Cold Spring, New York

Tucked away on tiny Pollepel Island (aka Bannerman Island) in the Hudson Islands State Park, Bannerman Castle is a wonderful destination for a day trip on the Hudson River during the summer months. Guided walking tours of the castle and the island are available on Saturdays and Sundays from either Beacon (or from Newburgh on Sundays only) from May to October. The castle and its beautiful grounds host several special events, fundraisers and theatrical shows during the summer – you can check their website for details. Another novel way to explore the island is by kayak – guided kayak excursions are available from Cold Springs and include all the necessary equipment and a guided tour of the island. Bannerman Castle, Fishkill, NY 12508

Occupying an elevated, cool location in the Hudson Highlands, Stonecrop Gardens opened to the public in 1992, after starting off as a private garden. Covering around 15 acres, the gardens are home to an astonishing diversity of plants from around the world. You will find several themed gardens including woodlands, wetlands, alpine and grass gardens, all carefully laid out with the intention of encouraging garden enthusiasts to follow suit. You can also admire an English-style flower garden, an Alpine display house and hundreds of dwarf bulbs in the Pit House. The gardens are open from Monday to Saturday (and select Sundays) from April through October. Stonecrop Gardens, 81 Stonecrop Lane, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-265-2000

When it became obvious to President James Madison in the early 1800’s that the USA was hopeless unprepared to stave off hostile attacks, a number of munitions factories were established, including West Point Foundry in Cold Spring. The historic foundry produced essential munitions including cannons and thousands of shells for the Civil War and was eventually shut down in 1911. Anyone interested in exploring the huge abandoned site may download an online mobile guide and follow a few of the trails leading through the site which is located in the 87-acre West Point Foundry Preserve. You can reach the site along a short trail from the Cold Spring Metro North Station. West Point Foundry Preserve, 80 Kemble Ave, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-473-4440

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

Scenically nestled along the east bank of the Hudson River, the Hudson Highlands State Park stretches from Peekskill to Beacon in the east Hudson Highlands. The park offers locals and visitors a huge outdoor recreation area where you can pursue activities like fishing, hunting, birding and hiking. There are several scenic hiking trails including a 5.1 mile portion of the Appalachian Trail which runs through the southern part of the park. One of the most popular and challenging trials is the 4.6 mile Breakneck Ridge Trail – a steep ascent followed by a scenic mountain-top trail. You can also enjoy kayaking on the river – a launch site is available at Annsville Circle. Hudson Highlands State Park, 3011 Route 9D, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-265-3175

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Designed by Spanish architect Miguel Quismondo and purpose-built in 2016, Magazzino is an art museum dedicated to showcasing Italian artists through the ages. The design of the building represents a stark, modern warehouse, which is what Magazzino means in Italian. The modern, light-filled interior space is filled with two-and-three-dimensional works by a number of prominent Italian artists from the Arte Povera Movement, showcasing a core collection of post-war Italian art. The museum is located about 10min drive from the Cold Spring train station and a regular free shuttle picks up visitors who travel up by train from New York City. Magazzino Italian Art, 2700 Route 9, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-666-7202

Bull Hill forms part of the Hudson Highlands State Park and is named after a bull which used to roam the hill and terrorize inhabitants. After the poor bull was driven off the mountain by a hunting party, the mountain was named Mount Taurus in his memory. Today Bull Hill offers a variety of hiking trails. The most popular trail is called the Bull Hill Full Loop and you can find the Washburn Trailhead near the Little Stony Point parking area north of Cold Spring. The full loop is around 5.5 miles and will give you a fair amount of exercise and lead you past a scenic waterfall. Bull Hill, Philipstown, NY 10516

The oldest Catholic Church north of Manhattan was built on the banks of the Hudson River in 1833 to serve the ecclesiastical needs of the many Irish immigrants who came to the area between 1820 and 1860. The original chapel opened with great fan-fare but was sadly destined to become a derelict ruin after it was abandoned in 1906 and ravaged by fire in 1927. Today, thanks to the efforts of the team behind the Chapel Restoration, this historic landmark is once again a familiar public gathering place for Cold Spring locals. The dramatically restored chapel now hosts regular music and storytelling events and can be hired for weddings. The chapel is well worth a visit for anyone interested in history and architecture. The Chapel Restoration, 45 Market Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-265-5537

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

If you are visiting Cold Spring (or are lucky enough to live in the area) and would like to try some of the best organic locally-grown vegetables in the area you need to make your way to Glynwood Farm. More than just your regular farm, the Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming is a non-profit organization which strives to teach up-and-coming farmers and food technologists all about regenerative agriculture. They have a brilliant Farm Store which you can visit from May to November on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays to stock up on the freshest-of-fresh wholesome organic vegetables and pasture-raised meat. During the winter months you can buy their meats and self-items from the store on Thursday afternoons. Glynwood Farm, 362 Glynwood Rd, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-265-3338

Foodies beware – you will not be able to walk out of Vera’s Marketplace without parting with some of your hard-earned dollars. Vera’s was established by Italian immigrants Vera and Tony Giordano in 1982 and today welcomes all visitors to come and buy fabulous fresh local and organic produce and beautiful cut flowers. But that is not all – this enterprising couple stock a wonderful variety of choice imported Italian specialties and also make great apple doughnuts and fresh mozzarella cheese. The on-site garden center is the place to go for beautiful plants (and good gardening advice) and there is always something special waiting for visitors. Vera’s Marketplace and Garden Center, 3091 Rout 9, Suite 102, Cold Spring, NY, Phone: 845-265-2151

The Butterfield Library is a much-loved public library housed in a pretty historic building. Although the library is decidedly on the small side (as befits a village library) it is remarkably well stocked and has links to several other community libraries so that requested books (including audio books) can easily be obtained. The library hosts a regular story time for young visitors and there are also regular talks and lectures for adults. There is a pleasant outdoor garden area where you can relax for a while with a good read. The library also offers various other useful facilities including accepting passport applications and assistance with tax returns. Butterfield Library, 10 Morris Ave, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-265-3040