Hidden Hudson Valley: Off-Beaten Paths & Jewish Echoes.
🌄 Hudson Valley: Independent with Jookender
October 24–26, 2025 (Friday–Sunday)
✨ Tour Summary
Step off the tourist trail and into the heart of Hudson Valley, where history, architecture, and nature intertwine with a hint of Jewish heritage. Our journey will take us through Frank Lloyd Wright’s visionary architecture, a mid-19th century fortress overlooking the Hudson, and the site of the oldest dam in the United States. We’ll stroll through one of the world’s top ten gardens, experiencing artistry and tranquility in full bloom. A boat ride to Petra Island will round out the adventure, offering a rare view of Wright’s masterpiece rising from the water. Along the way, echoes of Jewish history will provide depth and connection, reminding us how stories of resilience and identity continue to shape the landscapes we explore.
Please note that many attractions are selling out quickly, and since we are not a tourist business but a small nonprofit community organization, we cannot purchase everything in advance. The sooner you sign up, the more opportunities we will have to secure additional experiences beyond those already listed. For example, we are planning a Saturday dinner at the French restaurant of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), but we cannot finalize it until we know how many participants are joining. We also have several pleasant surprises in store for you on this tour — but they depend on your timely cooperation and quick decision-making.
👥 Who This Tour Is For
This journey is ideal for:
- 🌟 Young Adults seeking adventure with meaning
- 🎒 Teens (12+) ready to explore history and nature
- 👨👩👧 Parents of Teens or Young Adults looking for shared experiences
- 🤝 Club Chaverim Members eager to connect
- 🚶♀ Active people of all ages who enjoy exploring, spending time together, and making new friends
Note: Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children who look much younger than 12 may not be allowed on the Petra Island boat trip due to safety regulations.
🗂 How It Works
We designed this tour for those who want to enjoy traveling together, yet still keep some independence.
🏨 Hotel & Transportation: Book your own hotel and transportation.
🌲 Suggested Hotel: Bear Mountain Inn (for a true “in-nature” feel), but you may stay anywhere that includes breakfast — you won’t have time to search for it elsewhere.
🍴 Tour Inclusions: Coordination, tours, admissions, tastings, and en-route meals (Dinner on Saturday & Lunch on Sunday) are covered by Jookender.
📅 Schedule Options: Arrive Friday evening for two nights at the hotel, or save by coming Saturday morning for just one night.
💬 Group Connection: Upon booking, you’ll be added to a WhatsApp chat for tour details, carpooling, and group coordination.
🗺 Final Details: Once registration is complete, we’ll provide you with a detailed map, descriptions, meeting points, and exact times.
🛡 Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended. If you choose not to purchase it, that is your own risk. Please note that no refunds will be issued after October 15.
🔄 Cancellation Policy: No refunds after October 15, but ticket transfers to another participant are welcome.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I bring younger children?
A: The tour is best suited for ages 12+. Activities include walking tours, museums, and historical sites that may not be enjoyable for younger
kids. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please also note: children who look much younger than 12 may not be allowed on the Petra Island boat trip due to safety
regulations.
Q: What’s the physical activity level?
A: Expect moderate walking, some outdoor stairs, and uneven ground (gardens, fortress paths, and Petra Island). Comfortable shoes are a
must.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: While you may travel with your pet, 🐕 dogs are not allowed inside any museums, historic sites, or gardens we will be visiting.
Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Travel insurance is strongly recommended. If you choose not to purchase it, that is your own risk. Please note that no refunds are available
after October 15, regardless of circumstances. Transfers to another participant are welcome.
Q: Can I cancel if my plans change?
A: Cancellations are non-refundable after October 15, but you may transfer your spot to another participant.
Q: Do I have to join every activity?
A: Not at all! You are free to skip any of the activities we offer and replace them with your own. That’s why we call it Independent with
Jookender — spend time with the group when you wish, and enjoy your own adventures when you prefer.
Q: What’s included and what’s not? ✅ Included: Coordination, all admissions, tastings, Saturday dinner & Sunday lunch
❌ Not
included: Hotel, transportation, travel insurance, parking fees