Spring flowers coming up. Plus great views of Croton River Gorge, a birder haven

Stay in a carriage house next door to an historic main house built in 1907 that was once a speakeasy and a filming site for silent movies and early "talkies" before Hollywood was Hollywood. Croton-on-Hudson, a 50-minute train ride from Manhattan along the scenic Hudson River, is the perfect get-away for those seeking a romantic retreat or a base to go bird watching in nearby Croton Point or other village bird sanctuaries. A quiet place if you want to start that elusive novel. The carriage house site, with an accessible dock right on the super-pure Croton River, offers kayaking, fishing or swimming in season . Lots of nature trails, including those surrounding Hudson National Golf Club. Good eating in the village. Baked by Susan and Little Star Pastry offer great breakfast fare and desserts. The Black Cow is the local coffee house, offering own-roasted beans. The house itself is newly renovated with a brand-new kitchen and main bathroom. There is free Wi-fi and your own Amazon Echo smart speaker for your weather, news and music needs. A stereo system in the downstairs living room offers a supply of vintage CDs with jazz, rock and folk favorites. A small library of classic novels can be found in the upstairs dining/sitting room. As hosts, we live in the main house of the property, which offers off street parking and some bicycles if you want to explore the area. In summer, Silver Lake, a hidden village beach, is just up the street if you don't want to swim alone at the property amid the ducks, geese and bald eagles. We find it magical and hope you will too.