(Maximum participation, 20)

Welcome to the visually rich, premier locale of American art history, the land of the Hudson River School artists. Join us in New Paltz, New York, midway between Manhattan and Albany and central to the history.

Why 'Afield' and not 'Abroad'? Historically we chose destinations in France and Italy for our tour groups. But this year, with the rise in the Euro, we found the price of European travel out of sync with our goals of affordability and value. Instead for 2008, we have planned this U.S. tour mixing art history study; painting, drawing and photography; classroom instruction; and the enjoyment of the good life as found in the Hudson valley.

Now, after looking to economies and with the cooperation of the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz, we are pleased to offer this 10-day, 9-night package for $1,473.

Step Into History

You are within minutes of the homes of the two best-known painters of the Hudson River School, Frederick Church and Thomas Cole. We’ll tour their homes and walk their footsteps in the landscapes that inspired them. But the Hudson River School is more than historic sites, it’s a spirit that’s surrounds you. Discover it walking in nearby Minnewaska State Park atop the Shawangunk Mountains with vistas of the Hudson valley. Or spend a day at a historic resort, Mohonk Mountain House, and walk to its lookout tower for a panorama of the Catskills.

Your touring may also take you to the homes of Hudson River gentry. For example the Vanderbilt, Roosevelt and Livingston mansions. Enroute and about town, you’ll find a wide variety of excellent dining experiences. And menus are often enhanced by the skills of Culinary Institute of America graduates. Wineries? Several are just down the road, but you could make a whole tour just visiting the vineyards and wineries of Ulster County.


Yes there's still more. Much more. Need a contemporary hit? Drop into Beacon, New York's DIA Art Foundation for an extraordinary art collection and experience. Further afield: Go south and you'll come to one of the world's finest and largest collections of contemporary outdoor sculpture, the Storm King Art Center. Need some city refreshment? Hop across the river to Poughkeepsie and take the Hudson Line into Manhattan and back. You could enjoy a Wednesday matinee and dinner and see how New York's long distance commuters live. And no doubt you'll discover a whole catalog of events and places where you'll want to be for the first time and again and again. See the Tips and Links page to visit these places and more, on-line. Click the map to the right to enlarge.

Your New Paltz Home

While your SUNY New Paltz dormitory suite normally houses six with its common area, three bedrooms and a bath, we are limiting occupancy to a couple or to three singles. This dorm, set on a campus lake, is equipped with an elevator, kitchen and laundry facilities among amenities serving your needs. Breakfast at the main dining hall next door is included. But if you wish, you can also purchase lunch, $8, or dinner $10 plus local taxes there on your own. Your accommodations will also include access to studio/classroom space to paint or to edit your photography. But just cut across campus and there’s New Paltz, a collegiate and sophisticated mix of restaurants, cafes, shops and historic area.