Vlei Marsh Preserve just opened in the month of June after months of planning and creating by the Winnakee Land Trust. It is truly a special place.

What is Vlei Marsh Preserve?

According to the website, Vlei Marsh Preserve is…

The second-largest wetland area in Rhinebeck, Vlei Marsh consists of 165 acres, 90 acres of which are DEC designated wetlands, including 1,300 feet of headwaters of the Fallsburg Creek. The property is designated by the DEC as a Core Forest in a Forest Linkage Zone. It is also designated as a DEC Significant Biodiversity Area in the Hudson Valley and is home to a rich diversity of bird and amphibian life and beavers. Its trails consist of 1.5 miles of two, looped trails, Offering visitors picturesque views along the wetland and through forested areas. There is also a partial connection to the Landsman Kill Equestrian Trails. This property is owned and managed by the Winnakee Land Trust since 2020.

https://www.winnakee.org/vleimarsh/

But Beyond That …

It is a truly special place. We went while the natural art exhibit is still dotting the landscape (shoutout to the artist, Richard Prouse). There are creatures from sticks and sculptures like something out of fairytales. In fact, as my child ran through the woods during the late afternoon, a light rain was falling and it just was indescribable. Picturesque.

We came up to a lean-to in the forest. It had all kinds of woodland decorations on it and inside, a bunch of fairy houses. My child let out a shriek of joy as she sat down quietly amongst them. This is a child who never sits still. She quietly whispered to me that the fairies made all this. Abby Girl begged me to find out if she could come back at night to see the fairies awake. I told her that the trails close at night. But, we could come another day to Vlei Marsh and as many times after that.

Even after this art installation closes (June 19th), Vlei Marsh will still be a magical place. There is something about it there that draws you in and the swamp is amazing. According to the website, after July 15, people can also paddle the swamp. I would love to try that too! But, for now, we will just stay on the trails.

We also love the mix of scenery between the woodlands and swamp area. The rocks we had to skip over and birds we heard greeting us. As mentioned before, this is a very special place. We would even recommend this as a place to come and sit. Just be in the moment and perhaps meditate and pray. Bring your sketch pad or notebook and be inspired.

Getting to Vlei Swamp Preserve-

I used my GPS and passed it the first time. It looks like a driveway with a gate. Just park along the shoulder. Go around the gate and start walking.

Final Thoughts-

We love adventuring to new trails! Vlei Swamp Preserve did not disappoint. It’s fairly easy walking. We encountered rolling hills. However, that was it. So family approved. Let us know what you think when you go to Vlei Swamp Preserve in Rhinebeck NY.

Want another awesome place to visit? Try Locust Grove Estates in Poughkeepsie NY!

Locust Grove Estate is a great place for the whole family including the chubby dog to visit. They have art, history and lovely trails. A great combo for a day of adventuring at a Hudson Valley Location. 

Getting to Locust Grove Estate-

Locust Grove is conveniently located on rt 9 in Poughkeepsie NY. There is plenty of parking and handicapped accessible. Enter through the gift shop. This is always dangerous for us. Abby got a stuffed animal Eagle that makes the sounds because we saw one on the side of the road on 343 eating with vultures the day before. But, anyways, super easy to find and get into. Say hello to the lovely person or people behind the desk and head through the doors to the grounds. If you need a restroom, it is to the left and down the hall where you first entered before heading into the gift shop.

The estate grounds-

Without even going on the trails, the grounds are lovely to either sit and look at the view behind the house or wander through the gardens. There are also two old cemeteries on the grounds with one for pets and one for people. We love the old horse carriage and big bellowing trees that dot the property. Currently, Locust Grove is having a fairy house scavenger hunt for a ten-dollar suggested donation. We saw one on our way to the trails. But, if you pay the ten dollars suggested donation, they give you a map to find the houses. It will be on weekends through June. 

Fun Fact: According to the Locust Grove Estate Website, the grounds and gardens have been restored to what they were pre-WWII. That’s pretty nifty.

The Trails-

Follow the path down past the two cemeteries and picnic area all on your right and you will see a big fence/gate. Just go through there to access several trails. There is a trail down a bit to the right. It’s a really easy trail that just brings you back around to the main grounds,

However, on our last trip, we went straight down the hill past the old barn that looks like a beautiful New England painting and followed signs for the Hudson River. You can loop around for a several-mile hike. We decided to just follow a dead-end trail down and then out and back our trip. On our way back from the dead-end trail, we saw a huge black snake on the side of the trail. Not even telling a fishtail, it was seriously huge. You know the arms you make when you say it was “this big,” it was that big, and then some. 

