See spring in full bloom at Clermont!
- Friends of Clermont
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Spring has sprung at Clermont! Whether you’re strolling through our gardens in full bloom, taking in a breathtaking sunset, or attending one of our spring events, Clermont is a must-visit this season.
All-day, every-day
There's always something to do at Clermont! Our gardens and grounds are open year-round from 8:30 a.m. to dusk.
Gardens
Clermont is home to four historic gardens: the Walled Garden, the South Spring Garden, the Wilderness Garden, and the Cutting Garden. We also have a fifth garden, the Teaching Garden, tucked behind Sylvan Cottage used for our Harvesting History program. All five gardens are cared for by a team of state staff and Friends of Clermont volunteers.
Want to learn more about our historic gardens? Join us on May 23 for our Digging Deeper: Alice Livingston and the Making of Clermont’s Historic Gardens program. Inspired by her travels abroad, Alice blended Italian influences with the charm and natural grace of English-style gardens. In the 1930s, Alice created the Walled, Wilderness, and Cutting Gardens, each with its own character and story to tell.
Thank you to The Garden Conservancy for partnering with us on this program.
Be sure to visit us in late April to mid-May to see our famous Lilac Walk in bloom!
Please note: estimated bloom dates are based on weather conditions and on growing zone data, which can vary from year to year. Be sure to check on our social media to see when the lilacs start to bloom!
Hiking Trails
Clermont has five miles of marked hiking trails and three miles of bridle paths to explore. These trails wind through Clermont’s 500 acres of woodland and landscaped gardens. Clermont is home to a wide array of wildlife, including birds, chipmunks, frogs, turtles, foxes, and deer. When enjoying our trails, please stay on the path, carry out your litter, and remember to take nothing but memories and leave nothing but footprints. Our hiking trails are accessible year-round from 8:30 a.m. to dusk. Please note that trails may be inaccessible due to snow or other weather-related conditions. User discretion is advised. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
Spring is also the time when the flora and fauna return to the Reflection Pond, located between the Walled Garden and the Wilderness Garden. Be sure to visit to see some of Clermont’s famous amphibian friends!
Download our free trail map.
Did you know that Clermont is part of the New York State Birding Trail? Learn more about the New York State Bird Challenge!
Picnics
We can’t imagine a better way to spend a spring day than a picnic at Clermont! Enjoy your picnic with breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley or surrounded by flowers in our historic gardens. Picnic tables are conveniently scattered throughout the site, most of which are located just off our visitor parking lot.
No table? No problem! Check out our Clermont picnic blankets!
Sunsets
Clermont is known for its stunning views of the Catskill Mountains and the Hudson River. These views become more breathtaking as the sun goes down!
Clermont is nominated for several categories as part of the 7th Annual Chronogram Reader’s Choice Awards, including Best Sunset Spot. Don’t forget to vote for Clermont! Only the top five nominees in each category will move onto the next round of voting. Voting closes March 31.
Guided tours
Our mansion is open year-round for guided tours. This year, we are adding more Revolutionary War-era history to the tour in honor of the semiquincentennial. The mansion is open for tours Thursday through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are also offered on Monday holidays. Tickets can be purchased in the Visitor Center.
Group tours are also available by reservation. We welcome groups with 10-60 guests. Tours of the gardens can also be added upon request. Please note that reservation must be made at least two weeks in advance. For more information, please call 518-537-4240.
Plan your visit.
Want to learn more about Clermont's history and the Livingston family? Check out our books!
Photo credit: Melvin Brinson Jr of Valley Vagrant
Events
Mark your calendars for these exciting events!
America 250 Celebration
Sunday, April 19
2 - 3 p.m.
This year marks the semiquincentennial, or 250th birthday, of the United States. In celebration, Clermont will be hosting various America 250 events throughout the year, including history lectures, book talks, and more! Stop by our Visitor Center and check out our interactive kiosk to learn more about New York’s role in the American Revolution.
We will also be sharing historical anecdotes on our blog and social media. Geoff Benton, Clermont State Historic Site Manager, specializes in the history of the American Revolution and the Hudson Valley. He’s authored a treasure trove of articles on the Clermont State Historic Site blog, and we’re delighted to reshare his historical perspective. To learn more about Clermont's celebration of the United States' 250th birthday.
Winter Series
Saturday, April 25
2 - 3 p.m.
We’re wrapping up our Winter Series with an author talk and book signing with Kiersten Marcil, author of Witness to the Revolution, book one of a historical fantasy saga. Kiersten is proud of her family’s deep-rooted history in our nation’s foundation. She is a Mayflower descendant of Governor William Bradford and great-granddaughter of Peter Minuit, the Director of the Dutch North American Colony (part of the Dutch East India Company) and is credited with the so-called “purchase” of Manhattan Island. It wasn’t until her adulthood that Kiersten grew to love history. As a museum educator, she was tasked with bringing the past alive, realizing that historical figures were real people who lived, loved, and felt loss. This spurred her into the hobby of historical research. She currently serves as the chair of the Schenectady Celebrates 250! committee for the Schenectady County Historical Society.
Thank you to the Germantown Library for partnering with us on our Winter Series.
Sheep & Wool Showcase
Saturday, April 25
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Our yearly celebration of fiber arts returns!
The Chancellor’s Sheep and Wool Showcase is family-friendly event that features shearing demonstrations, farm animals, and historic reenactments. The artisan craft market offers a little something for everyone at every price point, including brilliant yarns, fleeces, soaps, candles, flowers, and handicraft treasures. One of Clermont’s oldest and most popular annual festivals, The Chancellor’s Sheep and Wool Showcase has become a springtime tradition for many in the area. With local historians and demonstrators on hand, the traditional Irish music of Tamarack filling the air, and many springtime activities for the little ones, there's something for everyone at Sheep and Wool!
Harmonies on the Hudson
Thursday, May 28
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Our free concert series returns, generously presented by Fix Bros. Fruit Farm.
Join us on May 28 as we welcome The Crew Trio to open our series! Co-lead vocalist and guitarist Mike Kiernan is described as having “one of the best young soulful voices you’ll ever hear.” His style is Bob Seger meets Chris Stapleton. Co-lead vocalist and guitarist Boblo Hauver delivers the California sound, inspired by artists J. Browne and The Eagles. Rick Ecker’s lyrical fretless bass playing gives the Trio a truly unique sound. Together, the Crew Trio is sure to have you singing along to classic hits from Billy Joel, Elton John, The Beatles, Bob Seger, Simon & Garfunkel, The Eagles, Joni Mithcell, Jim Croce, and more!
All concerts begin at 6 p.m. and are weather permitting. It is recommended that attendees bring their own seating. Picnics are encouraged!
Thank you to our sponsors.
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Platinum Sponsors
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Community Partners