Despite swaths of area residents finding themselves perpetually indoors these days, May has arrived and the collective desire to step out into the great outdoors beckons. One of the most historic destinations in the Hudson Valley is encouraging residents and travelers to recreate locally by exploring Olana – even if it’s from the comforts of home. Olana’s landscape is open for free Audio Tours that offer a self-guided experience within Olana’s 250-acres through a one-of-a-kind audio experience. Visitors can learn about the history and ongoing restoration of Olana’s artist designed landscape. Listeners of Olana’s audio tours are gifted with narrations that make them feel as though they are walking through a Frederic Church painting while learning a myriad of facts regarding Church’s many historic carriage roads. The tour can be listened to anywhere, and local actors like Leigh Strimbeck and Paul Ricciardi provide excellent dramatic readings along with an original score donated by Henri Scars Struck of Wave Farm/WGXC.
For those still in need of physical immersion, Olana’s landscape is open daily, 8am to sunset. Olana welcomes all, including leashed dogs, and strongly encourages visitors to practice social distancing by keeping six feet of distance. Olana has also introduced a special offer for new and renewing Members of The Olana Partnership. Beginning in April, subscribers may receive two additional months of membership when they purchase or renew a membership. Members of The Olana Partnership enjoy free, behind the scenes virtual experiences as well as a variety of unique access experiences.
Check out Olana’s website olana.org for more information, follow Olana on social media @olanashs, and email for upcoming news about Olana’s online member events.