“New York, New York, I want to wake up in a city that doesn’t sleeps.” Frank Sinatra’s famous lyrics ring true for anyone who has arrived at the shores of New York City, welcomed by the great Statue of Liberty. Home to some of the most recognizable locations in pop culture and history, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Big Apple has awed stars and tourists alike. Delight in unique experiences that make the empire state of the world.
Known for commotion of public transportation, pedestrian traffic, and exciting activities, the city remains steadfast in its reputation as America’s melting pot. Explore the various cultures that make up New York City at one of the city’s free museums, including the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture and the New York Public Library for Performing Arts. Experience a vast selection of dining options, as well as New York’s celebrated thin curst pizza. Visit Lombardi’s Pizza, the first pizzeria in the United States.
New York’s Lower West Side is a fascinating mix of historic neighborhoods and vibrant emerging districts. At the Upper West Side, find fine dining and satiate intellectual and artistic interests at Columbia University and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Purchase luxury items at Brookfield Place, a shopping and dining complex featuring brands such as Burberry, Gucci, and Tory Burch. The food offerings highlight some of the most authentic dining experiences available in the city, including Le District, a food hall serving exquisite French-style cuisine.
Seafarers and leisurely cruisers enjoy touring South Street Seaport, the historic district that contains some of Manhattan’s oldest buildings, an ode to the city’s seafaring past. Visit the museum, new restaurants, live music, and pop-up shops.
The Hamptons is a unique amalgamation of seaside hamlets and villages, surrounded by white sand beaches with dramatic dunes. Old World charm peacefully coexists with upscale glitz, producing some of most expensive ZIP codes in America. Land that once grew potatoes now yields grapes for vineyards such as Martha Clara, Duck Walk and Channing Daughters Wine. Its golf courses are first-rate and local restaurants draw some of the world's top chefs.
Eating: There's an abundance of fine eateries, including Bistro Ete, Tutto Il Giorno and Nick & Toni's. Easy-going vibe is found at Almond, Vine Street Café, Citta Nuova, Canal Café and Bostwick's Chowder House.
Docking: On Three Mile Harbor, Halsey's Marina offers space for yachts up to 75 feet and clubhouse access along this quiet, picturesque marina basin. Neighboring Gardiner's Marina can accommodate yachts up to 105 feet.
Sag Harbor has morphed from a 19th century whaling port to a lively destination. Quaint cottages and Victorian manors line the streets next to boutiques, galleries and many of the region's best restaurants. The cool waters that surround pristine beaches create an ideal climate for growing crisp, briny oysters. As the hub of dining and nightlife, you'll find a plethora of going out options, from trendy nightclubs and intimate lounges to cigar bars and lazy-day dock bars.
Eating: High-end restaurant recommendations: The American Hotel, Dopo la Spiaggia and Page at 63 Main. Casual spots where locals like to eat include Il Capuccino, Dockside Bar & Grill, Corner Bar, Dock House Restaurant & Fish Market, Wolffer Kitchen & Winery, and The Golden Pear Cafe.
Docking: Near the historic village center, Sag Harbor Yacht Club provides berths for vessels up to 200 feet and fuel.
In 2011, New York launched a 10-year plan to revitalize the city's 520 miles of shoreline. New waterfront developments are bringing the beach back to this urban island where skyscrapers loom in the background. Pier 25 Park on the Hudson River infuses the Lower West Side with outdoor fun including mini-golf, volleyball, skate park and landscaped green areas. Governor's Island, a former military base, has been converted into an historic site and recreation area with bike paths, ballfields, outdoor concerts, sculptures and a grove of red hammocks for relaxing. You'll find lots of new boutiques, bars and great places to eat near the water without cruising into Midtown's sea of humanity.
Eating: Upscale choices: Del Posto, Morimoto, Buddakan, The Park and Old Homestead Steakhouse. Casual digs: Chelsea Ristorante Italiano and White Horse Tavern.
