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BANNERMAN ISLAND CRUISE
Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 PM
Through October 31, 2009

BANNERMAN ISLAND CRUISE The experience

No, it's not a medieval ruin somewhere in Europe. This castle belonged to Frank Bannerman, who purchased the Hudson River's Pollepel Island in 1900 to store an inventory of surplus military equipment. Construction of the buildings, modeled after a castle in Bannerman's native Scotland, began in 1901. The business was later moved, and Bannerman's heirs sold the island to New York State in 1967. A fire destroyed the buildings two years later, but their ruins still loom over the Hudson. This tour to the island is a unique excursion for history and river buffs, and for the just plain curious.

A scenic cruise along the Hudson, including a narrated film, will take you from the ferry dock at Beacon Station to Bannerman's, where you'll receive a 1 1/2 hour guided tour of the island's mysteries and mystique. (Please note: for safety reasons, entrance to the castle is prohibited.) Tours depart from the dock, rain or shine, at 1:30 PM. There are stairs and some rough terrain on the island, so wear comfortable shoes. Strollers cannot be accommodated.

For more information, including tour time, call 845-220-2120 or visit www.prideofthehudson.com. For more information about Bannerman Island, visit www.bannermancastle.org.

The deal

PACKAGE INCLUDES: Discount round-trip rail fare and cruise/walking tour admission.

PRICE: From Grand Central Terminal or Harlem-125th Street: adults, $46.50; seniors, $42; children 5-11, $21.50; children under 5, $20.Save an additional 5 percent on rail fare when you purchase this package through WebTicket.

Getting there

Take the Hudson Line to Beacon Station. Follow signs to the ferry dock, just steps away from the station.

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