Now that the weather is getting nice, I post these two items for all the concrete bound city dwellers - take a nice boat or train ride and get out into the country:

May 10 - November 2: The Sleepy Hollow Cruise on NY Waterway NY Waterway offers cruises on weekends and holiday Mondays up the Hudson River from Manhattan to Tarrytown, with visits to several historic properties throughout the season, including Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate, Philipsburg Manor, Washington Irving's Sunnyside, and Lyndhurst. Cruises depart from West 38th Street and 12th Avenue in Manhattan. Choose from a full day trip or get away for the weekend with a Saturday night stay at the Dolce Tarrytown House, a luxury, full-service inn. Call NY Waterway at (800) 533?3779 for reservations. Preview your trip on-line at www.nywaterway.com.

May 1 - November 2: Kykuit Excursion on Metro North Excursions to Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate, via Metro North Railroad from Grand Central Terminal and 125th Street begin May 1st. The package includes admission to the estate and roundtrip rail fare. Package price per adult $27.50, seniors $25.50, and children 5-11, $19.00, children under 5, $18. Visitors take a short taxi ride from the station to the Visitors Center (not included).. Tickets available only from Metro North. Call 1 (800) metro-info. In New York City call (212) 532-4900, or purchase tickets online at: www.mnr.org