On-Hudson.com

New York Adventure Suggestions

http://www.nydailynews.com/travel/2009/11/01/2009-11-01_untitled__01trav.html

Adrenaline adventures in New York will get your blood moving

 NICOLE CARTER, LEAH CHERNIKOFF,AMY EISINGER, JIM FARBER, ISSIE LAPOWSKY ANDNICOLE LYN PESCE

A hot-air balloon ride upstate could just be your special whoosh come true.

Get in on the action where the rubber meets the road at Drivers East High-Performance Stunt Driving School.

Handschuh

Experience a rock-climbing high in the Shawangunk Mountains near upstate New Paltz.

RELATED NEWS

A vanilla vacation? Pass. New Yorkers need getaways as exciting as the city they live in. These 10 escapes will leave you rested but roused. Ahhh. What a feeling!

RIDE ALONG WITH NEW YORK'S FINEST

The trip: Woop! Woop! That's the sound of an NYPD patrol siren, and you're in the backseat. The rush: The thrill of never knowing what's around the next block. Even at 6 a.m, your uniformed guides might be zipping through lights on emergency calls, shooing away working girls or grumbling about their last shift. Bonus: You get to wear a bulletproof vest. Think of:"Law & Order," and you're the heat. The details: Call (646) 610-5323 or download an application form at NYC.gov/nypd. This program is open to local community members, students and visitors, 18 and older, from the United States and abroad. The NYPD has the final say on whether you get to ride. The cost: Free. But bring some money for doughnuts. Adrenaline boost: 10

UNTETHER YOUR INHIBITIONS

The trip: Be your own Balloon Boy (or Girl). Hop on a hot-air balloon flight that soars high over the hills of New York. Very high.The rush: Instead of scaring an entire nation by pretending your kid got whisked away in a homemade blimp, you can glide the skies with speed, elegance and peaceful silence for two hours in one of these beautiful balloons. Think of: "Up" - but it's your great adventure. The details:You can launch from three places inupstate New York, all within a four-hour drive:the HudsonValley, Cooperstown orOneonta. Contact: Catskill MountainBalloon, P.O. Box 446, Oneonta, NY 13820. Call (607) 435-9839; emailballoonny@aol.com. The cost: $225 per person, for groups of three or more. For individuals it's $240 per person per flight. If you're about to be married, you can also get hitched midair, for the sky-high fee of $750, which includes Champagne. Adrenaline boost: 8

WHEEL-AND-SQUEAL YOUR WAY TO VICTORY

The trip: Tricycle Polo in New Paltz. The rush: This goofy and raucous riff on a schoolyard pastime isn't for kiddies. Competitors careen around on three-wheeled bikes as they chase the ball (and the opposing team) around the playing field. Perfect for weekend warriors - or grownup daredevils who fondly recall running with scissors. Think of: Prince Charles meets Pee-wee Herman. The details: The Mohonk Mountain House; extreme trikers must be overnight guests to get in on the action. 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY 12561. (845) 256-2039; www.mohonk.com. The cost: Free with hotel accommodations, which run $255 per person per night, based on double occupancy, and includes three meals daily (breakfast and lunch buffets, plus a four-course dinner), afternoon tea and cookies, plus most resort activities. Adrenaline boost: 6

BURN RUBBER LIKE A BAT OUTTA HELL

The trip:Become a stunt driver in no time flat. The rush: Close your eyes andimagine that pulse-pounding feeling you get from watching a movie carchase. Now open your peepers, park your butt in the driver's seat andput the pedal to the metal. Pros from TV and film will push you andyour car to the limit and teach you to whip the wheel, stop on a dimeand speed your way into a reverse 180. Don't try this at home, people.Think of: "The Fast and the Furious" - you're Vin Diesel. The details:Drivers East High-Performance Stunt Driving School, Wall Township, N.J.1-800-803-3992; www.DriversEast.com. The cost: $1,200 for a one-dayintro course; two-day course is $1,795. Once you've learned the basics,a half-day refresher course is $595.

Adrenaline boost: 8

WRIGGLE BETWEEN ROCKS AND HARD PLACES

The trip:Caving in the Hudson Valley. The rush: Slap on your hard hat and getready to do the worm. Not for the claustrophobic, this undergroundgroup adventure finds you forming a team and crawling through tightsubterranean crevices. The goal is to be organized, follow directionsand solve problems while scrambling around rocks. And it's dark. Thinkof: "The Descent," minus the monsters. The details: The Mohonk MountainHouse in New Paltz is the only resort in the country with on-sitespelunking. 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, N.Y. (845) 256-2039;www.mohonk.com. The cost: $375 for a three-hour session, four peoplemaximum. Only open for overnight guests, with accommodations running anadditional $255 per person, per night, which includes three meals andaccess to other fun activities. Adrenaline boost: 10

TAP YOUR INNER TARZAN

The trip:An aerial obstacle course upstate. The rush: The Adirondack ExtremeAdventure Course gets your pulse racing as you whiz along a 350-footzip line or soar on the new giant zip swing, feel your way acrosswobbling suspension bridges and cruise on aerial surfboards 50 feet inthe air. Having fun yet? Five courses are customized for age andexperience levels. Think of: "Survivor" immunity challenges, and yourbuds are the tribal council. The details: During the week, groups ofeight or more take off every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., withreservations strongly recommended. Saturdays and Sundays are open toall size groups, also from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 35 Westwood Forest Lane,Bolton Landing, NY 12814, (518) 494-7200. The cost: The fall specialoffers a full-course package, with all five courses and the giant ziplines for just $40 per person. Discount coupons are available atwww.adirondackextreme.com. Adrenaline boost: 7

CLIMB LIKE A ROCK STAR

The trip: Bouldering is an alternative to scaling mountains. Don't let the fact that you're never that far off the ground fool you - it's a bear. The climbs are short and rigorous and tax your mind and your muscles. The rush: It's just you and the rocks. No ropes, no bolts and definitely no safety net. The challenge is just staying on at steep angles and in weird positions. Think of: "Cliffhanger," minus the plummet. The details: There are plenty of places to try bouldering (there's even a group that meets in Central Park!), but if you're looking to get outside the city, try the Shawangunk Mountains, aka "The Gunks." They're just 90 miles north of the city and six miles outside of New Paltz. Check out Peter's Kill inMinnewaska State Park. If you're looking for a more guided experience, call the Gunks Guide, who can fill you in on climbing and offer courses for all levels. 1-888-812-0345; www.thegunksguide.com. The cost: Bouldering is free, but you may want to bring someTylenol. The Gunks Guide rates are $105-$165 per person for a half-day of climbing. Adrenaline boost: 7 

