A Day in The Valley: WAC Heads to Cold Spring, and You’re Invited!
Whether you’re a part of our community, or are just peeking into our window, we are excited for you to join us on Saturday, August 16th for an escape to the “sweet spot” of the Hudson Valley. Our 2nd Annual Community Day in Cold Spring, NY will introduce you to the charm and adventure that lies waiting just 75 minutes north by train from GCT.
This “vacation packed into a day” secured itself as an annual event for the WAC community late last summer, when nearly 30 members and guests took a shot on spending a day in the Hudson Valley, and were incredibly thrilled they did. Michael and I provided an outpost at Cold Spring’s Dockside Park, where participants oriented themselves upon arrival and regrouped in the late afternoon for homemade snacks, refreshments, and a bold sunset behind the dramatic Storm King Mountain to the west. Throughout the day, these folks customized their own experiences in and around this cultured and friendly village. We welcome more of the same this August, and we will be your guide!
Coming to Our Town
Michael and I lived in Cold Spring for the better part of the 2000’s. Even after our recent move to the woods nearby, we still find ourselves strolling through and patronizing Cold Spring each week. This adorable village, lined with neatly-preserved 19th century facades, is home to a delightful combination of long-time locals, small retail merchants, café owners and restaurateurs, and on the weekends, laid back visitors. Located right on the bank of the Hudson River directly across from West Point, it marks the gateway into the Hudson Highlands, being surrounded on three sides by some of the highest peaks along the river. It’s an amazing place to be, as everything you could desire or need is there: Practical and eclectic shopping, simple and fine dining, antiques, art galleries, easy and strenuous hiking, kayaking, picnicking, parks, views, a nature preserve, and my favorite: Ice cream! All stretches of the village, including several hikes, are walk-able from the train platform.
Planning Your Visit
The best part about Community Day is that you can cherry-pick your activities. Dozens of merchants and restaurants in town are collaborating with WAC to offer you discounts or other perks when you visit them on August 16th with your free WAC eco bag in hand (link here to view the list of participating merchants and their profiles).If you want to increase your level of adventure, consider taking a moderate local hike led by Michael, or even venturing out on your own more challenging hike. Perhaps you’d like to view Cold Spring from the Hudson: reach out to the local Hudson River Expeditions and secure a set of kayaks for the afternoon. Got an appetite for local history? In addition to Cold Spring’s own Putnam History Museum, you can tour the brand-new West Point Foundry Preserve, which offers a modern re-creation of 19th-century industrial Cold Spring right on the original site.
Signing Up
Taking part in Community Day costs only $15 for guests, and is free for WAC Community Members (however, you will still need to sign up). If you plan to drive, street and municipal parking are available. If you’d prefer the convenience of the Metro North Railroad, consider teaming up to buy discounted group tickets for ten or more passengers. Keep an eye on our website for check-in details, and drop us a line at info@drivenpros.com if you’d like to sign onto that hike with Michael.
Cold Spring This Week
If you haven’t yet made plans for Independence Day, head on up to Cold Spring this Friday and get a feel for the village on a typical busy afternoon. A huge annual festival (kid-friendly) featuring several local bands and tons of food & drinks will be held at Dockside Park. The evening will culminate with spectacular fireworks directly overhead, Hudson Valley style! Admission is absolutely free. Bring a blanket and cooler and spend the day in the sunshine, or shop around, dine out, and punctuate your day with the aforementioned fireworks display. Happy 4th!