What To Do While You’re Here … And Nearby

Gerald Celente and the Trends Research Institute want to welcome our participants to the institute’s fall conference, History Before It Happens In Your Life (Oct. 17-19). In the days and weeks ahead, we’ll be sending you information to help you maximize the value and experience of spending time with us and the Hudson Valley during one of the most beautiful times of year.

To get us started, we draw your attention to some events and activities taking place nearby during your stay.

Autumn in the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains is one of the most visually stunning and energetic times of the year. From the explosive colors of the turning leaves to the fairs and festivals, with all there is to see and experience, your only difficulty will be deciding what to include in your itinerary.

The Hudson Valley is a must for fall foliage fanatics. Hosting spectacularly vibrant autumn landscapes, the numerous back roads snaking through the valley and up into the Catskills make for a wonderful getaway. For those with an appreciation for nature’s beauty, it’s both captivating and rejuvenating to meander under the mosaic canopy of red, orange and yellows that blanket the region

Some notable nearby sights:

• State Road 23(23A), a beautiful drive up through the Catskills or the challenging Platte Clove Road, if you’re looking for a more adventurous route.
• Rosendale Trestle: A 150-foot-tall converted railroad trestle overlooking Rondout creek and the quaint hamlet of Rosendale.  
• A little farther south, the Walkway Over the Hudson https://www.walkway.org provides a panoramic   view up and down the Hudson unlike any other.
• For more suggestions visit: http://foliage.org/tours/new-york-fall-foliage-tours

There’s no better way to get insulated for the cold weather than with a wool scarf, sweater or socks. The annual Sheep and Wool Festival (October 18-19) offers many options. A wide assortment of sheep, wool and related goods, including raw fleeces and yarns, along with finely handcrafted clothing and delicious food will be waiting for you. http://www.sheepandwool.com Only a 20-minute drive from Kingston, the Sheep and Wool Festival is held at the Dutchess Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck.

Or, should you be feeling the need for an independent film or two, live music and some energetic parties, The Woodstock film Festival (October 15-19) will be in full swing. Hosting industry executives, film enthusiasts and interesting characters from near and far, it is a unique opportunity to get a sneak peek of what up and coming, as well as critically acclaimed, indie filmmakers from around the world are bringing to the screen. http://www.woodstockfilmfestival.com/  Woodstock is a 15-minute drive west of Kingston, so you won’t need to travel far.

Though a bit of a drive, Hunter Mountain’s Oktoberfest (each weekend between September 27 – October 19), is an authentic German celebration with a distinct Catskill flavor. Following a gorgeous drive up the mountain, you will find ethnic festivities and foods, as well as local farmers and artisans setting up shop. And what Oktoberfest would be complete without the beer? www.huntermtn.com/summer/festivals/oktoberfest

Another staple autumn activity of the area is visiting some of the many apple orchards and picking a bushel or two of the finest apples you’ll find for your trip home. As one of New York’s chief crops, apples have been grown here since the mid 1600’s. Cider doughnuts, homemade apple pie and fresh local apple cider are all tenants of autumn here in the Hudson Valley. The following links contain a listing of some of the Pick-Your-Own Apple orchards in the area:
http://www.hvmag.com/Hudson-Valley-Magazine/Apple-Picking-Guide/Hudson-Valley-Apple-Trail-Map/
http://www.visitvortex.com/magazine/Pick–Your–Own–Produce-In-The-Hudson-Valley

For Halloween enthusiasts the, nationally recognized Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses employ over 350 actors sporting freaky fashions, skulking about numerous attractions throughout its 45 acre property. http://www.headlesshorseman.com/