Published on: 18 September 2018
Last Updated on: 25 November 2021
Nestled along the Hudson River is the quaint town of Orangeburg, New York. Many travelers flock to this small village to gain respite from the hustle and bustle of nearby New York City. What makes Orangeburg such a tranquil and serene destination? It’s surrounded by numerous state parks, all of which provide unbridled glimpses of wildlife and wilderness. Get your fill of the outdoors when you check out the following state parks near Orangeburg.
Just a 25-minute drive from Orangeburg, Harriman State Park is the second-largest park in the state, with a total of 200 miles of hiking trails plus 31 reservoirs and lakes. You’ll never run out of things to do here thanks to the two beaches, seemingly endless stretches of scenic roads and streams, and two public camping areas. Try your hand at fishing or biking in the warmer months, and when things cool down, you can switch to ice skating, ice fishing, or cross-country skiing.
The three lakes in the park are Tiorati, Welch, and Sebago. It costs $10 per car to go to Tiorati Lake and Welch Lake during the swimming season, so come prepared.
Blauvelt State Park:
While it’s on the smaller side, Blauvelt State Park is a mere five minutes outside of downtown Orangeburg, meaning you could possibly walk there from your hotel room. The park provides 590 acres to peruse, most of which can only be accessed via hiking trails. Because this is such a rustic area, there are no toilets and parking is limited. While it might be bare bones, this park affords brilliant views of the Hudson Valley, making it more than worth the journey.
Tallman Mountain State Park:
Just southeast of the city and eight minutes away is Tallman Mountain State Park, which borders the Hudson River and provides stunning views of Piermont Marsh. Feel free to spend your day here partaking in one of the various activities offered, including tennis, picnicking, or hiking on the many trails. In the winter, these same trails turn into cross-country skiing routes for some frosty fun.
It will cost you $6 per vehicle to visit the park, but the fees are only collected from May to October. You’ll also need to pay separate fees to reserve a picnic area or playing field.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve:
Just 28 minutes away from Orangeburg, Rockefeller State Park Preserve is well worth the trip thanks to its forested valleys and hills. It’s the former site of the country estates of John D. and William Rockefeller. In 1983, the family donated 1,425 acres of land to the state, establishing this gorgeous public expanse. Today, you can hike on the 13 Bridges Loop Trail, browse the blooms in Fern Garden, or even gaze upon 22-acre Swan Lake.
When you stay in Orangeburg, you’ll be close to all these parks, making it easy to hop from one to the other. Plan a day at each one to maximize your adventures, or choose a single park to explore to the max. Whatever you decide, you’re sure to gain the solitude and stillness you crave in the middle of these New York forests.
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After deciding to stay in a luxury apartment on your next vacation, you might feel excited about it. On your first try, it could be a unique experience, but something you will cherish. Luxury apartments are spacious and have a lot of facilities you can enjoy. Maximize your stay in the apartment, and prepare well.
Research the nearby places:
The good thing about luxury apartments is that they have good locations. If you wish to travel to different places during your vacation, you can easily do it. Since you are in a place with access to critical areas, find the places you can visit, and arrange your schedule. If you are visiting sites that are quite far from the location of the apartment, you might also want to rent a private vehicle to take you to different areas. It is also a good idea if your chosen apartment is in a remote area, which you might also prefer because it is quiet and calm.
Prepare the food you want to cook:
If you are having quite an extended vacation, you might want to avoid eating out all the time since you will have to spend a considerable amount of money. You would probably rather stay in your luxury apartment since it has a huge kitchen. You can decide what you want to cook and find a place where you can buy fresh ingredients. Besides, if you are staying there for a while, you don't want to eat the same local cuisine all the time.
Pack the right clothes:
Determine what amenities and facilities are available in the apartment. If they have a swimming pool, you might want to bring your best swimming attire. If they have a fitness gym, you can continue your fitness routine even while travelling. You need to bring your gym clothes. Don’t worry about bringing a lot of clothes with you. Most luxury apartments have spacious closets. Some of them even have walk-in closets.
