The Wilderness Series by Sara Donati is excellent and takes place in that general area. Later books in the series are set in Manhattan.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP who recommended the book here...I grew up in Northern Dutchess! And I'm married to an Indian American, who is not from NY, lol. There's an Indian restaurant I've been dying to try in Rhinebeck but my H hasn't come with me to visit in a while and my parents don't eat Indian food. Maybe I'll just go by myself.

I'm the OP and would go for a research trip! Plus I love Indian food.
I'm so fascinated with the steamboat races, all the stops and manors along the Hudson (yes, FDR! Hyde Park!) and what a fascinating and influential area it became. From the heritage of the Dutch settlers (Sleepy Hollow and very tidy farms) and the integration of other settlers, military strategy and shipping of the Hudson, and the beginning of wealth and leisure (Saratoga Springs).

Did you do a lot of local history growing up?

Not really, I knew I wanted to leave the area for a more urban place by the time I was 5, lol. My parents both grew up in Northern Dutchess too. In high school I used to start driving around to the mansions to hang out...they were all mostly free back then. My favorites include:

Vanderbilt Mansion: I've only been inside once, maybe twice. But the grounds are lovely to walk around. Plus there is a road on the left right before you leave that goes down to the river...I used to go down there and sit and sketch. It's only open certain days now, maybe there is info on the web site.

Clermont in Tivoli: After school we'd grab snacks in Tivoli then hang out at Clermont. There's a house I've never been in, and paths, and a large hill. It was a nice, relaxing place by the river.

Blithewood (on the campus of Bard College): I think the home is used for offices, but the gardens are beautiful, and overlook the river. I may be biased because my great grandfather worked on the estate there.

Olana: Very cool house with amazing views. We used to go and hang out on the grounds but you may have to pay now to even enter (you used to only pay to enter the house).

Most of these places have book stores (like FDR's house) and they probably have or can recommend more books about the area! I wonder if you just called the stores directly if people would help.

Anonymous wrote:PP who recommended the book here...I grew up in Northern Dutchess! And I'm married to an Indian American, who is not from NY, lol. There's an Indian restaurant I've been dying to try in Rhinebeck but my H hasn't come with me to visit in a while and my parents don't eat Indian food. Maybe I'll just go by myself.

I'm the OP and would go for a research trip! Plus I love Indian food.
I'm so fascinated with the steamboat races, all the stops and manors along the Hudson (yes, FDR! Hyde Park!) and what a fascinating and influential area it became. From the heritage of the Dutch settlers (Sleepy Hollow and very tidy farms) and the integration of other settlers, military strategy and shipping of the Hudson, and the beginning of wealth and leisure (Saratoga Springs).

Did you do a lot of local history growing up?

There are lots of books about FDR who is from Hyde Park in mid-Dutchess. Also about his mother Sara Delano and her family. Also books about Timothy Leary and G. Gordon Liddy in the '60s who both happened to be around Dutchess County -

My family was Dutch and lived up that way. I didn’t know there were a lot of novels set in this area. Thanks for asking the question!

PP who recommended the book here...I grew up in Northern Dutchess! And I'm married to an Indian American, who is not from NY, lol. There's an Indian restaurant I've been dying to try in Rhinebeck but my H hasn't come with me to visit in a while and my parents don't eat Indian food. Maybe I'll just go by myself.

I grew up in East Fishkill! Represent! Though I’m Indian American, not Dutch

Anonymous wrote:Northern Dutchess and Ulster County.

thanks, I grew up in Orange County, will check it out

Northern Dutchess and Ulster County.

Anonymous wrote:My MIL came across this book and told me about it:

https://www.amazon.com/Violet-Season-Kathy-Leonard-Czepiel/dp/1451655061

I grew up right around where this novel takes place, and found it interesting and a nice read. It's a little later time-wise than what you're looking for, but I enjoyed it.

Where in the Hudson Valley does it take place?

Anonymous wrote:My MIL came across this book and told me about it:

https://www.amazon.com/Violet-Season-Kathy-Leonard-Czepiel/dp/1451655061

I grew up right around where this novel takes place, and found it interesting and a nice read. It's a little later time-wise than what you're looking for, but I enjoyed it.

Thanks! Will check it out. "Rich with historical detail" has promise!
Isn't it fun to read a book about a place you live/d?
I'm in a rabbit hole about the Catskills now and I want to visit!

My MIL came across this book and told me about it:

https://www.amazon.com/Violet-Season-Kathy-Leonard-Czepiel/dp/1451655061

I grew up right around where this novel takes place, and found it interesting and a nice read. It's a little later time-wise than what you're looking for, but I enjoyed it.

Hi, looking for recommendations on books on settlements (Hudson river or manhattan), river families, etc.
Read Washington Irving's sketchbook, Seton's Dragonwyck, The Sewing Girls Tale. I'm sure there's some Alexander Hamilton overlap. Mostly interested in colonial and historical fiction but very interested in all aspects! TIA!