New York, New Jersey & Pennsylvania - Eastern USA - page 209

Claudio's Clam Bar ( www.claudios.com ; 111 Main St; mains $15; 11:30am-9pm, closed Wed)
with a wraparound deck perched over the marina. Or grab sandwiches for a picnic at the
Harbor Front Park , where you can take a spin on the historic carousel.
Between the North and South Forks, Shelter Island , accessible by ferry from North
Haven to the south and Greenport to the north (vehicle and driver $10, 10 minutes, every
15 to 20 minutes), is a low-key microcosm of beautiful Hamptons real estate with more
of a traditional maritime New England atmosphere. And the Mashomack Nature Pre-
serve ( 631-749-1001; www.nature.org ; Rte 114; 9am-5pm Mar-Sep, to 4pm Oct-Feb) , cover-
ing over 2000 acres of the southern part of the island is a great spot for hiking or kayak-
ing (no cycling).
On Shelter Island, just down the road from Crescent Beach and nestled on a prime
piece of property surrounded by woods fronting the bay, Pridwin Beach Hotel & Cot-
tages ( 631-749-0476; www.pridwin.com ; 81 Shore Rd, Shelter Island; r & cottages from
$165-315; ) has standard hotel rooms as well as private water-view cottages, some in
high-designer style.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Hudson Valley
Immediately north of New York City, green becomes the dominant color and the vistas of
the Hudson River and the mountains breathe life into your urban-weary body. The region
was home to the Hudson River School of painting in the 19th century and its history is
preserved in the many grand estates and picturesque villages. The Lower Valley and
Middle Valley are more populated and suburban, while the Upper Valley has a rural feel,
with hills leading into the Catskills mountain region. For area-wide information, check
out the Hudson Valley Network ( www.hvnet.com ) .
Lower Hudson Valley
Several magnificent homes and gardens can be found near Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow,
on the east side of the Hudson. Kykuit , one of the properties of the Rockefeller family,
has an impressive array of Asian and European artwork and immaculately kept gardens
with breathtaking views. Lyndhurst is the estate of railroad tycoon Jay Gould and
Sunnyside is the home of author Washington Irving. Go to the Historic Hudson Valley
( www.hudsonvalley.org ) website for info on these and other historic attractions. Nearby is
the elegant country restaurant Blue Hill at Stone Barns ( 914-366-9600;
www.bluehillfarm.com ; 630 Bedford Rd, Pocantico Hills; 5-course meal $108, 8-courses $148;