#DOGSOFOLANA SERIES

“Olana has one of the most important landscapes in the United States, so I feel fortunate to have it in my life. I was involved in the St. Lawrence Cement effort years ago. I sometimes wonder about the impact on Olana’s viewshed had we lost that battle, but when I’m on Olana’s carriage roads, I mostly think about all of the great progress at Olana these days.”

-Margaret Davidson and her dog Aubrey

“We wanted to be out in nature and let him be free. Olana has a beautiful view, a 360 view of the Hudson Valley region.”

-Yen, Will, and Butterscotch

“Dogs meet and play with other dogs and when they do, the dogs introduce people to each other.”

-Annik, Anna, and Spooner

“There’s always something to explore at Olana — the views, the history, or plants and animals thriving in the diverse ecosystems throughout Olana’s artist-designed landscape. Just like Lakshmi and me, George loves taking in the summer wildflowers blooming throughout Olana’s meadows this time of year. Every day is a great day to be on the carriage roads at Olana but summer is especially gorgeous!”

-Carolyn, Lakshmi, and George (Hudson, NY)

“We love walking dogs at Olana, especially in the summer. The carriage roads are soft, and the shade from the trees keeps them cool. The dogs get to smell more things, see other dogs, and meet nice people.”

-David, David, and Nala

“You feel lost in nature at Olana.”

-Agi and Kingston

“Thanks to nature and the wonderful people who have made Olana possible through the decades.”

-Eve and Lily the Dalmation

“Our dog Trevor gets so excited to visit Olana. It’s such a special place surrounded by nature as art, greeted by so many other dogs and dog lovers. Today, he was eagerly welcomed by young campers at Olana.”

-Jean Shin

“I’ve been a big fan of Dogs of Olana since the hashtag started. I don’t have any pets of my own so it’s exciting to see so many new and returning friends coming for walks at Olana. Lucy and Razzmatazz are two of my favorites. They are so sweet and gentle; they bring me so much joy whenever they visit. Audrey, Lucy and Razzmatazz’s dog mom, knows how excited I am to see them and offered to take a photo. Looking forward to their next visit!”

-Liz

“I love the wandering hilly paths that open onto beautiful views both near and far! And always good to cross paths with other dogs and nature lovers.”

-Portia Munson (Catskill, NY)

“I am a dogwalker and Olana is the perfect way to get the dogs out into nature. There are so many carriage roads at Olana that we don’t need to worry about crowded spaces.”

– Bonnie (Clinton Corners, NY)

“Olana has the perfect view of the Catskill Mountains. Nash loves rolling around in the tall grass.”

– Mike and Patty (Saugerties, NY)

“The nature and landscape are the best parts of Olana, it’s beautiful in all seasons. Yoko’s favorite part of Olana are the squirrels.”

– Janice and Dick (Hudson, NY)

“Olana’s carriage road is perfect for dog walking. We love seeing Olana in a new light through Bernie, we notice new things on every walk!”

– Sean and Michael (Kinderhook, NY)

“I have always admired the house and enjoyed Hudson River School paintings. Today, we decided to visit the beautiful landscape for the first time and I am excited to experience the carriage roads.”

– Will (Ghent, NY)

“What draws me to Olana is the fascinating combination of history and landscape. There are so many different facets to Olana’s vibrant landscape. As an avid birdwatcher, it’s the perfect place!”

– Martha (Germantown, NY)

“We just moved to Catskill, and instantly fell in love with Olana. Whether it is the views, landscape, architecture, or nature, there’s something to admire everywhere you look at Olana.”

– Cecilia & Gabe (Catskill, NY)

“We’re so glad Olana was recommended to us; it is an incredible attraction. The house is a hidden jewel and the views are unbelievable!”

– Kevin & Enriko (New York, NY)

“Olana’s house and views are outstanding. You can’t miss Olana on your way over the Rip Van Winkle Bridge! This historic site was a must see on our trip to the Hudson Valley.”

– Jay, Michiko, Vincent, & Naoko (New York, NY)

“We decided to make an impromptu stop at Olana and it was a decision we definitely did not regret! There’s an indescribable quality about Olana that really captures the romanticism of the Hudson Valley region, and it quickly becomes apparent why so many artists have been inspired by the region. We’re looking forward to coming back as soon as we can to explore more of the area!”

– Nikil (New York, NY)

“Protecting these incredible 250 acres at Olana State Historic Site has truly been the highlight of my career. We’re extremely lucky to have this place of local history, landscape, and architecture available for our enjoyment seven days a week.”

– Tim Dodge, New York State Parks Supervisor (Taconic Region)

“We walk year-round in all weather, and I especially love seeing the change of seasons, the constant change of light and the spectacular panoramic views. This is my time to get grounded in nature and to catch up with my good friend and fellow business owner, Kim Bach, before I begin a busy – often hectic – work day running my business Talbott & Arding Cheese and Provisions.”

– Kate (Churchtown, NY)

“Olana is a great place to start the day. Here you’ll find the most beautiful carriage roads that meander through the woods and end in incredible views. It reminds me of why I chose to live in the Hudson River Valley!”

