Croton-On-Hudson, NY

The Village of Croton-on-Hudson has a history of welcoming a diversity of newcomers to its almost five square miles set between the Hudson and Croton Rivers. Kitchawanc Native Americans are supposed to have greeted Henry Hudson himself on the shores of Croton Point, and later allowed the Tellers, one of the first European families to arrive, to farm on the promontory.

The Van Cortlandt family, whose Manor House is open regularly to visitors, entertained notables including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin during tumultuous times. Passengers on the Hudson River Railroad Line have noted what is fondly referred to as a "Railroad Town," as they paused for a train change.

In the early years of last century, locals rowed gondolas along the Croton River, when young movie stars such as Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks and New York City bohemians arrived to party.

Croton-on-Hudson offers visitors a network of hiking trails throughout the village, linking with the Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway State Historic Park and a pedestrian and biking bridge, "Crossining," to neighboring Ossining.

New trails line the Hudson River, with plans in place to extend them even further north. Construction of a road, on the western side of the tracks, from Half Moon Bay condominiums to north of the village's Senasqua Park, allows public access to the trails and canoe launch. Bird watchers have exceptional opportunities to add to their personal lists with two Audubon sanctuaries and Croton Point Park, where bald eagles can now be found nesting.

A myriad of former residents give the current ones cause for an unusually strong connection with local history. The soprano, Lilian Nordica; Isadora Duncan; Gloria Swanson; John Reed; Max Eastman; Edna St. Vincent Millay; Mable Dodge; Eric Knight; George Biddle and Lorraine Hansberry, to name a few, all once lived in Croton.

Small town events throughout the year, such as window painting competitions, "Run Against Hunger," Little League Parade, Teen Theatre, outdoor concerts, art shows, holiday tree decorating and Summerfest, encourage a strong sense of community.

For more information, see

www.crotononhudson-ny.gov

www.hvgatewaychamber.com

Van Cortlandt Manor
Address: South Riverside Avenue
Phone: (914) 631-8200
This pre-Revolutionary War estate was established on the shores of the Croton River by the Van Cortlandt family, with the fortune made in the brewery business. The family became prominent in New York state politics. A visit to the Manor House is a triple-treat -- the elegant antique furniture of the main house contrasts with the more robust Ferry House, plus there is a walk through well-manicured, historic gardens to contemplate the difference.

Bethel Chapel
Address: Old Post Road South, opposite Croton-Harmon High School
Surrounded by historic Bethel Cemetery, Bethel Chapel is thought to have been built in 1780 on land donated by Philip Van Cortlandt. It was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The simple wood clapboard structure, contains an organ said to be the oldest in the United States. Although the chapel is only open on special occasions, the cemetery with its old graves and vistas of the Hudson River, make it worth a visit. One can almost visualize Thorton Wilder's "Our Town." Old Post Road South, opposite Croton-Harmon High School.

Croton Historical Society
Phone: (914) 271-4574
Maintains rotating exhibitions of local memorabilia at the Museum Room of the Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive. Open during library hours.

Friends of History
Address: 171 Cleveland Drive
Phone: (914) 271-3135
A group of history buffs eager to share and promote the astonishing history of the surrounding area with everyone interested. Unusually good talks and lectures held monthly in Spring and Fall in the Ottinger Room, Croton Free Library.

Ottinger Room
Address: Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive
Phone: (914) 271-6612
Community meeting room with a gallery maintained by the Croton Arts Council, with exhibitions of work by local artists. Many musical events, historical lectures, cooking demonstrations and movies are presented in the room. Open during library hours.

Harmon Yards
With the advent of the electric railroads, Croton became the terminus of the Hudson Line's suburban route. It turned the village into a "Railroad Town" by providing employment in the shops and yards. It continues to be an important maintenance facility - with Metro-North Railroad usually opening the shops to the public one day a year.

Alexander Hamilton House
49 Van Wyck Street
(914) 271-6737		 RV Site and Cabins at Croton Point Park
1A Croton Point Road
(914) 862-5290 x1

Croton Point Park
Address: 1A Croton Point Avenue
Phone: (914) 862-5290
A jewel on the Hudson, this Westchester County park offers tent, cabin and trailer camping May through October. A newly opened beach on the Hudson River, picnicking, softball fields, hiking, fishing and play areas for children also are available. Many outdoor concerts and special events are held here. The park is within walking distance of the Croton-Harmon railroad station. Parking fee. The beach is open weekends and holidays for swimming, June 12 through Labor Day. For camping, call the park office at (914) 862-5290. For group picnic reservations, call (914) 864-7075.

Croton Sailing School
Address: Senasqua Park
Phone: (914) 271-6868
Boat rentals for qualified sailors are available from the school, as well as sailing instruction, regattas, and more.

Brinton Brook Sanctuary, Saw Mill River Audubon Society
Phone: (914) 666-6503
A mixed habitat of open meadow, red maple swamp and upland with deciduous forest and a five-acre pond. Bring binoculars. On Route 9A, 3/10 of a mile north of Sky View Nursing Home to a small SMRAS sign at gravel road on right. Follow drive about 300 yards to entrance sign and parking.

The Graff Sanctuary, Saw Mill River Audubon Society
Phone: (914) 666-6503
Thirty acres with 0.8 miles of red-blazed trails, one, appropriately called "Jack in the Pulpit." From Route 9A, west on Warren Road, right on Briggs Lane to the end.

Jane Lytle Memorial Arboretum
Natural area with pedestrian trails through 20 acres of woodlands and wetlands. Open daily dawn to dusk. Access across from the Hudson National Golf Course on Route 134, top of Lounsbury Road.

Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park
Phone: (914) 693-4117
The trailway is accessible from Croton by taking Route 9 south over the Croton River to a small entrance just south of Mariandale in Ossining. Mostly an even walking trail, it follows the path of the aqueduct that was once used to bring fresh water from the Croton River to New York City. It is owned and managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct have published an award-winning map detailing the route of the trail and attractions along the way.

Please visit the Hudson Valley Chamber of Commerce for the best in Dining and Shopping...

www.hvgatewaychamber.com

Please visit the Hudson Valley Chamber of Commerce for the best in Dining and Shopping...

www.hvgatewaychamber.com