Family & Individual Visits as well as Group Visits are offered seasonally or by prior booking or just come at your leisure during the visiting times. Maps are provided for your use during your visit and you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy on the farm. We also have Special Events at Rainbeau Ridge, so press "Blue Button" for more information about the farm, kids events, CAP membership and Rainbeau Ridge.

Features
Annual Sheep Shearing event
Cooking Classes In Lisa's Kitchen
Garden Produce
Goat Cheese

Muscoot Farm is an early-1900's interpretive farm owned and operated by the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Muscoot Farm is open year-round and offers a full schedule of programs for families, as well as tours, farmyard visits and hayrides for groups by reservation. More than seven miles of hiking trails allow visitors to explore some of Muscoot's 777 acres through fields, woodlands and wetlands. Trail maps are available in the Reception Center.

Parks Attractions
Guided Farm Walking Tour
Hayrides
Herb Garden
Hiking Trails
Young Farmers Program (children grades 3 through 8)

The Huguenot Children’s Library is Westchester County ’s first and only children’s library. The library which opened in 1997 is entirely dedicated to children and their families, with books, computers, and activities just for kids, plus a community meeting space that can be used for special events. Outside, the library grounds include a plaza with seating for parents and caregivers adjacent to a state of the art playground.

The Huguenot Children’s Library is the result of an unprecedented community effort spearheaded by a non-profit, non-partisan citizen’s group, the Partnership for the Huguenot Children’s Library. Formed in 1993, this group took a branch library that was closed in 1992, reinvented it as a family destination and raised the funding needed to renovate and operate the library.

Storytimes and Special Programs
Homework Help
Book Connection
Teachers
Just for Fun Internet Sites
School and Family Programs

Experience Music Together® and find out how important - and how much fun - your role can be! This spring we will be singing the Maracas song collection with favorites such as William Tell's Ride, Frere Jacques, Wiggle and The Russian Folk Song. With your participation our Music Together classes build on your child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement. We'll help you provide your child with the basic musical skills needed to enjoy school and social musical activities. Please contact us at for any questions you might have. Come join us for fun, music and laughter with the most wonderful people in the world, your children! Press "Blue Button" for locations, schedules, and more about Music Together.

Imagine a unique learning space – colorful, clean, with “a sense of space, light and air…” Filled with creative hands-on exhibitions and public programs. The Westchester Children's Museum will be an institution of distinction for our children, one that is fun and educational, and which reflects the true needs and interests of this community, from children and teenagers, to parents and caregivers, to teachers and educators. Drawing from the dramatic history, extensive cultural diversity, flourishing environments and ecosystems, and the rich literary and artistic traditions of Westchester, the exhibitions and programs of the Museum will be state of the art and:

• Highly innovative, dynamic, engaging, fun and enriching
  
  
• Appeal to audiences of different generations, backgrounds, emotional, physical, and learning abilities
  
  
• Present visitors with the opportunity for hands-on interaction
  
  
• Stimulate repeat visitation with changing exhibits, performances, and public programs
  
  

Press "Blue Button" for more information.

We believe that all children need to safely interact with the natural environment for healthy development. Our engaging, interactive learning programs are built on this principle. One of the primary goals of Beczak is to show even our youngest visitors that the river is part of a complex ecosystem that nurtures an amazing diversity of living things, including people.

Beczak offers an extensive curriculum of interactive educational programs designed to teach students about the complexity of the Hudson River and inspire them to become better stewards of this magnificent resource. Each year more than 5,000 school-age children visit Beczak on class trips and with youth organizations.

All our staff members are trained educators with specialized degrees in fields such as marine biology and environmental interpretation. By creating interdisciplinary programs that meet the New York State Department of Education standards for science, social studies, math, art and English language arts, Beczak educators help animate important concepts that many teachers have introduced in their own classrooms. Press "Blue Button" to learn more about Beczak Environmental Education Center.