We have traveled many trails over the past few years at Locust Grove and love the varying scenery and even though it can get a little crowded especially on weekends, it is still a really nice place to navigate the trails. It’s also moderately easy. Some hills and rocks. But not bad. 

Tip: Wear bug spray and stay on the trail

Other Events at Locust Grove Estate-

Locust Grove holds other events throughout the year as well. They have artists that show throughout the year too. So there seems to always be something happening at Locust Grove for all people to enjoy

The History of Locust Grove-

Locust Grove was once home to Samuel Morse and Locust Grove now hosts permanent exhibits from his career as an artist and inventor. 

Locust Grove first belonged to the Morse family. After that, it was rented by the Young family. Eventually Annette Young would become the sole owner and her mission was to make this a historic site. This was achieved in the late 1970s. To read the full history, go here. 

Final Thoughts About Locust Grove Estate-

Locust Grove is a great place to visit. It’s rich in history, available for events, and even hosts some cool events. They have wonderful art on display and beautiful hiking trails to explore. Bring your art canvas and some paints and become inspired like other Hudson Valley artists such as Morse from a time long ago.

Looking for more places to adventure in Hudson Valley? How about along the Hudson River? We have been to so many spots along the river, we couldn’t even list them all in this one post! Visit it here!

Adventures of Abby Girl must be on a bird sanctuary kick recently. Last week, readers got to find out about an awesome bird sanctuary in Sherman Connecticut. This week we found one in Stanfordville, NY! Both a part of the Audubon Society.

Buttercup Nature Preserve Location-

It is actually on 82 on the right-hand side heading towards Pine Plains and also by turning off 82 onto Mountain Road. We decided to try the Mountain Road entrance. Pay attention as the entrance looks like a long dirt road and easy to miss.

Emerging From Winter Be Like …

The Trail-

We decided to go with the AllTrails suggestion of a three-mile blue trail and red trail loop. Download the map if you can and pay attention. There are a lot of offshoot trails. Some will make your walk shorter. You can also opt for an out-and-back experience. However, most of the trails are wide and flat. Especially the main trails. Some have gentle rolling hills through fields. Only one trail we went on had a lot of roots and rocks and was more narrow than the other trails.

Mud-

It’s mud season. So be mindful of this as you walk the trails. Wear good hiking boots or sneakers you don’t care if they get covered in mud.

Animals-

The birds are already nesting in some of the boxes you will encounter on the trail. Do not bother them. Also, we saw lots of geese in the ponds. It was so relaxing hearing all the birds chirping in the trees. Abby Girl found it annoying toward the end of the hike. However, I think it was peaceful.

We didn’t see any other wildlife on this trip. Well, maybe Abby when she climbed up in a fallen tree and howled at people walking by us.

The People-

It wasn’t crowded at all when we arrived. Many of the people we encountered were senior citizens and all very nice. It was like being surrounded by grandparents. It was easy to maintain distance on the trails if you decide to not mask up. Some wore masks and others did not. We also saw a few people walking their dogs.

Abby Girl Stuck in Bush at Preserve on TikTok

Water-

There is a lot of lowland areas, streams, ponds etc. Take note when the bugs start coming out that I would imagine you will need bug spray.

Make the Trail A Lot Longer-

Still, want to hike farther? You will get to a point where a trail shoots off and crosses 82 and goes into another half of the sanctuary. We completed this a while ago and it was much hills on this side of the road. However, the sweeping view is breathtaking and worth it even if you just do the climb up the big hill.

Video Here

Rest Spots

There are plenty of spots to stop and take a rest. We ate our lunch by a babbling brook with views of the fields in front of us.

YOUTUBE VIDEO! ALL of WEEK THREE FLEET FEET CHALLENGE INCLUDING FOOTAGE OF SANCTUARY!

Bonus Sanctuary!

Are you in Ulster County or traveling there soon? Well, we wrote a piece a while back on our Hudson Valley Parent blog about another bird sanctuary. That piece is below.

The Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge in Ulster County, is an amazing place for everyone to visit.

