Category Archives: America

Rosendale Trestle, Hudson Valley NY

Posted on December 1, 2017 by julieovaltrades

In 1870 it was the highest span bridge in America, rising 150’. In one life the Rosendale Trestle [GoogleMaps location: Binnewater Kiln parking lot] hosted trains, but after years of sitting defunct was rejuvenated in 2013 as a pedestrian bridge. … Continue reading →

Posted in Hudson Valley | 2 Comments

Widow Jane Cave, Rosendale NY

Posted on November 30, 2017 by julieovaltrades

Do you know what the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Grand Central Terminal have in common? The cement used to help create them and other national icons was mined in Upstate New York – and you can go spelunking … Continue reading →

Posted in Hudson Valley | Leave a comment

Hike Black Rock Forest, Hudson Valley

Posted on November 29, 2017 by julieovaltrades

The Hudson Highlands houses many outstanding hikes, some extremely popular for good reason – and a few that maybe should be more well known. Thankfully, Black Rock Forest [65 Reservoir Rd, Cornwall, NY 12518] remains slightly under the radar for … Continue reading →

Posted in Hudson Valley | 2 Comments

Hike Franny Reese State Park, Hudson Valley

Posted on November 28, 2017 by julieovaltrades

Wanna hang out under the bridge? Take a hike at Franny Reese State Park [281 Haviland Rd, Highland, NY 12528] and you’ll start out there. But don’t stop there! After walking beneath the Mid-Hudson Bridge, head right to find the … Continue reading →

Posted in Hudson Valley | Leave a comment

Gnome Mountain, High Falls NY

Posted on November 27, 2017 by julieovaltrades

Mystical and exotic, I find allure in the garden gnome. What kind of a person decides to host one on their lawn? Where do the ornaments go when missing? Do they have souls? Over a dozen of these creatures reside … Continue reading →

Posted in New Paltz | 2 Comments

Redwood Driftwood, New Paltz NY

Posted on November 26, 2017 by julieovaltrades

California dreaming? You don’t need to go all the way to the West Coast to glimpse a of the world’s tallest trees. Surprisingly, on a country road outside of New Paltz there is a collection of Redwood Driftwood [Clove Valley … Continue reading →

Posted in New Paltz | Leave a comment

Hike to Cat Rocks from Appalachian Trail Metro North, NY

Posted on November 25, 2017 by julieovaltrades

It is infinitely cool that you can come from NYC and hop right on to the Appalachian Trail, because it actually has its very own stop on the Metro North line. You can hike from the station to a really … Continue reading →

Posted in Hudson Valley | 4 Comments

Hike Dover Stone Church, Hudson Valley

Posted on November 24, 2017 by julieovaltrades

Right off the bat let’s be clear, this is not a place of worship – well, in the traditional sense. Nature is my spirituality, and to me Dover Stone Church is heavenly. Walk down the tree lined promenade, flanked on … Continue reading →

Posted in Hudson Valley | Leave a comment

Eat Daddy’s Donuts in Middletown, NY

Posted on November 23, 2017 by julieovaltrades

If you triangulate a lot of hiking areas – like New Paltz, Hudson Highlands, and northern NJ – my route always steers me towards Daddy’s Donuts [4 Fairlawn Ave, Middletown, NY 10940], even if it adds a bit of driving … Continue reading →

Posted in Hudson Valley | 2 Comments

Pitstop at Ardsley Travel Plaza Popeye’s Pinball Machine, NY

Posted on November 22, 2017 by julieovaltrades

Heading north on the Thruway (I-87) in New York I took an unsuspecting pitstop at the Ardsley Travel Plaza. Inside I saw the little arcade corner on the second floor had a shiny pinball machine. A Popeye pinball machine – … Continue reading →

Posted in Westchester County | 2 Comments