The city of Hudson, New York has come a long way in the 24 years since we bought our house in Columbia County. Beginning in the late 1980’s, it went from down-and-out to a center for the antiques trade, which filled many previously empty storefronts. Each upturn and downturn in the economy resulted in the opening and closing of businesses, and over the years a more diverse group of boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafes have joined the remaining antique shops, resulting today in a thriving downtown, a frenzied real estate market, and increasing cultural and recreational options. One of these is the revival of ferries and sightseeing boats on the river, where we took a wonderful scenic cruise last weekend.
Since only beverages and snacks are served on the boat, we met our friends John and Andrew for a quick lunch in the beautiful garden at Ca’Mea, which opens at noon, giving us just enough time for panini and salad before heading down the street to the dock.
Leaving from the riverfront park in Hudson, we traveled South to Catskill, along the Catskill Creek, then back out to the river and North to Hudson. It takes just under two hours. Here is the website for Hudson Cruises:
They also offer a ferry between Hudson and Athens, and other events such as a Poughkeepsie to Hudson cruise, and lighthouse tours.
This is a great way to see a beautiful part of the Hudson Valley.
The boat, Spirit On Hudson
The riverfront park in Hudson
The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse
Approaching the Rip Van Winkle Bridge
Catskill Point. The building at right is where the Hudson Valley Dance Festival was held last October, and will return this year.
For information about the performance, visit the website:
https://www.dradance.org/_events–tickets/dra-hudson-valley-dance-festival-2014
Amtrak train leaving Hudson.
View of the village of Athens.
The captain carried on a stream of lively and informative banter, covering the history of the river and explaining the former economy and the many ruins along the shore. He also gave shameless plugs for various businesses, including his own. As we disembarked, one of the crew members encouraged us to come back during the Fall “foilage” season.
Robert Rems' Open House 