FLY LIKE A MID-AIR MAVERICK

The trip: Become a fighter pilot for the day. A thorough orientation by former combat pilots preps you for your hour-long simulated dogfight. Don't worry, an experienced co-pilot has your back - and control of the plane. The rush: Suit up "Top Gun"-style and board a Marchetti SF260, an Italian fighter aircraft. Once in the air, you lock in your target, squeeze the trigger and watch your enemy erupt in smoke. Nice. OK, the enemy plane doesn't actually go down in flames. And you'll spend the second half of the one-hour air battle dodging your opponent's fire. But you do get to use radar to lock and hit your target. Think of: "Top Gun" - but everyone is the hero, Maverick; nobody is the goner, Goose. The details: Sign up 30-60 days in advance at www.cloud9living.com for their "Fighter Pilot for a Day" experience. Aerial battles take place at the Brookhaven Airport, 139 Dawn Drive, Shirley, L.I. Participants must be at least 14 years old, must weigh no more than 250 pounds, and be no taller than 6-feet-7. The cost: $1,395 per person; sky-high, natch, for a unique experience.

Adrenaline boost: 10 

GO FOR EXTREME PAMPERING

The trip: Feeling foggy? At this spa nestled in the Catskills, you can switch between a piping-hot mineral bath or a frosty cold river plunge to revive your senses. Or, if you're more daring, try the Scotch Hose. A therapist sprays you with hot and cold water, pressure set on high. The rush: This ain't your mother's spa. On the upside, this European-style massage is said to rev up your metabolism. Think of: "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" - but fun. The details: The Copperhood Inn & Spa, 7038 Route 28, Shandaken, NY 12490. (845) 688-2460; www.copperhood.com. But if you're looking for boot-camp beauty closer to home, try the Royal Palace in Sheepshead Bay, where the Russian-style spa treatment involves being smacked (gently) with fresh birch and oak branches (www.royalpalaceny.com). The cost: The Scotch Hose and other bath treatments start at $115.

Valley"s Top Five Venues October 16 2009

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091017/NEWS/910170326/-1/news

Saturday's Best Bets

Adopt a horse, dog or cat

An adoption fair, featuring racehorses, greyhounds and barn cat prospects will be held at the Harness Racing Museum and adjacent Historic Track, 240 Main St. in Goshen, from noon to 3 pm, rain or shine. About a dozen Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds, ready for adoption, will be there, along with greyhounds seeking a permanent home through Greyhound Rescue and Rehabilitation of Cross River. Since horse owners must also have a barn cat to keep rodents out of the horse's grain, the Goshen Animal Shelter will have cats in need of a job on display for potential adopters. The greyhounds and cats will be on hand to greet prospective adopters in the Museum, while horses will be at the adjacent Historic Track. All groups will have booths at the Museum.

Fish tales

Learn the history of the largest fish in the Hudson River at "The Sturgeon Swims through Time" exhibit at 10 a.m. at the Wildlife Education Center, Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, 25 Boulevard in Cornwall. The Atlantic sturgeon is the biggest and longest-lived fish in the river, and years of overfishing have forced protection efforts in all Atlantic states. The exhibit shows 400 years of river history through the eyes of a sturgeon and includes a 77-inch model of this ancient, commercially valuable fish that can reach up to 800 pounds. Learn how to do your part to ensure its future. $5. Call 534-5506, ext. 204, or go to www.hhnaturemuseum.org.

Got marshmallows?

The weekend of re-enactments of the 1777 Burning of Kingston kicks into high gear at 11 a.m. at Kingston Point Park and the Stockade District in Uptown Kingston. Don't be surprised to see British and Colonial American troops tussling on the waterfront or skirmishing on Crown Street. Join in the celebration by donning colonial costumes and participating in the Grand Ball at 9 p.m. at City Hall. Don't know how to do the early dances? No problem. Come at 7:30 p.m. for a lesson. Free. For the full schedule, go to www.ci.kingston.ny.us.

Two-step for four-leggeds

The "Dancers to the Rescue" fundraiser for the Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre, 17 South St. in Middletown. All profits go to Pets Alive in fostering and finding homes for unwanted pets and farm animals. $10. Call 346-4195 or go to www.petsalive.com.

Firetruck pull

The Joshua Feldt Memorial American Heroes Firetruck Pull starts at 11 a.m. at Thomas Felten Park in Modena. The event honors Special Olympics athlete Josh Feldt, who passed away a couple of years ago from complications of Down syndrome. Come watch 10-person teams pull a fully loaded firetruck 20 feet. The team with the fastest of two pulls wins the trophy for the year. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics. Registration is at 10 a.m. and is $300 for a 10-person team. Call 883-7995.

Circle Line Foilage Cruise To Bear Mountain Oktoberfest Departs New York Weekends @ 8:30 Thru Oct 25th

http://www.circleline42.com/site/browse.aspx?product=134

Bear Mountain Cruises Adults: $49 Children: $30 Senior Citizens: $40    CLICK to view more info. CLICK to view Lunch Menu 2009 Annual Oktoberfest  Bear Mountain State Park Enjoy a leisurely cruise as you view the beautiful fall foliage and the historic splendor along the Hudson River. We stop in upstate New York for a picnic lunch (pre-order required by 3pm the Wednesday before the date of Cruise) and visit the fun Octoberfest festivities. Enjoy German food, beer, and entertainment and more at this annual event. Dates Available: 10/18, 10/24, 10/25, 10/31, 11/01 Lunch: Is an additional cost of $13.50 pp CLICK here to check out more information on Festivities forOktoberfest - 09/26/09 - 10/25/09  Boards at 8:30 AM Sharp Returns at 5:30 PM

NY See The Foliage Tour October 16 - November 22

http://cityguideny.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=18765

Now in its second year, OnBoard Tours’ NY See the Foliage! Tour allows sight-seers to experience the full splendor of a New York autumn through an intimate tour of the Hudson Valley.

New this year is a larger tour bus with bigger windows, which will offer better visibility, says Tom Ickert, tour guide for OnBoard Tours. But since the bus seats a maximum of 35 people, passengers will still feel they’re receiving a personal tour. “The difference between us and other companies is that we give an intimate tour,” Ickert says. “We offer more of a hands-on, personal experience.”