Barton Orchards is located at 63 Apple Tree Lane Poughquag New York 12570 and at
9 Fishkill Farms Road, Hopewell Junction (Wiccopee) in Dutchess County, New York 12533

For the past 14 years Barton Orchards has been setting the new standard in Pick Your Own farming. Our goal will always be to create a safe, fun-filled day for you and your family. A place where memories are made and family traditions begin. If this is your first time with us, we welcome you. If your family is returning, welcome back. Press "Blue Button" for information about the Harvest Schedule, Events Schedule, Family Activities, School Tours, and more.

Attractions at Barton Orchards in Poughquag, NY:

Exhibits trees shrubs and perennials that exist in our part of the Hudson Valley.

Pedal Carts for children and adults, Boulder Dash for children and adults, a giant rope maze, tile puzzle, bouncers for the kids!

The Corn Maze is all new every year. Can you find your way out?

Hayrides are free and available about every 10 minutes and can be used to take you up into the orchard and pumpkin patch.

We often have a talented artist available to do face painting.

BindleStick Bill is our resident Storyteller and Singalong performer.

Live Bands - Check Weekend Schedule on the Events Schedule Page.

The Rotten Core Manor Haunted House is a popular event for all. Please no children under 5 years of age.

We have many inflatable bouncers for the kids at Barton Orchards.

Board a pirate ship or ride the train at the Kids Playground!

The petting zoo features a pony, pigs, and rabbits, There are also Emus and many birds to check out.

Barton Orchards has two locations:

Barton Orchards is located at 63 Apple Tree Lane Poughquag New York 12570 and at
9 Fishkill Farms Road, Hopewell Junction (Wiccopee) in Dutchess County, New York 12533

For the past 14 years Barton Orchards has been setting the new standard in Pick Your Own farming. Our goal is to create a safe, fun-filled day for you and your family. A place where memories are made and family traditions begin. If this is your first time with us, we welcome you. If your family is returning, welcome back to you and your children. Press "Blue Button" for information about the Harvest Schedule, Events Schedule, Family Activities, School Tours, and more.

They can jump on a bouncing bug, try to walk across a moving bridge or climb into a hawk's nest to survey their territory. Wiggle like a worm across two huge maple leaves, and crawl through an ant's nest. Dig for fossils in the huge sand pit. They also can become the captain and crew of the boat that's anchored here.

Nature Trails
Our trails connect with the 88 acre-Bartlett Arboretum on the north end of the Museum's property.

New England Working Farm
Heckscher Farm is open between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for "Down on the Farm" programs. Explore our traditional working farm and discover the sounds, smells, and textures that evoke memories and reveal the nature of farmlife. Observe staff conduct the daily chores that maintain this active, productive farm. Heckscher Farm is a living resource for learning. Children and families make personal connections to a not-so-distant past when farming was a major way of life in the region. Through observation, exploration, and participation, visitors can immerse themselves in the experiences of farming.

Education
We are an Educational Institution. The Museum's 10-acre farm provides educational and recreational activities. At the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, we offer year-round classes in art and nature for toddlers through adults. Press "Blue Button" for more information about the Stamford Museum and Nature Center.

Attractions include:
Hiking / Walking
Playground
Nature Trails
Working Farm

One of the best ice skating centers in the region is located at the Windham Mountain Adventure Park on South Street, just 1/8 of a mile west of the ski area. Right next to the snow tubing area, you'll find a 120' x 60' skating area and a warming center complete with skate rentals.

With 46 trails, four terrain parks, a half-pipe, a jib park and a 1,600 feet vertical drop on two mountain peaks, you may want to take a break at the Wheel House Restaurant mid-mountain and enjoy a hearty, warm lunch or just stop to enjoy the indoor fireplace. For non-skiers, boarders, and avid skiers; Windham Mountain Adventure Park offers snow tubing as a perfect way to maximize your winter fun. The tubing hill boasts multiple lanes on a grin-inducing 650 foot slope with three chairlifts available.

If your children aren’t quite ready for the slopes, the Children's Learning Center offers supervised indoor care and entertainment to keep young minds engaged and happy. The Children's Learning Center is located conveniently in the Base Lodge; it has a bright, cozy space that kids warm up to very quickly. For kids 4-7, Windham offers a Mini-Mogul Program with small classes and kids-only terrain to guarantee fun and informative instruction. Press "Blue Button" for more about Windham Mountain Adventure Park.

