Located near the banks of the mighty Hudson River, Boscobel House and Gardens is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors wishing to make a day trip to Cold Spring, NY, should be sure to include Boscobel in their itinerary, as the house and gardens are a window into the elegant past of the Hudson Valley. With a wide selection of activities available to the public throughout the year, Boscobel is sure to delight a wide variety of visitors.
Best and Worst Times to Visit Boscobel House and Gardens
Boscobel is open on Wednesdays-Mondays from April to December. The entire site is closed to the public from January to March. The tours typically start around 10 a.m. and it is always advised to arrive to the site as early as possible to avoid the afternoon rush. The weekends are usually the busiest time, especially during the warmer months in which there is usually at least one wedding held per day. It would be wise, to avoid the crowds or the possibility of an abbreviated tour, to visit Boscobel on a weekday.
Must See/Do at Boscobel House and Gardens
The guided tour is a great way to learn the history of the home and the family that once lived in its rooms. The grounds are a perfect place for Hudson River views and to stroll amongst the many gardens. Boscobel plays host to a variety of public events throughout the year, but the must see event is the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. Visitors can experience a Shakespeare play outdoors in which the actors incorporate the grounds and landscaping into the performance. It is truly a unique experience that occurs every summer at Boscobel.
Admission to Boscobel House and Gardens
Visitors wishing to explore the grounds and receive a guided tour of the house must pay $17 and there are a variety of discounts for seniors, children, and members. Grounds-only admission is $11 with similar discounts offered.
Parking and Public Transportation at Boscobel House and Gardens
Boscobel has several free parking lots available, including spaces that can accommodate buses and RVs. Visitors can take the train to the Cold Spring Station via Metro-North. From the station, it is about a 2 mile walk or visitors can take the Trolley in which Boscobel is one of the stops. To obtain the current run schedule, visitors can call 845-878-RIDE.
Food at Boscobel House and Gardens
Food is available for purchase at Boscobel. Hudson Hils, a local Cold Spring café, provides food daily for visitors. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own picnic to enjoy on the beautiful grounds. Those wishing to explore off-site can head over to the quaint village of Cold Spring to enjoy a plethora of food choices, including Whistling Willies and the Foundry Café. Cold Spring itself is a wonderful place to stroll by the Hudson River or explore the shops.
Insider Tip for Visitors to Boscobel House and Gardens
Boscobel plays host to many weddings throughout the year. In some cases, parts of the grounds and the house are closed to the public because of these events. It would be a good idea for visitors to call ahead on the weekends to ensure that they can have the full Boscobel experience.
Author's Bio: Krista Miller is a local Hudson Valley resident who enjoys exploring. She is constantly looking for new places to visit in order to share her experiences with friends and family. She currently sits on the board of a local history museum.