“GONE FISHIN” read the tattered, hand-scrolled cardboard sign taped to the dash-board.
I am soaked to the bone in the backseat of a rickety old cab hailed in desperation to escape a late afternoon storm born on the wings of a typically oppressive dog day August afternoon in the big town. Though eagerly anticipating a super turbo blast of air-conditioning , I quickly realize I’ll have to make do with whatever breeze can be generated from the city streets as we fly through the avenues. I laboriously crank the handle to roll down the ancient windows.

“Planning a vacation?” I ask the driver in reference to the placard placed deliberately just above the steering wheel. Between chomps on his unlit, wet cigar he tells me in his generations-old Brooklyn accent that he’s taking a break from the rat race and heading out beyond the city. The rain is now pounding, the squeaky windshield wipers are working on overdrive but my man has a happy, relaxed expression on his face as he regales me with the details of his annual foray (“nearly 50 years now”) to the lake upstate. Just he, his old hound dog and this battered ’78 checkered cab that’s seen better days. I am reminded of that wonderful adage about the best part of the trip is not always the actual destination but the journey itself. Note to self. He is a contented soul.

As we move into the last full month of summer, this “Girl” wishes you all Happy Trails wherever your summer sojourns lead you.

As for me?… I’m going “fishin’!”

KAYAK ON THE HUDSON

What better way to spend a summer day than by being on the water surrounded by the splendor of the historic Hudson River!  Hudson River Expeditions offers a wide range of kayaking experiences that accommodate all levels – from challenging day tours, meandering moonlight paddles, nature and history tours to watching fireworks bursting across the horizon.  There’s something for everyone.

Hudson River Expeditions, Cold Spring and Peekskill locations  http://hudsonriverexpeditions.com

VISIT GLYNWOOD FARM

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Nestled on 225 glorious acres, the not-for-profit Glynwood Farms is dedicated to ensuring the proliferation of farming in the Hudson Valley.  The land, purchased in 1929 by financier George Perkins, has now become a beacon of enlightenment, beauty and education while supporting local produce and people.  There are family tours, workshops, farmer training programs and the ever-awesome farm store where you can purchase Glynwood’s vegetables and eggs as well as award-winning products from local producers.

The state of New York never ceases to amaze with its’ abundance of resources and diversity.  Glynwood farms is the paradigm of all she has to offer.  Check it out.

Glynwood Farm,  362 Glynwood Rd., Cold Spring    http://glynwood.org

HIKE BREAKNECK RIDGE

It’s no secret that Breakneck Ridge is the best hike in town.  Newsweek Magazine listed it as one of the top ten hikes in the United States.  It’s so acclaimed that it even has it’s own designated train station (Metro-North has a Breakneck Ridge Station, located 2 miles north of the village of Cold Spring).  The trail climbs very high the first 1.5 miles but as soon as you ascent the mountain, you have incredible views of Beacon, Newburgh, West Point, Bannerman Castle and the Catskill Mountains.  It’s definitely worth the huffing, puffing and rock scrambling! Breakneck Ridge is ranked as a medium-difficult hike used by people of all ages and fitness levels.  Give yourself 2-3 hours to complete the hike and enjoy the spectacular views.

FIND YOUR INNER PEACE AT CHUANG YEN MONASTERY

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Peace and tranquility are at the heart of the Chuang Yen Buddhist Monestary.  Set on 225 bucolic acres in Kent, Putnam County, NY, the temple is home to the largest indoor statue of Buddha in the Western Hemisphere (measuring 37 ft. high).  Encircled by 10,000 smaller statues of Buddha on a lotus-laden terrace, it is an awe-inspiring sight to behold.  The name “Chuang Yen” means “Magically Adorned” and the grounds and statue are truly that.  In Buddhism, world peace starts with inner peace.  You will surely find it here.

Chuang Yen Monastery, 2020 Route 301, Carmel, NY  http://baus.org

COLD SPRING GENERAL STORE

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Located in a 1897 landmark building, this shop is a modern day take on the General Store of yore.  The focus is on handmade, American-made goods.  The store is stocked with a blend of home and kitchen goods, stationary, cookbooks, books focusing on life in the Hudson Valley and many items made by local artisans.  Be sure to check out The Barn next door, which sells local, in-season produce such as fruits, vegetables, honey, canned pickles and farm-raised eggs.

Cold Spring General Store, 61 Main Street, Cold Spring   http://coldspringgeneralstore.com

BURKELMAN

The old-timey “Main Street” address belies what lies beneath this inspiring retail establishment.  Housed in a former downtown soda shop, Burkelman is a refreshing assemblage of home goods, rugs, lighting, accessories and jewelry sourced from artisans and designers around the globe.  The focus is on quality craftsmanship and the design esthetic is impeccable.

Burkelman,  101 Main Street, Cold Spring    http://shopburkelman.com

COLD SPRING APOTHECARY

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In the old days an apothecary served as an establishment to treat all kinds of ailments but these days it encompasses a wide variety of medicinally focused beauty products and healing treatments.  This  particular Instagram-worthy shop is stocked with skin/hair/body products, candles and home goods.  The beauty products are crafted in small batches at their own manufacturing lab, ensuring the use of the highest quality, all natural ingredients.  In the back of the store is a Wellness House offering Spa and Salon Services.  Deep tissue massage anybody???