Housed in five major buildings are an Olympic-size pool, a covered skating rink for roller skating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter, an 800-seat cultural theater, a 2,500-seat athletic complex with fitness room, and a 150-seat restaurant.

Outdoor sports amenities include a 25-yard lap pool, a wading pool, four tennis courts, four basketball courts, a softball field, four hand/paddleball courts, and a 400-meter eight-lane running track with a football/soccer field.

Riverbank also boasts spectacular promenade views of the Hudson River, the Palisade Mountains and the George Washington Bridge. At water level, there is a 900-seat amphitheater and docking facilities for excursion and fishing boats.

Points of Interest: The "Totally Kid Carousel", created by Milo Mottola and 37 young children.

Parks attractions include: Carousel, Food, Gymnasium, Hiking, Ice Skating, Performing Arts Theater, Picnic Tables, Playground, Playing Fields, Pool, Recreation Programs, Showers, Tennis

Whether you're nose-to-nose with Western lowland gorillas in our famous Congo Gorilla Forest , spotting snow leopards in our naturalistic Himalayan Highlands Habitat, or experiencing almost an acre of an indoor Asian rain forest, you're always within roaring distance of the world's most amazing wildlife. In the end, you'll know that your admission fees went to a conservation organization that has more expert researchers in the field than any other. Together, we make a difference.

The Garden is home to the nation's largest Victorian glasshouse, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, which opened to the public in 1902 and was named a New York City Landmark in 1973. It is home to A World of Plants, a permanent exhibition that includes tropical rain forests, deserts, and the world's most comprehensive collection of palm trees under glass. The Conservatory also houses the Garden's seasonal flowers shows, including the popular Orchid Show and Holiday Train Show.

The New York Botanical Garden is a grand museum of plants. A place to relax, rejuvenate, and experience the wonders of nature. A living “tip sheet” for your home garden. A worldwide leader in studying the Earth’s plant life.

The New York Botanical Garden is all of these things and a great deal more.

Founded in 1891, the Garden is one of the world’s great collections of plants, the region’s leading educational center for gardening and horticulture, and an international center for plant research. The Garden is alive with opportunities for discovery, from an "ecotour" of the world in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory to an innovative indoor/outdoor science museum for kids, to 50 exquisite gardens and plant collections.

Outdoor Discovery Center
The Outdoor Discover Center is located at 100 Muser Drive (entrance to the center is on Muser Drive across from 174 Angola Road) in Cornwall, NY.

Wildlife Education Center
See the Living Hudson Exhibit; a multi-sensory experience full of the flora and fauna native to the Hudson Estuary. Follow the journey as water trickles down a highland creek into a wetland pond. The pond empties into a freshwater stream which then joins the Hudson River Estuary.

The Neversink Valley Area Museum occupies historic canal-era buildings in the D&H Canal Park right on the Neversink River.

For the Kids
The Neversink Valley Area Museum has a number of activities that are especially suited to kids and their families.

The County Park, our home, has lots of grass and a playground.

Children love our Narrated Boat Rides along the D&H Canal (Sundays: 30 minute boat rides, boat seats 12 people, rides are $5.00).

Information Source
The history of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton during the American Revolutionary War; a War of Independence between the Americans and England, is sourced from interpretive signs at the Fort Montgomery Visitor Center and on the Fort Montgomery historic trails.

