It may be the dead of winter where you are now, but that doesn't mean it's too early to start thinking about clients' travel plans for autumn. And if I may make a suggestion: put Troy, in upstate New York, on the list. It's where autumn was invented.
Of course, there is no scientific or historical evidence to prove this, but I'm certain that evidence that I collected on a seven-night American Cruise Lines Hudson River itinerary in November is proof enough.
Take, for instance, the crisp, multihued piles of leaves strewn about sidewalks and the grounds of local parks, where gray concrete paths were only visible every few feet or so. The pristine white wood paneling of municipal buildings, the faded shades of dark blue or pine green of brownstone doors contrasted beautifully with the vibrant and rusty shades of fall. Pumpkin displays on stoops, whether left over from Halloween or just part of the seasonal décor, topped the city's picture-postcard look like the cherries or sprinkles on dessert.
It was early in the month, on the second-to-last departure of the line's season on the Hudson, when I boarded the American Eagle on this typically sold-out itinerary. I had spent months watching enviously from the Yonkers waterfront near my home as the company's coastal catamarans sailed by and docked in Alpine, N.J., which is where the ship overnights for excursions in nearby Sleepy Hollow before continuing its journey north.
We started the voyage on Manhattan's west side, near Hell's Kitchen. In the past, Hudson itineraries sailed roundtrip from New York City, but starting this year cruises will be one way from the city to Albany, and vice versa.
The company offers itineraries on the Hudson in both the summer and fall -- the Hudson River Summer Classic Cruise and the Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise.
Autumn leaves cover the lawns of Sage Park at Russell Sage College in downtown Troy, N.Y. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
Bite of the Apple
It was fitting that our journey kicked off in the Big Apple; later on upriver, we'd have no shortage of opportunities for excursions to orchards for apple picking, and the crisp fruit was incorporated into many meals. Our precruise bus and walking tour began with us taking a bite out of Midtown's Theater District, where our guide told us back stories of historical buildings, illuminated signs and other fun facts about the district he was intimately familiar with (he had previously worked as a stage manager there).
The bus tour eventually made its way to St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and Grand Central Terminal. As a regular MetroNorth rail passenger, Grand Central is a place I've felt quite familiar with, but I found much to learn and discover on this tour, including a clandestine speakeasy tucked above the Cipriani Dolci restaurant in the main concourse.
Guests enjoy some unseasonably warm November weather on the outdoor patio of Deck 3 as they wait for their meals from the Lookout Cafe. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
Sailing out of New York City was serene. We set off at around sunset, just in time for the golden hour when the sunset reflects off the glass skyscrapers and apartment buildings along the West Side Highway. By nightfall, we were passing Yonkers, and I watched my city glow and waved ceremoniously to my cat, Chuckie, tucked away somewhere inside my apartment. He wouldn't have noticed, but that was hardly the point.
We sailed through the night, and in the morning, arrived in Milton, in Saratoga County, for our first excursion: apple picking at Dubois Farms & Tavern, which included apple cider beverages and classic fall eats like apple cider doughnuts. The excursion was relatively short; barely two hours passed before we boarded the ship and set sail toward Kingston, where we arrived just before dinner.
Guests stroll through the orchards of Dubois Farms & Tavern in Highland, N.Y., during a morning apple-picking excursion. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
All-American fare
Meals onboard in the main restaurant consisted of classic American dishes, though the chef also undertook more ambitious projects, such as Pacific cod with curried apple butter. But I admit I was delighted when meatloaf with potatoes popped up toward the end of the cruise.
My favorite discovery on the American Eagle was the secondary, more casual dining spot onboard: the Lookout Cafe, located outside on deck 3. Guests can order from the window or with a staff member servicing the area. Bites include burgers, hot dogs, soups, salads and other simple, casual fare. Another highlight for many guests: beer and wine are included in the cruise fares and are available 24/7 in the Sky Lounge, the indoor area next to the Lookout Cafe.
The main restaurant on the American Eagle serves up hearty dishes like meatloaf with potatoes. Photo Credit: Nicole Edenedo
Excursions were slightly shorter than the half- to full-day outings on river cruises in Europe, so there was plenty of programming available during the day and entertainment in the evenings. Much of it was provided by Robert Yonskie, owner of Yonskie Entertainment Services and proud Hudson Valley native.
A jack of all trades, he hosts history lectures, provides tidbits about what guests are seeing along the Hudson, performs cabaret-style shows and even hosts a church service on Sundays, all in the Chesapeake Lounge.