Big Environmental Honors for 3 Hudson Valley Municipalities

Several villages and cities in the Hudson Valley were recently honored for achieving the highest possible environmental distinction in New York State.

The program, called Climate Smart Communities, focuses on local municipalities looking to reduce their carbon footprints and transition to more renewable energy sources. The highest distinction, the silver certification, has only been awarded to 25 municipalities across the entire state.

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation via Facebook

Climate Smart Communities in the Hudson Valley

In the Hudson Valley, there were several highlights. The City of Kingston, for example, was recently recertified as a Silver Certified Climate Smart Community. While the historic city has been involved with the initiative since 2013, another Hudson Valley municipality was recently certified for the first time.

Officials pose with their silver certifications in Kingston, NY (Village of Rhinebeck)

Village of Rhinebeck Is the Newest Silver Certified Climate Smart Community

"The Village of Rhinebeck has recently been announced as a silver certified Climate Smart Community!", the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently shared on Facebook (below). Rhinebeck's certification took into account recent projects focusing on safe walking routes for students as well as a new composting system.

Silver Certified Climate Smart Communities in the Hudson Valley

In Dutchess County, both Rhinebeck (new certification) and Beacon (recertification) have received silver certifications. In addition to Kingston in Ulster County, which held several environmental-based event this summer (below), Hudson Valley municipalities in Westchester and Columbia counties also received silver certifications.

Several issues in the Hudson Valley, including the recent algae bloom that experts are calling the largest in the history of the Hudson River, has once again highlighted environmental concerns in the region. Residents looking to add their town to the list of Climate Smart Communities can learn more here.

From Troy to Newburgh: 11 Great Hudson Riverfront Restaurants!

There is nothing like waterfront dining. And if this writer had his druthers, that waterfront would be the fabulous Hudson River.

This gallery takes a sampler look at 11 different restaurants that are either situated directly at the Hudson's water's edge, or close enough to grab a stunning view of it. They range in location from Green Island, NY in the north, all the way down to Newburgh, 90 miles to the south.

Obviously we couldn't mention all of the Hudson River's great waterfront dining establishments here, so if your favorite didn't make the list please visit our Facebook page and give it a shout out. we really do want to hear from you!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

These Hudson River Towns Offer Amazing Backdrops For Selfies!!

New York's famous Hudson river, known as "America's Rhine," is one of the pretty places in the United States. There are dozens of small hamlets, towns, and villages on the route from approximately Albany down through to New York City. The Hudson River Valley is a tourist's delight! Here is a short selection of towns in the valley that offer beautiful and special places along the waterfront. There is no better road trip in the Empire State than a three day trip along the Hudson, stopping and enjoying every view, museum, restaurant, and historic site along the way. And if you have been a frequent user of New York's Amtrak, you already know this. The rail route hugs the water all the way down. Be sure and get a window seat!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

Filed Under: New York State DEC