Clermont State Historic Site

My wife and I signed up to go on the Halloween Candlelight Tour at Clermont. It is a bit off the beaten path for us and took us about an hour and half to get there. We didn’t plan accordingly for how long it would take us and then rushed to get there which became pretty stressful for us. We then wound up passing the sign to Clermont which made us even later and we definitely missed the tour time we signed up for. We reserved ourselves to try and ask if we could go on a later tour when we get there knowing full well it was our fault we missed the tour time we were supposed to be on and that they probably were booked.
When we arrived there was a long line of lighted jack-​o-​lanterns lighting the way to the visitor center which looked very neat. When we walked in I was already to be told that unfortunately we missed the tour and they were booked. Instead what happened was the incredibly kind lady behind the desk said that they had already shifted our reservation to the next tour, not too worry and to please relax and have some hot cider and donuts. I cannot tell you how welcome that was to a couple who was snipping at each other in the car as the time kept getting farther and farther away from our original reservation. We were able to let the stress go, enjoy the refreshments and tour the visitors center which was deported for the holiday.
The tour itself was wonderful in the house of Robert Livingston. The actors followed the storyline of a party thrown in 1921 who summoned ghosts from the American revolution. We loved every minute of it and want to go back just to tour the house itself.
Very rarely do you see such warm, friendly, an accommodating customer service in this day and age. It was something that I was truly appreciative of and something I will not soon forget.

The Livingston family once owned all the land from this property east to Massachusetts, with a few peaks across the Hudson River in the Catskills thrown in for good measure. Such massive family land ownership boggles a mind raised in the democratic 21^st century, where the impersonal State is uncontested in land ownership.
Not so for the Scottish-​Dutch family that lived here for generations, producing notables who helped draft and sign the Declaration of Independence, presided as Mayor of NYC and helped build the first steam boat. (Not all the same Livingston!)
The title of a book for sale in the gift shop «An American Aristocracy» is right on target.
You’ll drive past the abandoned entry booth, which now informs visitors to pay at a kiosk and display the ticket on your dashboard. Wander past the quilted sheep and you’ll find the visitor’s center. You will find a healthy dose of brochures for nearby attractions, various curios, bathrooms and a few chairs gathered around a TV that will broadcast a documentary about the family and property.
The visitor’s center is also where you can purchase tickets for a one hour house tour. Our guide was wise beyond her years (Or simply looked deceptively young) in explaining the comings and goings at the property. She was able to deal with an usual barrage of questions from a specific fellow, who couldn’t help himself when the group was asked if there were any questions. A well balanced presentation of history, insight into domestic life and a slice of social-​cultural commentary made this tour worthwhile.
After the tour (or before), you can walk the grounds of the property and take in some awe inspiring views of the Hudson. Bucolic and serene scenery greet the casual stroller as you make your way along the somewhat hilly turf. Small gardens will greet you and longer trails loop around the house.
We spent about 2 – 2.5 hours total on the site and could have easily followed a longer loop if it wasn’t the case of hunger striking. There are picnic tables for those with the foresight to pack a picnic: we wound up driving to nearby Tivoli for lunch at Murray’s.
Clermont is a reminder that the nation of the people and by the people clearly has some people who are more exceptional than the average person.

There is something strange going on here. The one review doesn’t even mention — THE HOUSE– in other words the Livingston mansion known as Clermont. The park is pretty and offers impressive views of the Hudson but if you are a tourist that’s not why your’e here. The house is interesting and contrasts sharply with nearby Olana. It was owned by Americas richest family the Livingston’s.It is not overly ornate but attractive with spectacular views. Thankfully it wasn’t crowded. Had a first rate tour guide-​Jenny?- who was well informed and very nice (especially given that I was getting talky and pedantic).By all means go to this and Olana — and Thomas Cole’s house in Catskill.

I have family that lives on Woods Road, so we would quite frequently take the short drive down to Clermont Park for family outings. It’s certainly a great place for picnics and for enjoying the outdoors. I know if you wander around enough you’ll see the railroad tracks that run along the Hudson River.