Hudson Valley Bed and Breakfast

 With President Abraham Lincoln’s 201^st birthday on February 12 and President George Washington’s 278^th on February 22, the month of February is an exciting time for American history buffs and public schoolchildren nation-wide. President’s Day is especially exciting for Orange County, as Washington spent a lot of time here during the American Revolutionary War. In fact, his longest residency during the War was in Newburgh – he lived here from April 1782 to August 1783 (his wife Martha lived here for 12 of those 18 months). He lived in the Hasbrouck House, a site that still operates as a National Historic Landmark and is worth visiting both for the rich history and for the stunning views of the Hudson River and Beacon Mountain. Washington chose Newburgh for its strategic location – relatively safe and just north of West Point. Since the British had made New York City their base of military and political operations during the War, Washington’s presence an hour north of the city was a good location for his complex and mostly secret intelligence network (of failing to catch Benedict Arnold fame). Among the many important military decisions and events that went on here during Washington’s residency, perhaps the most notable is that this is where Washington issued the final “cease fire” order on April 17, 1783, which formally ended the War. The Hasbrouck House is open for guided tours from mid-April through Oct., Wed.-Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM and Sun. 1-5 PM.

A few miles to the southwest of Newburgh is the town of Vails Gate, where 7,000 troops of Continental soldiers had an encampment during this time. Now a preserved historic site called the New Windsor Cantonment, visitors still come to the encampment year-round to enjoy its parks and natural beauty. Reenactments and other period-based activities are scheduled regularly here during the warmer months. While visiting the New Windsor Cantonment, don’t miss the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Washington first awarded the Purple Heart here (at that time called the Badge of Military Merit).

For those looking for even more Revolutionary era history, consider a scenic drive along route 9W. This drive takes you through Stony Point, the site of a daring midnight assault by Americans in 1779, and will of course pass West Point, where there are still many fortifications and weapons from that period as well as endless amounts of other interesting Revolutionary War history. Although the British torched Kingston in 1777, many of the Revolutionary period stone homes survived and can be visited in the Kingston Stockade.

There is endless history in Orange County – both Revolutionary era and otherwise – and we welcome all curious history fans who would like to experience the dynamic past of this area.

Orange County’s rich historical tradition provides us with beautiful old towns and architecture all year ‘round. One of the most special times of the year to enjoy our historic places is the Christmas season. Orange County’s historic areas are decorated for the holiday season, and many are hosting holiday festivals and events that cannot be missed. Our historic architecture is on special display during this season with several open houses and history tours that are only offered during Christmas. There is a walking tour of Montgomery on December 13, which includes ten historical homes and buildings as well as a holiday brunch to follow. The Newburgh Historical Society will be hosting a Candlelight House Tour of public and private spaces in an around historic Newburgh on this same day. (http://www.newburghhistoricalsociety.com/) The Hill-Hold Museum in Campbell Hall will also be giving candlelight tours of their house on December 12-13 and 19-20, where hosts will be dressed in period costumes and toys of the era will be featured on display. Many towns in Orange County have holiday open houses, and chances are that the historic inn that you are staying out will be decorated for Christmas and could even be a stop on one of these Christmas open houses. Learn what life was like in the 19^th century with a history hike at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on December 6, which will educate hikers on what it was like to be a miner in Lakeville the 1800’s. On December 27, Sterling Forest will host a lecture series about Iona Island, and island that was used by Native Americans and later by the US Navy. (http://www.nysparks.com/)  On December 13, visit Washington’s Headquarters at the Hasbrouck House in Newburgh for The Hearth, where costumed interpreters will give tours of the house, which will be decorated for Christmas and will host live music, an outdoor campfire, hot cider, and Christmas treats. (http://www.palisadesparksconservancy.org/) Celebrate winter at Washington’s Headquarters later in the month with their event “Weathering Winter: A 400 Year Journey,” celebrating our regional quadricentennial with the theme of Christmas Throughout the Centuries on December 27-30. Spend Christmas with the Ellisons at Xnox’s Headquarters State Historic Site in New Windsor on December 19, where candlelight tours will be given of the 1754 Ellison mansion. The mansion and grounds will be decorated in traditional 18^th century Christmas décor, the staff will be dressed in period clothing, and period music will be playing throughout the evening. This house will continue to give tours on December 28, 29, and 30 for those who cannot make their pre-Christmas event. (http://www.nysparks.com/) For the discerning history buff, Orange County is the place to be this holiday season. We look forward to sharing this special time of the year with you and to helping to educate you about our area.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is lit. The Thanksgiving festivities have come and gone. A chill is in the air and winter season in New York has officially begun! December is one of our favorite months in Orange County, and one of the best times to visit and enjoy the quaint atmosphere of our winter wonderland. Bear Mountain State Park has opened their lovely ice rink nestled in the scenic beauty of Bear Mountain and the Hudson River. (http://www.nysparks.state.ny.us/parks/13/details.aspx) Take the kids for a fun family outing or enjoy a romantic time on the ice with your significant other. Fuel up for your afternoon of ice skating at their famous Sunday brunch with a fabulous scenic view at the rustic Overlook Lodge on the Bear Mountain property. (http://www.visitbearmountain.com/accommodations/overlook-lodge) Looking for some holiday shopping bargains? Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is the perfect haven for holiday shoppers. Visit Woodbury Common on weekends until December 20 to enjoy the sounds of Victorian carolers and to meet Santa Claus while you shop! (http://www.premiumoutlets.com/index.asp) To catch a glimpse of a beautiful holiday tree, take a scenic drive to tree in the Thayer Hotel Lobby for their tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 4, which includes refreshments and Christmas carols. While you’re there, check out the display of gingerbread houses created by local area students. (www.thethayerhotel.com) For more chances to enjoy tree lighting ceremonies, attend the Pine Bush Festival of Lights on December 5, where there will be song, dance, music, and even a special visit from Santa Claus (http://www.pinebushchamberofcommerce.org/), the Chester Holiday Tree Lighting and Caroling on December 6 in Chester, or the annual tree lighting ceremony at the Orange County Arboretum in Montgomery. On weekends between December 11 and January 3, the Orange County Arboretum will have their wonderful Lights in Bloom display, which will come complete with a steamy cup of hot chocolate. For a chance to sit back and listen to a small town choir sing out your favorite holiday songs, attend one of the Warwick Valley Chorale holiday concerts, which are being held on December 4, 11, and 13. (http://www.warwickcc.org/) The Middletown Concert Chorale is having a Marvelous Mozart and Delicious Desserts event on December 13, which will have seasonal desserts, sounds of Mozart, and will be followed by a holiday cabaret. (http://www.middletownchorale.org.) For a larger choral production, check out the West Point band’s popular holiday concert on December 5 and 6. (http://www.westpoint.edu/band/) For fans of more modern sounds, see Kenny Rogers in a Christmas concert at Eisenhower Hall Theatre on December 13. Whether you are a couple looking for a quiet winter getaway or a family with young children who are looking forward to skiing with Santa Claus at Mount Peter in Warwick (http://www.mtpeter.com/), Orange County has something for you! We are looking forward to welcoming you into our inns to share this delightful holiday season with you.

