Visit Bear Mountain State Park Via Classic Harbor Line Cruise

View web version with video Those looking for a nice but quick getaway should consider a cruise to Bear Mountain, which makes for an excellent day trip. NY1′s Valarie D’Elia filed the following report. Classic Harbor Line’s Yacht Manhattan is making its way up the Hudson on a series of monthly cruises to Bear Mountain State Park through November. It’s a nine hour trip total, allowing plenty of time to get a sense of the river. “It’s really important when you leave New York City and pass by Croton and everything to see the whole connectedness of New York City to the rest of the state physically,” says Cathie Behrend, a passenger on a recent cruise. As it’s just 45 miles north of New York City, it takes three hours to arrive at Bear Mountain, rain or shine. “Although it was either raining, misting or something, the air is good, the water is good,” says Helen Ginns, another passenger. “It’s not Disneyland, there’s nothing to buy. Just to see and to learn, just to be in nature.” Bear Mountain is home to a part of the Appalachian trail, some magnificent views, a huge outdoor swimming pool and a zoo that takes in rescue animals. What sets Classic Harbor apart from Circle Line, which runs similar cruises in the fall, is the intimacy, as well as quality and quantity of the food served onboard. A generous brunch is followed by an afternoon barbecue and several snacks en route. “Who would imagine there was a waffle maker and fresh waffle batter that was light as air?” says Ginns. “It was lots of fun, an unexpected treat.” The cost of the Bear Mountain cruise is $165 per person, which includes food, soft drinks and one drink from the bar. However, NY1 viewers can get $25 off the Bear Mountain cruise with code VAL25 and $15 off any other Classic Harbor Line cruise including the popular Architecture cruise with code VAL15. Yacht Manhattan departs from Chelsea Piers on West 22nd St. Click Here to visit Val’s website