Local cultural attractions ready for visitors
By Alison Rooney
April brings the gift of that lovely phrase “open for the season” to many of this area’s outdoor sites and attractions.
Stonecrop Gardens emerged from the winter on April 2. Its 12 acres can be visited Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as on select Sundays.
A two-day trough-making workshop takes place on April 9 and 10 with a discussion of the history of alpine troughs followed by the preparation of troughs from hypertufa mixed into various sized molds. On the second day, the troughs will be removed from the molds and participants will learn curing methods and aftercare of the trough. Space is limited to 10 participants who must commit to both days. Registration and pre-payment required; the cost is $80 ($60 for members).
Stonecrop’s first tour, focused on spring bulbs, begins at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13. The cost is $10 or free for members. The gardens are located at 81 Stonecrop Lane, off Route 301. For information, visit stonecrop.org.
Boscobel House and Gardens reopened on April 1. Its hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Tuesday, with the first tour at 10 a.m. and the last at 4 p.m. The gift shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the same days. Admission for members is free; otherwise it’s $17 to visit the gardens, grounds and mansion, $14 for seniors and $8 for children ages 6 to 14 (children under 6 are free).
A group gathered on the lawn in front of the mansion at Boscobel, several autumns ago. (File photo by A. Rooney)
To visit only the gardens and grounds, admission is $11 for adults and $5 for children. Artists are welcome to the grounds on the second Tuesday of each month for painting and sketching. Go to boscobel.org for more details.
Manitoga — The Russel Wright Design Center, at 584 Route 9D in Garrison, opens on May 13 with 90-minute tours of the house, studio and landscape at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Friday to Monday throughout the season. See visitmanitoga.org. A preview of Ecstatic Light, an exhibition of illuminated paintings by Peter Bynum, is scheduled for May 7.
The Revolutionary War historic site Mount Gulian in Beacon opens for the season on Sunday, April 17. Tours of the historic home, Dutch barn and restored garden will be given from 1 to 5 p.m. every Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday through October 30. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 children (ages 6 to 18). There is no charge for members. For more information, call 845-831-8172 or visit mountgulian.org.
Storm King, view of the South Fields, with works by Mark di Suvero (photo provided)
Across the river in New Windsor, Storm King Art Center, one of the world’s leading sculpture parks, opened on April 6. Its collection includes more than 100 carefully sited sculptures amidst 500 acres of fields, hills and woodlands. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $8 for children ages 5 to 18 or college students with ID. Trams are available to assist those with walking difficulties. Visit stormking.org for details.
