Have You Discovered Orange County, NY's Secret Magic Forest?

There are endless attractions to explore in the Hudson Valley. Some of these experiences are well known such as the historical homes in Dutchess County, NY and the top rated sculpture park in Orange County, NY

However, unknown attractions such as Uncle Sam's House in Ulster County, NY and a mysterious ghost town in Orange County, NY draw locals attention.

What Giant Statues Have You Noticed In The Hudson Valley?

Canva, Allison Kay

In Sullivan County, NY I came across a giant statue out of the corner of my eye while driving. I was excited to later learn that his name is "Hippie Muffler Man". The history behind this legendary statue is interesting, he can be spotted alongside a main road in the Hudson Valley.

Recently, I had the opportunity to see a giant cat in person that I found out about a few months ago. This cat is "living it's best life" at a Hudson Valley farm.

Roadside America stated that this cat is,

"Nineteen feet long... five-hundred pounds... made of fiberglass."

"The cat is a brown tabby with a grinning, Cheshire Cat-like face -- its eyes round and bulging, a little Christmas stocking cap still perched jauntily on its head."

This giant cat has found its fur-ever home in Pine Island, NY.

Blue Arrow Farm Is The Home To "Lucky" The Giant Cat Statue

Canva, Allison Kay

According to North Jersey.com

The cat statue once known as "Lucky" is the spokescat for this beautiful animal sanctuary in Orange County, NY. He was a float in the original Macy's Day Parade.

SEE MORE: The Most Underrated Attraction In The Hudson Valley Is The World's Largest Kaleidoscope

Have You Discovered Orange County, NY's Secret Magic Forest?

Canva, Allison Kay

Blue Arrow Farm is located in Pine Island, NY, they take pride in helping animals in need. Blue Arrow Farm is a non profit animal sanctuary and horse rescue. They provide a space that allows animals to live in a safe and loving home.

They can be described as,

"A unique, multi‑purpose farm and outdoor entertainment facility, and a magical place for the whole family."

While visiting Blue Arrow Farm to see the famous "Lucky", I came across other unique attractions. A hippie bus, farm animals, live music and dinosaurs were some of the many thrills of visiting this farm.

Blue Arrow Farm is also the home of a secret magic forest. A warning sign remains at the beginning of the entrance for those who visit.

A Secret Magic Forest Can Be Found At Blue Arrow Farm In Pine Island, NY

Canva, Allison Kay

In the secret magic forest, visitors are recommended to "please respect the magic forest, stay on path".

I was intrigued to discover this hidden gem in the Hudson Valley and captured everything that it had to offer. On the trail, guests will come across a sign telling them where to go, this is how you know that you've started on the trail of the magic forest.

What Happens Inside Of Pine Island, NY's Magic Forest?

Canva, Allison Kay

Some visitors may use this time as a photo op, to soak in mother nature and its beauty or simply live in the moment. Be on the lookout for butterflies, a giraffe, a giant Barbie box, sunflowers and more.

At the end, guests can exit and walk through a giant spider statue above their head before heading into the magical land that has dinosaurs to see. This will then lead guests to see "Lucky", the giant cat statue and loop around to see an old firetruck and the hippie bus that I loved.

Have you visited a magic forest before? Which Hudson Valley attraction is your favorite to visit in the Hudson Valley? Tell us more below.

Blue Arrow Farm

86 Glenwood Rd, Pine Island, NY 10969

The Only Way To Catch All of These 5 Sites Along The Hudson River

How Can You Experience The View Of All of These 5 Sites Along The Hudson River?

Spending time outdoors in the Hudson Valley is one of my favorite things, I also enjoy exploring different attractions and new experiences.

I took part in the Hudson River Cruises Sunset Cruise out of Ulster County, NY. Being on the Hudson River, seeing historical sites and soaking in the fresh, summer air was uplifting.

This is the only way that history buffs, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can experience these 5 sites along the Hudson River.

Take a look at what can be experienced along this cruise.

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay

Sneak Peek at Highly Anticipated Hudson Valley Museum

A New Museum Will Open In The Catskills Featuring Hollywood's Biggest Stars

The Borscht Belt Museum will open in Ulster County,NY. This allows for the history of the Borscht Belt to carry on in the Hudson Valley.

While celebrities in the past visited the Borscht Belt region, there will be more involved in the community when this museum opens in 2025.

Fran Drescher And Fellow Celebrities Will Sit On A Hudson Valley Museum Board

Fran Drescher is a celebrity that almost everyone likes. Known for her role as Fran Fine in The Nanny, the world couldn't help but laugh at her jokes, statements, and relatable interactions with other members of the show.

According to Yahoo News,

Fran Drescher isn't the only celebrity who will be in the Catskills.

"The museum’s list of advisory board members includes Fran Drescher, Harvey Fierstein, Judd Hirsch, Robert Klein and Richard Lewis — a fitting cast for a place where some of the nation’s top comedians got their start."

Have You Ever Heard Of The Borscht Belt?

According to Borscht Belt Museum.org,

"For generations of Jews in the New York metropolitan area, there was no doubt about the location of those “mountains.” Less than 100 miles from the cramped, sweltering tenements of Manhattan’s Lower East Side was a lush patchwork of forests, farms and bustling rural towns that hosted a summertime population of nearly a million urban strivers hungry for the clean air, fresh food and familiar camaraderie that even a garment worker or cab driver could afford."

Spending the summer in the Catskills sounds ideal.

"From the turn of the 20th century to the 1970s, more than 1,000 hotels, bungalow colonies, summer camps and boarding houses dotted the Catskill Mountains of southern New York. At first they came by train, and later, by bus and car along The Quickway, now known as Route 17."

Some may know this area or region to be called Solomon County, Jewish Alps or The Mountains. The Borscht Belt was also another term that most people remember the most.

How Can You Visit The Borscht Belt Museum In Ellenville, NY?

I took a day trip to the Borscht Belt Museum in Ellenville, NY. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a humorous sign stating "Come in and schmooze, free admission".

When I entered the museum, I was greeted by a volunteer. I was able to walk around and see memorabilia from the different resorts of the Borscht Belt region and community.

I was also told that this museum is a pop up for now, they will continue to change the set up as well. 2025 marks the year that the Borscht Belt Museum will officially open.

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay

Source: Orange County’s Secret Magic Forest Needs to Be on Your Bucket List

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