The tour departs from Times Square. After crossing out of Manhattan on the George Washington Bridge, the bus travels along the New Jersey Palisades, a 20-mile stretch of cliffs that line the west bank of the Hudson River. The tour pauses at Lookout Inn, a refreshment stand located at the Palisades’ highest point, 550 feet above the river bed. Here, passengers can stretch their legs while taking in one of the most spectacular and unique views of the New York City skyline -- a panorama heightened by the vibrant colors of autumn.

Vincent Ford, director of operations for OnBoard Tours, says the change of seasons is something that distinguishes New York from other areas of the country. “We experience the full spectrum of seasons in New York, and fall is a special time in this area,” says Ford. “We appreciate the summer and winters, but in the fall we see nature change colors and prepare itself for the colder seasons to come.”

The tour continues north up the scenic Palisades Parkway past Bear Mountain Bridge, the first bridge built across the Hudson River, and into Bear Mountain State Park, where the brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges of the fall foliage are out in full force.

This year the tour takes on an increased historical significance, as the Hudson River Valley celebrates the 400th anniversary of its discovery by Dutch explorer Henry Hudson. “There’s a lot to learn and a lot to see. I live in New Jersey, and until recently I never knew we had so much rich history on the Palisades,” says Ford, who says he thinks the tour is interesting and eye-opening for visitors and New Yorkers alike.

The second and last stop on the tour is in the nearby historic town of Highland Falls, outside of West Point, where passengers can explore and take a light meal. What makes this part of the tour special, says Ickert, is that the tour guide is available to the passengers at all times. “It’s not just ‘Meet back at the bus in half an hour,’” Ickert says. “We give you space to wander on your own, but we also stroll with you to chat and answer any questions you might have.”

The NY See the Foliage! Tour runs Oct. 16 through Nov. 22 this year. Choose from two daily departure times: 9am and 1:30pm. Average tour time is four hours. Call for pricing. Tickets can be booked by phone at 1-877-U-TOUR-NY or online at www.onboardnewyorktours.com.

Day Trippers Foilage Bike Ride

http://frugaltraveler.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/going-with-the-glow-a-fall-foliage-bike-ride/

Going With the Glow: A Fall-Foliage Bike Ride

MATT GROSS

Matt Gross for The New York TimesCyclists in front of the Akin Free Library in Pawling, N.Y.

When it comes to the finer points of nature, I often feel at a loss. When I see a bird turning lazy circles in the sky, the feathers at the tips of its wings spread like fingers, I am pretty sure it’s a hawk — though what kind, I have no idea. A rose is a rose is a rose, I know, but what is it if it’s not a rose? I can tell deciduous from conifer with all the certainty of a sixth-grader, but about the only way I recognize a maple tree is by the sap bucket attached to its trunk in fall.

Still, as three friends and I rode our bicycles around the Harlem River Valley one Tuesday at the end of September, the myriad shapes and shifting colors of the trees leapt out at me. Across a horse pasture, a single tree, every leaf cherry red, sat below hills of its still-green brethren. Another — an oak? — loomed over a quiet road through a golf course, its thick yellow leaves glowing against its somber bark. At the western edge of Connecticut, before we hit a series of long, thigh-burner hills, a skinny tree rose to my right, shrouded for most of its height with green leaves, but at its rounded top they shaded red, like a perfectly ripening apple.

But I want to make one thing absolutely clear: we were not leaf-peeping. Yes, we had rendezvoused in Pawling, N.Y., to examine the annual transformation of these verdant hills into an autumnal furnace of yellows and reds, but it was nothing so clichéd, goofy-sounding or late-middle-age as leaf-peeping. No, we were, uh … following the foliage? Or maybe simply seeing the colors. That sounds much better, doesn’t it?

Matt Gross for The New York TimesThe Metro-North line runs from Grand Central Terminal.

Whatever you call it, we were doing it cheaply and efficiently. We had conceived this as a single-day call-in-sick journey into as rural an area as we could reach by Metro-North, the train lines that extend from New York City north into the Hudson River and Harlem River Valleys, and east into Connecticut. Pawling, we saw, was near the end of the Harlem line (about an hour and 50 minutes from New York), close to the border with Connecticut and in a zone thatYankeeFoliage.com, which maintains an excellent leaf-peeping map, had shaded yellow for “turning” colors. Round-trip tickets cost $26 each, and would have been slightly less if we’d ordered online early enough to receive them by snail mail.

More important, Pawling had Pawling Cycle & Sport (12 West Main Street; 845-855-9866; www.pawlingcycle.com). The shop, right in the center of the picture-perfect small town, was where we rented our bikes and planned our route, advised all the while by the owner, Rob Kelley, who was helpful, knowledgeable — and jealous of our plans.

“I’d kill for a day off just to go off in whatever direction,” he said.

One unemployed friend, Tater Read, had brought his own fixed-gear bike (which necessitated a $5 pass for Metro-North), and the others, a former New York Times Web producer named Matt Klein and a guy who didn’t want to be named because he’d called in sick at work, rented mountain bikes — not necessarily ideal for road riding, but only $20 a day and great for the numerous trails in the region. Meanwhile, remembering the difficulty of my cycling trip last spring in Oregon and Washington [link], I sprang for the shop’s only road bike, a lightweight Raleigh that rented for $30.

Matt Gross for The New York TimesBiking through the Harlem River Valley.

It was a wise investment. As we took off north, on a scenic 26-mile route outlined by Mr. Kelley, I struggled with some of the bike’s features — its 24 gears, its uncooperative-at-first toe clips — but the basic act of pedaling was easy at least, and I often found myself overtaking my more experienced comrades without much effort. Not that we were trying to go too fast: there was scenery to take in. First, we cycled along West Dover Road, which twisted and turned past stately Colonial homes, red and ebony barns, horse farms with broad pastures and neat fences, and a few new, suburban-style houses. On the pavement were odd painted messages that seemed to be directed at cyclists: “Off to a good start,” “View the enjoy,” and, as we passed a pond, “No swim b4 hill.”

Ah, the hills. That little one, which turned our tight peloton into an archipelago of huffers-and-puffers, was just a foretaste of the ascents to come, and at its top, noted Matt Klein, was a street called Hillcrest Lane — a throwback to a time when place names actually described places. I dubbed this dying phenomenon onomotapavement.

