Kraehmer’s 10 Outstanding Locations and Sites…places to put on the top of your itinerary.

1. Mohonk Mountain Resort, located in Ulster County. Mohonk Mountain House and its lake, gardens and Sky Top tower have found a place in my top ten places to visit in the Hudson River Valley region. An overnight stay will validate the original concept that people should come to the mountains for a respite from the rigors and routine of city life. Well-groomed trails, rocking chairs on the balconies, an aft ernoon tea, along with culinary delights at all meals, and a crackling fi re waiting for your match-lit start are just a few of the magical moments at this resort. A second option is a spending a day, walking the grounds.

2. The Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site including the FDR home, library, visitor’s center, gardens, as well as Top Cottage and Val Kill. All of these sites are located in Dutchess County and are linked by the Roosevelt Farm Trail.

3. The Vanderbilt Mansion includes gardens, river access – even a small beach - and expansive grounds located on Route 9 in Dutchess County.

4. Orange County’s Newburgh Waterfront with a variety of restaurants, boating opportunities including access to Bannerman’s Island, murals, and Washington’s headquarters located nearby.

5. Cold Spring with antique shops, kayaking on the river, Little Stony Point, is only a train ride away. Th e West Point Foundry and plenty of hiking trails are located in and around this Putnam County waterfront town.

6. Minnewaska State Park in Ulster County is a major portion of the Shawangunk Mountains. Th e state park has three pristine lakes (two of them allow swimming), three waterfalls, is part of a scenic byway, and to top things off , just nearby is the best climbing area in the eastern half of the United States.

7. Rhinebeck off ers a great county fair, the Aerodrome, spiritual center, fi re tower, America’s oldest inn, and numerous historic sites such as 274 Exploring the Hudson Valley Wilderstein. Th is town is located in northern Dutchess County. Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck

8. The United States Military Academy at West Point off ers tours, museum, concerts, sporting events in a scenic Orange County section of the Hudson Valley region.

9. Bear Mountain/Harriman State Parks off er a museum, zoo, inn, Perkins Drive, and plenty of hiking, camping and swimming. Th e parks border Orange and Rockland Counties.

10. Mount Beacon and/or the City of Beacon off er great views, a fi re tower, a historic railway, Dia: Beacon and the Clearwater Sloop. Th is area is part of Dutchess County’s waterfront and Hudson Highlands.