• Where is Cold Spring located?
    • The village of Cold Spring is nestled along the banks of the Hudson River, just 60 miles north of New York City.
  • What can visitors experience in Cold Spring?
    • Today the village beckons visitors to enjoy a delightful small-town atmosphere, interesting sight-seeing, and great hiking and kayaking.
  • What historical significance does Cold Spring have?
    • Cold Spring was once home to one of America’s largest munitions factories at West Point Foundry – today you can take a self-guided walk through the remains of the foundry.
  • What are some notable landmarks in Cold Spring?
    • Other interesting landmarks include Bannerman Castle, The Chapel, and Stonecrop Gardens.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Cold Spring?
    • Hikers can enjoy several trails that wend their scenic way through the Hudson Highlands State Park.
    • Kayaking enthusiasts can access the Hudson River for a day on the water.

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1. Bannerman Castle


Tour castle ruins and enjoy an unusual trip on the Hudson.

Bannerman Castle

© karenfoleyphoto/stock.adobe.com

  • Where is Bannerman Castle located?
    • 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.
  • When are guided tours of Bannerman Castle available?
    • 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.
  • What events take place at Bannerman Castle?
    • The castle and its beautiful grounds host several special events, fundraisers, and theatrical shows during the summer – you can check their website for details.
  • Can you explore Bannerman Island by kayak?
    • 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.
  • What is the exact location of Bannerman Castle?

2. Stonecrop Gardens


Admire vibrant blooms and savor a peaceful spring afternoon.

Stonecrop Gardens

© Stonecrop Gardens

  • Where is Stonecrop Gardens located?
    • Occupying an elevated, cool location in the Hudson Highlands, Stonecrop Gardens opened to the public in 1992, after starting off as a private garden.
  • How large is Stonecrop Gardens?
    • Covering around 15 acres, the gardens are home to an astonishing diversity of plants from around the world.
  • What types of gardens can be found at Stonecrop Gardens?
    • 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.
  • What special features does Stonecrop Gardens have?
    • Visitors can also admire an English-style flower garden, an Alpine display house, and hundreds of dwarf bulbs in the Pit House.
  • When is Stonecrop Gardens open?
    • The gardens are open from Monday to Saturday (and select Sundays) from April through October.
  • What is the exact location of Stonecrop Gardens?
    • Stonecrop Gardens, 81 Stonecrop Lane, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-265-2000

3. West Point Foundry Preserve


Explore historic ruins and walk scenic trails with exciting sights.

West Point Foundry Preserve

© Egor/stock.adobe.com

  • What is the history of West Point Foundry?
    • When it became obvious to President James Madison in the early 1800s that the USA was hopelessly unprepared to stave off hostile attacks, a number of munitions factories were established, including West Point Foundry in Cold Spring.
  • What did West Point Foundry produce?
    • The historic foundry produced essential munitions, including cannons and thousands of shells for the Civil War, and was eventually shut down in 1911.
  • Can visitors explore the West Point Foundry site?
    • 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.
  • How can visitors reach West Point Foundry Preserve?
    • You can reach the site along a short trail from the Cold Spring Metro North Station.
  • What is the exact location of West Point Foundry Preserve?
    • West Point Foundry Preserve, 80 Kemble Ave, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-473-4440

4. Hudson Highlands State Park


Hike rugged paths and enjoy a quick outdoor adventure.

Hudson Highlands State Park

© kirkikis/stock.adobe.com

  • Where is Hudson Highlands State Park located?
    • 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.
  • What outdoor activities can you do at Hudson Highlands State Park?
    • The park offers locals and visitors a huge outdoor recreation area where you can pursue activities like fishing, hunting, birding, and hiking.
  • What hiking trails are available at the park?
    • 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.
  • What is the most popular and challenging trail?
    • One of the most popular and challenging trails is the 4.6-mile Breakneck Ridge Trail – a steep ascent followed by a scenic mountain-top trail.
  • Can you kayak in Hudson Highlands State Park?
    • You can also enjoy kayaking on the river – a launch site is available at Annsville Circle.
  • What is the exact location of Hudson Highlands State Park?
    • Hudson Highlands State Park, 3011 Route 9D, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-265-3175

5. Magazzino Italian Art


See modern masterpieces and discover an affordable cultural escape.

Magazzino Italian Art

© Magazzino Italian Art

  • What is Magazzino Italian Art?
    • Designed by Spanish architect Miguel Quismondo and purpose-built in 2016, Magazzino Italian Art is an art museum dedicated to showcasing Italian artists through the ages.
  • What does the name 'Magazzino' mean?
    • The design of the building represents a stark, modern warehouse, which is what Magazzino means in Italian.
  • What type of art is displayed at Magazzino Italian Art?
    • 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.
  • How can visitors reach Magazzino Italian Art?
    • The museum is located about a 10-minute drive from the Cold Spring train station, and a regular free shuttle picks up visitors who travel up by train from New York City.
  • What is the exact location of Magazzino Italian Art?
    • Magazzino Italian Art, 2700 Route 9, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-666-7202

6. Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus)


Climb forested slopes and savor rewarding views on a fall hike.

Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus)

© Laura/stock.adobe.com

  • What is Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus)?
    • Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus) forms part of the Hudson Highlands State Park and is named after a bull that used to roam the hill and terrorize inhabitants.
  • Why is it called Mount Taurus?
    • After the poor bull was driven off the mountain by a hunting party, the mountain was named Mount Taurus in his memory.
  • What hiking trails are available on Bull Hill?
    • Today, Bull Hill offers a variety of hiking trails. The most popular trail is called the Bull Hill Full Loop.
  • Where does the Bull Hill Full Loop start?
    • You can find the Washburn Trailhead near the Little Stony Point parking area north of Cold Spring.
  • How long is the Bull Hill Full Loop?
    • The full loop is around 5.5 miles and will give you a fair amount of exercise while leading you past a scenic waterfall.
  • What is the exact location of Bull Hill?
    • Bull Hill, Philipstown, NY 10516

7. The Chapel


Admire historic charm and enjoy a romantic local event space.

The Chapel

© The Chapel

  • What is the history of The Chapel Restoration?
    • 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.
  • What happened to the original chapel?
    • The original Chapel opened with great fanfare but was sadly destined to become a derelict ruin after it was abandoned in 1906 and ravaged by fire in 1927.
  • How was The Chapel Restoration saved?
    • 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.
  • What events take place at The Chapel Restoration?
    • The dramatically restored chapel now hosts regular music and storytelling events and can be hired for weddings.
  • Why should visitors see The Chapel Restoration?
    • The chapel is well worth a visit for anyone interested in history and architecture.
  • What is the exact location of The Chapel Restoration?
    • The Chapel Restoration, 45 Market Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-265-5537

8. Glynwood


Tour this working farm and learn about sustainable stuff on the land.

Glynwood

© Glynwood

  • What is Glynwood Farm?
    • 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, you need to make your way to Glynwood Farm.
  • What makes Glynwood Farm special?
    • More than just a regular farm, the Glynwood Center for Regional Food and Farming is a non-profit organization that strives to teach up-and-coming farmers and food technologists all about regenerative agriculture.
  • When is the Farm Store open?
    • The Farm Store is open from May to November on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, where you can stock up on the freshest organic vegetables and pasture-raised meat.
  • Can you buy Glynwood Farm products in the winter?
    • During the winter months, you can buy their meats and other farm products from the store on Thursday afternoons.
  • What is the exact location of Glynwood Farm?
    • Glynwood Farm, 362 Glynwood Rd, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-265-3338

9. Vera’s Marketplace and Garden Center


Shop seasonal goods and enjoy an easy stop for local treats.

Vera’s Marketplace and Garden Center

© Vera’s Marketplace and Garden Center

  • What is Vera’s Marketplace and Garden Center?
    • Vera’s Marketplace and Garden Center is a beloved local market established by Italian immigrants Vera and Tony Giordano in 1982. It offers fresh local and organic produce and beautiful cut flowers.
  • What types of products can visitors find at Vera’s Marketplace?
    • Vera’s stocks a wonderful variety of choice imported Italian specialties and also makes great apple doughnuts and fresh mozzarella cheese.
  • What does the on-site garden center offer?
    • The on-site garden center is the place to go for beautiful plants and good gardening advice.
  • Why should food lovers visit Vera’s Marketplace?
    • Foodies beware – you will not be able to walk out of Vera’s without parting with some of your hard-earned dollars. There is always something special waiting for visitors.
  • What is the exact location of Vera’s Marketplace and Garden Center?
    • Vera’s Marketplace and Garden Center, 3091 Route 9, Suite 102, Cold Spring, NY, Phone: 845-265-2151

10. Butterfield Library


Read in cozy corners and explore family programs in this quiet gem.

Butterfield Library

© Butterfield Library

  • What is the Butterfield Library?
  • How well-stocked is the Butterfield Library?
    • Although the library is on the small side (as befits a village library), it is remarkably well-stocked and has links to several other community libraries, so requested books (including audiobooks) can easily be obtained.
  • What programs are available for children?
    • The library hosts a regular story time for young visitors.
  • What programs are available for adults?
    • There are also regular talks and lectures for adults.
  • Does the library have outdoor seating?
    • There is a pleasant outdoor garden area where you can relax for a while with a good read.
  • What other services does the Butterfield Library offer?
    • The library offers various other useful facilities, including accepting passport applications and providing assistance with tax returns.
  • What is the exact location of Butterfield Library?
    • Butterfield Library, 10 Morris Ave, Cold Spring, NY 10516, Phone: 845-265-3040


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. The Pig Hill Inn – A charming and cozy bed & breakfast in the heart of Cold Spring. Hike Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus) – Enjoy breathtaking Hudson Valley views.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor activities. Hudson House River Inn – A historic stay with beautiful waterfront views. Kayak on the Hudson River – Rent a kayak for a scenic paddle along the river.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning autumn foliage. The West Point Foundry Bed & Breakfast – A boutique stay with historic charm. Explore Breakneck Ridge – One of the most popular hiking trails for fall foliage.
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and cozy with snow-covered landscapes. The Garrison – A peaceful retreat with stunning views of the Hudson Highlands. Stroll through Main Street – Discover antique shops, cafés, and holiday lights.

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