Fall Cruising on the Hudson River

The Bear Mountain Bridge


Bordered by the Catskill Mountains to the west and the Taconic and Berkshire Hills to the east, the Hudson River is abundant in both history and splendor. The cities and towns along the river date back to Dutch & English settlers and feature some of the most magnificent architecture in America. During the eighteenth century the writings of the oldest internationally known American author – Washington Irving were largely based on life in the Hudson River Valley.

So stunning and varied is the scenery that the region inspired the mid-19th century American art movement named “Hudson River School” & some of America’s most beloved artists including Thomas Cole, Asher Durand, Frederic Church, Thomas Doughty & Jasper Cropsey.

The Hudson is a tidal river that flows north to south, meandering for over 300 miles through historic eastern New York State – native American homelands to the Mohicans, Mohawks, Lenape & Haudenosaunee. Flowing from the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York, through the Hudson Valley to upper New York Bay between New York City & Jersey City, to New York Harbor where it ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean.  The lower half of the Hudson is a deep river tidal estuary.

Cruising on Trumpy BB her decks offer an excellent vantage point from which to take in the blazing fall colors of the Hudson River Valley & the historic surroundings.  Starting at Liberty Landing with stunning views of lower Manhattan, BB will cruise by the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island before turning towards The Battery & cruising the West Side where you’ll see amazing architecture both old & new to starboard (right).  As you pass under the iconic George Washington Bridge the famous Palisades will come into view on your port (left) side.

Continuing your Hudson River charter on BB you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most impressive & historically significant mansions of 19th and 20thcentury America. These could include Jay Gould’s Lyndurst, the Rockefeller’s Kykuit, the home of FDR, Vanderbilt Mansion, or Fredrick Church’s Moorish fantasy Olana. The renowned Culinary Institute of America located in Hyde Park where reservations may be made at one of their restaurants. However, once you sample Chef Caroline’s cuisine you may not want to dine anywhere else!

Next you will cruise past majestic Bear Mountain & the US Military Academy at West Point.  Its stunning location where in 1776 during the American Revolutionary War the Colonial forces ran a chain boom from West Point across to keep the British fleet from proceeding up the Hudson, thereby severing the link between New England & the Southern states.

Some fun activities ashore that may be of interest are hiking, biking, zip lining, antiquing or visits to museums.  If you enjoy wine tasting the fall is a great time to visit some of the Hudson Valley’s best vineyards & wineries. 

Whatever your interests, BB’s Captain Charl will customize the itinerary to suit your desires & accommodate weather.  There are so many options available to you that that stops can be split between your northbound & southerly route to take them all in.  Rest assured that BB’s expert crew – Captain Charl, Hostess Christine & Chef Caroline will work to ensure your comfort, safety & enjoyment while basking in BB’s own historic elegance.

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