Above: The Clearwater, a 106-foot sloop dedicated to environmental education on her native Hudson River. Come get up close and personal with her this Saturday at Hudson Rising, on the Kingston waterfront.
This summer, four Hudson River cities are playing host to Hudson Rising, a traveling celebration of tall ships, local food and culture, and the bright green future of the waterfront. This weekend, it's Kingston's turn: The historic waterfront district will be aswirl and aglow with a multifaceted celebration of the mighty Hudson, and the people that have grown up around her.
Grand old ships and a mainline hit of romantic, righteous river lore will be offered up at the Hudson River Maritime Museum, home port for the Clearwater. Board the Clearwater or the Half Moon for a tall-ship tour, or check out a slate of Hudson River films playing aboard a restored covered barge. Olden-days cooking demos, children's activities and live music will be on tap throughout the day. You can learn about building boats or actually get a ride on one.
A mouthwatering feast will be in progress, as Hudson Valley Harvest makes with the homegrown beef, chicken and pork on the grill -- not to mention produce and artisanal extras. Wash it all down with beer, wine and cider from Kingston’s own Keegan Ales.
The River Tour brings with it an adventure village with a climbing wall, extreme-sounding games to try, a host of sustainability exhibits to comfort and enlighten you, live music, and every sort of watercraft from kayaks to tall and heritage ships.
Stop, if you’ve the strength, at Uptown’s historic Stockade district on Saturday for a history-licious scavenger hunt that will bring you up close and personal with historic sites highlighting the first capital of New York State.
Can't get enough? Hudson Rising will make two more stops this summer: Beacon on August 11, and Ossining on September 21.
Hudson Rising Kingston. Saturday, July 20, 11am to 6pm. Hudson River Maritime Museum and Gallo Waterfront Park, Rondout Landing, Kingston. For more information, see hudsonrising.com.