– Kim (Hudson, NY)

“Sparky and I love immersing ourselves in Frederic Church’s designed landscape. Unlike one of his paintings, Olana is ever-changing and alive with the sounds of birds, the aromas of wildflowers, and the sensation of swift breezes.  While walking Olana’s carriage roads, I can actually feel what it was like to live in Church’s time.”

– Dorothy (Hudson, NY)

“As a fan of artist Frederic Church, coming to Olana really helped me understand his paintings all the more. Olana’s beauty and vistas must have been an incredible source of inspiration.”

– Kate (New York, NY)

“Olana’s beauty is so well planned. Everywhere we look are great views of the Catskills which makes it a peaceful place for a walk.”

– Ben & Janney (Hillsdale, NY)

“I first saw Olana from a distance when crossing the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and wondered what this place was. Now, after exploring the Hudson Valley and Olana, it is my ideal getaway. “

– Leila (Livingston, NY)

“We love the way the house at Olana complements the landscape. It all comes together as an incredible art piece of Frederic Church.”

– Jessica & Leah (Germantown, NY)

“I’ve loved Olana forever. It’s a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Olana is my nature fix.”

– Bonnie (Clinton Corners, NY)

“We love the views and variety of landscape and vistas at Olana. Walking here is a welcome relief during these unusual times.”

– Lester Burg (Shokan, NY)

“Olana is a place where we can come together while social distancing. The dogs appreciate the beauty of the landscape and the feeling of freedom as much as we do.”

– Rachel, Jessica, Kaylyn (Catskill, NY)

“Olana is a source of quiet refuge and a chance to be in nature, a safe space. Walking at Olana is a new discovery every time we go, whether it’s finding a new trail, a beautiful old tree, or just an incredible view of the sky and clouds. You see the intention and design that Frederic Church envisioned the visitor to experience.”

– Joyce (Catskill, NY)

“When I first moved to the Hudson Valley, someone told me that I must come to see Olana! For me, Olana has become an oasis on the Hudson, where Ohana and I find our enjoyment together.”

– Shakai (Germantown, NY)

“Olana is a really nice escape for us, one with beautiful surroundings to get lost in.”

– Chelsey (Hudson, NY)

“Whenever I have house guests, I encourage them to visit Olana; it’s like required reading. Olana captures what the Hudson River Valley and the Hudson River School of Art is all about. Much like Church, Olana’s light, landscape, and gorgeous viewsheds from all different vantage points inspire my work as a designer.”

– Sheila Bridges (Livingston, NY)

“Since moving to the area, I come to Olana almost every day to walk. To me, Olana is an artist’s estate that’s beautifully landscaped and maintained; almost like a mini Central Park!”

– Lucy (Germantown, NY)

“We’ve been coming to Olana to walk the carriage roads for over 25 years, and we’re still amazed by these 360-degree views. Coming to Olana really allows you to experience Frederic Church’s artistic inspiration.”

– Tim & Laura (Philmont, NY)

“I’ve been coming to Olana for 13 years. I enjoy how diverse Olana is in its views, carriage roads, and changing seasons. In the past 2 years, Olana has undergone so much great change making it even more significant to our region.”

– Julia (Germantown, NY)

“I’ve worked in Hudson for 30 years and Olana is our community’s Hudson River home. Olana is so important to the health of our town. Olana, Thomas Cole, and the Hudson River Skywalk are all connected to this region’s amazing evolution.”

– Frank (Hillsdale, NY)

“For me, Olana is a staple of the Hudson Valley. It’s full of history and inclusive of families and of course, dogs!”

– Lindsay (Cairo, NY)

“One of our first dates was at Olana which is why walking Molly here is one of our favorite things to do. Olana is beautiful year-round and we visit in all seasons, but fall is our favorite season since we got engaged here in October 2016! Of course, Molly was with us during that unforgettable moment.”

– Ryan & Meghan (Niskayuna, NY)

“We’re avid hikers who have been coming to Olana for over 8 years. What really sets Olana apart from other places is the breathtaking views.”

– Kelly & Tim (Germantown, NY)

“Olana’s 250-acres is its best feature. Frederic Church’s artist-designed landscape is just as interesting as the house. In a way, the dogs and people who walk here often become part of the design.”

– John (Windham, NY)

“Olana’s spectacular views from all different vantage points keep me coming back. I feel like I’ve explored every inch of Olana!”

– Laurie (Germantown, NY)

“Walking the carriage roads of Olana in the early morning is our meditation time. The grounds are lovely and the staff does a remarkably good job of maintaining the carriage roads. Whatever the weather, Zen and I are here!”

– Lori (Catskill, NY)

“Olana is Frederic Church’s landscape painting made three dimensional. It really is the pinnacle of his art and a jewel of parks.”

– Arthur (Coxsackie, NY)

“I’m looking forward to experiencing the way Olana’s landscape opens up in the late fall and wintertime. It’s totally different; You see so much farther.”

– Rhodes (Hudson, NY)

“You always discover new things when you walk here at Olana. I discover new views, new paths, new plants all year round. The landscape is always changing, depending on the season.”

– Niva (Catskill, NY)

“I always wonder what people who drive up Olana’s hill for the first time think. I wish I could go back in time and experience that feeling of visiting for the very first time.”

– Heather (Catskill, NY)