From Mary T. Prenon at Thompson-Bender
(914) 762-1900

“Spring Fever Hits The Hudson Valley Featuring Exciting Outdoor Events!

“April showers bring gorgeous May flowers to the Hudson Valley! The region’s rich soil not only produces excellent fruits and vegetables, it also inspires green thumbs in their artful arrangements of colorful flowers and greenery. Garden tours and spring happenings are as plentiful as apple blossoms, so say goodbye to winter and enjoy the great outdoors up and down the Valley.

“Stroll through heritage gardens bursting with tulips in Hurley’s National Historic Landmark District, with its stone houses dating back to 1661. On May 2nd at A Dutch Treat, share an artist’s view painting au plein-air, enjoy a Dutch tea, and admire beautifully decorated doorways. Take home a spring-y souvenir of the day from the plant sale. What better gift for Mother’s Day? Mom loves the outdoors, too, so take her to the Mother’s Day Tea at Boscobel in Garrison on May 9th. Drink in the decorative arts of this beautifully restored Hudson River house as guides describe entertaining in the early 1800’s, followed by a refreshing tea and gorgeous views of the Hudson River.

“The 61st Annual Albany Tulip Festival celebrates Mother’s Day the entire weekend when over 200,000 tulip bulbs blossom into a sea of colors at Washington Park. Come watch the Tulip Queen Coronation, then stay for the children’s activities, craft vendors, delicious food, and multiple stages with nationally acclaimed musical performances on both Saturday and Sunday, May 9th and 10th. Clermont State Historic Site hosts its own Spring Planting and Mother’s Day Tea on Sunday, May 10th. Walk the grounds with resident gardeners as they explain the spring planting schedule, ending at the garden where visitors can view a profusion of blossoms as they sip Lady Grey or Jasmine tea.

Welcoming Spring all month long is how the Orange County Arboretum in New Hampton shows off its 40,000 tulips, daffodils, and other flowering bulbs as they burst forth in dazzling garden displays. Colorful blooms in the raised beds and gardens are enhanced by the pastel petal backdrop of many Japanese cherry, pear, and crab apple trees. Gardening secrets are revealed when you attend the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program held on five days during the month of May in Westchester County. Several private gardens open their gates to the public with opportunities to see an outstanding collection of flowering shrubs, woodland gardens, wildflowers and extensive bulb plantings, annuals, perennials, herbs and houseplants.

Less formal expressions of nature can be found along the numerous trails throughout the valley. Hike Huckleberry Point on May 16th. It’s an easy walk leading to breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley and Platte Clove. That same day, just across the river, Hyde Park Trail Spring Hiking meanders along the trails connecting the Roosevelt and Vanderbilt estates. Stroll along the newly reopened carriage road to see a vibrant display of wildflowers and woodland greenery.

Fresh air in an urban environment can be experienced at the wonderful
Nyack Street Fair on May 17th, a much anticipated event throughout the valley. Over 300 vendors show off their antiques, collectibles, crafts, jewelry, art, and so much more in this charming village. Charming also is the Grafton Inn, Cropseyville, where brunch is served as noted nature writer and ecologist Tom Wessels presents from his book “Reading the Forested Landscape” on May 31st. He’ll illustrate his approach at the Dyken Pond Center with an interpretive hike to look for native flowers and plants that give clues to the history of the land.

Fresh air and fresh events are our specialty. Catch spring fever in the Hudson Valley with beautiful scenery and great outdoor events.

A Dutch Treat. Hurley Heritage Society Museum, Hurley. 845-331-1661 or 331-4852, www.hurleyheritagesociety.org

Mother’s Day Tea. Boscobel Restoration, Garrison. 845-265-3638 X110, www.boscobel.org.

The 61st Annual Albany Tulip Festival. Albany. 518-388-9240, www.albanytulipqueen.com

Spring Planting and Mother’s Day Tea. Clermont State Historic Site, Clermont. 518-537-4240, www.friendsofclermont.org

Welcoming Spring. Orange County Arboretum, New Hampton. 845-615-3830

Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program. Westchester County. 888-842-2242, www.gardenconservancy.org

Hike Huckleberry Point. Elka Park. 518-734-9701 or 518-734-4264, www.mths.org

Hyde Park Trail Spring Hiking. Hyde Park. 845-229-8086×5, www.hydeparkny.us/recreation/trails

Nyack Street Fair. Main Street, Nyack. 845-353-6981

Reading the Forested Landscape. Cropseyville. 518-658-2055, www.dykenpond.org

Hudson Valley Tourism, Inc. is the 10-county region designated by I LOVE NEW YORK to promote tourism for the area. Counties include Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester. Regional information can be obtained from any of the county tourism offices, the Hudson Valley Tourism website, www.travelhudsonvalley.com, or by calling 845-615-3860.