So you blinked and summer was suddenly gone. Don’t despair. There’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had in New York.
Just a couple of hours north, the Hudson Valley is much more than home to apple picking and leaf peeping — though there’s plenty of that. The region offers lots to do, see, eat and drink, all surrounded by a pristine landscape that feels far removed from the stress and noise of the Big Apple.
Here are three towns worth visiting — Saugerties, Woodstock and Kingston — each with its own unique charm.
SAUGERTIES
Instantly identifiable by its gorgeous lighthouse on the Hudson River, Saugerties seamlessly blends its historic charm with a resurgent, creative Brooklynish energy that’s filling the town with lots of great new casual restaurants, bars and shops.
Opus 40 Sculpture Park and Museum
For a mix of fresh air and mind-blowing artwork, take a 15-minute ride from the heart of Saugerties to Opus 40 Sculpture Park and Museum, the swirling, zany vision of one man, Harvey Fite, a brilliant local artist who labored on this mind-bending project for 37 years.
Using ancient techniques, Fite single-handedly built countless intertwined ramps and terraces to create this monumental masterpiece from his own bluestone quarry. It has to be seen to be believed. But hurry, it’s only open through next weekend.
(50 Fite Road, Saugerties, 845-246-3400. Admission: $10 adults/$3 kids 6-12. Open Thursdays to Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. through Columbus Day weekend. opus40.org.)
Ophira on the Hudson
If you like the feeling of the wind in your hair as you admire the changing fall leaves, consider taking in dramatic views of the Catskills with a river sail. Leaving from the heart of Saugerties, Ophira on the Hudson offers customized, three-hour cruises for as little as $65 per person. The best part is someone else takes care of the driving.
(90 East Bridge St. , Saugerties , 845-247-5535. Up to six guests — $65/person. ophirahudsonrivercruises.com.)
Lucky Chocolates
For some of the best and most whimsical chocolates you’ve seen and tasted, go get Lucky. Launched by New York City-trained pastry chef Rae Stang, Lucky offers a menagerie of animal-shaped chocolates, handmade marshmallows (try the salted caramel) — as well as an impressive assortment of handmade organic truffles in flavors ranging from Chimayo Chili to locally sourced Tuthilltown Baby Bourbon.
(115 Partition St ., Saugerties , 845-246-7337. Closed Mondays, luckychocolates.com.)
Fiberflame Studio
On those rainy (as well as sunny) days, when you want to scratch your own artistic itch, or just need to engage a bunch of antsy kids, try out Fiberflame Studio. This DIY art studio both offers organized classes and welcomes drop-ins most days without reservations, where each family member can select their own project from dozens of options. Whether it’s glazing pottery, jewelry making, or designing and printing your own stationery, there are endless creative possibilities for as little as $10 per person plus materials.
(1776 Route 212, Saugerties , 845-679-6132. $10 for 2 hours of studio time, blank projects start at $1 each. fiberflamestudio.com.)
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WOODSTOCK
Maybe the most misunderstood town in the region, Woodstock has a worldwide reputation for its association with the 1969 music festival that actually took place 40 miles away in Bethel. While there is plenty of tie-dye to be found at local gift shops, Woodstock is also home to a charming, century-old artist’s community with galleries, workshops and arts schools all within walking distance of the center of town.
Little Apple Juice Bar
If you just want a healthy snack while taking in the sights, head over to Little Apple Juice Bar with delicious, creatively named smoothies like the “Honey Boo Boo” with coconut water, orange rind, honey and vanilla ($8.75). It may not cure anything, but it sure tastes good going down.
(21 Tinker St., Woodstock, 845-684-5605; littleapplelove.com.)
Yum Yum Noodle Bar
For a tasty, belly-filling meal and a true bargain, a good bet is the aptly named Yum Yum. Right in the heart of town, Yum Yum serves pan-Asian noodle bowls for a mere $10 a pop. Their coconut curry with salmon and soba is terrific, and on nice days there is plenty of outdoor patio seating.
(4 Rock City Road, Woodstock, 845-679-7992; yumyumwoodstockny.com.)
Overlook Firetower
For real exercise and a chance to catch some of the most spectacular views in the area, consider a hike to the Overlook Firetower. This 65-foot decommissioned firetower perched atop nearby Overlook Mountain offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and the Ashokan Reservoir. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and allow roughly 90 minutes for the hike up. It’s well worth the effort.
(Overlook Spur Trailhead atop Mead’s Mountain Road, 10 minutes from Woodstock Center. Admission free, 845-586-2611; catskillcenter.org.)
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KINGSTON
Kingston was New York’s first capital before being torched by the British during the Revolutionary War. The city’s restored core, the charming Rondout, is still teeming with beautiful historic buildings and churches along with great restaurants, shops and galleries.
O+ Festival
For an amazing bargain that’s both fun and feel-good, the fourth annual O+ Art and Music Festival (Oct. 11-13) offers an array of talented, cash-strapped musicians and artists of every stripe performing over a three-day marathon in exchange for donated health-care services provided by doctors and dentists from across the region. Tickets cost just $25 and are good throughout the festival.
(Multiple venues, Kingston. General information and lineup: kingston.opositivefestival.org. Tickets, $25, opositivefest2013.eventbrite.com.)
Elephant Wine Bar
This slightly eccentric but terrific local favorite specializes in traditional Spanish tapas like Pulpo Gallego (grilled octopus, $12) and Patatas Bravas (spicy potatoes, $8) as well as unique, locally inspired dishes like Spanish-style French toast with New York State foie gras butter and maple syrup ($14). If you’re stopping in for just a drink, Elephant has a wide assortment of hard-to-find Iberian wines and ciders by the glass.
(310 Wall St., Kingston, 845-339-9310; elephantwinebar.com.)
Getting there: If you’re planning to visit several areas of the Hudson Valley, driving is the best and most economical option. Most destinations are reachable within two to two and a half hours from midtown Manhattan via Interstate 87 from exits 19 and 20 or via the Taconic Parkway.
If you only plan to visit a single town, Adirondack Trailways (trailwaysny.com) offers frequent, inexpensive bus routes from the Port Authority to many upstate destinations for as little as $45 round trip.
ssagner@nydailynews.com
