The summer season, in all its splendor, is ephemeral. But its fleeting glory casts a spell of magic over the region and summons us outdoors for adventure, sightseeing, and sun-soaked fun. It's true that every season in the Hudson Valley has something to offer from skiing to apple-picking, but here is a list of 10 activities best enjoyed while the days are long and the weather is warm.
1. Tube the Esopus Creek
Need an exciting way to cool off from the blazing August heat? Make a splash in the Esopus Creek as you tube down its waves and rapids. Town Tinker Tube Rental includes all equipment and safety gear for the thrilling, two-hour adventure beginning at its headquarters in Phoenicia.
2. Bike a Rail Trail
Slap on a helmet and get pedaling. The region's rail trails are perfect for a day of biking through nature. In Orange County, you've got the Orange Heritage Trail, a paved, 10-mile trek from Goshen to Monroe. Further north, the Hudson Valley Rail Trail will take you from Highland to Poughkeepsie over the Hudson River via the Walkway Over the Hudson. Bike alongside picturesque ridge views from Gardiner to Rosendale on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail—or, if you're on the other side of the river, hop onto the Putnam County Trailway or Harlem Valley Rail Trail.
3. Take a Tour with Rail Explorers
Ok, so maybe you're not a biker but you still want to ride one of the Valley's awesome, scenic trails. With Rail Explorers, you and your family can operate a pedal-powered, electric-assisted rail car on an 8-mile round-trip ride in Phoenicia. Ride on the tracks of the historic Ulster & Delaware Railroad and enjoy the Catskill Mountain views from your tandem or quad vehicle. Don't forget the sunscreen!
4. Kayak on the Hudson
Take the reins—er, paddles—on a kayaking excursion. Hudson River Expeditions rents out kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards in Cold Spring, Peekskill, and Nyack. They also offer guided kayak tours and will host Paddle for a Cure on September 8 to raise money for breast and ovarian cancer. If you want to start farther north, check out A Day Away Kayak Rental in Kingston.
5. Attend a Pop-up Food Event
Summer's a great time to get familiar with the tastes of the region. Tracking down short-term food events is a fun way to do just that. Recently, local chefs Rei Peraza, Josh Rosenmeier, and Ric Orlando have run pop-up shops in the area. Keep your eyes—and taste buds—peeled for more spontaneous culinary greatness.
6. Enjoy a Farm Dinner
Going to a farm dinner is another, more intimate way to feast on local fare. In the warmer months, farmers open their barn doors to guests for a specialty farm-to-table meal. Space is limited for many of these events, so get tickets while you still can. Ravenwood, Bradley Farm, and Glynwood are just a few places hosting dinners soon.
7. Bag a Peak
Hike one of the 35 Catskill peaks over 3,500 feet, and you'll be one step closer to joining the Catskills 3500 Club and claiming endless glory. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and prepare for a breathtaking views after the vigorous journey skyward. (Pro tip: Wittenburg Mountain has some of the most expansive views at its peak—3,780'—but can be crowded on weekends.)
8. Catch an Outdoor Movie
There are plenty of places to with films al fresco this summer—Four Brothers Drive-In in Amenia and Water Street Market in New Paltz, just to name a couple. Whether you roll up drive-in style or bring your picnic blankets and chairs, outdoor movies are a cool, communal experience.
9. See an Outdoor Performance
Speaking of outdoor entertainment, venues abound for summer listening. Berkshires' gem Tanglewood continues its programming through Labor Day weekend; one of the season's highlights is always the Boston Symphony Orchestra's performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 on August 26. A cappella phenoms Pentatonix take the stage at SPAC on August 22 just as horse racing season is winding down in Saratoga. The original site of the Woodstock festival, Bethel Woods hosts the aural California sunshine of the Beach Boys on August 5. Each of these spectacularly-built pavilions bring in large crowds for one-of-a-kind, fresh-air concert experiences.
10. Play Mini-Golf
Have some wholesome fun playing mini golf. Kelder's Farm in Kerhonkson, home to one of the largest garden gnomes in the world, has an original Homegrown Mini-Golf course featuring an edible course, lined with berries for your browsing delight. Also, check out Lakeside Licks in Highland, DC Sports in Wappingers Falls, and 94 Pitch & Putt in Washingtonville.