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Photos by Dion Ogust
The Hudson River Valley Ramble celebrates the trails, the river and the historic and cultural resources of the Hudson River Valley Greenway and National Heritage Area. That spans quite a broad geographic area: Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Ulster, Washington, Westchester and those portions of New York and Bronx Counties adjacent to the Hudson River. So you have many choices of guided hikes, bike rides, paddles and other organized outdoor events both close to home and far afield. Labor Day may be past now, and the kids back to school; but summer doesn’t end astronomically for weeks, so it’s not too late to squeeze in just a little more warm-weather staycation fun.
What follows is a selection of just a few among the hundreds of Ramble events this weekend that Almanac Weekly readers may find appealing. For more information and a full schedule, visit www.hudsonrivervalleyramble.com.
Ulster County
September 6 & 7, 11 a.m.: Tugboats: Workhorses of the Hudson River. Boats were a primary form of transportation into the interior of New York State for centuries. From the 1850s to the 1930s, towboats and tugs could be seen day or night pulling barges. This exhibition displays photographs, video, text panels and a replica tug pilot’s wheelhouse with authentic maritime devices. Admission is $7 per adult and $5 per child or $20 per family. Call (845) 338-0071, extension 15, for more information. Hudson River Maritime Museum at 50 Rondout Landing in Kingston.
September 6 & 7, 10 a.m.: Heart of the Hudson Valley Farm Tour. Meet Me in Marlborough (MMiM) invites you to celebrate more than 300 years of agriculture on a self-guided tour. Taste, sip and discover the bounty along the Marlborough Farm Trail. Download a brochure and map at the MMiM website. Call (845) 616-7824 for more information. The tour begins at 1801 Route 9W in Marlboro.
September 6 & 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Historic House Interpretations. Guided tours of the historic stone houses are offered every half-hour. Buildings open daily include the Bevier/Elting House, Deyo House, Abraham Hasbrouck House, Jean Hasbrouck House and the reconstructed 1717 French Church. For more information, call (845) 255-1660. Admission costs $15 per adult and $10 per child or senior. Historic Huguenot Street at 81 Huguenot Street in New Paltz.
September 6 & 7, 10 a.m.: Hudson River Valley Ramble at Gomez Mill House. This landmark was once the earliest Jewish residence in North America, a place of patriotic activity during the Revolution, and home of noteworthy writers, artists and social activists. Tours take place at 10:30 a.m., 1:15 and 2:45 p.m. Located at 11 Mill House Road in Marlboro.
September 6 & 7, 9 a.m.: Hurds Family Farm 2014 Cornmaze Challenge. This year’s game is Farm Scene Investigation. This family-friendly game will have participants trek two acres collecting evidence. Admission costs $7.50 per person. Located at 2187 State Route 32 in Modena.
September 6, 1 p.m.: Esopus Meadows Walk and Wade. Walk a one-mile hike from Esopus Meadows by following the Klyne-Esopus Kill. A beach seine program will follow on the Hudson River beach. Discuss native wildlife; collect and identify. Put on waders and help us catch fish. Call (845) 797-2847 for more information. Esopus Meadows Preserve at 257 River Road in Ulster Park.
September 7, 9:30 a.m.: Lichens and Mosses Hike. This approximately 10.5-mile hike will follow historic carriage roads and footpaths, including the Rainbow Falls Footpath. Explore some of the less-frequently-visited sections of Minnewaska. Advanced registration is required and can be made by calling (845) 255-0752 or e-mail nicholas.martin@parks.ny.gov. Minnewaska State Park Preserve at 5281 Route 44/55 in Kerhonkson.
September 6, 10 a.m.: Open Days Program Garden Tour. Enjoy self-guided tours to four private gardens in Olivebridge, Saugerties and Ulster Park. No reservations are required. Admission costs $5 per garden. Begin at Riverhill or see www.opendaysprogram.org for additional locations. Riverhill is located at 251 Patterson Lane in Saugerties.
September 6, 10 a.m.: Belleayre Mountain and Cathedral Glen Hike. Reach the summit of Belleayre Mountain with a spectacular view. Descend via Roaring Brook ski trail and Cathedral Glen’s beautiful hemlock forest. For more information and registration, call (315) 853-1070. Overlook Lodge at Belleayre Mountain Ski Center in Highmount.
Dutchess County
September 6, 10 a.m.: Denning’s Point Paddle. Enjoy this prominent feature along the Hudson River on a two-and-a-half-hour tour. We will also go behind the point into the Fishkill Creek. $50 per person will include the kayak rental and guided tour. $15 from each ticket will be donated to Forget-U-Cancer. For more information and preregistration, call (845) 831-1997. Long Dock Park on Long Dock Road in Beacon.
September 6 & 7, 1 to 4 p.m.: Guarding the FDR: The 240th Military Police Battalion at Springwood. See the Springwood Estate from the perspective of those who protected President Franklin D. Roosevelt. A park ranger, in period era military uniform, will bring you on a guided tour of the home. Call (845) 229-7770 for more information. Home of FDR National Historic Site at 57 FDR Drive in Hyde Park.
Join the family! 