Click to enlarge sign about Fort Montgomery in the American Revolution.
The interpretive sign reads: Welcome to Fort Montgomery "You are standing near the western end of Fort Montgomery: a Revolutionary War fort built to defend the Hudson Highlands and protect American control of the Hudson River. On October 6, 1777, the British captured Fort Montgomery and destroyed it in the days that followed. "Trails from this parking area lead to two of the fort's redoubts. The trail that passes beneath the highway will take you to the Fort Montgomery visitor center and Fort Montgomery's remains where interpretive signs will help you understand the history of the fort and the battle." Today, Fort Montgomery is an archeological site and a historic ruin. Fort Montgomery was the scene of a fierce battle for control of the Hudson River during the American Revolutionary War; the Hudson was considered strategic by both the Americans and the British during the American War for Independence.
Building Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton "Early in the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress realized that the Hudson River was critical to the American cause. If the British controlled the river, they could divide the rebellious colonies. Therefore, the Americans began work on Fort Montgomery in March 1776. . . " . . . When the Americans discovered that the land on the opposite side of the Popolopen Creek was higher and would threaten Fort Montgomery if held by the enemy, they began constructing a second fort there, called Fort Clinton. They connected the two forts by a pontoon bridge. . . "Fort Montgomery was a bustling community of hundreds of people. Soldiers, laborers, merchants, families, servants, and slaves lived at or visited the fort. Ships and boats arriving and departing added to the atmosphere of a small city. "Supplies were often hard to obtain, morale was often low, and discipline was a chronic problem. Nevertheless, Forts Montgomery and Clinton were largely complete by October 1777, when the British attacked them." Fort Clinton "Originally, the commissioners in charge of the work were confident that no overland attack on the fort was possible, but misgivings led them to begin extending the fortifications inland. They began fortifying several pieces of high ground that became Fort Montgomery's three redoubts. The realization that a higher piece of ground just across the Popolopen Creek threatened Fort Montgomery led to the construction of Fort Clinton."
Click to enlarge sign about the Battle of Fort Montgomery in the American Revolution. The interpretive sign reads: Battle of Fort Montgomery "To aid Lieutenant General John Burgoyne's British army stalled at Saratoga, Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton sailed from New York with 3,000 British, German, and Loyalist soldiers and a flotilla of warships. On the morning of October 6, 1777, Clinton landed 2,100 of his men on the west side of the Hudson River near Stony Point. This force followed a narrow trail through the mountains, where they ran into a party of 30 men sent from Fort Clinton to detect the British advance. After beating the Americans back, Sir Henry Clinton sent 900 men around Bear Mountain to attack Fort Montgomery. The rest would wait to attack Fort Clinton until the first group had reached Fort Montgomery. "In the afternoon, the British began an assault on both forts, which were defended by no more than 700 men. At Fort Montgomery, the Americans kept the British at bay as the two sides exchanged musket fire. When the Americans refused to surrender, the British stormed both forts. Taking advantage of the growing dark and the smoky haze from the battle, many of the Americans escaped, but as many as 275 were taken as prisoners to New York City where they remained for much of the war. "Following the battle, the British destroyed Fort Montgomery, garrisoned Fort Clinton, and burned New York's capital at Kingston. Then, receiving orders to join Sir William Howe's army near Philadelphia, Clinton's men destroyed Fort Clinton and sailed back down the Hudson. Although captured and destroyed, the forts had presented enough of an obstacle to keep the British forces in New York from aiding Burgoyne's army. The following year, in 1778, the American began rebuilding their defenses, this time at West Point."
Click to enlarge photo of the Wounded Patriot at the Battle of Fort Montgomery.
	Men in the photo represent two American patriots: Private, Ulster County Militia, and Private, 5th New York Regiment. The militiaman, in civilian clothing, is armed with a British musket. He assists his wounded comrade carrying a French musket from the 1750s.