When we first arrived, I was debating on staying because the parking lot was fairly full. We are trying to hike socially isolated. However, I’m glad we gave it a try. We only passed a couple of people the whole time we were there! 

The Terrain-

The terrain is flat. It’s miles of fields with wide paths that go through them. The view of the Gunks in the distance is amazing set against the waving fields and sounds of nature. It’s approved for even the youngest walker. My friend went a day before us and used a stroller for three miles. She said it was difficult, but she managed. I would recommend carrying non-walkers in a child carrier. There are sections that are muddy. Wear appropriate shoes.

Cool Stuff to do there-

Watch the birds and insects from bird blinds. I was a little hesitant to sit in one because I wasn’t sure who had sat in it before me with the Covid germ situation. I just opened all the windows and used the hand-sanitizer back at the car. It would have been more ideal to carry it on me.  There is also an observation deck at the beginning of the walk. Bring the fishing pole for catch and release fishing. Take a pamphlet at the start and see how many birds your family can identify on your walk. 

Other Key Facts-

The bathrooms are currently closed and there is no water. So plan accordingly. 

• Check the website to make sure they are open. 
• No dogs are permitted. 
• Stay on the trail. 
• Carry out what you carried in
• Plan accordingly because wandering in these vast fields takes time. Before you know it, you have wandered a couple miles!

The Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is such a peaceful place for families to go and relax. Go see for yourself.

Final thoughts on our recent visit-

This sanctuary was so peaceful. Perhaps it’s because spring is arriving. But, it was so nice to take a break from some of the crazy hikes and just stroll. We recommend this trail to anyone looking for a very peaceful, relaxing hike. If you go on the website, you can download a bird identification guide.

Watch Our Hilarious Trail Groove Dance at end of this hike on TikTok!

Yes, after months of not being able to attend a showing at an actual movie theater, Adventures of Abby Girl got the chance for a private showing of Shrek at Showtime Cinemas in Newburgh NY.

Getting there-

Take the entrance on 300k as the other entrance is barricaded off (we learned the hard way.) When you enter, go all the way to the back of the parking lot and you will see the cinema building on the right-hand side. Make sure you have your mask on and head into the theater.

Private Movie Showings Only-

We had the awesome opportunity and had a private showing with a homeschool group we regularly attend. This group option is surprisingly affordable and a great way to have a theater to yourself.

If you arrange a group before 5 pm, it’s $80 for up to 25 people, or after 5:30 pm it’s $100 for up to 25 people for certain titles. The pricing is different from one group of films to another. See this website link for all the pricing information and how to book. They are now booking through March 31st.

Fun Fact/Tip: We saw Shrek! The only problem we had is my child has sensory issues and the movie got a little too loud for her. We left right at the end to avoid the loud music that goes with the credits.

Food-

They have all the classic movie theater food and it is super tasty. We got a jumbo popcorn, a big soda and a pretzel. Next time, I would skip the pretzel. The popcorn was all you really need and maybe some chocolate movie theater candy.

Cleanliness-

The movie theater was extremely clean. Not like the old days when you went to the small movies theaters and stuck to the floor. The bathroom were super clean too. Very important not only now but with small children. Clean restrooms are a must.

Mask Fact- You have to wear a mask everywhere in the movie theater except for when you are seated.

Staff-

The staff is super nice. He was very attentive and welcoming even with a bunch of wild homeschoolers. Having great staff makes or breaks an experience for us no matter how awesome the location.

Other Movie Theaters open in the area-

Roosevelt, New Paltz, and Lyceum are open for up to 25 percent capacity. They are taking a lot of steps to protect the health of everyone at the movie theater. The best part is that the ticket pricing is super affordable. Click on this link to see what is showing and learn more.

Rather Stay Home? …

Yes, that’s still a great option too. There is always something streaming that you can binge on as more and more people cut cable. Do you still have cable? You can still have movie night. So go make some popcorn and cuddle up with someone special even if it’s the family dog!

Final Thoughts-

We loved being able actually go somewhere and enjoy a movie. Private options are great if you aren’t ready to be around strangers. Also, these smaller cinemas really need our support right now to keep going. 25 percent capacity isn’t a lot of people. So if you can, be brave and adventure to a movie theater near you and watch a classic movie!

See what else we have experienced in Hudson Valley. Also, please remember that some places have changed since COVID and if you have any questions, contact either us or the place we visited. Thank you!