Wednesday, August 31, 2016

A Green Day Trip From Manhattan

I’m infatuated with the Hudson Valley. Many of the towns are easily accessible from Metro North and are a quick trip from Manhattan. Cold Spring is one of those towns, just one-and-a-half hours from midtown. But, though, many people come for one of two reasons: scrambling up rugged Breakneck Ridge or wandering Main Street for the many antique-laden shops, I traveled here one morning to make other discoveries. Arriving early before the crowds descended on Hudson Hil’s, a charming restaurant along historic Main Street with a shaded, flower-rimmed porch and locally-sourced items, I dined on a black bean burger that was served with corn tortillas, guacamole and salsa, and delectable homemade potato chips. (I had the place to myself for all of 20 minutes but that’s ok.) Then, of course, I went in search of green spaces. I didn’t have to search long. The Foundry Dock Park is a scenic waterfront spot that’s a former Civil War loading dock. Now, you can picnic, walk the trails or just relax. Or, take a side trail to the West Point Foundry Preserve with its paved and unpaved paths, ruins of the Boring Mill -- the waterwheel is impressive against the wild foliage, and tumbling Foundry Brook. Before this ironworks plant opened in 1818, these lands were dense with woodlands that, sadly, were cut for charcoal. Now the area is a peaceful delight dotted with benches including two set beside a marsh that attracts plenty of bird life. 













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