Docking: Located on the Hudson River, vessels up to 350 feet can tie up at MarineMax at Chelsea Piers. Access New York's ultimate playground including Chelsea Piers Fitness, offering everything from an indoor pool and track to ice rink and soccer fields.
The four-mile long boardwalk is America's first seaside promenade and the lifeline to entertainment in this high rollers' heaven, where you come across everything from saltwater taffy to blackjack tables. The Playground offers high-end shopping, from Burberry to Louis Vuitton and a water show of dancing fountains. The revitalized Marina District is a beacon of nightlife centered on resorts such as Harrah's Resort Atlantic City, The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and the luxurious boutique Water Club Hotel. Nearby are iconic attractions including the Monopoly Monument (a giant version of the board game) and Lucy the Elephant (a 65-ton building erected in 1881 in the shape of an elephant).
Eating: Restaurant recommendations are Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, Chart House, The Deck Bayfront Bar & Restaurant, Lillie's Asian Cuisine, Grotto Ristorante, Dock's Oyster House, Izakaya and Atlantic City Bar & Grill.
Docking: Senator Frank S. Farley State Marina at Golden Nugget Atlantic City Resort has dockage for vessels up to 300 feet, as well as 630 floating slips and ValvTect fuel.
Museums, thriving arts districts, lively neighborhoods and rich maritime history blend together to create Charm City. Harbor East Marina and Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina are set in prime locations within walking distance of Little Italy, Inner Harbor and Fells Point (a spirited historic district packed with 18th-century buildings, cobblestone streets, hopping restaurants and waterfront bars). While docked, make sure to visit Harbor East, an emerging bayside area with fine dining and ritzy hotels. Savor crab cakes dusted with Old Bay Seasoning at Phillips Seafood or pick steamed Maryland Crabs at Bo Brooks Restaurant.
Eating: Upscale eateries: Charleston Restaurant, Rec Pier Chop House at the Pendry, Ouzo Bay Greek Kouzina, Chingiale Restaurant and La Scala. Casual cuisine: Little Havana, Roy's Hawaiian Fusion, Thames Street Oyster House and Ryleigh's Oyster in Federal Hill. Grab a brew with the locals at Cat's Eye Pub.
Docking: Baltimore's Inner Harbor is home to revamped Harbor East Marina with proximity to the city's finest retailers. Yachts up to 200 feet can be accommodated. Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina offers fuel and dockage for vessels up to 350 feet. With floating docks and a health club, Baltimore Lighthouse Point Marina offers fuel and dockage for vessels up to 350 feet. Tidewater Yacht Service, located in the growing Port Covington area of Baltimore, is a full service boat repair and service center with dockage for yachts up to 200 feet (18-foot dock depth).
Annapolis is steeped in rich Colonial and maritime heritage that attracts hoards of history buffs who get to relish its graceful charm. A trail of unique boutiques and eateries lead from the governor's mansion down the hill to the City Dock where boats of all shapes and sizes bob in the water. Across Spa Creek Bridge is Eastport, a charming seaside community that once prospered from the ship-building industry. Today its narrow streets are lined with vintage houses and local watering holes.
Eating: Fine dining: Harry Browne's, Osteria 177 and O'Leary's Restaurant. Local seafood and casual fare: Boatyard Bar & Grill, Middleton Tavern, McGarvey's Saloon & Oyster Bar, and The Point. For steamed crabs, visit Jimmy Cantler's. Toss back a few with local sailors at Davis' Pub.
Docking: Annapolis Yacht Basin accommodates yachts up to 240 feet and includes three deep-water face docks and five high-speed fuel pumps. Also, Horn Point Harbor on Back Creek in Eastport is an ideal stop with easy access to the Chesapeake Bay.
St. Michaels is one of the loveliest local harbors thanks to Victorian homes, historic churches and sites, and specialty shops. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum presents regional history through interactive exhibits. Quench your thirst with Lyon Distilling Co.'s small-batch rum and whiskey or Eastern Shore Brewery's craft beer. The Inn at Perry Cabin offers an elegant retreat with a spa that will gently rub away your worries.
