Destination Green

“I Love NY” reveals its greenest hot spots

Any Valleyite will adamantly insist that they live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth (and we’ve got the history, the sights, and the culture to prove it). Recently, local residents have also taken steps to become more environmentally responsible by hosting green fairs, and supporting sustainable building and land conservation. So it’s no surprise that, when it came time for Iloveny.com to compile its annual list of the state’s top 10 “green destinations,” not one, but two Valley locations — the Storm King Art Center and the Catskill Scenic Trail — made the grade.

Located in Orange County, Storm King is more than just an outdoor art museum — it’s a playground. The 500-acre sculpture park boasts works by internationally recognized artists in the midst of the Hudson Highlands; each piece is integrated in perfect harmony with the surrounding woodlands and sky. (Maya Lin’s Storm King Wavefield installation literally transformed the center’s own lawn into art in 2009.) And best of all, visitors are encouraged to get up close to each work and check it out. Make it a family daycation with a picnic and tour of the grounds. Call 845-534-3115 or visit www.stormking.org.

Though the days of steam engines have long gone, their railways — and connecting trails — remain. To the delight of hikers, bikers, and locomotive enthusiasts, the Catskill Scenic Trail in Delaware County is only a hop away from Windham and Hunter mountains (and your next outdoor adventure). The 26-mile rail trail offers tourist rides on the Delaware and Ulster Railroad, a plethora of outdoor activities (including horseback riding), and unparalleled panoramic views of the Catskills and beyond. Call 607-652-2821 or visit www.catskillscenictrail.org for more information.

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To see the full list of the state’s green destinations, visit www.iloveny.com.

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