The leaves were still mostly green, though by the time you read this in mid-October, they should be peaking. As it happened, the predominant green of early fall only served to highlight those places where changes had begun, and to make us wonder at the underlying mechanism. The tops of ridges, for example, might be mostly green — except around rocky outcroppings, where the rusty colors of the stone seemed to bleed out into the foliage. Or we’d cycle through two nearly identical valleys, one deep green, the other tinged with yellow.

I knew from a recent Boston Globe article, about the likelihood of a spectacular leaf season this year, that the colors were caused by the breakdown of chlorophyll (which reveals the yellow beneath the green) and the release of anthocyanin (which makes red), but there seemed a random element here as well, a fascinating irregularity that matched the up, down, left, right, swerving nature of the hills themselves.

Matt Gross for The New York TimesA meal at Pizza Express.

Those hills grew ever more complicated after we stopped for pretty good pepperoni pizza and Stewart’s root beer ($24.63 with tip) at Pizza Express (1468 Route 22; 845-832-3400; www.pizzaexpresswingdale.com), in Wingdale, N.Y. (The highly regarded Big W’s Roadside Bar-B-Q, across the street, was closed Mondays and Tuesdays, alas.) As Rob Kelley of the cycle shop had explained, the north-south route is fairly flat, but east-west gets bumpy. Once we crossed the border into Connecticut — recently demilitarized, we joked — it certainly got bumpier, but it also felt older. Towns here were incorporated as far back as 1712, and some of the houses — classic two-story New England homes with white-painted clapboard and contrasting shutters — looked not much younger.

The trees, too, were denser and older-looking, shrouding the stone fences, some with wrought-iron gates, that lined small lanes. And though they looked old, I had to remind myself that this area, and much of New England, had been cut down by the end of the 19th century.

In South Kent, about 13 miles into the trip, we stopped to examine the covered bridge at Kent Falls, which was gray and unadorned and paved with cement. It was, I’m guessing, the least exciting covered bridge in the world.

But it marked the halfway point for us. We cycled on, uphill and downhill, past what appeared to be an old one-room schoolhouse with a miniature bell tower and a farm stand that tempted me until I realized I’d have to lug the produce back home. At the junction of highways 55 and 39, we made a fateful choice: Instead of continuing west on 55 and retracing our route, we turned south, opting to explore a bit more of Connecticut before cutting back over the border to Pawling.

It was, to be sure, a beautiful route. Here the colors seemed to be deeper, as if the age of the land had accelerated the aging of the trees. Red shone. Yellow glowed. And the hills rose. And rose.

Matt Gross for The New York TimesThe hills around the Harlem River Valley.

At first, it was subtle — no sudden steeps here — but the slopes just seemed to go up and up without end. The highest mountains here are only 1,300 feet, so it couldn’t have been too bad, but they were exhausting just the same. One of our number even wound up walking, and thumbed a lift to the top of the final hill. (Tater, admirably, led the way the whole day, despite being unable to shift gears.) When we checked Google Maps on our iPhones to make sure we weren’t lost, we found more onomotapavement: Wakeman Hill Road, Kirby Hill Road, Quaker Hill Road.

But climbing all those hills meant that eventually we could descend, and descend we did, at borderline-unsafe speeds, through villages that looked as though they hadn’t changed in a century. A history museum we passed was closed, as was the amazing late-Victorian stone Akin Free Library. We just cruised.

One hill remained to climb, and though it was nothing compared with what had come before, after the day’s exertions it was arduous (for me, at least). It was called, according to a brass plaque at its peak, Purgatory Hill, and in 1778 the Continental Army had held a “great barbecue” there to celebrate the anniversary of General Burgoyne’s defeat. After that, it was about half a mile back to the center of Pawling, and time for our own great barbecue.

Well, not a barbecue exactly. After dropping off our bikes and changing our clothes, we took Rob Kelley’s recommendation and had dinner at McGrath’s Tavern (146 East Main Street; 845-855-0800), which looked rustic and charming from the outside but inside was your average Irish pub. No matter. Earlybird specials ($9.95 for prime rib) were ordered, I had the McGrath’s burger (with bacon, Gorgonzola, barbecue sauce and an onion ring, $9.50), and a fair but not excessive amount of alcohol was consumed.

As far as leaf-peeping went, we agreed over dinner, the leaves are really only an excuse to get out of the city and into the countryside on a potentially quixotic quest. And we’d proved that, without a car and without spending a lot of money, we could have the kind of day that, in Rob Kelley’s words, you’d kill for.

Metro North 6th Annual Fall Foliage Excursion To Cold Spring On-Hudson October 24th

6th Annual Fall Foliage Rail Excursion October 24, 2009

Make it a tradition and join Metro-North for an encore performance of our Fall Foliage excursion along the scenic Hudson River. You will ride a private Metro-North train from Grand Central Terminal and travel to the historic village of Cold Spring, New York. This special rail trip will feature interesting narration throughout the excursion. You'll hear fascinating lore about the history and points of interest of towns, stations and bridges as you coast along the Hudson River toward Cold Spring while viewing the beautiful fall foliage.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets!

http://mta.info/mnr/index.html

Check In with Lenoria @ The Country Goose For Tips On The Best Way To Spend The Day !

 Highland Baskets at the Country Goose
115 Main Street
Cold Spring, NY 10516
845-265-2122
www.highlandbaskets.com