Eating: Upscale restaurants include Limoncello, Bistro St. Michaels and Stars at the Inn at Perry Cabin. Relaxed waterfront atmosphere: Harbourside Grill and Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill. For crabs, go to St. Michaels Crab & Steak House; for fresh oysters, visit Awful Arthur's Seafood Co. Toast a memorable waterfront sunset with cocktails at Foxy's Harbor Grille.
Docking: St. Michaels Marina hosts two main piers totaling more than 300 feet to accommodate large yachts. The marina recently rolled out its Yacht Butler service to provide a wide range of personalized services to visitors.
For decades, DC has been committed to sprucing up its waterfront. National Harbor was the first new venture with 100+ shops, restaurants and hotels. Next for restoration was the Navy Yard, which has packed the streets between the Nationals' baseball stadium and U.S. Navy Museum with restaurants, bars, a brewery and winery, and a pedestrian trail along the Anacostia River. At The Wharf, development for Phase 1 is complete along the Potomac River, retaining the beloved Maine Avenue Fish Market but adding hip music venues, pubs, restaurants, boutiques, an indie bookstore and more all in walking distance to Smithsonian museums and monuments.
Eating: At The Wharf, fine dining favorites are Del Mar de Fabio Trabocchi and Requin; casual fare includes Hank's Oyster Bar and Kirwan's Irish Pub. Navy Yard upscale eateries include Whaley's and Osteria Morini; relaxed food is served at Salt Line and Blue Jacket Arsenal Brewery. National Harbor high-end cuisine: Fish by José Andrés and Bond 45; casual meals: Walrus & Oyster Ale House.
Docking: The Wharf Gangplank Marina offers floating docks and piers to host vessels up 125 feet. The Yards Marina offers alongside dockage up to 120 feet and concrete floating docks. National Harbor Marina has space for yachts up to 200 feet, along with floating docks and fuel.
The High Line, New York, N.Y.
This magnificent example of urban landscape architecture takes you above the streets of Manhattan's West Side on an old elevated freight rail line through a public park filled with thousands of gorgeous flowers, trees and sculptures, while offering unforgettable views of the Hudson River.
Tribeca Film Festival, New York, N.Y.
Co-founded by Robert De Niro, the week-long event holds screenings, lectures and interviews with the movie industry's A-list and newcomers to showcase the latest documentaries, features and short films (April 18-29, 2018).
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Southampton, N.Y.
As the oldest incorporated golf club and one of the five founding members of the United States Golf Association, Shinnecock makes the most of the region's natural topography. The private golf club is hosting the U.S. Open Championships this year.
National Aquarium, Baltimore, M.D.
This outstanding marine life sanctuary holds 20,000 different animals from bullfrogs, clownfish and seahorses to crocodiles, stingrays and sharks. Special exhibits of coral reefs, rainforests, jellyfish invasions, extreme Australian wildlife and daily life of dolphins are interactive and engaging.
2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Washington, D.C.
Bringing the top talent from the American and National League, the 2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game is set to take place at Nationals Park this summer (July 17, 2018).
The Great Chesapeake Balloon & Wine Festival, Easton, M.D.
For three days on Maryland's Eastern Shore you can watch a flotilla of hot air balloons soar up into the sky. Located in the town of Cordova at the Triple Creek Winery, you can sip a chardonnay, listen to bands and take a tethered balloon ride (Aug. 3-5, 2018).
Antique & Classic Boat Festival, St. Michaels, M.D.
Hosted by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, the Chesapeake Bay's finest classic boats, national and maritime treasures and entertainment combine to exhibit at this waterfront festival (June 15-17, 2018).
District Winery, Washington, D.C.
At this newcomer to the Navy Yards, you can take a tour through the metal tanks and wooden casks to observe the process from vine to bottle with grapes grown across the nation. Pick your favorite of its seven wines.
Arena Stage, Washington, D.C.
In 1950, Arena Stage put on its first show in an old movie house and later moved to the gymnasium of the former Heurich Brewery. Today its home is across the street from The Wharf in a renovated performing arts complex. DC's local cultural treasure is a pioneer in regional theater and continues to produce plays by American writers.
