In all the days and years that have followed,
I don’t know that I’ve ever experienced
that same utter certainty of the goodness of life
that was as palpable
as the sound of the cicadas on those nights
– “Reverence,” Julie Cadwallader-Staub
NYS Golden Park Program/Federal Parks Access Pass
Martha Koenig of Gardiner told me about New York State’s Golden Park Program. What a deal! According to the New York State Parks website: “If you are a New York State resident 62 or older, on any weekday (except holidays), you can obtain free vehicle access to state parks, boat launch sites and arboretums (except at Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park and Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park) and fee reduction to state historic sites and state-operated golf courses simply by presenting your currently valid New York State Driver License or New York State Non-Driver Identification Card.” And did you know that for $10 (plus $10 for processing) you can get a Federal Parks Access Pass for seniors that provides free access to a multitude of national parks and historic sites for a lifetime?
Summertime visits to historic sites with the kids and grandkids are a popular choice. Take it from Stephen Kowalsky, 86, in the Town of Poughkeepsie: “I’ve gone to the FDR Home and Library several times, but loved going with my daughter and granddaughter. That was great.” For more information about these amazing programs, visit https://nysparks.com/admission/golden-park-program.aspx and https://store.usgs.gov/pass/senior_pass_application.pdf.
Here’s my A-to-Z recommended list of family-friendly Hudson Valley destinations:
Old Aerodrome in Rhinebeck
The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a unique chance to watch weekend vintage plane shows, as well as explore the Aviation Museum. I suggest bringing earplugs in case the sounds of the propellers and engines feel uncomfortable to the kids.
Weekend admission rates are $20 for adults; $15 for teens, seniors 65 and over and active or retired military; $5 for youth aged 6 to 12 years or Scouts in uniform; and free for children age 5 and under. Discounts are given to guests wearing period dress.
The Aerodrome is located at 9 Norton Road in Rhinebeck. For more information, call (845) 752-3200 or visit www.oldrhinebeck.org.
Join the family! 