2009 Leaf Peepers Report

http://www.iloveny.com/SeasonsInNY/LeafGuide.aspx

Peak Foliage Arriving in Catskills,  Central-Leatherstocking regions  Just past peak conditions throughout Adirondacks with plenty of great colors remaining Week of Oct 7-13, 2009 Brilliant peak colors are expected to arrive in the Catskills region and parts of the Central-Leatherstocking region this weekend, according to field observers for Empire State Development’s I LOVE NEW YORK program. Travelers to the Adirondacks will find a mixture of peak and past peak conditions with plenty of stunning fall hues remaining. Please note that high winds forecast for parts of the state on Wednesday, Oct. 7 may have an adverse effect on the foliage, with greater than usual leaf droppage. In the Catskills, Delaware County is calling for peak foliage with nearly 100 percent color change highlighted by brilliant red, orange and yellow leaves. Also look for peak conditions in the Saugertiesarea of Ulster County, with around 95 percent color transition and bright orange, red and yellow leaves. Sullivan County should see between 80-90 percent color change with average-to-bright leaves of varying shades of copper and gold, interspersed with ruby red and russet brown and green. Foliage in the county will be peak in the northern portion, near peak further south. Ulster County leaf peepers based in Kingston are predicting that the breathtaking glory of the Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains will be on full display this weekend as fall foliage hits its peak. Expect to find both mountain ranges bathed in autumnal hues of gold, red, orange, yellow, bronze and burgundy. Foliage spotters at Belleayre Mountain in Highmount are also call for peak this weekend, as are those in Greene County. Overall, the Adirondacks region is transitioning from peak to just past peak (I LOVE NEW YORK’s color-coded foliage map indicates ‘past peak’) with plenty of spectacular fall color remaining for weekend travelers. At Whiteface Mountain in Essex County, expect nearly 100 percent color change and just past peak leaves of beautiful, deep, rich shades of red. Lake Placid will also be just past peak, with between 90 and 100 percent color change and bright splashes of red, orange, gold, yellow with mixing with the emerging brown and remaining green leaves. In northern Warren County, foliage spotters in North Creek and Blue Mountain Lake are calling for nearly 100 percent color change with bright red, orange, yellow and gold leaves. Conditions are just past peak and oak trees are still mostly green. The Franklin County communities of Mt. Arab and Tupper Lake are gracefully making the transition from peak to past peak and you can expect average hues of bronze and copper predominating with a lovely new display of golden yellow amidst the diminishing green. Foliage spotters in Speculator and Lake Pleasant in Hamilton County predict nearly complete color change, with hushed tones of orange and reds covering the landscape. While the call is for just past peak, there are still plenty of pockets of peak foliage remaining. Herkimer County leaf peepers in Old Forge are calling for peak-to-just past peak conditions this weekend, with between 90-100 percent color change and some fantastic areas of still-peak foliage. The Lake Champlain area of Essex County should expect between 30-50 percent color change with occasional sparks of really bright color, including a good share of yellow, orange, red and dark red leaves. In the Lake George area of Warren County, look for midpoint to near-peak foliage, with shades of red, orange, bronze and yellow. Foliage spotters in the Thousand Islands-Seaway region based in St. Lawrence County predict 80-90 percent color change in the northern portion of the county (near peak), and 95 percent or more change in the southern portion (peak). Look for bright shades of yellow, orange and burgundy. Jefferson County spotters based in Alexandria Bay are predicting near-peak leaves with very brilliant shades of orange and red. Foliage spotters in Oswego County predict a 60-70 percent color change this weekend. Just passing mid-point, the majority of leaves are very bright, while some are just beginning to change. The colors you are most likely to see are all shades of reds and oranges, with a few yellows emerging. A wide range of expected foliage conditions have been submitted by Capital-Saratoga region leaf peepers. In Saratoga County, near-peak to peak colors are advancing rapidly with the cooler weather. Overall, look for about 90 foliage change in the county, with greater color transition in the northwestern portion. Rensselaer County should also see a range of foliage stages. In the eastern portion of the county, aroundGrafton, look for colors at around peak, with 80 percent or more transition, and predominating shades of red and orange. In the southern portion of the county, expect 45-60 percent change, 50-65 percent in the northern sections. Foliage spotters in these areas report a full range of colors, with leaves of bright purple-red, red, orange and yellow. Green is vanishing, but some trees are still not changed in the western and southern portions of the county. Color change is also advancing rapidly in Albany County. In Voorheesville, look for colors quickly transitioning from midpoint to near peak in the Thatcher Park area. Bright yellow and orange leaves predominate, with touches of red.Schenectady County foliage spotters are calling for foliage approaching midpoint of color change, with orange and yellow leaves predominating along with splashes of red and still plenty of green.   In the Central-Leatherstocking region, Otsego County foliage observers predict peak colors and 85 percent transition this weekend. Predominating hues are yellow and red, along with some brown, of average brilliance. Also calling for peak this weekend are spotters based around the Greater Binghamton area of Broome County. Look for bright red, yellow and orange leaves quickly overtaking the last of the green. Foliage between midpoint and near-peak is predicted by Schoharie County leaf peepers. Expect to see brilliant yellow, orange, red and purple mountainsides. Southern Herkimer County is projecting near peak leaves, with 60-70 percent color change and moderate-to-bright gold, orange, yellow leaves along with splashes of bright red emerging everywhere, especially on the hillsides. Madison Countyprojects midpoint-to-near peak foliage by the weekend, with a lot of orange and brown leaves. Leaf droppage is minimal and the brilliance average. Oneida County is also expecting midpoint-to-near peak leaves with 60-70 percent color change and predominating colors of orange, gold and yellow, with highlights of deep red and crimson. In Chenango County, foliage should be at midpoint of change, with 45 percent color transition and yellow leaves of average brilliance joined by bright red and orange highlights.   Greater Niagara region foliage change should range from approaching midpoint to midpoint by the weekend. In Erie County, foliage spotters inBuffalo are calling for about 50 percent color change with dark, deep scarlet leaves continuing to dominate throughout the area. Bright yellow leaves remain the second most visible color in higher elevations. In Niagara County, look for 45-50 percent color change with bright yellow, orange and red leaves quickly overtaking the green leaves. Orleans County foliage spotters predict around 40 percent color change with shades of yellow and with touches of red. In Wyoming County, foliage spotters in Castile, home of Letchworth State Park, are predicting 25-35 percent color change along with a brilliant palette of emerging red, orange, gold and yellow emerging leaves. Genesee County leaf peepers predict 25 percent color change by the weekend. You’ll spot many solitary trees complete changed surrounded by the summer’s green. Predominating fall colors are shades of red and orange. This weekend foliage conditions in the Chautauqua-Allegheny region should range from midpoint to near peak. In Cattaraugus County, foliage spotters at Allegany State Park predict near peak leaves, with 70 percent color change and red, yellow, gold and orange leaves predominating, and some leaf droppage. Color is advancing rapidly toward peak within the park and the 50 percent-changed hardwoods are providing a nice variety of coloration to the hillsides. Foliage spotters in Little Valley predict 65 percent color change along with brilliant shades of yellow and orange predominating, along with red and green leaves. In Chautauqua County, foliage change will be at midpoint, with 55 percent transition expected and emerging shades of orange and red. Spotters in Belmont in Allegany County predict 50 percent color change and bright red, orange and yellow leaves predominating and purple highlights. Near-peak foliage is expected to make its first Finger Lakes region appearance this weekend in Steuben and Chemung counties. In Steuben County, look for 75-80 percent color change and bright shades of gold, orange and red. Chemung County is calling for near peak conditions and 65 percent color transition with a colorful array of red, gold, rust and purple shades of  average-to-bright brilliance and some yellow and green leaves remaining. Foliage change in the Rochester area and Monroe County should be around midpoint by the weekend, with deciduous trees such as the Locusts, the Hickories, Ginkgo and others are showing subdued green-yellow coloration.  Russet-colored leaves are showing in White Ash trees and there is only a scattering of Oaks, Sugar Maples and Red Maples displaying red-hued leaves. In Seneca County, expect between 30 and 40 percent color change; the predominating fall color is still yellow, with summer shades of green holding on and sporadic appearances of red and orange leaves. Tompkins County is projecting 30 percent color change with bright fall shades of red, yellow and orange. Cayuga County is also projecting 30 percent color transition with a brilliant mix of gold, red and yellow leaves emerging. In Onondaga County, foliage spotters predict 25 percent color change by the weekend, with a smattering of red, yellow and purple leaves of average brilliance.   The Hudson Valley will see a wide range of foliage change this weekend. In southern Ulster County, look for 60 percent color change around the Highmount area and bright, beautiful shades of red and yellow. Foliage change in Columbia County will range from 50-70 percent (near peak) with bright yellow and orange leaves joined by splashes of deep red. You’ll find more areas of predominantly green leaves in the southern valley areas of the county. In Dutchess County, look for 30-40 percent color change as the green leaves are giving way to somewhat muted shades of yellow and burnt orange, with splashes of very bright red and dark purple leaves. Conditions are described as being at midpoint of change in the very northern sections and just beginning in points south. Orange County is calling for 30 percent color change this weekend with bright touches of red, orange and purple. In Westchester County, expect 25-30 percent color change highlighted by bright shades of yellow, orange and red. More change has been noted in the northern portion of the county. Foliage spotters in Rockland County at Bear Mountain State Park predict 25 percent color change with yellow, orange and red fall colors of average brilliance. Foliage change in the New City area of the county is also just beginning. Color change is starting to take place on Long Island and in New York City. Out in the Hamptons, expect 20 percent change as touches of reddish-brown leaves begin to emerge. To the east, in western Suffolk County and Nassau County, expect around 15 percent change with red and yellow leaves joining the predominately green landscape. In New York City, color change should be approximately 10 percent with muted shades of yellow just starting to appear. New York State’s Advantage Why do people from all over the world head to the spectacular New York State foliage display? Unlike the rest of the country, the northeast is particularly blessed with a great variety of broad-leaved trees, which help give the region’s foliage a spectacular color range. New York State has almost as many acres of such trees as the rest of the Northeast combined. The change in color from the bright greens of summer to the brilliant hues of fall follows a predictable pattern across the state. It begins high in the Adirondack and Catskill mountains in early September, and spreads out and down across the hills and valleys of the state, ending on Long Island and in New York City in late October to early November. It takes about two weeks for the colors to complete their cycles in any given area, with peak brilliance lasting three to four days in any one spot.  What are Leaf Peepers? Each week during fall, I LOVE NEW YORK issues reports detailing the progression of colorful fall foliage across New York based upon information filed by the State’s officially designated “Leaf Peepers.” These fall foliage spotters are instructed on how to rate foliage color in their areas, citing conditions such as brilliance, percentage of leaves changed, predominating colors and stages (just beginning, near peak, peak and past peak).  I LOVE NEW YORK compiles its weekly reports based upon information called in by the spotters.