The American Revolution - 1777: History of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton The following historical accounts record the Battles of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton from different historical perspectives: The War of the Revolution, by Christopher Ward, Volume II (Macmillan, 1952) "An opaque fog lay close to the surface of the Hudson River on the morning of October 5, 1777. The awakening bugles of General Israel Putnam’s Continentals at Peekskill on the eastern shore of the river seemed muted by the white and misty blanket. The slow-rising sun burned irregular holes in it, however, and through these the General’s sentinels, who had been posted south of his encampment during most of the summer, saw something that banished their accustomed boredom. There were barges and galleys downriver—many of them—and above the low lying haze rose the towering masts of British frigates. From downriver, too, came the muffled sounds of alarm guns. The long-dreaded invasion of enemy troops from occupied New York had begun. The elderly Yankee Israel Putnam was busy at once. An oarsman, rowing desperately, bore messages across the wide stream to Fort Montgomery, an unfinished cluster of earthworks then under the command of the thirty-eight-year-old governor of the new state of New York, Brigadier General George Clinton. At this bastion, nearly a hundred and fifty feet above the spot where the Popolopen Creek joins the Hudson, the Governor received Putnam’s letter. Immediately he sent a summary of its contents to his older brother, General James Clinton, then in command of Fort Clinton, a smaller stronghold on the steep south bank of the narrow creek. In the meantime, the British under Sir Henry Clinton (a distant cousin of the American generals of the same surname) were disembarking at Verplanck’s Point on the east bank of the Hudson, not far below Putnam’s headquarters. The grating of their boats in the shallows of the river, the sharp voices of their officers ordering immediate formations, came strangely through the thick fog to the ears of Putnam’s scouts, informing them only that the invaders were in considerable numbers . . . . . . Perhaps the Battle of Fort Montgomery would have been utterly neglected had not two young American soldiers chosen to visit the site on a sunny spring day of the following year. Historians do not usually end their chapters on such footnotes as these men provided, but their reports have so documented the narrative that they deserve place here. One of them, a young chaplain named Timothy Dwight (later president of Yale College), wrote in his journal that while he was climbing from a river barge to the place where the battle had been fought, the stench of dead bodies caused him great distress. We found, at a small distance from Fort Montgomery, a pond of a moderate size, in which we saw the bodies of several men, who had been killed in the assault upon the fort. They were thrown into this pond, the preceding autumn, by the British … Some of them were covered at this time; but at a depth so small as to leave them distinctly visible. Others had an arm, a leg, or a part of the body, above the surface. The clothes which they wore when they were killed, were still on them, and proved that they were militia; being the ordinary dress of farmers. Their faces were bloated and monstrous; and their postures were uncouth, distorted and to the highest degree afflictive . . ." Battles Of The Revolutionary War: 1775-1781 by W.J. Wood (Dec 23, 2003) "On October 6th, 300 Continental soldiers of the 5th New York regiment, 100 artillerymen of Lamb's Artillery, and some 300 Levies and militiamen defended the unfinished Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton against a combined force of roughly 2,100 Loyalists, Hessians, and British regulars led by Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton attacked Forts Montgomery and Clinton from the landward side (which was only partially completed) with support from cannon fire from British ships on the Hudson River. The land columns attacking from west of the fort consisted of the New York Volunteers, the Loyal American Regiment, Emmerich's Chasseurs, the 57th and the 52nd Regiments of Foot. The Americans had emplaced an iron chain and a boom across the Hudson River, protected by four warships, to impede the British flotilla. Lt. Col. Mungo Campbell and several British regulars approach the fort with a flag of truce indicating that they wish to avoid `further effusion of blood.' Clinton sends Lt. Col. William S. Livingston to meet the enemy. The British officer requests that the patriots surrender. They are promised that no harm would come to them. Livingston, in turn, invites Campbell to surrender and promises him and his men good treatment. Fuming at this audacity, the British resume the fight. British ships working against an ebb tide attack the forts and American vessels. A steady volley ensues with each side receiving a share of the bombardment. British officers Campbell and Vaughan close in on all sides of the twin forts. Leading his men into battle, Campbell is killed in a violent attack on the North Redoubt of Fort Montgomery. Vaughan's horse is shot from under him as he rides into battle at Fort Clinton. After a fierce battle lasting until dark, the British pushed the courageous Americans from the forts at the points of their bayonets. The defenders are overpowered by sheer numbers and the British gain possession of Forts Montgomery and Clinton. American casualties numbered about 350 killed, wounded and captured, while the British paid a price of at least 190 killed and wounded. Those who were not killed or did not escape are shipped to the infamous Sugar House Prisons in New York City and then onto British "hell ships" (prison ships) in the harbor. A "return," or report of prisoners, is sent to communities in the Highlands to inform families of their loved ones' capture. It is up to the families to send