Moon Hudson Valley & the Catskills

by Nikki Goth Itoi

Overview

Hudson River Valley native Nikki Goth Itoi offers an insider's view of this scenic New York City getaway, from the apple orchards and art shows of Saratoga Springs to the mansions of Kykuit, historic home of John D. Rockefeller, in Westchester county. Itoi reveals the best places for fly fishing in the Catskills and what's not to be missed when visiting Bethel, home of the legendary Woodstock Music Festival. Wine lovers will appreciate her tips about the wineries of the Dutchess Wine Trail around Millbrook, while outdoors enthusiasts can count on her knowledge of exciting local adventures like zipline tours of Hunter Mountain.

With unique itinerary ideas such as "Cycling the Hudson Valley," "Fun for Foodies," and "Fall Foliage Tours," Moon Hudson Valley & the Catskills gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781631210044
Publisher:	Avalon Publishing
Publication date:	06/02/2015
Series:	Moon Handbooks Travel Series
Edition description:	Fourth Edition
Pages:	308
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 7.40(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Nikki Goth Itoi brings an insider's perspective and a traveler's sense of adventure to Moon Hudson Valley & the Catskills. She grew up making maple syrup in the Catskills, and later studied in the Berkshires and got married in Rhinebeck. These days, she visits the region to enjoy winery tours in Dutchess County, fall foliage in the mountains, lake time in the Adirondacks, and connecting with family and friends.

A native of New York State, Nikki is also the author of Moon Baja and Moon Los Cabos. She has traveled throughout Mexico, Europe, Asia, and the United States for work and fun. When not on the road, Nikki finds time for swimming, backpacking, and teaching her kids to ski. She lives in Northern California with her husband, Paul, and their two sons.

Read an Excerpt

Moon Hudson River Valley

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By Nikki Goth Itoi

Avalon Travel Publishing

Copyright © 2012 Nikki Goth Itoi
All right reserved.
ISBN: 9781612381381

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New York City may be the most popular travel destination in the US, but just north of the Big Apple lay the rustic charms of the Hudson River Valley. For many, the Hudson River Valley is a whole new world waiting to be discovered—and it’s closer than visitors think. For travelers wanting more out of their big city vacation, or New Yorkers looking for a breath of fresh air, Nikki Goth Itoi offers her suggestions for the top hidden gems to visit when exploring the Hudson River Valley. The author’s favorites include:

Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture: Although not exactly hidden, this 80-acre center adjoining the Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Westchester County remains in many ways a well-kept secret. Visitors can pick up fresh veggies at the farmers market, attend a gardening lecture, enroll children in summer camps, and learn what it takes to operate a sustainable farm.

Croton Gorge County Park: On a summer day, park at the base of the New Croton Dam and cool off in the mist from the falls. This is a great place to pick up the Old Croton Aqueduct trail for a jog or mountain bike ride.

Go-Go Pops: Stop in for a handmade icy treat nestled among the antique shops on Cold Spring’s Main Street.

Bellvale Farms Creamery: Locals enjoy 50 flavors of homemade ice cream and valley views from this hilltop stand located between Warwick and Greenwood Lake.

Walkway over the Hudson: More than a mile long, this new state historic park connects the city of Poughkeepsie with the town of Highland in Ulster County on the other side of the river. A converted railroad bridge, it’s now the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. Enjoy the best river views the region has to offer.

Wild Hive Café: Begin or end a day on the Dutchess County Wine Trail at this wholesome bakery/café in Clinton Corners. Tasty breads are made from organic grains that are grown and milled nearby.

The Rhinecliff: Travelers can stop in for dinner or drinks, or stay the night in a beautifully restored riverside mansion that was built in 1854.
Saugerties Lighthouse: Hike a riverside trail to a historic lighthouse. If visitors plan ahead, they can even stay overnight in a rustic and secluded bed-and-breakfast setting.

New York Zipline Adventure Tours at Hunter Mountain: Skiers know Hunter Mountain for its slopes, but in summer, hidden in the treetops of this Catskill resort is a 4.6-mile zipline that holds distinction as the longest and highest course in North America.

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome: For good old-fashioned family fun, get tickets to watch the antique planes put on a daring show in this outdoor aviation museum near the Village of Rhinebeck.

The Book Cove: Book lovers can browse the vast collection of local titles at this independent bookstore in the center of Pawling.

Harney and Sons Tea Shop: Try a cup of the daily brew after a stroll on the Millerton rail trail or between visits to the local antique shops.


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Excerpted from Moon Hudson River Valley by Nikki Goth Itoi Copyright © 2012 by Nikki Goth Itoi. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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