Summer is in full swing and Metro-North Railroad is your way to the fun and cultural offerings throughout the region. The Railroad is offering savings on three daily getaways and hassle-free ways to get you to all of them. With packages available for Rye Playland, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival and The Wassaic Project there are entertainment options that are sure to please everyone.
Rye Playland
Playland is a family-friendly amusement park encompassing 280 acres on the shores of Long Island Sound, located in Rye, New York. Once billed as “America’s Premier Playground,” today the amusement park offers thrill rides such as the famous Dragon Coaster; Derby Racer, a steeple chase ride; and Double Shot, an 85-foot vertical drop. There are more than 50 major and Kiddyland rides and attractions; a beach, pool, and pier.
When you arrive at Playland, redeem your Playland Event ticket at any sales booth for the rides admission you purchased as part of your Metro-North package.
The deal:
- Package price from GCT/Harlem-125th Street: adults, $43 (includes rail, rides admission and round-trip MetroCard); seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals receiving Medicare, $32 (includes rail and rides admission without MetroCard); children 5-11, $27 (includes rail, rides admission and round-trip MetroCard); children 3-4, $20 (includes rail and Kiddyland ride admission), children 2 and under, free with limited Kiddyland rides admission (must ride with a ride-paying adult).
- Package price from other stations: check here for price from your boarding station.
- Purchase your rail/admission ticket from any Metro-North ticket office or full-service ticket vending machine (excluding Rye Station) or through WebTicket.
Getting there:
Take the New Haven Line to Rye where the No. 75 bus to Playland will meet specific trains throughout the day. Check here for an ITINERARY and TRAIN/BUS SCHEDULE (WEEKDAY/WEEKEND).
For more information about the park, call 914-813-7000 or visit: http://www.ryeplayland.org/
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival features the Bard’s popular plays performed under a beautifully designed theater tent on the grounds of the Boscobel House and Gardens, all located on the scenic bank of the Hudson River. The yellow, one-story Carriage House is where the box office, gift shop and restrooms are located. This season’s events include Othello, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Liar by David Ives, adapted from the comedy by Pierre Corneille.
A café is located next to the theater tent for light refreshments and drinks. Grounds are open to theatergoers two hours before each performance for picnicking.
The deal is for 20 percent off the price of all performances Monday to Friday and Sundays through August when you use promo code RIDEMETRO14. Package is subject to availability. A maximum of four tickets can be purchased per booking. To purchase discounted tickets, visit hvshakespeare.org or call the box office at (845) 265-9575
Getting there:
Take the Hudson Line to Cold Spring Station. Boscobel is a 10 minute taxi ride from the station. Round-trip taxi service can be ordered through the box office.
The Wassaic Project
The Wassaic Project offers exhibition programs that show and promote the work of artist residents as well as emerging artists. These works are all presented in a space made up of historic buildings including a converted grain elevator and auction barn.
The venue’s annual Summer Festival is a free event that features over 100 artists, 25 bands, film screenings, dance performances and more to celebrate culture and the community. There will be a food court as well as artist-curated snack packs available for purchase.
The Summer Festival takes place Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3. The Summer Exhibition, Seeing the Sky, is open on weekends through September 1. Last Saturdays events are ongoing through October.
Getting there:
Take the Harlem Line to the Wassaic station. Shuttles will run to and from the station throughout the Festival.
For more information about the Wassaic Project, visit http://wassaicproject.org/
These packages are just a few of the wonderful ways Metro-North can help you save this summer. Some other packages for you to enjoy:
- Bannerman’s Island
- Empire Cruises in the Heart of the Hudson Valley
- Kayaking on the Hudson River Waterway
- Sheffield Island Lighthouse Tour
- Westchester Trails Bike Rental
For more information on Metro-North Getaways packages, log on to: http://web.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways.htm.