provisions lest the prisoners starve. Countless patriots perish on the prison ships. U.S. Army battle map, The Battle of Fort Montgomery, 5-6 October 1777 U.S. Army battle map, The Battle of Fort Montgomery, The British Attack, Dusk, 6 October 1777 Forts Montgomery and Clinton, located just south of West Point, were built for the defense of the Hudson Highlands in 1776. It was here that British and loyalist troops overwhelmed Clinton's outnumbered patriots in October. Although the Americans lost the battle for the Highlands, a relative handful of Americans aided in delaying British reinforcements from joining Burgoyne in the upper Hudson Valley and allowed Gates to gain much needed militia reinforcements in time to ultimately win Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga." A guide to the Battles of the American Revolution by Theodore P. Savas and J. David Dameron (Savas Beatie LLC, NY 2006) American Perspective: "Waiting within the American fortifications on Bemis Heights was the bloodied Continental Army led by Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates. Not an audacious commander, Gates was content to await General Burgoyne's next move. While Gates market time on Bemis Heights, Patriot forces assigned to defensive positions guarding the entrance to the Hudson Highlands worked to complete two forts on the Hudson River 100 miles south of Albany, New York. Their commander was Brig. Gen. George Clinton (not to be confused with the British commander with the same last name). The forts over which the American Clinton (who was also governor of New York) labored were named Montgomery, in honor of fallen Patriot Gen. Richard Montgomery, and Clinton, after himself as commander of the forces in that region. Built on opposite banks of Popolopen Creek, which emptied into the Hudson River on its western shore at a strategic bend, eight miles south of West Point, the bastions were key to the strategic defense of the Hudson Highlands. Fort Montgomery guarded the northern bank of the creek and Fort Clinton the southern bank. To the east of both forts flowed the majestic Hudson River. All told, the American fielded 600 men and 20 pieces of heavy artillery. The Patriots strung a heavy iron chain across the river and seeded the water with log obstacles to disrupt any maritime assault upon the American forts. Patrolling the Hudson were two Americans warships, Montgomery and Congress, supported by a handful of smaller vessels . . . . . . Fort Clinton was constructed on the south side of Popolopen Creek on a rocky ridge overlooking the Hudson River below, oriented to cover a 400-yard wide plain before the drop to the waterway. Fort Montgomery also overlooked the Hudson River, but was situated on the northern shore of Popolopen Creek, which ran west from the Hudson . . . After a perfunctory request that the defenders capitulate (which was rejected), the twin assaults began. There was no element of surprise or effort at finesse. The British attached nearly simultaneously with the sun setting behind Lt. Col. Archibald Campbell's columns. Sir James Wallace's British river fleet also arrived and opened fire on the American vessels and forts, providing the British land forces with supporting fire. Fort Montgomery fell first . . . Fort Clinton's defenders offered a better account of themselves, but the outcome was the same. Sir Henry Clinton ordered his command to launch a direct attach (there was little room to maneuver). His regulars and Hessian allies swept forward through a line of obstructions, taking terrible casualties during the approach and in the close-quarter fighting that followed. The weight of British metal carried the day, however, and within a short time the garrison was dead, wounded, captured, or fleeing . . . By 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. the fighting was over. Only 300 Americans, including Generals James and Governor George Clinton, escaped, most from Fort Montgomery . . . Casualties: British: 190 killed and wounded; American: 350 killed, wounded, and captured." Fort Montgomery as a Historic Ruin New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has decided not to recreate Forts Montgomery and/or Clinton. "Because of the limits of available information, any recreation would be inaccurate and would hide the violent end of these massive fortifications. Instead, the remains are preserved, just as the have survived the ages, as hallowed ground." Fort Montgomery stands as an archeological site and a historic ruin. Fort Montgomery, Today Today, Fort Montgomery is an archeological site and a historic ruin. This Historic Site is a genuine vestige of our nation's struggle for independence. Visitors will see the actual foundations of the fort's buildings and remains of the fort's earthworks. Visit Fort Montgomery and tour the remains of the 14 acre fortification, perched on a cliff overlooking the Hudson River. The site includes a Visitor Center and interpretive trail that guides visitors past the fort's ruins to breathtaking views of the Hudson River. The Visitor Center features artifacts discovered in Fort Montgomery, mannequin displays, a 3 dimensional map model, and a 14 minute orientation film. Attractions Include Audio-Visual Programs Demonstrations Group Tours Hiking Interpretive Signs Scenic Views Self Guided Tours Visitor Center

