The Hudson River School is widely recognized as America’s first major artistic movement. Megan Pidcock writes in the WSJ how it holds a special place in her heart. This past 4th of July Ms. Pidcock visited what she calls one of the most beautiful places in our country.

The lush green forests, clear waters, and charming scenery of the Adirondacks provided an immediate relief from the concrete jungle of New York City. It was the first time I’d visited the area in my adult life, and as an amateur art lover, I couldn’t help but recall the school of painting the area inspired.

A painting, Megan Pedicock, reminds her readers, can’t entirely capture the spirit of the scene it attempts to replicate.

But the works of Cole and Church nonetheless reach something deeper. They’re a reminder that nature existed long before nations and will continue to exist long after. We’re dust, and to dust we shall return.

Dick and I have traveled through Milford many times, via auto and Harley-Davidsons during our motorcycle years. We often stayed at the Hotel Fauchère in Milford, PA, which we always considered to be the beginning of the Delaware Water Gap. It’s lovely: the area, the hotel, and the surroundings. Enjoy.