Plan some fun games:
If you are travelling to a different place with your family or friends, there might be some days when you don't want to head out to go to specific places. Since you are in a comfortable apartment, you might rather stay home and cherish your time with the people you love. Besides, not everyone chooses to go on a vacation to visit places. Others prefer staying in a luxury place where they can feel relaxed. To avoid boredom, prepare some games that you can play with everyone. Bring some board games and card games to have beautiful moments together. Besides, you have a spacious room, so playing games is possible.
It is a good idea to consider luxury apartments such as Edinburgh apartments if you are travelling there soon. You won't need to spend much compared with 5-star hotels, but you will get the same or even better experience. You can choose luxury apartments again if you plan to travel to other places.
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Did you know that you can instantly transform your outdoor space by simply adding outdoor blinds? If you’re looking for outdoor cafe blinds, a casual search on the internet will reveal that there are different types to pick from. Such a revelation will by no means make your selection process easier. This is why we took the liberty to review one of the most popular outdoor blinds on the market today; the Ziptrak outdoor blinds. You might realize they’re exactly what you need to beautify your outdoor space.
But what’s so special about Ziptrak outdoor blinds? We’ve compiled all you need to know about these blinds; from their benefits to applications.
What Are Ziptrak Outdoor Blinds?
The name Ziptrak is derived from the blind system utilized in manufacturing this product. Different outdoor blinds use different mechanisms to aid in their operation. They can either use strings, zips or cords. And depending on the mechanism used, it greatly influences the blinds’ operation.
Ziptrak is the original outdoor blind system and features a track guided design. This system is designed to lock the fabric into special tracks that will secure the blinds against flapping. Because of the patented design, the blinds glide smoothly and also stop at any height. And the best part is you don’t need any cords or zips to operate the blinds.
Put simply; these blinds are very easy to operate. And this is one of the main reasons why Ziptrak outdoor blinds are very popular. After all, who wants blinds that are difficult to open or close?
Advantages of Ziptrak Blinds:
So are Ziptrak blinds worth considering compared to other types? Hopefully, the following advantages will answer this question.
Effective Protection:
One of the main reasons for investing in outdoor blinds is for protection. Ziptrak blinds aren’t only good at blocking out the sun or wind, but they’re also known for effectively keeping bugs out.
Quality Blinds:
In our quest to provide you with an unbiased article, we’ll quickly point out thatZiptrak blinds don’t come cheap. But for the quality and durability they offer, we believe they’re worth every penny.
No Gaps!
Some outdoor blinds leave gaps when installed, and unfortunately, most people don’t find that aspect desirable. This is where Ziptrak blinds give competitors a run for their money because they’re designed not to leave any gaps.
What Holds the Blinds Together?
Another differentiating factor is the material used to hold the Ziptrak outdoor blinds together. The Ziptrak blind is held using a Cordura tape which is commonly referred to as Kedar. Why is this important? There are a few advantages associated with this tape:
Aesthetics: Believe it or not, using Kedar to hold the blinds together greatly enhances the general appearance of the product. This is because cedar is welded onto the fabric and isn’t stitched like other blinds.
Variety: Closely related to aesthetics, is the fact that Kedar is available in a wide range of colors to pick from which include white, beige, primrose and black. But we must warn you that the black tends to fade over time.
Durability: Do you want blinds that’ll last long? Then you’ll appreciate how strong Kedar is. As a result, the tape is designed to withstand a lot of force which means the blind is secured tightly.
Less jamming: With some outdoor blinds, you may experience issues related to jamming. The advantage of Kedar is it’s less likely to jam—even in windy conditions. But here’s what’s important; you must use the tape with a motor.
Hold Down Options:
Another main characteristic of Ziptrak outdoor blinds is that they offer a wide range of hold-down options compared to other blinds. Common examples include:
Center release locks: The first thing you’ll appreciate about these locks is they’re very easy to use. Apart from their ease of operation, these locks can be operated either from inside or outside making them very versatile.
Channel locks: Channel locks are the second most popular type of locks used on Ziptrak outdoor blinds. Like the center release locks, they’re also easy to use.
