Widow Jane Mine
I had heard of this place for years, and figured that I wasn’t cool enough to attend any of its events. I finally made it over for a performance, and love this treasure! A real cave, originally created from mining cement – an important part of local history – it’s also the perfect spot to cool off during the summer.
The Widow Jane Mine is located on the property of the Snyder Estate at 668 Route 213 in Rosendale. Follow the signs for parking, then follow the trail that takes you alongside the small stream towards the back of the property. You’ll see the cave entrance in front of you in just a couple of minutes. The Century House Historical Society is open for tours on Sunday afternoons, but the caves are something that you can visit daily.
For more information, call (845) 658-9900 or visit www.centuryhouse.org.
Wing’s Castle
Wing’s Castle is unlike any place that you’ll ever see. The reason is its meticulous and imaginative use of reclaimed materials to create it. It is impossible to notice every clever detail, to guess the source of every artistic expression; it is truly a feast for the eyes.
Wing’s Castle is a private home that opens for paid tours by the owner and builder from Wednesday through Sunday during the summer, and weekends in the fall until the snow hits. The tour takes under an hour, and I found it fascinating. My kids were engaged on the tour as well, because there is simply so much to look at. Be prepared to hear lots of earnest, “Can we do that at our house, Mom?” Afterwards, we got lunch at the Millbrook Diner, then we drove down the street to the awesome Millbrook Playground down the street.
Wing’s Castle is located at 717 Bangall Road in Millbrook. To schedule a tour or for more information, call (845) 677-9085 or visit www.wingscastle.com.
Trevor Zoo
This summer, you can visit three different local zoos: one for each month of June, July and August! If you visit Wing’s Castle in Millbrook, make it a point to check out the Trevor Zoo. Our family’s favorite animals are the otters! There are 180 animals, so it holds the interest of older children and youth; the entire facility is such a manageable size, so it works for young children as well; and the zoo is open every single day from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., so it’s easy for you to fit it into your schedule.
Admission costs $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. The Trevor Zoo is located on the Millbrook School campus at 131 Millbrook Road in Millbrook. For more information, call (845) 677-3704 or visit www.millbrook.org/trevorzoo.
