Crew Cuts

HOME ON THE HUDSON

Lori Weller, an AirTran Airways Crew Member, talks about Newburgh, New York.

Although Lori Weller, a flight manager for AirTran Airways’ safety department, lives in Atlanta, she still feels connected to her hometown of Newburgh. She says there’s a tremendous amount to see and do in the Hudson Valley area.

Natural Beauty

Weller loves to spend time at Lake Minnewaska (www.lakeminnewaska.org), a 30-minute drive from Newburgh. The lake is part of the 19,000-acre Minnewaska State Park Preserve. “It’s just a nice, relaxing place away from the hustle and bustle,” says Weller. “I don’t think there’s a prettier place than the Hudson Valley in the fall.” According to Weller, the Hudson River itself is the most beautiful sight in the entire Hudson Valley. “I tell anybody who flies in to go to the Newburgh Waterfront (www.newburghwaterfront.com),” Weller says.

Those looking for an outdoor challenge can take the Newburgh-Beacon Ferry, and test their stamina at Mount Beacon, a 1,500-foot summit that looks down on the entire Hudson Valley region.

Rich in History

History buffs will also enjoy Newburgh. Weller remembers walking down Montgomery Street, admiring historical architecture like The Crawford House, now home to The Newburgh Historical Society (www.newburghhistoricalsociety.com). On Grand Street, you’ll find the Dutch Reformed Church (www.newburghdrc.org), a nationally recognized monument. Visitors can also enjoy the quiet tranquility of Downing Park (www.newburgh-ny.com/downing). Named after landscape artist Andrew Jackson Downing—Newburgh’s First Son—the 35-acre park was designed by the same creators as Central Park.

For aficionados of the Revolutionary War, Weller points out Washington’s Headquarters, where Gen. George Washington lived during the war’s final days. Nearby at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site is The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor (www.thepurpleheart.com), which opened in 2006.

Newburgh Dining

One of Weller’s favorite spots is ABC Pizza & Restaurant (www.abcpizza.net; 845-562-2060) in New Windsor, which she says hasn’t changed since she was five years old. If you want fine dining, head to Newburgh Waterfront—but Weller always opts for Alexis Diner (845-565-1400). “If you want typical diner food, I would definitely say the Alexis,” Weller says. —Anna Moser

Photo of Lori Weller by Jeremy Landolfa