As the leaves slowly fall and the autumn chill becomes colder, we are reminded that the autumn season is coming to a close and ushering in the holiday season! That means family, sleigh rides, figure skating in Rockefeller Center, and (most importantly)… shopping! With Thanksgiving weekend less than two weeks away, businesses around Orange County are gearing up for holiday shoppers. Many of the antique shops, restaurants, wineries, and other quaint country stores have some great specials for the holiday season. Antique lovers will want to visit some of the special, family-owned shops around Orange County, including Country Heritage Antiques in Pine Bush for 18^th and 19^th century furnishings (www.countryheritageantiques.com/), the Warwick Antique Barn in Warwick, with twenty five antique dealers (www.warwickantiquebarn.com/), or any other of the forty plus antique and collectibles shops in Orange County. For the more modern shopper, nothing beats Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley (http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=7), which hosts 220 premium outlet stores that offer 25% to 65% savings no matter what time of the year. Don’t miss the after-Thanksgiving Weekend Sale on Friday November 27 through Sunday November 29 (www.premiumoutlets.com/sales/). Many Bed & Breakfasts in Orange County have “Shop and Stay” packages and VIP coupon books for guests who are interested in shopping at Woodbury Common. While shopping throughout Orange County, stop at some of the local restaurants and wineries. For those who favor historic American food, consider the Landmark Inn in Warwick, The Canterbury Brook Inn in Cornwall, or the Bull’s Head Inn in Campbell Hall. Remember to take home some local country baked goods, fruits, or wines as holiday gifts from the family owned Jones Farm and Country Store in Cornwall (http://www.jonesfarminc.com/) (be sure to visit Polly the Pig while you’re there!), Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville (www.brotherhoodwinery.net/), Warwick Valley Winery & Orchards (www.wvwinery.com/), or any of the numerous country farm markets, gift shops, apple orchards, and wineries in the area. Many of our farm markets and wineries have “U-Pick” specials for those interested in getting their hands dirty with apple picking, pumpkin picking, and Christmas trees. It’s going to be a wonderful holiday season in Orange County for the hardcore shoppers and for those who just want to curl up by the fire of a quaint Bed & Breakfast with some homemade pumpkin pie and a book. It’s not too late to plan a weekend trip to Orange County for Thanksgiving. Many B & B’s have Thanksgiving weekend specials, so make sure to ask your innkeeper about Thanksgiving and shopping discounts when you make your reservations.

Take a weekend and get away from the stress and hustle of the holidays. Enjoy the quiet  atmosphere of the Dominion House B&B all decked out for the Christmas season.

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Orange County Bed and Breakfast Association's gift certificates are redeemable at any of our member inns and bed and breakfasts. Personalized with your own greeting they can be purchased in any amount plus a S&H fee of $4.95 each. Credit cards and personal checks accepted.

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