Our pick your own Apple and Pear orchards are ready for picking beginning early September and ripening continues through early November. We grow Bosc and Bartlett pears and over twenty varieties of apples. Remember pears ripen off the tree while apples ripen on the tree.

Most of the apples available in local supermarkets are grown and marketed because they are easy to grow and store (9 months is not unusual), they can be picked early (before they are ripe), and provide large yields. The apples most widely available are sturdy, beautiful, large tasteless fruits - 3 or 4 varieties have been widely marketed and unfortunately this small sampling represents for many the totality of their “apple experience”.

Our purpose is to grow apple varieties that taste great. Nothing gives us more pleasure than watching a child discover that all apples don’t taste or look alike and that they are “really good”. Some of the apples we grow were popular hundred of years ago and some have been recently introduced (Honeycrisp). Many varieties are “heirloom” varieties because they are older cultivars that are not widely grown commercially and are rarely available. Over the years we have planted more of these “boutique” apples and believe that it is important as well as interesting to keep them available - and lets not forget the great taste. Press "Blue Button" for complete list of apples and pears, picking dates and more information about Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery.

Enjoy music every weekend in August. Music starts at 2:00 and ends at 5:00. The Cafe will be open serving fruit & cheese platters and sandwiches. Press "Blue Button" for more about Applewood Winery.

Comments: Apple Picking starts Labor Day Weekend.

"Bennington, in fact, was one of the most important fights of the Revolution, contributing as it did so largely to the final surrender of Burgoyne's whole army at Saratoga, and the utter ruin of the British invasion from the north. It is also interesting as an extremely gallant bit of fighting . . . There stood the enemy strongly entrenched on a hill, and Stark, calling his undisciplined lines about him, went at them . . . He and his men fought well their hand-to-hand fight on that hot August day, and carried the entrenchments filled with regular troops and defended by artillery. It was a daring feat of arms, as well as a battle which had an important effect upon the course of history and upon the fate of the British Empire in America." Henry Cabot Lodge

This battle was fought on August 16, 1777 in a British effort to capture American storehouses in Bennington to restock their depleting provisions. The British forces had underestimated the strength of their enemy and most of their men were killed or taken prisoner while the Americans sustained smaller losses. The British surrendered on October 17, 1777, after two unsuccessful battles in Saratoga.

Casualties and losses were recorded as:
American losses: 30 killed and 40 wounded = 70 casualties.
British losses: 207 killed and 700 captured = 907 casualties.

Bennington Battlefield State Historic Site is located in Grafton, NY 12082, in Rensselaer County in the Hudson River Valley. Bennington Battlefield is the location of a Revolutionary War battle between the British forces of General John Burgoyne and Colonel Friedrich Baum against the American forces under Brigadier General John Stark and Colonel Seth Warner. Press "Blue Button" for more about Bennington Battlefield.

The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain features hand-painted scenes of the park while the merry-go-round itself features 38 carved renditions of Hudson River Valley animals, including raccoons, bear, deer, eagles, foxes, river otters, and bobcats.

Its rounding boards illustrate the park's early history with hand-painted scenes of the Hudson River, Perkins Tower, Bear Mountain Inn, etc. The music played during the rides was recorded at an original carousel in Rochester, New York, from a 1926 Wurlitzer Pipe Band Organ. Both parents and kids can select their favorite animal and enjoy a ride on this wonderful Merry-Go-Round.

The Journal News reported: "Tradition goes out the window at the Bear Mountain merry-go-round. Riders may perch themselves on the back of a frog, who sports a jaunty vest and bow tie. Then there’s that charming bear who has a honeycomb strapped onto his back, unaware of the bumblebee about to take a taste. This is not your everyday merry-go-round. The Bear Mountain merry-go-round was designed to represent the native animals in the Hudson River Valley. In addition to the animals, two highly decorated benches on the merry-go-round offer another way to ride, while also being easily converted into accessible seating for those in wheelchairs."

