Explore the Hudson Valley

Spectacular Hudson River with Hudson River Cruises

What’s a great way to relax and experience the historic Hudson River Valley? On the M/V Rip Van Winkle with Hudson River Cruises! Two hour narrative boat tours leave the Rondout Landing in Kingston twice a day in summer. Tourists come from all over and love the scenic and breathtaking view of the Hudson River waterfront. You’ll leisurely pass by several of the area’s historic lighthouses with great photo opportunities! The Rondout Lighthouse sits on the Rondout Harbor since 1837 and the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse which is the only lighthouse made of wood and the second oldest in operation since 1871. View the Gilded Age Mansion of the Vanderbilt’s. Built in 1898 with 454 rooms on 212 acres at an original cost of $660,00.

Learn the history and see “Dinsmore” built in 1936 for Mr. and Mrs. Lytell Hull. Mrs. Hull was the former Mrs. Vincent Astor and daughter-in-law of John Jacob Astor “the wealthiest man in America” at the time of his death aboard the Titanic in 1912. You will view Wilderstein a restored Victorian mansion that was the beloved home of Miss Margaret (Daisy)Stuckely.

The Payne Mansion also known as Marist Mid Hudson Valley Camp was once owned by Colonial Oliver Hazard Payne, the treasurer of Standard Oil of New Jersey (Now Exxon) and a founder of the US Steel Company. This French chateau was completed in 1910 with 37 rooms, a large center courtyard and long marble lined hallways. It has 14 fireplaces, each with a different color marble hearth. The Colonel also owned the country’s largest steam yacht in 1910 called the “Aphrodite” it was 308 feet long! The boat house is lined with Delft Tile and has a fireplace for keeping guests warm during the cooler months. It is now privately owned. Marist was the last of the great Hudson River Mansions!

Now thru Fall is the perfect time to take a narrative boat ride on the historic Hudson River. The Rip Van Winkle sets sail every day at 2:30pm except Tuesdays. Starting Wednesday, July 9th through August 25th, two cruises depart daily at 11:30 am and 2:30pm every day except Monday. Fall tours leave at 2:30pm from August 27th- October 27th.

There are other historic mansions to view and wonderful relaxing sunsets. Friday Tours in July and August feature live music. DJ dance Party cruises depart at 8pm. Murder Mystery Dinner Cruises are reserved for adults 21 and over and depart at 7pm. Saturday, July 13 and 27th “Honky Tonk Homicide” and Saturday, August 10th and August 24th are “The Class of 54”. For more information check the website for details at www.hudsonrivercruises.com

The Fall is a particular nice time for leaf peeping tours and festive events in October to celebrate Fall!

Written & Photos by Melissa Tyler

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