Mid morning at Grand Central Station. We settle into a window seat looking out the west side of the train. As Metro North pulls way from the station everyone gets comfy for a 1 hour ride up the Hudson to Cold Spring. Sitting on the west side going upstate promises you amazing views of the Hudson River. You'll notice this is frequent Metro North riders fill these seats much faster.
An hour later we jump off the train in Cold Spring. This small town right off Metro North has coffee shops, a boutique outdoors store, and a host of lunch or dinner spots. Its a great easy escape from NYC.
We headed north to visit the Boscobel estate. Originally built between 1804 and 1808 the 60 acre estate sits right by river. You approach the house from the back and crossing around to the front your hit by the amazing view the house sees. A sweeping 180 degree view of the Hudson valley in front of you. We spent awhile just absorbing it.
If your in the mood for it the tour is only 20 minutes long and covers some of the scandal, extortion, and death involved in funding the building of the estate. On top of that the tour points out all the tricks used throughout the house to portray a wealthy family to anyone visiting. If you've gone all the way there it's worth it go take the tour.
You can get to Boscobel from Cold Spring one of two ways. Walking along Chestnut St or grabbing the 1 dollar trolly right by the trail station. We took the trolly there but not knowing the schedule, if there even is one, we ended up taking the 20 min walk back to the town.
After you've poked around Boscobel you can spend the afternoon grabbing coffee and a sandwich at Cupoccino Cafe. Then checking out some stylish camping goods at Old Souls. Finishing off your short trip on the pedestrian dock watching boats pass on the Hudson River.
Cold Spring also offers a bunch of hiking trials near by, something to come in a later post.
