Rydeshare to Hidden Gems Renaissance Faire, Storm King Art Center, Chuang Yen Monastery, Apple & Pumpkin Picking

HISTORY

The New York Renaissance Faire was originally called the New York Renaissance Festival created in 1978 by Barbara Hope and Donald Gaiti. In 1996, Hope and Gaiti, merged with Renaissance Entertainment Corp. which acquired Creative Faires Ltd., the company that owned and operated the faire. The faire became the fifth to be owned by Renaissance Entertainment Corporation.

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RYDESHARE DROPOFF

WEATHER

NY Renaissance Faire WEATHER

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SUGGESTED TRAIL

Download PDF version from Ren Faire's website here.

PRO-TIP

You'll need tickets. Purchase in advance here or on-site. Also, everything is expensive. Budget carefully. Otherwise, this is a family-friendly environment where the kids and grandparents can run around while you enjoy a day outdoors with other awesome people, adult beverages (that mead 😍) and awesome food. 

HISTORY

In early 1958, after retiring from a successful career in his family's business, Star Expansion Company, Ralph E. Ogden purchased a 180-acre estate in Mountainville, New York. In 1960, he opened his land to the public as Storm King Art Center, displaying several small sculptures he bought in Europe. In 1967, he added 13 pieces that he bought from sculptor David Smith.

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RYDESHARE DROPOFF

WEATHER

Storm King Art Center WEATHER

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SUGGESTED TRAIL

Download PDF version from Storm King's website here.

PRO-TIP

You'll need tickets. Purchase in advance here or on-site. The grounds are extensive. Rent one of their bikes to maximize your time. 

HISTORY

In 1913, James and Catherine Weed bought a 60-acre hay and grain farm at 444 Old Indian Road, in Milton NY. They planted concord grapes, currants, strawberries, as well as apple and pear trees. Until his death in 1977 at the age of 81, James would continue farming the land. His son, Charles James worked alongside his parents on the farm and in 1927, married Margaret Kaley. Charles James and Margaret had two children, Charles Joseph and Shirley and like their father, both children worked on the farm. Charles Joseph left to attend Cornell University and returned to the farm in 1952. Two years later, he married Shirley Shufelt in 1954. In 1955 Charles and Shirley had their first son, Charlie. By 1957, Charles Joseph had purchased 40 more acres to grow peaches, plums, pears and apples. Three years later in 1960, Charles and Shirley welcomed their second son, John. In 1986 John became a partner with his father Charles and that same year, married Joann Dickson. John and Joann had three daughters, Nicole, Erica and Krista. In 1998, John bought an additional 47 acres from John Nicklin, a local farm and family friend. The farm is located at the base of the Marlboro mountains approximately 1.5 miles from the original farm. In 2000, John and Joann decided to diversity the farm and opened a “Pick-Your-Own” where visitors were welcomed to pick their own produce and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the farm. Over the years, we’ve expanded even more to include our bakery, cafe, petting zoo, corn maze, playground and our newest addition, a Winery that we established in 2014. Today, our entire family continues to help out on the farm and invite guests to weekend festivals, hayrides, live music and more.  We welcome you to visit Weed Orchards and Winery and explore the beautiful countryside farm that we have called home for over 106 years.

Source: Weed Orchards website

RYDESHARE DROPOFF

WEATHER

Weed Orchards WEATHER

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PRO-TIP

Admission is free. You pay for what you pick. We recommend visiting in August for peaches, September for apples and October for pumpkins.

HISTORY

Chuang Yen Monastery (Chinese: 莊嚴寺; pinyin: Zhuāngyán sì) is a Buddhist temple situated on 225 acres in Carmel, Putnam County, New York. The temple is home to the largest indoor statue of a Buddha (Vairocana) in the Western Hemisphere. The name "Chuang Yen" means "Majestically Adorned". Much of the temple buildings are built in the architectural style of China's Tang dynasty, and was designed by architect Edward A Valeri RA. On May 23, 1981, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the first building, the Kuan Yin Hall.

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WEATHER

Chuang Yen Monastery WEATHER

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SUGGESTED TRAIL

Source: The Monastery's website.

PRO-TIP

Admission is free. Visitors to the monastery may enjoy a free vegetarian lunch at the Dining Hall on Saturdays and Sundays between noon and 1:00 pm. Donations are appreciated.