Both products make Ziptrak blinds the ideal option to use for difficult installations. And the reason why Ziptrak blinds have fewer gaps is that these locks use small rubber seal strips along the bottom rail. This mechanism effectively helps minimize the appearance of gaps.
Design of the Headbox:
While having outdoor blinds with a headbox is a matter of preference, it’s recommended that modern outdoor entertainment areas have fully enclosed top boxes on their outdoor blinds. And the Ziptrak top box is known to provide the following advantages:
Protection of the fabric
Keep insects out
It’s more visually appealing
FAQs
What is the alternative name for Ziptrak blinds?
It’s important to note that these blinds are known by different names including:
Cafe blinds
Cafe curtains
PVC blinds
Bistro blinds
Porch blinds
Where can you install Ziptrak outdoor blinds?
These blinds can be installed in most outdoor living and entertainment areas like the patio or verandah.
Final Words:
Opt for Ziptrakoutdoor blinds if you’re hoping to transform your outdoor space by giving it a modern look and feel. And for blinds that require minimal effort to install and operate, we think they’re definitely worth considering.
Read Also:
7 Important Tips For Planning An Outdoor Event
Ten Tips To Make Most Out Of Your Outdoor Space
7 Fun And Simple Outdoor Activities For Your Child Under Ten
Featured Image: westcoastblindswa.com
Israel captures a person’s imagination at first sight. This is the place to come across the myriad colors and wonders of nature. If the various sacred sites strewn across the region strike the spiritual chord in you, then the wonderful shiny beaches enliven your stay. This place also displays its cosmopolitan side at its various bars, cafes and beaches at Tel Aviv, and at the boutique wineries of the Galilee region.
Naturally, experiencing the best of what Israel has to offer is a pretty daunting task. However, with the list of things to do in Israel described in this blog, you can be rest assured that every moment in Israel will seem like a celebration.
Read also: The Top 10 Things To Do In Hawaii 2017
Red Sea Star
Image source: Pinimg.com
Ever heard of underwater dining? Red Sea Star, the underwater restaurant, brings that wild imagination to life. Created 10 years ago, it constitutes a combination of two areas. The one above called the Metro Bar, offers splendid views of the Gulf of Aqaba, while the underwater area, called the Red Sea Star (so-called because it resembles the shape of a star), consists of an underground bar, including a floor covered in sand.
Beit Guvrin Caves
Beit Guvrin Caves were excavated from an area that was once called the Israeli cities of Maresha and Beit Guvrin. Archaeologists have come across many caves that spanned across several eras, from the Sidonian and Israelite to the Roman. Some of the caves may have served as hideouts and defenses. The highlight of these caves are the painted burial rooms created by the Sidonians. A Roman amphitheater, standing above the ground ruins of the city of Maresha, is an attraction in its own right.
Rosh HaNikra Grottoes
Image source: ravelingisrael.com
Rosh HaNikra Grottoes, located on the coast in proximity to Lebanon’s border, was once a diver’s delight. The pure blue waters found in the caves here are as much of an attraction as a mystery.
The caves were formed through millennia of strong waves crashing against the soft chalk cliffs on the Mediterranean Sea. The gondola cars that operate here transport the riders from the top of the white cliffs to the bottom in just around two minutes. Naturally, this site is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Israel.
Shrine of the Book
Israel’s Shrine of the Book, part of Israel Museum, was constructed in 1965. It houses ancient biblical parchments known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. This modern womb-like shrine has been created in the modernist line of architecture.
The exterior assumes a rounded peak with sculpted striations lapping up its walls, while the spacious interiors display the Dead Sea Scrolls the year-round. The glass cases on the outer ring of the shrine contain pages, but, it’s the central display which resembles a giant Torah scroll, that hogs the limelight.
Tel Hazor
A tour to Israel must involve visiting Tel Hazor, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site located over the ruins of an ancient city. Occupying over 200 acres just north of the Sea of Galilee, this region has yielded some incredible archaeological finds.
Some of the major attractions for the tourists here are the Solomonic city gates, a restored Late Bronze Age Temple and the city acropolis. The Canaanite Orthostat and Stele Temples are other sites that are worth visiting.