D.C. Jazz Festival, Washington, D.C.
This festival presents the jazz world's most acclaimed artists to emerging talent from around the country and DC metro area. The schedule is filled with 125 performances and 40 venues (June 8-17, 2018).
Millions of years ago, glaciers buckled, folded and fractured the bedrock shores of what is now Long Island Sound. This ancient activity underlies the crook-and-cranny beauty that attracts boaters from around the world. It's a popular body of water, yet you can still find quiet pockets surrounded by the bounty of nature, particularly with the right timing. Here are some of the anchorages that many enjoy and suggestions for when it may be best to hoist the anchor, secure a mooring and gunkhole by dinghy while boating on Long Island Sound.
From Algonquin Indian paddlers to Great Gatsby-style parties in the Roaring '20s to the current protected bird colonies, these islands have held the hands of time. While boating on Long Island Sound, pay careful attention to the many hazards and substantial tide swings. Most of the islands are privately owned, but Chimon and Sheffield are part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and open to the public (except for nesting restrictions from April 1 to Aug. 15). There is an anchorage bowl southeast of Chimon Island. On the island's northwest, shallow-draft boats anchor at the beach while others stay farther out. Northwest of Sheffield Island, which is exposed to the southwest, is still a nice place to drop the hook.
Swallows swarm in fall, bald eagles nest in winter, and shad school in spring. In summer, the Connecticut River is all about boating on Long Island Sound. The southernmost towns provide some nice spots to anchor. Grab a mooring or gunkhole in your dinghy. Old Saybrook has several special anchorages, one of which is above the highway bridge between Ferry Point and Calves Island. The town of Old Lyme has two transient moorings in the anchorage north of Calves Island (two-night maximum). Near Essex, there is a short-term spot east of Nott Island (shoaling has been reported so watch your depths). For a longer stay, bypass the anchor and contact Brewer Dauntless Marina (860-767-8267) or Saybrook Point Marina, Inn & Spa in Old Saybrook (860-395-3080).
The shores become even more bucolic as you continue up the Connecticut River. Stunning Hamburg Cove in Lyme has always attracted those looking for a quiet place or hoping to rendezvous with friends. It is currently filled with moorings, so you should contact the harbormaster (860-434-0028) for your best options. To the north, Selden Creek makes you feel like you've gone back in time. Its natural protection makes it a popular hurricane hole for locals. The creek runs around Selden Island and has deep water for anchoring, yet many find it too narrow for swing room. To truly appreciate the environs, stay at a marina in Deep River or Chester Point Marina (860-526-1661) and gunkhole around the island by dinghy.
World-renowned seaports, fresh seafood and quaint villages define Noank and Mystic. One of the quietest anchorages is east of private Ram Island (it can get lumpy from easterlies). If you're up for a two-mile ride, you can dinghy to the municipal dock at the Mystic drawbridge. An anchorage closer to shore is across the channel from Ford's Lobster (860-536-2842), which also offers transient moorings. The anchorage just above Mystic Seaport holds about 4 feet of water, according to the harbormaster. The maximum stay is seven days, and there is a dinghy dock if you are visiting the Seaport. Moorings are available at Noank Village Boatyard (860-536-1770) or Noank Shipyard (860-536-9651). Nearby Bebee Cove and Palmer Cove are beautiful shallow water gunkholes to visit by dinghy.
Nine-mile-long Fishers Island has a storied history as a retreat for the rich and famous and is still predominantly private. Often associated with nearby Connecticut, it is actually a hamlet of New York. You can enjoy the beauty of this little island by anchoring in the designated anchorage at West Harbor outside the mooring field. You usually find ample room, and transients are welcome to use the dinghy dock at the Fishers Island Yacht Club. The east side of uninhabited Flat Hammock is a nice spot, and you can dinghy to shore for a swim. East Harbor can be a serene place for smaller boats.
