Are you ready to ‘Ramble'?

Get to know the best of the Hudson Valley in annual tour Marlboro — The eighth annual Hudson River Valley Ramble, a self-guided tour that spotlights the valley’s arts, agriculture, and natural heritage, starts this weekend. Covering 12 counties with more than 160 events, participants will have the opportunity to explore the Hudson River Valley and Hudson River Estuary by boat and on foot through guided walking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and biking trips that highlight the valley’s historical, cultural, and natural resources. Several events offer an in-depth exploration of the Revolutionary War, the Hudson River School of Art, the Great Estates, and the Hudson River Estuary. “The Hudson River Valley Ramble provides a great opportunity for people of all ages and ability levels to explore the landscape, trails, historic sites and communities throughout the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area,” said Mary Mangione, executive director of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area and the Hudson River Valley Greenway. “With over 160 events being offered this year, there is truly something for everyone so I encourage all to participate.” All Ramble events are led by naturalists, ecologists, geologists, historians, and trained volunteers from participating groups, which include nearly 100 environmental, land conservancy, trail, and historic preservation organizations, such as Scenic Hudson Inc., the Open Space Institute, and the Nature Conservancy. Many New York State historic sites and parks, as well as the National Park Service, also participate. Events are offered for every ability level, and most are free. Ramble dates are Sept. 15-16, 23, and 29-30. “Meet Me in Marlboro” starts the day with lunch or Sunday brunch at one of the town’s restaurants, where participants can pick up a free copy of the brochure (also available at other locations). With the brochure guide in hand, participants will follow “Meet Me in Marlboro” signs to the farming trail to spend a day touring the countryside with stops at family farms, wineries, antiques shops, and other attractions. Farms that have existed since 1709 are on the tour. An added attraction this year is the “Stewards of the Land and Canvas Paint-Out,” when “Meet Me in Marlboro” and Hudson Valley artists will join to capture the beauty of agricultural landscapes. Tour participants will be able to watch the painters at work as part of an annual harvest celebration. The paint-out will take place every weekend from Sept. 28 to Oct. 26, with a grand finale on Nov. 3 at the Stoutridge Vineyard in Marlboro. Artists will be working on these dates and locations: Sept. 16, Weeds Farm; Sept. 23, Stoutridge Vineyard; Sept. 30, Benmarl Winery; Sept. 30, DuBois Farms and Glorie Farm Winery. Look for the ramble signs located along Rt 9W with “Meet Me in Marlboro” signs. For more information or directions call 616-7824 or visit www.meetmeinmarlborough.com. For more information about the Hudson River Valley Ramble and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, visit www.hudsonrivervalley.com. The site includes a complete Ramble event listing, organized geographically by region: Lower Valley, Middle Valley, and Upper Valley. A map of the Hudson Valley and information on tourism, lodging, and Hudson Valley Heritage sites help visitors plan a Ramble excursion. To request a brochure, call 1-800-453-6665, e-mail ramble@hvc.rr.com, or visit www.hudsonrivervalley.com/to download a copy.