travel hudson valley ny

17 Top Attractions & Things to Do in the Hudson Valley, NY

Written by Lavanya Sunkara and Meagan Drillinger Updated Mar 30, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Brimming with natural beauty in New York City's own backyard, Hudson Valley is the place to visit for a relaxing and invigorating getaway. There are many attractions and things to do in Hudson Valley. Mountain ranges, lakes, historic sites, mansions, animal sanctuaries, cultural institutions, and quirky villages along the river await your visit.

New Yorkers and vacationers flock to this verdant region all year-round to enjoy its boundless outdoor recreational activities and cultural attractions.

Hudson Valley encompasses 10 counties, including Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, and Albany. The New York State capital of Albany is a good place to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the state at the New York State Museum and wander the grand halls of the jaw-dropping capitol building.

Hike the Shawangunk Mountains; visit outdoor attractions like the Storm King Art Center and Walkway Over the Hudson in the warmer months. When fall arrives, head to bohemian towns like New Paltz and Woodstock , surrounded by mountains blanketed by colorful foliage for a peaceful getaway.

Although one could get around to some of the popular river towns via Metro North Railroad from Grand Central Station in New York City, the best and easiest way to experience Hudson Valley is by car. Don't forget to book one of the fabulous resorts in the Hudson Valley, so you can extend your stay.

For help planning your next visit to New York, check out our list of the top things to do in the beautiful Hudson Valley.

1. Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

2. new york state museum, 3. new york state capitol, 4. lyndhurst mansion, 5. shawangunk ridge & mohonk preserve, 6. mohonk mountain house, 7. minnewaska state park preserve, 8. breakneck ridge loop, 9. storm king art center, 10. plan a getaway to a resort in the hudson valley, 11. franklin d. roosevelt presidential library, 12. woodstock sanctuary, 13. motorcyclepedia museum, 14. sleepy hollow, 15. hike on the appalachian trail, 16. dia:beacon, 17. kingston's uptown historic district, map of attractions & things to do in the hudson valley, ny.

The 1.28-mile-long Walkway Over the Hudson, is a must-visit attraction in Hudson Valley for incredible views of the river. Built on the former Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, this steel cantilever bridge connects Poughkeepsie with Highland across the Hudson.

Take your time walking across this pedestrian pathway, stopping at various points to learn about the bridge's history, enjoy views of the villages on the river banks, and get some fresh air. You'll most likely find many residents getting in their exercise and walking their dogs.

If you've always wanted to learn about the history of New York, there is no better place to visit than the New York State Museum, considered the oldest state museum in the country. With collections, exhibitions, and programs on history, art, nature, and science, the museum showcases significant aspects of the state throughout the years.

Located in Albany on the south side of the Empire State Plaza, the museum faces the New York State Capitol and boasts nearly 16 million scientific specimens and about a million cultural pieces in 100,000 square feet of space.

Some of the more popular exhibits include Birds of New York, Adirondack Wilderness, Black Capital: Harlem in the 20s, Minerals of New York, First Peoples, and a poignant exhibit on the rescue and recovery following the World Trade Center attack. There's a full-sized carousel from the early 1900s, located on the 4th floor, for kids to enjoy.

The museum admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Address: 222 Madison Avenue Albany, New York

Official site: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/

The architectural marvel of New York State Capitol sits atop Albany's State Street hill as part of the Empire State Plaza complex. Built in the 1880s and costing over 25 million dollars, the stone building's lavishly carved interiors, marble columns, ornate chandeliers, and magnificent skylights continue to awe visitors.

On a tour of what's considered one of the most beautiful state capitols in the country and a National Historic Landmark, visitors get to admire the Million Dollar Staircase (also known as the Great Western Staircase), the War Room (featuring exquisite paintings of the state's cities and landscapes, depictions of warriors, and the Governor's Office), and the Assembly and Senate chambers. You'll also learn about the unfinished carvings, ghost encounters, and famous inhabitants of this significant building on the guided tour.

Four New York State Governors - Martin Van Buren, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt - all went on to become the President of the United States. Free tours are available Monday through Saturday.

Address: Washington Ave and State Street, Albany, New York

No, you are not in Scotland or Ireland, you are in Tarrytown, New York, admiring one of the most beautiful Gothic Revival mansions in the country. Built in 1838, Lyndhurst Mansion was once home to the likes of NYC mayor William Paulding, New York merchant George Merritt, and railroad magnate Jay Gould.

Today, this architectural wonder overlooking the Hudson River and encircled by a landscape of sweeping lawns, decorative shrubs, and evergreens, provides a time capsule into the past. Inside this country residence, a beautiful collection of antiques, artwork, and furniture are on display.

The mansion also boasts an 1894 Bowling and Recreation Pavilion, a lovely rose garden, and the country's first steel-framed conservatory.

Address: 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown, New York

Official site: http://lyndhurst.org/

The Shawangunk Ridge, lovingly known as The Gunks, sits 90 minutes north of New York City in Ulster county, and provides a wilderness escape for adventure seekers, hiking enthusiasts, and mountain climbers. The Mohonk Nature Preserve, created to protect the Shawangunk Mountains, has a visitor center offering information on biking, hiking, and climbing recommendations.

The preserve spans 8,000 acres of forests, fields, streams, and cliffs, and offers several routes for climbing and 40 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Trails range in difficulty, allowing even novice hikers to experience the preserve's innate beauty.

