Plenty to Do in the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is a short train ride from the city, and in summer is overflowing with things to do. Here's a sample from HudsonValleyEvents.com: Antiques While it is feasible to walk down to the local thrift store in search of an old table or a knickknack to spice up the feng shui, connoisseurs of relics from the past should attempt to make a trip to the Orange County Antique Fair & Flea Market. From now until Nov. 25, the fair is open 8 to 5 on Saturdays and Sundays. The event is free to attend and parking won't cost you a nickel. Those interested should call 845-282-4055. Wine Tours The Distillery Tour & Tasting features local artisans displaying whiskey, vodka and liqueurs, all made from locally grown ingredients. Patrons are also advised to enjoy a glass of hard apple cider and watch the sunset from the scenic Tuthilltown Spirits Farm Distillery located at 14 Gristmill Lane in Gardiner, N.Y. Tickets are $15 a person and the tour is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, call 845-633-8734. Hudson Valley Fair New York City may be chock-full of fun stuff to do, but what the city cannot provide is the fun of a good, old-fashioned country fair. This weekend and next, through May 20, the Hudson Valley Fair in Fishkill, N.Y., is open noon to midnight. Tickets are about six dollars a pop and will give customers access to over 100 rides, games, animals, free entertainment and other attractions. Each Saturday, there will also be a free fireworks show. For more information, visit www.hudsonvalleyfair.com or call 631-920-2309. Farm Animals The Catskill Animal Sanctuary Tours in Saugerties, N.Y., are an opportunity to display farm animals and rescued animals to children. The sanctuary is over 110 acres of beautiful farmland where the animals live. Stories behind the rescues will be told and there are tours held every half hour between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The sanctuary will be offering the tours until Oct. 28. Tickets for the event cost $10 for general admission and $5 for seniors and children. For more information, call 845-336-8447. Art Is Always in Fashion While NYC is a world-renowned hotspot for clothing and accessories, the rest of the state also has its own material to display. "Passion for Fashion," presented by Cornell Street Studios, is hosting an opening night art exhibit on Saturday, May 12, from 6 to 10 p.m. The event features art from Helen Schofield along with other artists from the area. Admission costs $10 and the event will have food, art for sale and a DJ for the evening. For more information, contact 845-331-0191 and ask for Renee. Tulip Festival In the spirit of Mother's Day and blossoming tulips, the Honor's Haven Resort and Spa is hosting the 2nd Annual Tulip Festival & Mother's Day Celebration. The event is day two of a weekend-long celebration that begins May 12 and ends on Sunday. The Mother's Day expo will begin at 11 a.m. and continue through 4 p.m. Admission to the event is free and patrons are encouraged to explore the floor, which will display a vast and diverse selection of gifts along with handcrafted items, personalized gifts, keepsakes and gourmet foods from an array of local artists and craftspeople. Not only does the event cater to those looking for a novel Mother's Day gift, but it also will be hosting a photography contest based around the best shot of a tulip from the weekend. Those interested in going can make reservations by calling 845-210-1600.