There are so many reasons why we love our river. Reasons why the wealthy have built retreats along her banks for centuries, why over half a million people a year come to experience the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, why the Metro-North commute never gets old if you snag a window seat. Even driving over one of the bridges can make you catch your breath and count your blessings, understanding in your bones why so many come here to make art and countless others have been inspired to create art after they get here.
But nothing compares to the view from the channel. Out on the water, between Ulster and Dutchess, you can luxuriate in the rolling hills and Catskill Mountain backdrops and drink it all in. A cruise on the Hudson is a vacation within your vacation, leaving mundane landlubber realities like traffic behind and restoring your spirit. And there’s no better way to go than aboard the Rip Van Winkle II with Hudson River Cruises. As the boat chugs away from Kingston’s Strand, down the Rondout to where it meets the Hudson, you’ll feel your heart lift and your cares slide from your shoulders. Aboard the Rip, you’ll be an honored guest for 90 minutes of stunning views. You’ll get superb views of two historic lighthouses, the Rondout and the Esopus Meadows, still standing strong amid the current. You’ll see iconic mansions: the stylish Locusts on Hudson, the opulent 65-room creation built for Ogden Mills at Staatsburgh, and the intricate Victorian angles of Wilderstein, which translates as “wild stone.” Expert narration will give you an insider’s perspective on the history of each site. Don’t forget to look up; you may well catch a glimpse of a soaring bald eagle, and watching the clouds at play on the wind is a joy all its own.
Out on the water, between Ulster and Dutchess, you can luxuriate in the rolling hills and Catskill Mountain backdrops and drink it all in.
Choose your spot: the top deck is open to the breeze and sunshine, offering the most unobstructed and panoramic views, with bench seating and partial shade available. The chairs on the heated, air-conditioned lower deck offer shelter from the weather among loads of big windows. You may want to wander a little as the sights unfold, taking in some of the east shore and some of the west; each has its charms. You’re welcome to explore the boat and chat up the crew, or just lounge in the shade in your comfy seat with a beverage and a snack.
For an incomparable treat, take a sunset cruise and watch the light and the water play subtle, joyful games as the golden hour unfolds and deepens to blue. Or pick one of the evenings when a live music cruise is embarking; there’s no feeling quite like dancing to a bangin’ good band between the water and the starlit sky, and there’s a fully stocked bar onboard.
The Rip also makes a stunning setting for your milestone event, be it a wedding reception, a family reunion, or a corporate get-together. The Hudson River Cruises folks will help you arrange just the right caterer and anything else your party needs; they’ve had plenty of practice at this. You’ll be amazed at how seamlessly everything unfolds, leaving you free to enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs of your company.
Do remember to dress for the weather—a lightweight layer and sunglasses, hat, and hair tie or scarf are highly recommended.
For an incomparable treat, take a sunset cruise and watch the light and the water play subtle, joyful games as the golden hour unfolds and deepens to blue.
When it comes to experiencing the Hudson Valley’s charms, there’s just nothing quite like the Rip.
Binoculars are also a lot of fun. And, of course, you’ll want to bring your camera to capture these splendid sights to be savored and shared afterward. Advance booking is highly recommended—the Rip Van Winkle II is one of the Hudson Valley’s most popular experiences. Ten minutes into your first Hudson River Cruise, you’ll understand why—and find yourself thinking of the loved ones you’ll want to invite along next time. When it comes to experiencing the Hudson Valley’s charms, there’s just nothing quite like the Rip.
Between water and sky, the Hudson restores your spirit.
hudson river cruises
40 Rondout Landing, Kingston
845-340-4700 hudsonrivercruises.com
