HUDSON VALLEY, N.Y. (March 25, 2015) – Daffodils are about to nod their yellow heads throughout Orange County. Gardens filled with gorgeous colorful blooms herald the arrival of spring and…NO SNOW! Drive up for the weekend through rolling green pastures to fascinating museums, wineries, historic homes, parks and preserves. Spring is here!
50,000 tulips present their intense colors in wave after wave at the popular Orange County Arboretum in Hamptonburgh every May. With the Shawangunk Mountains for backdrop, the 35 acres of hills and woodlands have beautiful planted gardens and water features along the paved paths. To visit, 845-615-3830, or: www.orangecountyarboretum.org .
Unique meadows, fertile farmlands, stream corridors, wetlands, forests, and recreational acres are found in the glorious public preserves maintained by the Orange County Land Trust. Great hiking paths, birding, local fauna and flora, and great scenery can be found on 5,000 acres of protected lands. These nature preserves are open year round, but seeing them spring forth in April and May is rejuvenating. To visit, 845-469-0951, or: www.oclt.org.
Internationally renowned Storm King Arts Center in Mountainville opens for the season on Wednesday, April 1 at 10 am. Starting on May 16, its new 2015 installation is “Water Sources,” Lynda Benglis’ large-scale sculptures and fountains installed across the park and inside the museum building. Some are on view for the first time. “Outlooks: Luke Stettner,” another seasonal exhibition, will present a large outdoor charcoal installation and new photographs, drawings, and sculptures of handmade paper in the museum gallery. To visit, 845-534-3115, or: www.stormking.org.
A sure sign of spring is Shawangunk Wine Trail’s “Pasta Primo Vino” on Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12 from 10am to 6pm. This very popular wine tour takes you Orange County’s finest tasting rooms: Applewood in Warwick; Brotherhood, America’s Oldest Winery in Washingtonville; Clearview in Warwick; Demarest Hill in Warwick; Palaia Vineyards in Highland Mills; and Warwick Valley Winery in Warwick. To make a reservation, 845-256-8456, or: www.shawangunkwinetrail.com.
Don’t forget all the great spring bargains available at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley. That perfect spring outfit or home accessory awaits you at over 220 incredible stores. Woodbury Common is one of the largest outlet centers in the world. Call 845-928-4000 for more information, or visit: www.premiumoutlets.com.
Go to Orange County Tourism’s Facebook page: Orange County Tourism NY. It’s your guide to up-to-the minute postings of area events and activities, great times, memorable experiences, and a great reminder why spring is so spectacular in Orange County!
About Orange County Tourism
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, New York, 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, call 800-762-8687.