Port Washington has honed the art of welcoming boaters. Cruising boaters rave about this place. Tucked well into Manhasset Bay, you can anchor in the federal anchorage outside the mooring field or use one of the 20 town mooring balls (free for two days). Check in on VHF 9 or with Port Washington Water Taxi (VHF 9 or 516-455-0411), which services the entire harbor. Amenities abound, whether stocking up on supplies or heading over for a meal at the landmark dock-and-dine Louie's Grill & Liquors, you will have access to it all.
This protected dual-basin just north of Huntington was dredged into the spit and is surrounded by Caumsett State Park with the exception of one private 20,000-square-foot Tudor mansion. It attracts many a mariner on weekends. The surrounding area is largely a bird sanctuary and private property, so be sure to heed the signs if you explore in your dinghy. The entrance is tricky. Deeper draft vessels should enter at high tide only, and you may want to follow another boat in if it's your first time. Watch for the bar north of the entrance. The two basins inside are joined by a narrow channel. There is good holding ground in both but more depth in the southern basin. Depths in the narrow inside channel can go as low as three feet.
Not far from the Sand Hole, you may want to head past the fun little hamlet of Oyster Bay and into West Harbor, a well-used protected anchorage. The enforced 5 mph speed limit in the harbor maintains safety. These waters are part of the Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a winter migration area for waterfowl such as black ducks, canvasback and longtailed ducks. In summer, they are replaced by another type of water-lover boaters. Although you won't find much in the way of shore access, the surroundings are tranquil. Even in the warmer climes, you see plenty of feathered friends, the protected piping plover likely among them.
As you approach Huntington Bay, to port is a long prong of beach that wraps around Eaton's Neck Basin, a lovely anchorage bordered by nothing more than nature and one of the oldest Coast Guard stations in the country. You cannot go ashore as the land is now a bird sanctuary. Both the Coast Guard station and the historic Eaton's Neck Lighthouse remain active. The entrance is narrow, and buoys are not charted (be sure to pay attention to them, though). There are good depths inside. The Coast Guard station and lighthouse horn that blasts above you in fog add a lively twist to this gunkhole.
South of Eaton's Neck Basin, round the West Beach spit and anchor in Price Bend, also known as Sand City. The area is popular with local boaters. Anchoring is possible around Sand City Island all the way up to the cove, but be mindful of shallow spots and shoals and rocks. The area is home to Hobart Park, which is reachable by road and has a large parking lot and public boat ramp all the way up in the most protected part of the cove.
The waters near Port Jefferson have plenty of action with ferries that transit hourly to and from Connecticut. Note that MountMisery Cove on the east side of the harbor, which used to be a popular anchoring spot, is now largely filled with moorings. A better bet for anchoring is to head west behind Old Field Beach where you find deep water, but you have to watch for a number of areas where mounds can bring depths as low as three feet. If the bustle in town is enticing you, bypass anchoring and head straight to Port Jeff where you can get a transient mooring from either the Port Jefferson Launch Service (631-796-4462) or the Port Jefferson Yacht Club (631-473-9890). Call ahead or contact either on VHF 68. For longer stays, dock at Danford's Hotel, Marina & Spa (631-928-5200).
Mattituck Creek is a lovely winding waterway with marshland, wading birds and osprey. However, don't get too caughtup in the surroundings, as you have to pay attention to the buoys in the narrow channel. The end of your journey boating on Long Island Sound brings you to the charming hamlet of Mattituck. There is a federal anchorage just off Strong's Water Club and Marina (631-298-4739). You can land your dinghy at the town dock or opt for transient dockage at the resort-like marina. The area is just on the other side of Peconic Bay, and a short walk or bike ride gets you to the village with restaurants and shops; wineries are nearby.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used for navigation. All mariners should use up-to-date information from the U.S. Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and check local regulations on anchoring and shore access.
New York City vs. Miami Beach? The great, bustling cities full of culture, cuisine and endless entertainment duke it out.
One World Trade Center has already emerged as an NYC Landmark with prismatic glass and kaleidoscope-like refractions. Nearby also visit the Oculus, the highly anticipated transportation hub designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
Home to the world's largest collection of art deco architecture, Miami's Art Deco Historic District is made up of over 800 buildings with a modern take on neoclassical featuring exotic motifs and pastel exteriors.