Cold Spring Apothecary,  75 Main Street, Cold Spring   http://coldspringapothecary.com

ANTIQUES ON MAIN STREET

I’m a sucker when it comes to anything unique, eccentric, retro and artistic!  While wandering down Main Street, be sure and check out the myriad eclectic antique shops for some fun findings.  Whether you’re looking for a set of whimsical mismatched chairs, old cookie jars or an original 1950’s frock to wear to that late summer garden party, I can all but guarantee you’ll score something fabulous!

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Cold Spring Antique Center,  77 Main Street
• Once Upon A Time Antiques,  159 Main Street
• Antique Alley, 93 Main Street
• Vintage Finds, 153 Main Street
• Heavenly Treasures, 93 Main Street
• Bijou Galleries, 50 Main Street

OLD SOULS

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In keeping with the the ambiance of a cabin more than a store, Old Souls appropriately supplies lifestyle goods for field, stream, camp and home.  The reclaimed wood-clad walls, old sports trophies and a large wooden kayak hanging on the wall serve as the perfect backdrop for the eclectic mix of offerings from wool blankets, home goods, outdoor gear, backpacks, thermoses, flannel shirts, hiking boots, hand-stitched journals, maple syrup, honey and local jams.  For the fly fishing aficionado,  Old Souls carries a full range of gear including flies, rods, waders, nets, camp chairs and more.  Most of the merchandise in the store is proudly made in the USA.

Old Souls, 63 Main Street, Cold Spring   http://oldsouls.com

HUDSON VALLEY SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

“All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.”   -William Shakespeare-

Picture a positively breathtaking setting on the historic grounds of the Boscobel House and Gardens under an open air seated theatre tent overlooking the Hudson River.  You may think you’re in a Midsummer’s Night Dream  but in fact you are one of the fortunate patrons attending this annual summer theatrical treat.  Over the course of 12 weeks, the Festival’s critically acclaimed repertory includes productions of Macbeth, As You Like It and Measure for Measure.

Be sure and bring a picnic…before each performance, guests bask in the splendor of the estate’s rolling hillside with their own sumptuous feasts fit for King Lear.  Parting this magical festival is indeed, such “sweet sorrow!”

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, 1601 NY – 9D, Garrison, NY.                                            Box Office #845-265-9575

VISIT MANITOGA

Drive ten minutes from Main Street in Cold Spring to Garrison and visit Manitoga, the stunning home, studio and woodland sanctuary of modern industrial designer Russel Wright (1904-1976).  Take a 90 minute tour of the house and grounds which includes the breathtaking 75 acre gardens and “Dragon Rock” studio built on the rock ledge of an abandoned quarry.  From this vantage point, you can better appreciate the influence of  nature on Wright’s designs and creations.  This National Landmark is one of the few 20th century modern homes open to the public.

Manitoga,  584 Route 9D Garrison   http://visitmanitoga.org

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While it’s a mere 50 miles north and just over an hour’s ride from the city, the charm of Cold Spring New York feels like a throwback to the more innocent, gentile times of the 19th century.  Located in Putnam County on the east bank of the Hudson River, this historic village is a  perfect respite from the oppressive heat, noise and crowds that is the island of Manhattan in August.

Spend an afternoon  strolling the town’s charming Main Street lined with a variety of restaurants and specialty shops.  You’ll find a vast array of unique offerings from home goods to vintage collectables, gifts, toys and jewelry, much of which is made by local artisans.

Soak up the sun at Cold Spring’s river-front park and prepare to be dazzled by the incredible views of the Hudson which often culminate in magnficant sunsets behind nearby historic West Point Academy and the backdrop of Storm King Mountain.

There’s so much more to this town besides shopping and dining.  If you prefer something more active, be sure to check out the various kayacking tours and hiking trails.  If it’s a more cultural angle you’re after,  visit Manitoga – the home, studio and woodland garden of design legend Russell Wright.  Whatever your interests are, no visit to the Cold Spring area would be complete without experiencing a performance at the renowned Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival.

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Full disclosure…I have pigged out my way through just about every meal offering here in Cold Spring (all the more reason to hit those hiking trails and kayak trips!).  This town offers such a variety of  options from the culinary delights at Hudson Hills, a breakfast/lunch spot that uses fresh local ingredients, to Le Bouchon, a French bistro which Zagat rated as “excellent”.  Don’t even think about leaving town without an indulgence at Moo Moo’s Creamery, the best homemade ice cream that features 150 flavors on a rotating basis (time for boot camp after this!). While the village may be small in size, it boasts a relatively large variety of over 15 restaurants and bars to choose from.  Here are a few more goodies:

• Depot Restaurant, 1 Depot Square
• Foundry Cafe, 54 Main Street
• Cathryn’s Tuscan Grill, 91 Main Street
• Brasserie Le Bouchon, 76 Main Street
• Hudson House River Inn, 2 Main Street
• Whistling Willie’s American Grill, 182 Main Street

It may sound counterintuitive to go indoors during the summer months but as far as I’m concerned, there’s no better place to beat the heat while consuming some magnificent art than a museum.  If it’s art and the great outdoors you’re after, did you know that in less than an hour from Manhattan you can have the best of both worlds at Storm King – a 500-acre outdoor museum featuring more than 100 sculptures created by some of the most acclaimed artists of our time including Alexander Calder, Louise Nevelson, Maya Lin and Isamu Noguchi.  Spend a day at this peaceful sanctuary that may as well be a world away from the sometimes maddening crowds of Manhattan.

Storm King, 1 Museum Road, New Windsor, NY   http://stormking.org