Twenty Budget Minded Hudson Valley Activities

http://www.lohud.com/article/20090924/LIFESTYLE01/909240305/-1/SPORTS/Free-and-cheap-fall-fun-in-the-Hudson-Valley

Free and cheap fall fun in the Hudson Valley

CHRIS SERICO • CSERICO@LOHUD.COM

Fall is ideal for picking perfect pumpkins, hayrides and haunted houses, and of course, finding fabulous falling leaves. For those not inclined to outdoor pleasures, it's prime time, too, for watching football and taking a tour of a local brewery

Even better is the fact that these awesome autumn activities won't break your bank. In no particular order, here are 20 things to do this fall in the region for $20 - or less!

1. Get Pumped For Pumpkins

Since pumpkins seem to symbolize fall, take your pick at Stuart's Farm in the Granite Springs section of Somers. In addition to getting some fresh air on a beautiful fall day, you can select your favorite pumpkin for about 69 cents per pound - meaning you can head home with a mid-sized pumpkin of just less than 29 pounds for $20. Stuart's Farm: 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs.[0x07]914-245-2784.www.stuartsfarm.com.

2. Experience The Great Outdoors

Put down a $30 refundable deposit to rent a bike for two hours and pedal the scenic trail at Nyack Beach State Park ($15 for the first hour, $5 each additional hour) and come back up to two hours later to reclaim $10. With 61 acres of riverfront along the Hudson in Rockland, the park is also ideal for picnicking andhiking, which won't cost you a penny more. Nyack Beach State Park: 698 N. Broadway, Upper Nyack. 845-268-3020.

3. Raise A Glass [0x07]At Oktoberfest

Starting this weekend, and every weekend through October, Bear Mountain's Oktoberfest will feature authentic German and German-American entertainment. This modern celebration of the harvest features a farmers market, vendors, free crafts and much more. Free admission also makes it a huge plus (although parking is $7). And the fest goes on, rain or shine. Noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Bear Mountain State Park, Palisades Interstate Parkway, Bear Mountain. 845-786-2731.