Makhtesh Ramon
Image source: igoogledisrael.com
Israel is full of bizarre geological formations called makhteshim (craters), and one of them is Makhtesh Ramon. Extending to 40km in length and possessing a width of almost 10km, it is undoubtedly Israel’s largest national park – Ramon Nature Reserve.
Visits and expeditions to this region can be conducted from the valley’s only town, Mitzpe Ramon (Ramon Observation Point), albeit visitors should avoid the mid-day heat. The best way of experiencing the magic of this place is staying overnight in one of the hand-woven tents and enjoying the company of the Bedouin herders.
Dialogue in the Dark
How about going blind for a day? Well, not literally! Dialogue in the Dark, an exhibition funded by former journalist Andreas Heinecke, consists of a series of pitch-black galleries which require visitors to experience their surroundings through visionless stimuli.
The visitors here are guided by blind or partially sighted persons who orient them to the surroundings, thereby providing a heightened sense of security in the darkened environment. The completion of the tour is followed by a conversation between the guide and vision-restored visitors.
Atlit Yam
Your holidays to Israel are incomplete without a visit to Atlit Yam, which contains the submerged ruins of a Neolithic coastal settlement. Dating back to 6900-6300 BC, these underwater excavations have unearthed wells, graves, and houses.
This historic site was discovered by marine archaeologist Ehud Galili and holds several unique fascinations. One of these is the seven megaliths arranged in a semi-circle encircling a freshwater spring, located in the center of the settlement.
Saba's Little Museum
Saba’s Little Museum is a wonderful museum located in the Jerusalem Hills. Its uniqueness arises from the various items that trace the history of the Jewish people and their way of life from Biblical times until today.
Stuffed in a small cluster of warehouses, this museum contains a collection of items ranging from memorabilia and junk to modern appliances. Children’s toy cars, vintage radio sets, along with some barrels and rusted steel cooking barrels are some of the items that a visitor comes across.
Meah Shearim
To get a glimpse of the ultra-conservative lifestyle of Jews, head to Meah Shearim. This neighborhood in Israel is home to the ultra-orthodox Haredim. A visitor can easily recognize this neighborhood by the community that resides in it – black suits with matching hats, full beards, and long and curling sidelocks known as eyes. You may end up buying Jewish texts with a high discount and gorging on some traditional baked goods.
Golden Calf Altar
The Golden Calf Altar was an idol made by Aaron for the Israelites during the absence of Moses. However, most of Israel’s idols were destroyed by the Assyrians when they raided them for their gold in 722 BC. Although visitors can no longer view the Golden Calf as it once existed, they can explore the ruins of the main sanctuary where the calf could have been located. Besides, visitors can also examine the numerous standing stone shrines that line the gate to the city.
Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum
Among the many tourist places in Israel, this one will move your soul and heart completely. Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum is a moving memorial to the 1.5 million Jewish children who were victims of the Holocaust. Visitors are shown various exhibits which include films, period artifacts and the testimonies of children who had to live during those frightening times.
Ein Bokek beach
Image source:.deadsea.com
The Ein Bokek Beach is a wonderful stretch of fine, golden sand that attracts a steady stream of visitors the year-round. The beach is equipped with various facilities like beach showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, etc. It’s a wonderful place to while your time and enjoy the pleasures of the beach.
Shahrazad
Want to taste some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine? Go to Shahrazad. This Middle Eastern restaurant in Haifa serves authentic cuisine of the region with an indigenous twist. An example of this is the dish “mansaf” (rice with ground lamb, tangy goat yogurt, pine nuts, saffron, and nutmeg), which is served with ordinary falafel balls. The tamarind juice here is another great stuff to try out.
Mount of the Beatitudes
This spectacular Roman Catholic Church, built-in 1937, stands on a site where it’s popularly believed that Lord Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. The sermon’s opening lines begin with the phrase “Blessed are.”
The octagonal church inside which is looked after by Franciscan nuns are commemorated in the stained glass just below the dome, with the seven virtues being represented around the altar. Besides, the wonderful balcony and gardens provide spectacular views of the Sea of Galilee.