A Bit of History about the Merry-Go-Round
The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain State Park is a building anchored in a distinguished history. The stone-and-timber pavilion reflects the Adirondack "Great Camp" architectural style that became the model for other Palisades Park buildings such as the 1915 Bear Mountain Inn and, later, the National Park System. The 8,000-square-foot pavilion includes a viewing area, fireplace hearth, catering facilities for small receptions, and snacks and restrooms.

Today's Trailside Museums and Zoo occupy 40 acres on a bluff 250 feet over the Hudson River. The trails, including the first section of the Appalachian Trail, are among the oldest in the country; they link the various homes of Samantha, the eagle, and other birds of prey, the bear den, as well as habitats for beavers, a river otter, foxes, coyotes, and more.

Children enjoy the various presentations of indigenous wildlife, geology and herpetology. On display are Native American artifacts, models of Revolutionary War battles fought on-site, and an exhibit of the origins of the Boy Scouts, and four Museum buildings. See the bald eagle, black bear, owl, river otter and more animals local to Bear Mountain.

The Trailside Museum and Wildlife Center also highlight the history of the area. Learn about the importance of Bear Mountain in the American Revolutionary War. Visit historic 1777 & 1779 Trails that retrace the routes taken by the British army during the American War of Independence. Visit Fort Montgomery, a Revolutionary War fort built to defend the Hudson Highlands and protect American control of the Hudson River and learn about the Battle of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton.

Young children, older children, and adults all enjoy visiting each of the Museum buildings that house different exhibits. Visit the Local Reptiles, Amphibians, and Fish Museum, the Geology Museum, History Museum and Nature Study Museum.

Healthy Exercise at Palisades Mall
Walking has quickly become America's most popular form of exercise because it is safe, simple and inexpensive. Almost anyone can walk, regardless of age, lifestyle or physical condition. A regular program of brisk walking is beneficial in preventing or managing health problems. Join your friends and neighbors at Palisades Center for healthful walking at your own pace in climate controlled comfort.

Press "Blue Button for more information about the fantastic Palisades Center.

The Stony Point Battlefield marks the "Battle of Stony Point" and the victory of the American light infantry over the British in a daring midnight raid.

Visit the site of the Battle of Stony Point, one of the last major Revolutionary War battles in the northeastern colonies. This is where Brigadier General Anthony Wayne led his corps of Continental Light Infantry in a daring midnight attack on the British, seizing the site's fortifications and taking the British garrison as prisoners on July 16, 1779.

By the late 1770s, the war had been raging for four years and both sides were eager for a conclusion. Sir Henry Clinton, commander of the British forces in America, attempted to coerce General George Washington into one decisive battle to control the Hudson River. As part of his strategy, Clinton fortified Stony Point. Washington devised a plan for Wayne to lead an attack on the fort. Armed with bayonets only, the infantry captured the fort in short order, ending British control of the river.

The site features a museum, which offers exhibits on the battle and the 1826 Stony Point Lighthouse, as well as interpretive programs, such as reenactments highlighting 18th century military life, cannon and musket firings, cooking demonstrations, and children's activities.

Attractions Include
Children's Activities
Costumed Interpreters
Demonstrations
Educational Services
Group Tours
Museum and Visitors Center
Picnic Area

It's no coincidence that apples are the symbol of good health. In the Middle Ages, the English said "To eat an apple before going to bed will make the doctor beg his bread." We now know that there's a sound basis for the familiar "apple a day" rhyme. Take a look at the nutritional benefits of a medium size Apple Country® apple.

Nutritional Facts: Apples are absolutely fat-free. One apple provides as much dietary fiber as a bowl of bran cereal. Apples are loaded with pectin, a soluble fiber that aids digestion and may help reduce cancer and heart disease. The complex carbohydrates in apples give your body a longer, more even energy boost compared to high-sugar snacks. Snacking on apples can keep you going throughout the day. Apples provide boron, an essential trace element that helps harden bones and help prevent osteoporosis.

Learn:
Apple education and see the Kid's Section on apples.
Where to pick you own apples.
Major health benefits of eating apples.
Variety, flavor and best use of each type of apple.
Apple recipes.