hudson valley Archives - The Culture Mom

30Jul

A Visit to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

On a recent visit to Hyde Park in the Hudson Valley, we took our son for a tour of Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. It’s a remarkable property was built over a hundred years ago in 1898 by Frederick Vanderbilt, grandson of railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt. The tour took us to see about 15-20 rooms of the 50-room Classical style mansion. One of eight heirs to his family’s fortune, Frederick purchased the property in 1895 and hired architect Charles McKim to decorate a “country house” in which the family could entertain guests during the Read More

29Jun

Sleep Away Camp Photos are No Lie to Me

Posted by The Culture Mom 4 Comments

“Welcome back and Shalom!” were the words we heard upon entering Camp Sprout Lake as we pulled into the long driveway off the main road. I looked back at my daughter I in the back seat, her energy emanating with excitement. Camp was truly her home away from home and she was so happy to be back. We’d come a long way since last summer when bringing her felt more akin to child abuse than anything else. As I rode the one hour, fifteen minutes to the Hudson Valley to leave her off for her one week “Taste,” she sat silently weeping in the front seat. All Read More

19Aug

A Weekend of Bohemian Serenity with the Kids in Beacon, New York

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I've had a penchant for the Hudson Valley since I moved to New York. There's a peaceful aura there that you don't get it living in or near NYC, and it's got a bohemian vibe. The combination can be quite radical when you're no country bumpkin like myself. Located on the Hudson River just 60 miles north of NYC, Beacon has a cozy feeling that’s sprinkled with art, culture, Victorian architecture, good food, boutique shopping and the outdoors. On a recent trip with my kids, I was thrilled to find a variety of ways to spend the day. We found everything Read More

14Jul

A One-Child Holiday at Mohonk Mountain House

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My trip was hosted by Mohonk Mountain House, but all opinions and thoughts are my own. Have you ever traveled alone with one child? A few weeks ago, I decided to take my son away for a few days. My other child was actually at sleep away camp, and since he wasn't having that experience (still a bit young), I thought I'd give him a different type of experience by joining me. I wanted to review a property in the Hudson Valley and thought about sharing the experience with him. After all, this was one my son could wrap his around: an all-inclusive resort Read More