Summer Fun in Nearby Orange County, New York

While Rockland County has its fair share of fun things to do, sometimes it’s only natural to take a drive out of town for a day or night. Loads of cool happenings going on in Orange County this summer have been posted to the calendar at www.OrangeTourism.org, as well as a wide array of attractions, lodging and dining options.

Don’t worry, your GPS is working! When you head for this year’s Hoboken International Film Festival, you’ll find yourself at the beautiful, historic Paramount Theatre in Middletown. Showcasing numerous film and television stars and the world’s most cutting edge films, the event ranks as one of the top 10 best film festivals in the world. Mingle with the stars and filmmakers at the Gala Awards Ceremony and Party hosted by superstar standup comedian Gilbert Gottfried. Whether you purchase an all-access pass or buy tickets to individual galas and screenings, you’ll have stars in your eyes. The Paramount will roll out the red carpet for this spectacular from May 31 through June 6.

Park the car and lace up your running shoes for the Classic 10K Road Race Weekend on June 1 and 2, a Middletown highlight for many years. The route encompasses Olympic gold medalist Frank Shorter’s boyhood training loops. The main race, which attracts serious runners from around the world, provides a scenic tour of Middletown’s historic neighborhoods and parks. The whole family can celebrate fun and fitness along this course. There are races for kids on Saturday, and a race and walk on Sunday before the Classic. A community health expo, awards ceremony, and finish line party round out the fun for spectators and runners on Sunday.

On June 1, the wheels on the bus will take the whole family round to Cornwall-on-Hudson’s Riverfest for a full day of entertainment along side the majestic Hudson River. Meet the shuttle buses at the Cornwall Middle School and enjoy the short ride to scenic Donahue Park for the festivities. Bring a lawn blanket and lounge to the great live music as you take in the spectacular view of the surrounding Hudson Highlands. Stroll the craft vendor booths and food fair. There’s lots of green space for the children to play and special activities planned just for them. The shuttles will be making continuous loops from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pedal power is the pre-requisite for the Stewart State Forest Bike Tour in New Windsor on Sunday, June 2. Bring your mountain bike, BMX or hybrid bicycle to this ride which offers three loops, each geared for different levels of experience from beginner to expert. The routes range from 8 to 17 miles. Some are on old roads while others traverse some gravelly and single track terrain. Pre-registration is required for the ride which also includes lunch, beer, ice cream, bike demos, massage, and more. You’ll be proud to wear your new event T-shirt home after the end of a great day in the country.

Zoom over to the great lawn next to the Inn at Bear Mountain State Park (which straddles Rockland and Orange) for one of the coolest car cruises at one of the prettiest places in the Hudson Valley every Wednesday night, weather permitting, until September 11. Hundreds of street rods and classics motor parade into this weekly drive-in while masses of motorcycles flank the far end of the field near the carousel. Don’t miss any of the 6 to 9 p.m. action. Burgers, beer, and other casual fare are served up by the park’s food service so you can dine right there as the sounds of doo wop fill the air. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and watch the parade of vehicles lining up on the grass, then meander up and down the rows finding your favorites. It’s a great midweek getaway for the entire family.

  Hoboken, Hoboken International Film Festival, orange county, Orange County summer