The Van Cortlandt family, whose Manor House is open regularly to visitors, entertained notables including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin during tumultuous times. Passengers on the Hudson River Railroad Line have noted what is fondly referred to as a "Railroad Town," as they paused for a train change.

 In the early years of last century, locals even rowed gondolas along the Croton River, when young movie stars such as Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks and New York City bohemians arrived to party.

 Honored by the Hudson River Greenway by receiving the first "Visions in Planning" award in 2004, Croton-on-Hudson offers modern visitors even more variety, with its network of hiking trails throughout the village, linking with the Old Croton Aqueduct Trailway State Park and a pedestrian and biking bridge, "Crossining," to neighboring Ossining.

 New trails line the Hudson River, with plans in place to extend them even further north. Construction of a road, on the western side of the tracks, from Half Moon Bay condominiums to north of the village's Senasqua Park, allows public access to the trails and canoe launch. Bird watchers have exceptional opportunities to add to their personal lists with two Audubon sanctuaries, and Croton Point Park combined with the return of bald eagles to the Hudson Valley.

 A myriad of former residents give the current ones cause for an unusually strong connection with local history. The soprano, Lilian Nordica; Isadora Duncan; Gloria Swanson; John Reed; Max Eastman; Edna St. Vincent Millay; Mable Dodge; Eric Knight; George Biddle and Lorraine Hansberry, to name a few, all lived in Croton.

 Small town events throughout the year - window painting competitions, "Run Against Hunger," Little League Parade, Teen Theatre, outdoor concerts, art shows, holiday tree decorating and Summerfest - maintain a feeling of community.

 Croton Point Park offers the only camping and cabin facilities, and the village has the only "B & B," in the Historic River Towns of Westchester. For more information, see  www.crotononhudson-ny.gov

Attractions
Van Cortlandt Manor: This pre-Revolutionary War estate was established on the shores of the Croton River by the Van Cortlandt family, with the fortune established in the brewery business. The family became prominent in New York state politics. A visit to the Manor House is a triple-treat -- the elegant antique furniture of the main house contrasts with the more robust Ferry House, plus there is a walk through well-manicured, historic, gardens to contemplate the difference. Tours, open-hearth cooking workshops, holiday candle-light tours, and special events are offered throughout the year. Van Cortlandt Manor is open daily, April through October (except Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on weekends and for holiday events in November and December. South Riverside Avenue. (914) 631-8200.

Bethel Chapel: Surrounded by historic Bethel Cemetery, Bethel Chapel is thought to have been built in 1780 on land donated by Philip Van Cortlandt. It was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The simple wood clapboard structure, contains an organ said to be the oldest in the United States. Although the chapel is only open on special occasions, the cemetery with its old graves and vistas of the Hudson River, make it worth a visit. One can almost visualize Thorton Wilder's "Our Town." Old Post Road South, opposite Croton-Harmon High School.

Croton Historical Society: Maintains rotating exhibitions of local memorabilia at the Museum Room of the Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive. Open during library hours. (914) 271-4574.

Friends of History: A group of history buffs eager to share and promote the astonishing history of the surrounding area with everyone interested. Unusually good talks and lectures held monthly in Spring and Fall in the Ottinger Room, Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive. (914) 271-3135.

Ottinger Room: Community meeting room with a gallery maintained by the Croton Arts Council, with exhibitions of work by local artists. Many musical events, historical lectures, cooking demonstrations and movies are presented in the room, Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive. Open during library hours. (914) 271-6612.

Harmon Yards: With the advent of the electric railroads, Croton became the terminus of the Hudson Line's suburban route. It turned the village into a "Railroad Town" by providing employment in the shops and yards. It continues to be an important maintenance facility - with Metro-North Railroad usually opening the shops to the public one day a year.

Recreation

Croton Point Park, Croton Avenue. A jewel on the Hudson, this Westchester County park offers tent, cabin and trailer camping May through October. A newly opened beach on the Hudson River, picnicking, softball fields, hiking, fishing and play areas for children also are available. Many outdoor concerts and special events are held here. Watch the calendar of events for Historic River Towns for more information. Park is within walking distance from the Croton-Harmon railroad station. Parking is $8 without a county park pass. The beach is open weekends and holidays for swimming, June 12 through Labor Day. For camping, call the park office at (914) 862-5290. For picnic reservations, call (914) 864-7075.

Croton Sailing School: Boat rentals for qualified sailors are available from the school, Senasqua Park. Also sailing instruction, regattas, and more. (914) 271-6868.

