If the Hudson Valley conjures a bygone era in American History of important Revolutionary War battles, an important transit hub of steamboats and rail between New England, New York City, Montreal, and the Great Lakes in the 19th century, and a beleaguered recent past beset by demographic and economic challenges in the late 20th century you wouldn’t be mistaken. But as the saying “Everything Old is New Again” goes, the Hudson Valley is having a rebirth bolstered by a variety of cultural moments and economic realities. With creative artists and NYC families increasingly priced out of the Big Apple, adventurous chefs seeking to be closer to the source of the farm-to-table revolution, and a growing emphasis among urban millennials and families seeking to unplug and find occasional refuge in pastoral pursuits, the broader Hudson Valley (which encompasses the region north of New York City to the state Capital of Albany) has experienced a renaissance as of late.
As a personal update, we had our daughter (first child) in December of 2019. We were fortunate that both Baby and Mom were both doing well. By early February 2020, our travel itch resurfaced and needed to be scratched. Thanks to the support of loving grandparents who were excited to take care of Baby for one night without us, we were ready for a quick parents getaway. With the invaluable advice of countless friends, we decided to do a quick trip away from Baby for a night; however, one that was within reasonable driving distance of home (that way we could quickly come back, if needed). We chose Beacon, NY given its location along the southern Hudson Valley (shorter driving distance from the greater NYC metropolitan area) as well as its plethora of activities for a 24 hour jaunt even in the heart of winter. We really enjoyed our introduction to the Hudson Valley at Beacon and would definitely come back in the warmer months to pursue more outdoor activities and explore further north.
On hindsight, we were very fortunate to have even taken this trek as within a few weeks of this trip, COVID-19 began its relentless advance into the NY/NJ/CT area and America as a whole. While the world is continuing to be and has indelibly been changed by COVID-19, one day we hope we will all feel secure enough to travel again. When that time comes, we will all tread lightly. And if your road leads you to Beacon, NY, we hope these recommendations make that excursion a little better. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families who have lost loved ones as well as all the health care workers, first responders, and supply chain workers who work tirelessly to keep us healthy, safe, and nourished.
Tucked away in Central America, Belize (the country formerly referred to as the British Honduras) is a small country the size of New Jersey and the population of Tulsa, Oklahoma with the natural beauty that can hang with any country in the world. It's small size and population belies the fact that the country sits along one of the most biodiverse regions in the world (on the coast, it hosts the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world; inland, it contains an extensive subterranean cave/river system and lush, thriving jungles); it contains a treasure trove of rich Mayan history and archaeological sites; and it beguiles its visitors with some of the most eco-conscious accommodations to relax after a day spent in adventure or exploration. If you are going to Belize and spending a few days in its jungle, we hope our recommendations help complete your trip!
