Tourists who go outside the mainstream gain great rewards
ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (July 20, 2016) – The Hudson Valley has long been a popular summer destination, but there are several little known spots that most visitors are overlooking. These hidden gems of Orange County, N.Y. are not as widely promoted but offer spectacular views and experiences just off the beaten path.
“Smaller places sometimes give greater joy than the well-known destinations visitors love to say they’ve been to,” said Orange County Tourism Director Susan Hawvermale. “People treasure the more intimate experiences, the personal stories, and the feeling that they’ve really come to know our area.”
Top Hidden Gems include:
Elks-Brox Park: Route 97, Port Jervis. Magnificent view of the Neversink Valley and the Delaware River. The mountain top overlooks Historic Port Jervis, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Eleven miles of groomed hiking trails, picnic and barbecue areas. Open dawn to dusk. Call 845-858-4000 or visit portjervisny.org.
Pacem in Terris: 96 Covered Bridge Road, Warwick. A garden place with sculptures by internationally known artist Frederick Franck. Chamber music series. Open May–October, Saturdays & Sundays 11 am–6 pm, weather permitting. Visit frederickfranck.org.
Seligmann Center for the Arts: 23 White Oak Drive, Sugar Loaf. Located on the estate of the famous surrealist painter and sculptor Kurt Seligmann. An intimate collection of modern sculptures set into the landscape. Call 845-469-9459 or visit occitizensfoundation.org.
Gomez Mill House: 11 Mill House Road, Marlboro. Oldest manor house in Orange County and the earliest extant Jewish residence in America. 1714 Mill House, ice house, restored mill and dam. It was a fur trading post and home to merchants, patriots, farmers, craftsmen and statesmen. National Register of Historic Places. Visit Gomez.org.
Gillinder Glass: 38 Erie Street, Port Jervis. Watch skilled craftsmen at work as they transform molten glass into beautiful and useful objects. The Glass Museum traces the history of the company from 1861 and into the future with original glass, memorabilia, and photographs. Gift shop. Visit gillinderglassstore.com.
Be sure to visit Orange County Tourism’s Facebook page: Orange County Tourism NY. It’s a fabulous guide to up-to-the-minute postings of area events and activities, great times, and memorable experiences for visitors.
Also visit Orange County Tourism’s new website: www.orangetourism.org.
About Orange County Tourism
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com or call 845-615-3860.
