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Text and photographs by Benjamin Swett; Edited by Randall Bourscheidt

Since Henry Hudson first sailed up the Hudson River in 1609, the valley he explored has exerted a hold on the imaginations of people around the world. Today, this beautiful, historic valley is experiencing a cultural renaissance not seen since the founding of the Hudson River school of painting more than 150 years ago.

In celebration of the 400th anniversary of Hudson’s voyage, the Alliance for the Arts has produced a cultural guide to the Hudson Valley arranged by county, from Staten Island to Lake George. It includes more than 500 performing arts centers, museums, historical homes, parks, nature sanctuaries, fairs and festivals along the River. The guide celebrates not just the big museums and historic locations the valley has long been famous for, but also the little-known gardens, hidden masterpieces of municipal architecture, local theater companies, and small rustic lodges where local musicians play chamber music under the stars.

ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS The Alliance for the Arts, a private advocacy organization, publishes cultural guides and calendars for New York City and New York State.

BENJAMIN SWETT is the former director of the Parks in Print program at the New York City Parks Department, and is best known for Great Trees of New York City: A Guide; Bronx River New York; Fort Greene Park Brooklyn and many other publications, including his recent book Route 22, published by The Quantuck Lane Press. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and three children.

RANDALL BOURSCHEIDT is president of the Alliance for the Arts. He studied American history at Columbia and served in the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs from 1978 to 1987. He lives in New York City and Columbia County.

June 2009 $29.95 Clothbound (Can. $0.00) ISBN-13 978-1-593720353 41/2 x 81/2 inches Over 60 color illustrations 288 pages TRAVEL/NEW YORK