Frank Sinatra didn't title NYC as The City That Never Sleeps without warrant. Stop by the historic St. Regis Hotel, more specifically the King Cole Bar for an upscale nightcap. Jazz fanactics catch some of the finest musicians at Blue Note Jazz Club.
Iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach's Bleau Bar has seen plenty of celebs over the years including Elvis Presley. Grab a specialty cocktail from The Regent Cocktail Club and enjoy live jazz and a nostalgic ambience.
When downtown, tourists will want to explore the Financial District for access to the city's Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the hauntingly beautiful National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Peruse the artsy Chelsea neighborhood for emerging art galleries and excellent restaurant offerings, and experience a traditional neighborhood vibe in the West Village.
Miami's Coral Gables neighborhood is known as The City Beautiful and hosts the historic Biltmore Hotel. The city's Design District is dedicated to innovative fashion, design, architecture and culinary experiences.
A wide-sliced, thin-crust pie is every New Yorker's go-to (make sure to do 'The Fold Hold!'). Even though there's innumerable acclaimed pizza joints, Lombardi's Pizza (the first pizzeria in the U.S.) and Motorino Pizza rank among the best.
A trip to Miami is not complete without a Cubano (a.k.a. Cuban sandwich) as hundreds of eateries put their own spin on this classic. Sample Versailles Cuban Restaurant or El Palacio De Los Jugos - two local favorites.
Explore the Big Apple while docked at MarineMax at Chelsea Piers. On the Hudson River, the marina has a state-of-the-art fitness center, driving range and day spa. In downtown Manhattan, find North Cove Marina, accommodating vessels up to 175 feet.
In the heart of Miami Beach, check out Sunset Harbour Yacht Club for easy access to the areas most popular shopping and dining. Adjacent to the Art Deco District is full-service Miami Beach Marina with 400 slips accommodating vessels up to 250 feet.
The story of Henry Hudson exploring the Hudson River begins in the first decade of the 17th century, the Dutch and English vied to be the dominant world powers. Both countries used their seafaring tradition for trade and colonization, which during that era was the key to national prosperity. However, both of those nations were latecomers to the European colonization scheme.
In 1494, Portugal and Spain had convinced Pope Alexander VI to divide the colonization of the world between those two Iberian Peninsula countries. The Spanish Main, with its gold and silver deposits, included the Caribbean Sea from Puerto Rico to Mexico and Central America. Portugal controlled the African slave trade and spices from the Far East. France was making inroads in North America using their Jesuit missionaries and voyageurs to lay claim to New France, an area that encompassed today's Canada, the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River valley all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.
What was left to conquer by sea was the dream of locating a Northwest Passage to the Far East. By sailing across the upper reaches of North America to speed ships back and forth to Europe faster than the other available trade routes of the day, lucrative profits would be made for investors in the China trade. All that was required was finding a seafarer and explorer with the ability to find it. Henry Hudson, a 40-something English ship's captain, was destined to spend the final four years of his life searching for that Northwest Passage, first under British employment and then for the Dutch. In the process, he laid the foundation for the city of New York at the mouth of what is now called the Hudson River.
The Dutch East India Company, founded in 1602, was the first publicly traded business in the world. The company was given a 21-year monopoly for the Dutch spice trade in India and Southeast Asia. Wanting to take full advantage of its monopoly, the Dutch East India Company chose Henry Hudson in 1609 to discover the Northwest Passage. Setting sail from Amsterdam on his ship Half Moon, a three-masted carrack, he reached Cape Cod on August 4, 1602. From there, Hudson sailed south to Chesapeake Bay, then back north to Delaware Bay. Continuing north he reached an estuary on September 3 that was previously discovered in 1524 by the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano. That estuary, now known as New York Bay, was thought to be a lake by the Italian navigator. Hudson sailed farther into the bay than Verrazzano and found a river, which was first called Mauritius, then the North River and now the Hudson.
