Olana (Hudson)

Olana is less than 50 miles north on Route 9 or the Taconic Parkway. Now is the perfect time to visit the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Hudson River School of Art painter, Frederic Edwin Church, in the home he designed with architect Calvert Vaux and on the grounds that were his visual embodiment of a bucolic landscape.

The current exhibit, Global Artist, which runs through Oct. 25, portrays the multitude of landscape paintings from distant lands. The exhibit is on the second floor of Church's home, which was inspired by his trips to Persia in the 19th century. You will see works on loan from many museums and private collections that depict the Parthenon, an iceberg off Newfoundland, Petra in Jordan, the Andes in South America, and yes, the sunsets over the Hudson River.

Church's own iconic paintings adorn every part of his living space, with European masters in the dining room. There is also fascinating ephemera throughout his sitting rooms, library and studio. Large windows highlight the landscape.

The home is surrounded by 250 acres, now a state park, that was thoughtfully planned by Church. Apparently, he was fond of collecting seeds during his travels. As you stand on the grounds, you may feel like part of one of his paintings.

Within 10 minutes is Hudson, another gem of a bygone era, where whaling vessels had safe harbor. Hudson is home to upscale boutiques of house furnishings and clothing by makers and designers, food markets and antique stores.

For simple, affordable fare, try Baba Louie. Another local stronghold on Warren Street is Red Dot. Or pack a picnic basket, weather permitting, and dine at Olana.

Olana, at 5720 Route 9G in Hudson, is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Home tours take place daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except Monday and start at $20 (children ages 16 and younger are free). You can explore the house on your own on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for $25. Picnics and dogs on leashes are allowed on the grounds. See olana.org.

Campus Art Tour

Two college campuses within an hour of the Highlands have well-kept secrets. The Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, at SUNY-New Paltz, is housed in a nondescript building that is also home to the Parker Theater. There are three areas in the main exhibit area to explore, which is across from a studio that features local artists (e.g., the annual Hudson Valley Artists Show) and contemporary themes (e.g., language, society and power).

In the Main Hall, A Living Collection highlights the museum's assortment of permanent acquisitions or commissions. The art includes paintings by American masters (e.g., Milton Avery, George Inness, Joel Meyerowitz) and contemporary sculpture and collectible objects of great distinction.

One featured exhibit and program hang from four to six months and is frequently curated by a member of the art faculty. Recent exhibits highlighted the artistic heritage of New Paltz faculty and global connections amongst international artists that had all crossed paths with a teacher in New York.

There is also a dedicated space to sit for a while where creative experimentation is encouraged with art materials provided in a hands-on activity room. It is a chance to ponder the impact of what was viewed during the walk through the gallery. Conversation with museum staff — university students who share artistic interests — is welcomed. Overall, the hallmark of the visit is having a self-paced tour, without rush or crowds.

The low-key art adventure continues by traveling across the Mid-Hudson Bridge to Vassar. Take a lunch break at Meyer's Olde Dutch on Collegeview Avenue in Poughkeepsie, a recent expansion from Beacon.

After lunch, a walk across the campus, which is an arboretum, takes you to the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center near the South Gate. The Loeb is double the size and packs more into its galleries than the Dorsky. It will take twice the amount of time to wander and absorb the art treasures.

Starting with the Founding G...