Storm King Art Center

More than 100 sculptures dot the sprawling hills and fields of Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, New York. Visitors can walk along paved paths, rent a bicycle, or ride the free tram to discover a world renowned collection of large-scale sculptures, each of them carefully placed to interact with their environment. Some of the pieces rise majestically out of the 500-acre landscape, while others blend quietly into their surroundings. Like the best marriages, Storm King's art and nature bring out the best in each other.

Parking and public transportation at Storm King Art Center
Storm King Art Center is easily accessible by car, but the parking lot can fill to capacity on busy days. Coach USA offers daily bus service from New York City, and New Jersey Transit provides a train to Salisbury Mills, three miles away from Storm King. A taxi can get you the rest of the way there.

Best and worst time to go to Storm King Art Center
Mid-October is spectacular in the Lower Hudson Valley. The weather is cool and fall foliage is at its peak. The surrounding mountains are ablaze with red and gold, and the massive sculptures absorb autumn's colors and play around with the season's changing light. The dog days of summer, from mid-July to mid-August, can be muggy and unpleasant for a full day outdoors. Some of the sculptures lack shade, and mosquitos are plentiful.

Admission to Storm King Art Center
Admission is $15 per person, with discounts available for seniors and children. Zipcar members are eligible for two-for-one admission. For those whose walking capacity is limited, the free tram around the grounds is a convenient option. Bikes are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis, and personal bicycles are not allowed.

Must see/do at Storm King Art Center
While the free map that's available at the Visitor's Center can help you navigate Storm King, there isn't a lot of information displayed at the sculptures. Fortunately, there are three options for informative tours: a docent led Highlights Tour, a self-guided audio tour, or a comfortable ride on the tram while the driver narrates the sites. Be sure not to miss the must-see sculptures, which include the long and winding Storm King Wall, the Wavefield, which evokes ocean waves in a grassy field, and Three Legged Buddha, where picture taking tourists appear as small as ants in the copper statue's enormity.

Other places to visit near Storm King Art Center
Storm King Art Center could be a pin in the Shawangunk Wine Trail's map. Palaia Winery is nearby, and has live music on the weekends. Also a short drive away is Brotherhood, America's Oldest Winery. To make it an arts destination weekend, the Dia: Beacon, located a few minutes north and across the Hudson River, offers large-scale site-specific sculptures similar to Storm King's.

Insider tip for visitors to Storm King Art Center
The friendly docents are posted around the sculptures to remind visitors not to touch (ask them which ones the kids are allowed to climb on), but they're also excited to talk with visitors about upcoming exhibits, their favorite sculptures, and the best spots for a serene walk on the grounds.

Author's bio: Michele DeBella is a freelance writer based in New York City. She is sometimes lured back to her upstate New York roots with the promise of nature, art, and wineries all in close proximity. Follow her on Twitter @MicheleDeBella.