Enjoy the final days of winter along the Esopus Creek at The Ashokan Center.
Photo by Liz Graves
Escape into nature for hiking, sledding, and more at the nature retreat and community destination in Olivebridge.
The Hudson Valley’s backyard is a perfect, local getaway to itch one’s persistent travel bug. Turn to The Ashokan Center, a 385-acre music and nature center and historic site in Olivebridge.
In normal times, Ashokan is open to the public for events, programs, and camps. With live events on pause, the center has introduced day passes, lodging opportunities with meals-to-go, take-out dinners two days a week, and virtual programs and camps.
The new day pass is “a way for people to just come out and hike,” says Ruth Merenda, Ashokan’s arts and communications director. Visitors can explore the property’s miles of trails from dawn until dusk, and bring their own sleds and spend the day on sledding hills. Masks are required, temperatures are checked, and visitor information is collected for safety purposes.
Looking for a longer stay? The Red Maple Lodge and Sycamore Lodge provide immersive overnight stays for nature-loving families and groups. For the winter, the Center has markdowns of up to 20% to promote retreats for travelers, especially those skiing at nearby Hunter Mountain, Belleayre, and Catamount. Lodging guests are provided with three meals a day, including grab-and-go lunch for those headed to the slopes or other local attractions.
Visit www.ashokancenter.org for more details.