4. Give Thanks And Get Your Pulse Racing

Get your metabolism and adrenaline cranking before you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner. The Rockland Road Runners' 5-Mile Turkey Trot on Nov. 26 - the largest running event in the county - is a fun and healthy way to benefit the Active International Cardiovascular Institute at Good Samaritan Hospital and other local charities. Race registration is $15 for RRR members and $18 for everyone else before Nov. 21, and $20 for everyone after that. It's free to just show up and cheer, however. Rockland Lake State Park: 87 Lake Road, Congers. 845-268-3020.www.rocklandroadrunners.org/races/TT/index.htm

5. Go For A Spooky Ride

Featuring more than 4,000 individually hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins, the Great Jack-O'-Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor, Oct. 3 to Nov. 1, is as gorgeous as it is spooky. Tickets are $15 for adults online in advance, $17 over the phone and at the door, and free for Historic Hudson Valley members. Reservations are strongly suggested. Van Cortlandt Manor: 525 S. Riverside Ave., Croton. 914-631-8200.https://www.hudsonvalley.org/content/view/195/198

6. Burn Rubber

Before you find snow on the pavement, be sure to burn rubber on it at Grand Prix New York in Mount Kisco. Spectators can check out the adult racing leagues on a regular basis, but stop by Monday through Thursday and race once for $20. The Monday night special is particularly good, because you can get two races for $35. Grand Prix New York: 333 N. Bedford Road, Mount Kisco.[0x07]914-241-3131.www.gpny.com

7. Go Hollywood

Usually known for peace, love and rock 'n' roll, Woodstock gets infused with some genuine Hollywood star power when it hosts the 10th annual Woodstock Film Festival from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. For about $8 per flick, you can check out two movies and perhaps hobnob with a star or two at a screening. The catch? Tickets go quickly, so act just as fast. Woodstock Film Festival: Various locations. 845-679-4265.www.woodstockfilmfestival.com

8. Get Lost - In The Good Way!

Barton Orchards changes its corn maze every year, so it's a new challenge every time. From the end of September through Halloween, take a trip through the maze, created with vegetables during the farm's Harvest Festival, for just $8.50. Barton Orchards: 63 Apple Trail Lane, Poughquag. 845-227-2306. www.bartonorchards.com

9. Pig Out With Pigskin

The South Side bars in Yorktown and Mahopac have one of the best specials to enhance your fall sports-viewing experience: They have every NFL game on flat-screen TVs, and you can stuff your face with 25-cent wings, 35-cent boneless wings, 50-cent shrimp and $6 pitchers during the games. South Side (Yorktown): 1927 Commerce St. 914-214-8600. South Side (Mahopac): 927 S. Lake Blvd. 845-621-8710. www.thesouthsidegrille.com

10. Chill With The Brew Crew

A nice cold beer complements not just the season, but also so many meals that go with it. From 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays and from noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays, why not learn where one of the best regional brews is made with a free tour and tasting at Captain Lawrence Brewery in Pleasantville? The beer is free as long as you're on site, and a large growler full of the sudsy stuff will only set you back $12.50. Specialty brews are just $10 apiece. Heck, just about everything for sale - other than the Captain Lawrence sweatshirts - is less than $20. Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.: 99 Castleton St., Pleasantville. 914-741-2337.www.captainlawrencebrewing.com

11. Peep Some Leaves

Fall is the perfect name for the season when colorful leaves start to sway toward the earth, so why not admire their beautiful colors just before they do? A great place to check them out free, perhaps with a four-legged friend who might be up for a stroll, is Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park. 2957 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights. 914-245-4434.

12. Get Crafty

The Arts, Crafts and Antiques Dealers Association of the Nyacks will turn the village into a giant open-air crafts market Oct. 11. People pack the area to browse and buy from some 200 vendors who have come from all along the East Coast. Like admission, downtown parking on the day of the fair is free. Downtown Nyack: Main Street and South Broadway. 845-353-6981.www.acadaofnyack.com

14. Swing For The Fences

So maybe it's not quite Citi Field, but you can swing for the "simulated" fences at Frozen Ropes, a baseball and softball instructional school, where 15 minutes in one of the batting cages costs $20. Frozen Ropes: 300 Executive Blvd., Elmsford. 914-345-3370. www.frozenropes.com

15. Hitch A Hayride

Starting on Oct. 12, and continuing on weekends through Halloween, you can hitch a ride on a hay wagon for $5 at Thunder Ridge's annual Fall Festival. But if you really want to take in the view of the gorgeous trees changing color, hop the chair lift for a ride to the top of the mountain, also $5. Noon-4 p.m. 137 Birch Hill Road, Patterson, 845-878-4100. www.thunderridgeski.com

16. Sweeten Things Up

Maple syrup and the fall go together like, well, maple syrup and pancakes! Get both at Niese Maple Farm in Putnam Valley for an authentic pancake breakfast, served with pure maple syrup, tapped from the trees that surround you. Available weekends starting at 9 a.m., when the deluxe pancake breakfast - that includes unlimited coffee - costs $12.99, and smaller breakfasts will only set you back $7.99 or $4.99. Niese Maple Farm: 136 Wiccopee Road, Putnam Valley. 845-526-3748. www.geocities.com/workforlife

17. Art In The Park

Combine a beautiful autumn hike with some culture by strolling the Creekside Sculpture Trail at the Garnerville Arts and Industrial Center. Enjoy work by local artists, such as Ted Ludwiczak, while you follow the banks of Minisceongo Creek. It's open during exhibition hours and won't cost you a penny. In fact, everything on the fall schedule at the arts center - except for an Oct. 16 gala - is free and open to the public. Garnerville Arts and Industrial Center: 55 W. Railroad Ave., Garnerville. 845-947-1155.www.gagaartscenter.org

18. Get More Than An Apple A Day

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then surely 40 should keep you free of medical bills for the foreseeable future. Outhouse Orchards, in the Croton Falls section of North Salem, has daily apple picking from September to late October from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Get a half-bushel - about 40 fresh-from-the-tree apples - for just $20. Outhouse Orchards: 130 Hardscrabble Road, Croton Falls. 914-277-3188.

18. Check Out Free Flicks, Tunes

Instead of spending $20 or more on a pair of movie tickets, head to any number of libraries, including the Suffern Free Library. The one in Suffern also lets you bring your laptop to download music and videos. You just need a library card. And if you don't have one, the staff will hook you up. And membership has its privileges. The library also lends out passes to the New York Botanical Garden, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, and the Museum of Natural History. Suffern Free Library: 210 Lafayette Ave., Suffern. 845-357-1237. www.suffernfreelibrary.org

19. Un-Wine-D With A Movie

On one Friday each month - including Oct. 30 - you can sample wine, cheese and a free wine-themed movie at Wine For All. The store's screening room holds 30 comfortably - so arrive early - but owner Eli Hardof will squeeze up to 40 people in on a good night. Wine For All: 516 Route 303, Orangeburg. 845-680-9463. www.idrinkwine.com

20. Know Your History

Get a 45-minute tour of Sunnyside, where acclaimed American author Washington Irving lived, for just $12. Tours begin about every half-hour on every day except Tuesday through Nov. 1, and on weekends through Dec. 27. Your admission - free if you're a Historic Hudson Valley member - also lands you one of "Irving's Traveling Totes," which include items for a scavenger hunt and a set of 19th-century-style dominoes. Sunnyside: 3 W. Sunnyside Lane, Tarrytown. 914-631-8200. www.hudsonvalley.org

New York WaterWay "Yankee Clipper" 2009 Playoff Ticket Offer

Yankee Clipper – 2009 Playoffs Reserve your seat today!  Tickets purchased before October 1, 2009, will save $10. Call 1-800-53-FERRY to purchase Yankee Clipper tickets for all games.  Games 2 and 5 can be purchased online by visiting nywaterway.com  Game 1 date is TBD, Game 2 is October 9 and Game 5 is October 14.  All start times are TBD. If the Yankees do not win the division, different game dates will be posted.