Hecht Museum
Hecht Museum is one of the many amazing places to visit in Israel. However, the one collection that stands out is the Ma'agan Mikhael Shipwreck – the well-preserved remains of a 13.5m long merchant ship from 400 BC. Apart from these, the archaeology section also contains an entire section on the Phoenicians. Besides, Israelite, Moabite and Phoenician seals from the First Temple period and an incredible collection of ancient coins can also be found here.
Al-Jazzar Mosque
Al-Jazzar Mosque, built-in 1781 in typical Ottoman Turkish style, is the third most important mosque in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The mosque is distinguished by its enormous green dome and is accented with a graceful pencil minaret. Somewhere around the base of the minaret, one can find the small twin-domed building which contains the sarcophagi of Al-Jazzar and his adopted son and successor, Suleyman.
Tabor Winery
To know the ins and outs of wine processing, and sampling some of the best wine to be found anywhere, visit the Tabor Winery. It has gained a legendary reputation both for its red and white wine and produces almost two million bottles a year. Apart from been given a free tasting of the wine, visitors are provided with guided tours for groups of 10 or more. The winery also runs one-and-a-half-hour grape harvests from late July to August.
Beit She’an National Park
To get a glimpse of what life was like during the Roman Empire, visit the Beit She’ a National Park. The opulence and grandeur that surrounded the everyday life of the Romans is reflected through the colonnaded streets, a 7,000-seat theatre which looks the same as it did 1800 years ago, two stone columns and two bathhouses. The incredible part about all of them is that they lie exactly where they fell during the Galilee earthquake of 749 AD.
Centre International Marie de Nazareth
Any tour to Israel inevitably involves a visit to the Centre International Marie de Nazareth. Located across the street from the Basilica of the Annunciation, this place serves as a venue for ecumenical work among Christians, besides the promotion of inter-faith dialogue. Built by Chemin Neuf, a Roman Catholic community-based in France, this fabulous cultural center consists of peaceful rooftop gardens which contain plants mentioned in the Bible. They offer amazing 360-degree panoramas.
Agamon HaHula
Your holidays in Israel are incomplete without a visit to Agamon HaHula – one of Israel’s favorite parks, located in Hula Valley. To see an unbelievable amount of storks, pelicans, and cranes, you need to head to this place right away. This crane-watching opportunity really comes as a privilege. Comfortably seated in your vehicle, you can view these magnificent creatures from the closest range possible. The other birds that can be seen here occasionally include pelicans and storks.
Bahai Gardens
Visited by over half a million visitors a year, the Bahai Gardens are one of the major tourist attractions in Israel. Their unique design, which combines geometrical shapes with the conservation of natural and historic landscape features, enchants the visitors to no end. In July 2008, these gardens were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List for being holy places possessing outstanding universal value. The gardens comprise a staircase of 129 terraces which extend all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel.
Yad Vashem
A visit to the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem will move your inner spirit and overwhelm your emotions like never before. This memorial is dedicated to the six million Jews who died at the hands of Nazis. One can find the names and personal details of millions of victims recorded in the Hall of Names. The centerpiece of the museum is the Holocaust History Museum, which lies on the lower level. Exploring the entire museum takes about three hours in total.
Ancient Galilee Boat
To come across a fascinating piece of history during your holidays in Israel, visit the Yigal Alon Museum, where you will stumble upon the ancient Galilee boat. The discovery of this boat was made by a local fisherman in 1986 when the waters of the Sea of Galilee were at their lowest ebb. The fishing vessel measures 8.2m in length and is made from 12 kinds of recycled wood. Wall panels and three short films tell the amazing story of its discovery and preservation. It’s said that this boat was used by the members of Jesus’s ministry.
Said Abu Elafia & Sons
You cannot be in Israel and not visit Said Abu Elafia & Sons – one of the best bakeries of Tel Aviv. Established in 1880, this bakery spans across four generations. Visitors love to gorge on its bourekas (stuffed bread with sheep’s cheese), sambusas (filled pastries) and a unique Arab oven-baked pizza-like concoction filled with eggs, tomato, cheese and olives.
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