Thoughts of expensive airline tickets, busy airports, cramped rental cars and overpriced hotels are enough to make eager travelers disgruntled. With summer in full swing, a rebounding economy has many Americans, including those located in the historic river towns, seeking vacation alternatives.

A tight budget however doesn’t mean sacrificing good times and fun experiences. Many people are smartly looking past far-off destinations and investigating day trips and overnight trips within a few hours’ drive of the metropolitan area. And this is for good reason; the greater Hudson Valley, and the northeast, has much to offer.

“We have a seen a huge increase in people asking for our travel guide,” said Susan Cayea of the Hudson Valley Tourism division of I Love New York. There have been more than 3,000 more requests from the same time last year, she noted.

“It’s surprising because we are getting requests from Ohio, California, Texas - all of the United States,” Cayea continued. “The Hudson Valley is a very desirable place to go.”

Maybe your idea of a vacation is different than the norm, such as the upcoming 22nd Annual Hudson Valley Garlic Festival that will take place September 25 and 26 in Saugerties, New York. There you can watch top chefs’ work wonders with various garlic dishes while listening to musical acts. If you have kids in tow, there is plenty of entertainment to suit their needs via the Saugerties Art Lab, a volunteer organization that encourages children to appreciate art, music and interdisciplinary learning experiences.

“Fall is still the busiest season in our area but more people are doing day trips to get of the city and revive themselves. For many, it’s about changing their landscape, urban or otherwise,” said Cayea.

Since September and the turning of leaves is far off, summer destinations need further exploration. In no particular order, The Hudson Independent has selected a handful of great get-a-ways that can be enjoyed by singles, couples and families. Before you book your next flight, think about what you might be missing in your own backyard.

Storm King Arts Center

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Storm King Art Center includes works by many of the 20th Century’s most influential artists. Located approximately one hour north of New York City in Mountainville, NY, the intriguing and eye-catching sculptures are integrated into a pristine, 500-acre landscape of rolling hills, fields, and woodlands.

On the occasion of its anniversary, Storm King Director and Curator David R. Collens explained that Storm King asked 10 artists to create a new work or select a recent one to loan to the sculpture park. Five of the artists are already represented in Storm King’s collection: Alice Aycock, Chakaia Booker, Mark di Suvero, Andy Goldsworthy, and Ursula von Rydingsvard. Five are new to Storm King and include John Bisbee, Maria Elena González, Darrell Petit, Alyson Shotz, and Stephen Talasnik.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this exhibition is the variety of styles and mediums represented. We are grateful to all of the artists who have created or loaned artworks in honor of Storm King’s anniversary,” said Collens. For more information visit www.stormking.org.

Block Island,
Rhode Island

A cool, quaint step-back-in-time experience, Block Island has been attracting visitors for countless years. From Tarrytown the trip is approximately four hours, which includes a 30 minute ferry ride from Point Judith, Rhode Island. The island features 17 miles of pristine beaches, unique lighthouses affording three-state vistas, spectacular bluffs, rolling roads and winding paths – great for hiking or biking.

There are countless restaurants, hotels and charming bed and breakfasts. As is the case with the ferry, be sure to call ahead and make reservations. Upcoming events include the 1st Annual Block Island Wedding Showcase, which takes place on July 11 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Sullivan House. Billed as a kid friendly event, this year’s Blues on the Block will feature Otis and the Hurricanes who will perform at the Town Beach at 6 p.m. on July 14. For more information about Block Island, visit www.blockislandinfo.com.

Statue of Liberty

For tri-sate residents a commonly overlooked attraction is the Statue of Liberty, which is accessible by a beautiful ferry ride that affords wondrous views of Manhattan and the Hudson River. A gift from the French, Lady Liberty has welcomed generations of Americans with open arms. She was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

The first ferry departs from lower Manhattan for Liberty Island at 8:30 a.m. The last boat off of Liberty Island is at 6 p.m. The summer months are the busiest time and lines to board ferries usually exceed 90 minutes. For more information, including joint trips to Ellis Island, visit: http://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm.

Lake Compounce

Touted as New England’s family theme park, Lake Compounce is located in Bristol, Connecticut roughly one-and-half-hours from Tarrytown. It is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America. Entering into its 165th season, Lake Compounce has invested more than $70 million over the past 13 years in rides and attractions.

There are rides for all ages. Thrill seekers will be wowed by Boulder Dash, Zoomerang and Thunder n’ Lightning. Those looking to cool down and enjoy water rides can check out Anchor Bay, Clipper Cove and Mammoth Falls. There are plethora of games, attractions and entertainment.

Admission price is $34.99. For guests under 52 inches tall, admission is $25.99. Senior admission, for ages 61 and up, is $17.99. Children three years of age and younger are admitted free. All tickets and season passes may be purchased by visiting www.lakecompounce.com.