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July 27, 2004
DIFFERENT STROKES, I GUESS
So I'm reading MSNBC.com today, and I look in their travel section... and there, what to my disbelieving eyes should appear but a travel guide for a road trip to my own personal corner of hell, the Hudson Valley area of New York. It would seem that others don't take the same issue with this place - in fact, they kind of think it's beautiful to visit.
Actually, if I were removing all cynicism for a moment, this area is beautiful, really. And there's lots of history to go check out. If you're not from the area, this actually might be a fun and interesting place to visit. It's just not the place for me to live, that's all.
But... in the interest of fairness and giving things a fair shake, I present to you this guide to a road trip "Up the Nines" in the Hudson Valley. The Nines are routes 9 (east side of the Hudson) and 9W (west side), the more scenic and local of the roads that travel upstate from New York City. The author does point out that there are actually a number of really interesting things to see in this area - and suggests that a three day road trip is perfect for seeing them.
I've lived in this area for five and a half years now (about 3 1/2 longer than I ever expected to, but that's another story); for the first two years, I lived in the second section he highlights, and for the last three-plus years I have lived in the first section he highlights, closest to New York City. I've eaten at the restaurant he mentions in Cold Spring... and even I have to admit, Cold Spring is a pretty cool quaint little town. Good restaurants, fun little shops... cool place.
I've spent several afternoons geekily indulging my interest in history at FDR's house and library, and I've visited the Vanderbilt home as well. One more thing I will acknowledge... the Hudson Valley is picture postcard beautiful nature; the views of the wide swath the river cuts through New York are breathtaking in many places. And I have to say, probably the most fun I have had since I moved here to NY (except for the night that Tim, the Doc and I went into the city to hang out at the legendary punk club CBGB's - another story for another day) was a weekend hiking and driving tour with friends through the Hudson Valley wine country that the author writes about in section 4. Truly an enjoyable fall Sunday, that was.
So, bottom line, am I really being inconsistent enough to recommend that you consider a visit to a place I have constantly ranted about wanting to leave since I started this blog? Yes, I am. As much as I wish I were living somewhere else, I must admit that the area does have its charm, and is worth a visit if you're ever near the area. So do check the article out, and if you're nearby, check the area out.
