The Valley in Bloom   With histories that reflect America itself, these fabulous gardens are worth a whirl on a gorgeous spring day, though many offer interest year-round   by Mary Forsell   display gardens ...

Master of Mystery   Norman J. Van Valkenburgh, land surveyor turned novelist, creates tales of trails and betrayals   by Leon Freilich Photographs by Dion Ogust   In his first novel, Murder in the Catskills, ...

Celebrity Sightings   Two local residents come face-to-face with Hollywood royalty   George Clooney Was in My Bed (and so was Jon Stewart!)   Doris Pinter and her husband, Joseph, live next door to the ...