By Amy Simpson Swiss
Photographed by Amy Simpson Swiss
I stood perched on the top edge of an elaborate 50-foot-tall steel structure, with a tangle of ropes, wood and wire all around me. The peaceful scene in the distance—rolling hills and tree-lined cliffs rising up around the Hudson River, as far as the eye could see—did nothing to calm my racing heart. I looked straight down at the crash pad several stories below me as my mind processed what I was supposed to do next—take a giant step out into midair for a free-fall to the ground.
Spins Hudson was the location of this trek outside of my comfort zone. As its centerpiece, this diverse entertainment venue in Peekskill has a four-level indoor/outdoor ropes course situated directly on the banks of the beautiful Hudson. I headed to Spins on a recent afternoon with two teenagers in tow, and since we each had a different level of climbing experience, the course at Spins was perfect for us. With multiple paths of varying degrees of difficulty, new climbers can take simpler routes to build confidence; more experienced climbers can head straight to the top for the more challenging obstacles.
From the ground, the ropes course looks like a work of modern art: wood planks, car tires, metal beams, spider-web netting and even a suspended kayak dangling in midair. From above, these objects became the obstacles we had to tackle to make our way from one end of the course to the other. With a seemingly endless combination of features and paths, our 60 minutes on the ropes flew by, and we each descended feeling like we had pushed ourselves to new heights.
Unharnessed and safely back on solid ground, our enjoyment at Spins Hudson was just beginning. There are countless ways to have fun at this venue, and we continued our adventure with Hologate, a multiplayer virtual-reality game. This technology has come a long way in recent years, and the stunning visual display on this interactive game proves that. We played together as a team to defeat a wide array of space aliens and flying dragons. The teens loved this adventure, and I have to admit, so did I! Next up for us was the arcade, full of larger-than-life, updated versions of some arcade classics—like Space Invaders—as well as newer pop-culture favorites like the Walking Dead. With a laser-tag arena, bocce ball and shuffleboard courts as well, Spins has something for everyone.
Adults looking for a different kind of fun will love River Outpost Brewing Co., the brewery and restaurant located within Spins. Right in the middle of the action, this spot is the perfect way to end an afternoon or evening of climbing and game play. With a full food menu, a unique selection of beer brewed on site, regular live music and an outdoor patio with stunning river views, this spot also makes a fantastic stand-alone destination.
Getting out of your comfort zone can be exhilarating! The next time you’re in the mood for a little adventure, check out Spins Hudson, located at the Charles Point Marina in Peekskill. Visit www.spinshudson.com for all the details you’ll need to plan your visit. █
