Brittany L. Morgan
This month, we're showcasing some of our favorite Hudson Valley towns in our 5 must-dos series. Today’s featured town is known as the “transportation hub of the northeast.” Back in the day, the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad and the Wallkill Valley Railroad had a major presence in this town. However, today part of the railroad has transitioned into the Walden Wallkill Rail Trail. So what town are we featuring today? None other than Montgomery! Pack the family in the car this weekend and head over to Montgomery. While you're there, be sure to check out these great spots!
See what farm life is like at the Orange County Farmer’s Museum
Did you know: The Orange County Farmer’s Museum is solely operated by volunteers? The museum showcases an extensive collection of farming tools and artifacts including an early hay press, a seed box planter, and a late 1800s thresher. In addition, the museum has several exhibits that mirror life as a 1800s Hudson Valley farming family. The Orange County Farmer’s Museum hosts several events and classes throughout the year including a garden tractor pull, beekeeping workshops, and backyard chicken keeping classes. If you want a more in-depth visit to the museum, call to schedule a private tour for you and the kids!
Play around at Thomas Bull Memorial Park
From tennis courts, horse riding areas, to a pond that’s perfect for fishing… Thomas Bull Memorial Park has something for everyone! Make your first stop at Sally's Dream Playground, a beautiful handicapped accessible playground with plenty of ramps and platform bridges, swings and even some play instruments and puzzles. Then once you’ve sufficiently drained your child of excess energy, head over to the Arboretum, a 35-acre display of trees, shrubs and plants that’s open to the public free of charge. While you’re admiring the foliage, take a moment to stop by the Remembrance Walkway and Garden. The Remembrance Walkway and Garden is home to a 9-11 memorial that features a remarkable rotating granite sculpture of the earth surrounded by bronze plaques with the names of the 44 Orange County residents who perished that day. After taking a moment to reflect, head over to the Hill-Hold Museum to see what life was like on a Hudson Valley farm in the 1830s.
Chow down at Iron Café
If you’re looking to dine among friendly faces with super friendly hosts, Iron Café is the place to be. The café offers breakfast, brunch, and lunch options and can accommodate special diets including Vegans, Vegetarians and more. My personal favorites for lunch are the Avocado Chicken wrap (because you can put avocado on just about anything and I’ll love it) and the Pesto Chicken salad. Both are served with a side of macaroni salad, tossed salad, or fruit salad. I always opt for the fruit salad because it’s a guilt-free dessert and a refreshing way to end a meal! Bonus Points: Iron Café sources a lot of their produce from local farms in Orange County’s black dirt region of Pine Island!
Express yourself at Ms. Claire’s Music Cupboard
After grabbing a bite to eat, head over to Ms. Claire’s Music Cupboard for even more fun. As a member of the American Montessori Society and a Vocal Performance graduate, Ms. Claire has combined her love of teaching and her passion for Montessori learning into a high-energy music class that’s perfect for your little ones. You’ll sing, you’ll play, you’ll move… but most of all you’ll have a ton of fun making special memories with your kids. In addition to kindermusik classes, Ms. Claire’s Music Cupboard offers small group piano, voice, and instrumental lessons. Just be sure to register here before you go!
End the day on a sweet note at Eat This! Bakery
Eat This! Bakery is a quaint bake shop located on Clinton Street. When you taste one of head baker Randi Carroll’s treats, you’ll be amazed to learn she’s a self-taught baker! One of my favorite aspects about this bakery is that the menu is constantly changing to include seasonal items. Not to mention I love going in to see what unique and inspired flavor profiles Carroll has created. Enjoy fresh baked brownies, cupcakes, or our personal favorite – a scone. Then take a box of chocolate truffles home to commemorate your day.
Let us know what your favorite things to do in and around Montgomery are by commenting below! We'll be highlighting several towns throughout the Hudson Valley during the month of May, so be sure to let us know what towns you want to learn more about!
Brittany L. Morgan the web editor and executive assistant to the publisher at Hudson Valley Parent. She lives in Fishkill with her boyfriend Bill.