Henry Hudson took 10 days to sail up the river to the location of present day Albany, and along the shoreline he traded with some Native American tribes. By September 23, he had sailed down the river and departed back to Europe. That three-week exploration by Hudson was used as the basis for the Dutch claim to the river valley, to a monopoly for trading fur there and the immense wealth it would bring.
Henry Hudson returned one more time in search of the Northwest Passage, on a voyage from 1610 to 1611, during which time he named it Hudson Bay. He wanted to carry on to find the fabled passage, but his crew differed and mutinied instead. Hudson was set adrift in an open boat on the bay, along with his teenage son and a handful of loyal crewmembers. They were never seen or heard from again.
The Dutch had begun annual fur trading voyages up the Hudson River while the mutiny was unfolding. In 1614, the province of New Netherland was established and Fort Orange at Albany was constructed as a trading post. During this time, the French expanded their colonial holdings to the north and west of New Netherland, and the English had a foothold in the region with the Plymouth Colony to the northeast. To protect the Hudson River fur trade operations and the valuable furs stored at the Fort Orange trading post, New Amsterdam was founded in 1625. This fortified outpost was strategically located at the southern tip of Manhattan Island. New Amsterdam soon became the seat of the colonial government of New Netherland.
The following 40 years began an intense commercial rivalry between the Dutch Republic and England. The English sought to end the domination over the seas and world trade held by the Dutch. In 1664, the English invaded and conquered New Amsterdam. The town was renamed New York, in honor of the Duke of York. The following year, armed confrontation continued with the Second Anglo-Dutch War. After peace was declared in 1667, a treaty ending the war formally recognized the English possession of New Netherland and New Amsterdam, and these became the colony of New York and the city of New York, respectively.
Henry Hudson explored the North River up to Albany. This river is a tidal estuary from New York Upper Bay to seven nautical miles past Albany at Troy. It is this location where the tidal influence ends and the Mohawk River enters the Hudson River that the Erie Canal begins its journey west to Buffalo. Cruising the river from New York City to the locks of the Erie Canal offers a glimpse of the history of the founding and growth of the Empire State.
The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area stretches 115 nautical miles along the river from just north of Manhattan to just north of Troy, N.Y.
Jersey City, N.J.(201-985-8000)
Take a water taxi across the river to New York City to explore Lower Manhattan and take tours of the Statue of Liberty and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
Piermont, N.Y.(845-359-5522)
On the west side of the Tappan Zee Bridge is the village of Piermont, which has done a wonderful job preserving its architecture and history. Visit the historical train station and museum.
Tarrytown, N.Y.(914-631-1300)
The Tarrytown area is the setting for the Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the Headless Horseman. Just north of Tarrytown, in Ossining, is the infamous Sing Sing prison; a prison museum is scheduled to open in 2019.
Newburgh, N.Y.(845-661-4914)
Heading upriver to Newburgh is one of the most beautiful stretches along the Hudson, the bend at West Point; today, the home of the U.S. Military Academy.
Shadows Marina on the Hudson River
Poughkeepsie, N.Y.(845-486-9500)
A short distance north of Poughkeepsie is the historic home of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt at Hyde Park along the eastern bank of the river. The nearby Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is a living museum featuring air shows with vintage World War I biplanes and triplanes.
Troy, N.Y.(518-272-5341)
Tour the Flight of Locks at nearby Waterford. It was built in 1907, as part of the Erie Canal, to raise watercraft 165 feet in just over a mile. This is the greatest lift in the shortest distance on any canal system in the world.
Capt. Jeff Werner has been in the yachting industry for over 25 years. In addition to working as a captain on private and charter yachts, both sail and power, he is a certified instructor for the USCG, US Sailing, RYA and the MCA. He is also the Diesel Doctor, helping to keep your yacht's fuel in optimal condition for peak performance. For more information, call 239-246-6810, or visit MyDieselDoctor.com. All Marinalife members receive a 10% discount on purchases of equipment, products and supplies from Diesel Doctor.