Columbia County, NY - Chatham, Canaan, etc.
 

My sister, nephew, and I are going to stay at a B&B in Canaan, NY during a weekend in November. We're looking for some relaxed and fun things to do with a baby, including moderate hikes, museums, historic homes, etc.

So far, we're looking forward to the Shaker Museum, Old Chatham Sheephearders, dinner at Swoon.

We'd love advice for where to go apple picking, where to take a hike or a walk, or anything else that's special in the area.

Thanks in advance!

Where to start! We lived for a couple of years in Spencertown and New Lebanon long ago during a break in my Service time. The Hudson Valley has lots to offer although I can't say that November would be my favorite month there. The Valley weather is very changable and be prepared for snow although it most likely won't happen.

Some towns nearby (up to 45 minute drive from Canaan - mostly less):

Spencertown - just up the road from Canaan has the Spencertown Academy of Arts that has a wide variety of programs through November.

Nearby Kinderhook was the home of President Martin Van Buren and maintains his home and such as an historical site. Kinderhook also has the Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse - think of it as a one room schoolhouse museum. Also there is the James Vanderpool House - a good Federal period restoration. Also in Kinderhook is the Van Allen House - a Dutch style place with antiques and such.

Hudson, NY has the Olana State Historic Site - quite nice. Also the DAR Robert Jenkins Home, another Federal style place with mostly military artifacts.

After visiting the Shaker Village on Mount Lebanon (you will pass my old house the Basingstoke Historical Site - not worth a visit) you can continue into Mass. and see Stockbridge - a nice town that has what for me is worth the ride -Naumkeeg- a Stanford White designed mansion
that is filled with antiques, porcelains, etc. Also in Stockbridge is the Norman Rockwell Museum. If you are old enough to remember the Arlo Guthrie song "Alice's Restaurant" it is in Stockbridge too (around the back, just a half a mile from the railroad track -it's true). It has had several name changes, but there is a sign saying what it was and anyone who lives there can direct you to the location.

If you want actual hiking trails, try Taconic State Park in Copake, NY.

Thank you so much! We've been lucky that the weather has been fairly warm for November thus far. These are great suggestions.

If you go to any of these places, please let us know how you liked them. Also, even if there is a great weather forcast, the Hudson and particularly the Lebanon Valley weather has a mind of its own so be prepared. The forcasts for Albany and Pittsfield were never very helpful. Have a great time - it's a beautiful area.

I wanted to live in Old Chatham :)

North of Rhinebeck on 9 is a place called Greigs Farm. There will be signs on the highway- you can get apples, see cows, buy pies and fresh honey, it is lovely.
http://www.greigfarm.com/

My favorite home was the Vanderbilt Mansion .. you can take a picnic in and eat by the brook down by the "garage"...( if only I could live in a garage like that lol) and the views of the Hudson River and beyond from the grounds are breathtaking.
There are also woods on the grounds where you can stroll/wander and enjoy.

I also love Olana..again, wonderful views and that house!

basingstoke..do you miss living there? I am homesick today :)

Bash Bish Falls on the way to Stockbridge is a good hiking area..

On many weekends during the summer and into the fall, there are weekend flea markets and craft fairs..see if you can find any..I loved doing that :)

Scarlett -There was a lot that I really liked there but I can't honestly say I miss it. Maybe it was a just a factor of the few years that I was there, but I never shoveled so much snow before or since. Came January and the snow banks along my driveway were taller than I was. I remember that we had only three seasons - too damn hot, too damn cold, and too much mud. The years that I was there, we even still had snow on the ground on Memorial Day. Spring is by far my favorite season and it seemed we would go almost directly from Winter to Summer. On the other hand, there is a lot of history there that was much fun to explore, and of course there is Tanglewood which was the high point of the summers. In fact, I inactivated my commission on impulse after a vacation to Tanglewood where I was given the opportunity to move up to the area through a a chance meeting.