Talk about making a silk purse out
of a sow’s ear. Whoever came up with the
idea to turn an old
railroad bridge over the Hudson River into a walkway gets
an “Atta’ Boy.” The railroad bridge was built in 1889 and was in service until
1974. Through the cooperation of public and private groups the Walkway Over the
Hudson Historic Park opened in 2009 making it the longest footbridge in the
world. John and I were there midmorning on a weekday and there were walkers,
joggers, bikers and roller bladers. The usage must be even heavier on weekends
because there were closed food trucks near the entrance. A kiosk with storyboards
near the parking lots tells the story of the Walkway and explains why the
Hudson is a “river that flows both ways.” For 150 miles – from Manhattan to Troy – the
river rises and falls with the tide. There are also storyboards on the walkway.
The Walkway is part of a greater hiking/biking trail that can be accessed from
several locations including the Poughkeepsie train station.
true of Millbrook where they
frequently host jazz groups and feature Art in the Loft Exhibitions. One of the first things we noticed was that
the vineyard has labels indicating the kind of grapes that are being grown in
that section. The second thing we noticed was the beautiful view of the rolling
countryside. So serene. The perfect setting for music, art and wine. On a tour Katie, our guide, explained Millbrook’s wine production and two unique
adaptions designed by the owner - the goblet and trellis system which allows
the sun and air to reach the ripening grapes. The former farm barn now houses
the shop, tasting room, and wine making facility while the loft, in partnership
with The Dutchess County Arts Council, is home to works of art. Interestingly, one of the artworks on display
will be a featured wine label. Like most
wineries Millbrook is located in the rolling countryside making the drive
scenic and you never know where you might end up.
John and I can now say that we went
to Vassar - but only for a couple of hours.
The college is home to the free Frances
Lehman Loeb Art Center. The Cesar Pelli designed Art Center is an interesting
juxtaposition to the Vassar’s Gothic buildings. The Art Center was founded in
1864 and later renamed for Loeb, the primary donor of the new facility. While
not vast in size it has a comprehensive selection of art with one room devoted
to the Hudson River School of Art. The Hudson River Schools of Artists Romanized
the beauty and grandeur of nature. The works range from Greek sculptures to
Asian to Picasso. And, as a special treat there is a lovely sculpture
garden.
There is plenty in the Hudson River
Valley to keep art lovers busy for a lifetime.
We found more art at the Millbrook Vineyards & Winery. Many wineries have become artsy destinations. This is
Our country drive took us to Sprout
Creek Farm. You might say it’s the
“everything” farm. It is owned and managed by two nuns of the Sacred Heart order
who were gifted the property. It is a working farm, an educational center, summer
camp, a market for the cheese they make from the free-range goats and cows they
raise. Sadly, we arrived just as they were cleaning up from their cheese
making. For more information check Dutchesstourism.com.