                            

Day-Trippers Hudson Valley Autumn 2009 Guide

http://www.nydailynews.com/travel/2009/09/13/2009-09-13_fall_is_peak_season_for_colorful_scenery_and_.html

Fall is peak season for colorful scenery and upstate festivals
MICHAEL NASSAR

Handout

A guide in period dress conducts tours of Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, in Tarrytown.

Tama/Getty

Visitors can join the crew on the replica of Henry Hudson’s Half Moon vessel.

Never mind the slightly cooler weather, the subtle changes in the foliage or the dearth of kids playing outside. For New Yorkers, the first hint that autumn is in the air are all the festivals, fairs and other fun upstate activities that are harbingers of fall’s arrival.

This year the change of season comes with a bonus — the year-long festivities for the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the Hudson River are still going on.

For day-trippers and weekend travelers alike, here’s a guide to enjoying autumn in New York.

TAKE A HIKE

CHECK OUT: The Hudson River Valley Ramble, which takes place along the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area each weekend throughout September.

This year’s Ramble features nearly 300 individual events dotting the riverbanks, from Saratoga down to New York City. They highlight such themes as the Revolutionary War, great estates, Hudson River School artists and the Hudson River estuary.

Whether you are up for a challenging guided hike, bike or paddle, an inspiring walk through the grounds and homes of notable artists and authors, or a family-fun festival or river exploration event, the Ramble has it.

While most events are free, there is a nominal fee for guided hikes and bikes (hudsonrivervalleyramble.com).

And after burning off all those calories, indulge in a proper Dutch tea lunch at the historic Joseph Horton House inWappingers Falls. First tour the Colonial homestead with a costumed guide, then cozy up to the fire for tea, scones, soup, gourmet sandwiches and a Dutch Colonial dessert. There’s even live music from operatic tenor John Vergilii. The suggested donation per person is $25 and reservations are required (HortonHouseFamilyCenter.com).

CHECK IN : Keep in the Colonial mood by spending the night at the Copper Penny Inn in Poughkeepsie, an 1860s farmhouse that’s been converted into a bed-and-break-fast. Room rates start at $139 per night (copperpennyinn.com).

ARTS AND CRAFTS (AND GARLIC)

CHECK OUT: Sixteen Hudson Valley architects are designing and constructing “memorials” to Henry Hudson — who never received a proper burial because his body was lost at sea after his crew mutinied — at Byrdcliffe Arts Colony in Woodstock, one of the oldest artist colonies in America. The free outdoor art installation is on view through Oct. 10 (woodstockguild.org).

Time your visit right and you can add in the 21st Annual Garlic Festival in neighboring Saugerties, Sept. 26 and 27. Get bulbs, braids, food and souvenirs, as well as tips and info on growing and cooking what garlic aficionados lovingly refer to as the “stinking rose” (hvgf.org). CHECK IN: Stay in one of the private apartments at the historic Rondout Inn in nearby Kingston and take advantage of a promotional rate of just $160.90 per room per night. Use code “Quad2009” at rondoutinn.com.

THE HIGHEST HIGH LINE

CHECK OUT: Be on hand Oct. 3 for the weekend-long celebration of the Poughkeepsie-Highland railroad bridge’s transformation into the highest of high lines.

The 1¼ -mile-long bridge is 212 feet above the river and officially the longest pedestrian bridge in the world. The abandoned railway has been artful-ly turned into a sky-high park and trail-way with access to the Hudson’s scenic landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers and bikers (walkway.org).

After braving the heights, join in the One River, Many Streams Folk Festival.Dutchess County’s annual celebration of folk art, dance and music fills Poughkeepsie’s Waryas Park all day long (artsmidhudson.org).

CHECK IN: Colonial Experience Getaways begin at $119 per night atHampton Inn & Suites in Poughkeepsie. Use promo code “L-PHK” at hamptoninn1.hilton.com and receive a free gift basket with local treats, or call (845) 463-7500.

SHIP AHOY!

CHECK OUT: Henry Hudson’s original Half Moon, or Halve Maen, was commissioned in 1609 for the Dutch East India Company in hopes of finding a trade route to the Orient. Captain William Reynolds re-creates Hudson’s exploratory voyage in an exact replica of the ship, journeying upriver with a crew of local high school students and barrels of groats (grain) and pickled herring (halfmoon.mus.ny.us).

You can tour the ship or volunteer to join the crew when it opens to the public in Albany on Sept. 26, then take part in the Harvest Festival at Lindewald, home of Martin Van Buren, the first President born of Dutch descendants (nps.gov/mava).

CHECK IN: If you’re not picked to crew, stay ashore for two nights at theDesmond Hotel and get the third night free on Friday and Saturday stays. Use promo code ILOVENYFALL at desmondhotelsalbany.com or call 1-800-448-3500.

FAMILY FUN DAYS

CHECK OUT: The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology in Troyexplores the importance of the Hudson River and looks at the development of the Hudson Valley and the country as a whole, from the 19th century to the present.

Photographs, historical objects and video displays engage children and adults in a journey through history, culture and technology. Follow up with an afternoon visit to the Fall Festival at Schodack Island State Park on Oct. 3 for games, giveaways, hay rides and pumpkin painting (nysparks.state.ny.us/parks).

CHECK IN: Spend the night at the Victorian Olde Judge Mansion B &B in Troy, with rates starting at $70 per night. Mention “400 reasons to love NY State” and save 20% off a second night (oldejudgemansion.com). There’s live music from tenor John Vergilii. The suggested donation per person is $25 and reservations are required (HortonHouseFamilyCenter.co