Get Out, Weekend Planner: Enjoying the Great Outdoors

It's only Thursday—so a lot can change meteorologically between now and Saturday—but as of this morning the Weather Channel was predicting a warm and mild weekend. The theme of this week's "Get Out" is just that—getting outdoors, enjoying fresh air and finally welcoming spring! 

1. Walk or jog around the Rockefeller State Park Preserve

Where/When: Off Route 117  in Sleepy Hollow; Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April through October. 

Why Go: The Rockefeller preserve offers an extensive network of trails with exquisite views of the Hudson Valley.  Freshwater fishing is permitted in season (a fishing permit is available at their office) and horseback riding is also allowed, but by permit only. 

Price: $6 per vehicle, if you park in their lot.

(Editor's note: I suggest you pick up or print out a trail map before you go.  My dog and I got lost for three hours in the complicated web of trails and ended up emerging more than a mile away from the car.)

2. 

Where/When: Batten Road & Bramblebush Road in Croton; Saturday, April 9 at 10 a.m. 

Why go: Explore the waterfalls at Croton Gorge Park with other outdoor enthusiasts. 

Pricing: Free!

3. Hastings Farmers Market Moves Back Outside

Where/When: y parking lot; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Why Go: It's the day we've all been waiting for: The farmer's market is back outside! Buy fresh produce, baked goods, cheese and so much more while listening to live music and enjoying breathtaking views of the Hudson River. 

Pricing: Free...well, until you start buying things—which, believe me, you will.  

4: Meet the Farmer: Mushrooms

Where/When:  , 630 Bedford Road, Tarrytown; Saturday, April 9 from 1-2:30 p.m.

Why Go: This one's not exactly outdoors, but a farmer's lesson in growing mushrooms will prepare you for long days in the garden growing your own. Four-season grower Jack Algiere will lead the group through the basics of growing mushrooms, and participants will help inoculate logs with Shitake and Oyster mushroom spawn. Afterwards, everyone will enjoy a mushroom snack!

Pricing: $15 adult, $9 youth (ages 9-14)

5. Walk the Aqueduct; Pick Up Lunch

Where/When: Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington or Tarrytown; Anytime!

Why Go: The Old Croton Aqueduct trail is the lifeline of the Rivertowns. I suggest starting in your home town and walking somewhere new to enjoy lunch with friends or family. If you stop in Hastings, have lunch at  or ; for lighter, less costly fare, pick up a sandwich or prepared sushi at s.  In Dobbs Ferry, you can venture off the path to or grab a slice of pizza. Irvington's options also range from fancy—try —to grab-and-go at Neighborhood Market or If you make it to Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, you need only cross Route 9 (there is a traffic light) to enjoy a meal at .

Pricing: The walk is free. (Street parking is also free in Irvington; park at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry to avoid meters.)