There are many Historic Hudson Valley sites to tour.  This video features Cedar Grove home to Thomas Cole a member of the Hudson River School of painting.  This site is located in Catskill in Greene County, across the Hudson River from another well known site Olana. When you are finish viewing the video about Cedar Grove click the more information button to find other  videos of  historic sites in the Hudson Valley.   Originally posted on  By Jennifer Fivelsdal at Historic Hudson Valley Sites Video 12/22/2013

Take a hike in the Catskill from Cedar Grove You  can take a hike in the Catskill.  This is a guided hike from Cedar Grove through the landscape which influenced the painting of the well known  Hudson Valley painter Thomas Cole. If you are into hiking you will be going through some of the most picturesque scenes in the Hudson Valley.  These sceneries are  reasons why many love living in the region or at least maintain a second home. Where exactly will you take a hike in the Catskill? These are the  hikes in the Castkill available from Cedar Grove; some  are easy, others moderate.   You will find  all the information on the tour at:  Cedar Grove Guided Tour information Here are the hiking routes available this  season. Kaaterskill Falls and Catskill Mt. House  - July 20th CatsKill Mt. Ho... 07/05/2013

  Living in the Hudson Valley I run across buildings from other periods.   Over the years of have seen a variety of outhouses.  Some were ornate and other were just plain. The one in the photography was on the grounds of Cedar Grove one of the many Historic sites to be found in the area.  I must say the colors certainly make you take a second look,           01/15/2012

The fall foliage train is back on track in the Catskills.  What a relief! the ride along the Esopus River is very scenic and taking a train ride is a great way to see the fall foliage.  All this was in jeopardy because Hurricane Irene caused extensive damage to the track; I was concerned about the loss of the entire season because these rides bring tourist dollars to the area and would be a significant loss to the economy. So plan to board the train this fall for a very scenic ride and keep in mind that the money you spend will contribute to the recovery of the area. For details on the tours visit the Catskill Mountain Railroad website In the meanwhile, here is a short video of a trip I took on the rail to see the fall foliage 2 years ago     09/17/2011

Over the last couple of months we've noticed a little bit of resurgence in the Upstate New York Real Estate market. The New York Times published an article on the upstate market which alluded to the fact that there are promising conditions for purchasing unique and charming homes that would have fetched much higher prices in years past. The Times article featured buyers from Brooklyn who were able to achieve their dream of finding a place in the country by purchasing a four-bedroom 1890s farmhouse with barns and outbuildings on almost 20 acres of property in between the Shawangunk Ridge and Catskill Mountains. Low interest rates and spectacular bargains seem to be inspiring city residents to re-consider purchasing a piece of paradise Upstate. We've certainly had a good share of New York... 10/14/2010

Rip Van Winkle Wine & Cheese Festival at the Beattie Powers Mansion So much is happening in the Hudson Valley this weekend.  Red Hook has Apple Blossom Day and Catskill Rip Van Winkle Wine and Cheese festival today Saturday May 8th. This is a worthy events as the proceed goes towards maintaning the Parks in the Village of Catskill.  With such a goal many have participated  in the past, and this year should be no exception. The Fortnightly Club of Catskill or the organizers and the event is sponsored by many local businesses. The event will be at the Beattie Powers Mansion where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. With over 30 Vendors you will certainly find something to catch your interest.  There will be door prizes as well as live music.  Date   Satur... 05/08/2010

I recently posted pictures of the Olana historic site and the Rip Van Winkle bridge as seen from Olana.  The Rip Van Winkle bridge connects Colombia County to Greene County.  As you exit the bridge on the Greene County side you are in the town of Catskill and here you will find Cedar Grove, the Thomas Cole Historical Site. Who was Thomas Cole? Thomas Cole was a landscape artist who formed the well known Hudson River School of Landscape Painting.  The beauty of the region provided the inspiration any artist desired; the majestic Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. Of his many well known works, his most famous masterpiece is the " The voyage of life" Cedar Grove was a property Cole had first rented. However, it became his home when he married the owner's niece in 1836. On the proper... 09/27/2009

If you are a reader of my Blog you know that one of the topic I like to address is the historical homes in the Hudson Valley, as well as the Hudson River.  This year marks the 400th year that Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson River and throughout the year there will be many events to mark the occasion. At Cedar Grove in Catskill NY, the home of Thomas Cole the founder of the Hudson River School of Arts there will be a free exhibitions of River Views of the Hudson River School featuring works from Thomas Cole, Sanford Gifford, Jasper Cropsey and others masters. Following the exhibition there will be a talk by John K. Howat When: May 2nd Time:  Exhibition 12:00PM - 1:30PM           Talk by John K. Howat will be at 2:00PM Cost: Exhibition free          Talk $9.00 or $6 for members Location... 05/01/2009

Just recently, the fascination of the popular Bigfoot legend has made itself known in the Catskill region of Upstate New York.  Recent sightings of creatures believed to be members of the Bigfoot family have drawn the attention of Bigfoot hunter Tom Biscardi. As a kid, I always wanted to believe in Bigfoots and there is still a small part of me that is dying to see some real proof but without my personal inspection of the evidence, I have to rank them up there with UFOs and Ghosts.  I do have to admit though, some of what they say it very convincing. "Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence". - Dr. Carl Sagan Tom Biscardi, founder and chief executive officer of Searching for Bigfoot Inc., put together an eight man team and headed towards the Catskill Mountains as a result of a si... 06/29/2008