell. I felt slightly unhinged as he was telling the story. And I believe that he said it happened in the early 80s. She told me that she wasn't going to hurt us but likes to scare the women that were staying in the hotel. So a few more things happened like she rearranged my bracelets on the dresser and took my girlfriends diamond ring and placed it in a very unusual place- on the window sill. I also felt someone following me down the hallway. But it would stop when I arrived at the top of the staircase. I heard a woman moaning. Yikes The scariest thing that happened was the morning of the day we were going to leave. My girlfriend and I slept in the same bed bc it was the only bed. And I was wearing my earplugs because she snores like a truck driver... L O L. So I could hear nothing. She wakes me up in the morning looking white as a ghost and screams at me to take out my earplugs and asked me did I grab her by her hip and violently shake her to wake her up? I said absolutely not. And then we looked at each other and got dressed real quick without even showering and left... !!!! we knew a few of the people who were staying there and we asked them days after we left if they had experienced anything like that but they told us no. I assumed it was because they were mostly couples and there was a man in the room. Oh yeah and there's a very nice man who is also a ghost who roams around the dining area during breakfast. But he wasn't scary.

The food at captains inn is always perfect! And the captain is one of the nicest guys around. Old…read moreschool feeling with a modern menu!