Brinton Brook Sanctuary, Saw Mill River Audubon Society: A mixed habitat of open meadow, red maple swamp and upland with deciduous forest and a five-acre pond. Bring binoculars. On Route 9A, 3/10 of a mile north of Sky View Nursing Home to a small SMRAS sign at gravel road on right. Follow drive about 300 yards to entrance sign and parking. (914) 666-6503. www.audubon.org/chapter/ny/sawmillriver/sanctuaries.html

The Graff Sanctuary, Saw Mill River Audubon Society: Thirty acres with 0.8 miles of a red-blazed trails, one, appropriately called "Jack in the Pulpit." From Route 9A, west on Warren Road, right on Briggs Lane to the end. (914) 666-6503. www.audubon.org/chapter/ny/sawmillriver/sanctuaries.html

Jane Lytle Memorial Arboretum: Natural area with pedestrian trails through 20 acres of woodlands and wetlands. Open daily dawn to dusk. Access across the Hudson National Golf Course, top of Lounsbury Road.

Old Croton Aqueduct State Park: The trailway is accessible from Croton by taking Route 9 south over the Croton River to a small entrance just south of Mariandale in Ossining. Mostly an even walking trail, it follows the path of the aqueduct that was once used to bring fresh water from the Croton River to New York City. It is owned and managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct have published an award-winning map detailing the route of the trail and attractions along the way. Call (914) 693-4117.

Restaurants and Take outs
* Augie's Too, S. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-6608

* Bagels on Hudson, 171 S. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-5412

* The Black Cow Coffee Company, 51 Maple Ave., (914) 271-7544

* The Blue Pig, 121 Maple St., (914) 271-3850

* Capriccio Pizzeria, 4 Maple Ave., (914) 271-8104

* Capriccio Pizza II, 26 Maple Ave., (914) 827-9117

* Casa De Nicola, 441 Albany Post Rd., (914) 271-2920

* Croton Colonial Diner, 221 S. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-8868

* Croton Delicatessen & Pastry, 123 Grand St., (914) 271-9538

* Croton Mini Deli, 10 Maple St., (914) 271-6970

* Elmer Suds, 337 S. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-6116

* Forno II Brick Oven Pizzeria, 163 Grand St., (914) 271-3663

* Fortuna Ristorante, 1 Baltic Place, (914) 271-2600

* The Grandstand, 197 Grand St., (914) 271-8033

* Happy Garden, 440 S. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-7888

* Harmon Delicatessen, 358 S. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-3946

* Honey's, 41 N. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-8020

* Hudson Deli, 8 Old Post Rd. S., (914) 827-3982

* Hunan Wok, 125 Grand St., (914) 271-1371

* Jean Jacques Culinary Creations, 43 Croton Point Ave., (914) 271-8200

* Justin Thyme, 171 Grand St., (914) 271-0022

* Tutto Bene, 385 S. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-4442

* New China, 12 Maple Ave., (914) 271-8300

* New Far East Kitchen, 352 S. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-4646

* Number One Ruffolo, 120 Grand St., (914) 271-2333

* Ocean House Oyster Bar and Grill, 49 N. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-0702

* Rock 'n Horse Cafe, 426 Albany Post Rd., (914) 271-1234

* Salsa Restaurant, Maple St., (914) 271-4999

* Umami Cafe, 325 S. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-5555

* Zeytinia Gourmet Market, 51 Maple St., (914) 271-5600.

Shopping

* & Antiques, 111 Grand St., (914) 271-6802

* Baskets of Joy, 102 Grand St., (914) 271-1298

* Croton Country Gardens, 1360 Albany Post Rd., (914) 271-5219

* Croton Florist, 364 S. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-6448

* Darretta Custom Framing, 6 Maple St., (914) 271-5551

* ET Cycle Center, 75 S. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-6661

* Magna Jewel, 111 Grand St., (914) 271-3569

* Old Book Room/Cornelia Cotton Gallery, 111 Grand St., (914) 271-6802

* Pinwheels, 416 Albany Post Rd., (914) 271-1045

* Swanson Florist, 43 Old Post Rd. S., (914) 271-4543

* Trinkets Jewelry, 9 Old Post Rd. S., (914) 271-8882

* Twice Upon a Time, 31 N. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-8466

* Wondrous Things, 4 Old Post Rd., S., (914) 271-3004

* Zoller's Marine Center, 87 N. Riverside Ave., (914) 271-8803

Lodging
Alexander Hamilton House: The only Bed and Breakfast in the Historic River Towns of Westchester, the 1889 Victorian inn overlooks the Hudson River and is within walking distance of the Upper Village. Seven rooms, elegantly decorated with antiques, feature all amenities. Pretty open public spaces allow visitors a chance to meet and relax -- and during the warm months they can enjoy the outdoor pool. Two-night minimum stay on weekends. Rates range from $100 to $250 per night. Alexander Hamilton House is located four blocks from Route 9 and 129, 49 Van Wyck Street, (914) 271-6737. www.alexanderhamiltonhouse.com

RV Site and Cabins on Croton Point: For reservations call (914) 862-5290/1.