On hot summer days, hike to the popular Split Rock Hole for a refreshing swim. Afterwards, head to the nearby bohemian town of New Paltz for shopping and dining.

Official site: https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/

For a weekend retreat in the Mohonk Preserve, opt to stay at the all-inclusive Mohonk Mountain House resort, located a short distance from the visitor center. This is one of the best resorts in the Hudson Valley for families. Set in a Victorian castle overlooking Mohonk Lake, this luxury National historic Landmark property saw all manner of celebrities, including presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Bill Clinton.

Relax on the lake on a paddleboat, go hiking in the mountains, take a nature tour, savor a farm-to-table meal, and treat yourself to an invigorating treatment at the eco-friendly on-site spa that comes with a heated mineral pool. If you are just passing through and don't want to stay overnight, the resort offers day passes to access its amenities.

Also in Ulster County in the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge is another popular hiking haven: Minnewaska State Park . Featuring multiple waterfalls, sparkling lakes, sheer cliffs, and hardwood forests, the park is a nature lover's paradise. There are 50 miles of paths to choose from for biking, hiking, walking, and more, and they are all within an hour-and-a-half from New York City.

If you want to bring your furry companions, dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they are leashed. Camping is available from mid-May to mid-November at the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, which comes with a cooking area, restroom, and shower facilities.

Official site: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/minnewaska/details.aspx

For those looking for a breathtaking hiking experience a little closer to New York City, Breakneck Ridge Loop is up for the challenge. This difficult hike is not for everyone, but those experienced enough to climb over its boulders and steep ledges and make their way up to the top, are rewarded with unbeatable views of the Hudson River.

The loop hike is located in the Hudson Highlands State Park , and the trail offers views of Storm King Mountain, Bannerman's Castle, and the winding river. The best time to go is during the dry summer season to avoid slippery rocks.

Art meets nature in a spectacular fashion at the Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre sculpture garden sitting at the foothills of the eponymous mountain. Storm King Art Center is located in Orange County, an hour-long drive from New York City. You may choose to walk, bike, or take the tram to get around the massive property.

Rolling green fields are punctuated with awe-inspiring monumental works of art from 20th-century artists, from Calder, Sol LeWitt, and Richard Serra to Mark di Suvero. You can spend an entire day walking through the park, taking Instagram-worthy shots, and inspiring more than 100 works of art.

Don't miss Maya Lin's Wavefield , an undulating grassy terrain resembling waves set against the backdrop of the Schunnemunk Mountain and the Hudson Highlands.

Address: 1 Museum Road, New Windsor New York

Official site: https://stormking.org/

With so many things to do in the Hudson Valley, one or two days will definitely not be enough. You may want to consider planning a stay at one of the best resorts in the Hudson Valley. This part of New York State has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a couples resort or a resort for families.

Take the 5-star Glenmere Mansion , for example. Set in Chester, New York, the Gilded Age mansion sits on 150 acres of gorgeous, green hills. The resort itself was actually modeled after a Tuscan villa and has only 18 rooms.

Looking for a romantic resort for couples in the Hudson Valley? Hasbrouck House in Stone Ridge offers the perfect option. This 18th-century Dutch Colonial mansion is surrounded by beautiful orchards, tucked in the shadows of the Catskill Mountains. A gourmet restaurant is touted for its Italian and French fare, while guests can also relax at the small wellness area, or by the outdoor pool deck.

Celebrate the 32nd President of the United States and his remarkable First Lady at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Library and Museum, located in Hyde Park in Dutchess County. Trace the stories of Franklin and Eleanor through interactive displays spanning their youth, marriage, the Great Depression, and WWII.

Highlights at the museum include Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor speech, a fireside chats microphone, and the apparatus he used for mobility. The crowning jewel is his Oval Office desk, displaying mementos from his final term.

Don't miss a tour of his birthplace and home, Springwood, then stroll through a serene rose garden to the final resting place of these 20th-century giants.

Address: 4079 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, New York

Official site: https://www.fdrlibrary.org/

Get up close with rescued farm animals, from adorable goats, sauntering cows, and clucking chickens to grazing sheep, at the Woodstock Sanctuary (formerly Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary), located in High Falls, near Mohonk Preserve.

More than 400 animals rescued from factory farms and cases of neglect and abuse all throughout the Empire State now call the sanctuary home. They can be witnessed living out their lives in peace and getting the love and attention they deserve. The sanctuary's staff and volunteers offer guided tours and share stories about their beloved animals and how they've found freedom.

Address: 2 Rescue Road, High Falls, New York

Official site: http://woodstocksanctuary.org/

Rev up your visit to the Hudson Valley with a stop at the Motorcyclepedia, a non-profit museum exhibiting everything from street bikes and cruisers to motorcycles of all sizes and shapes starting from 1897. The volunteer-run museum has several galleries showcasing more than 600 bikes and thousands of memorabilia in an 85,000-square-foot space in Newburgh.

Some of the exhibits include Harley-Davidson, Circa Timeline, Indian Timeline, Indian Larry, Chopper City, Police and Military, European and Scooters.

Take a walk down memory lane as you browse displays of the extensive collection amassed by father-son duo Gerald and Ted Doering, including a bike from the motorcade on the day JFK was assassinated and a police motorbike that arrived at the scene of Roswell, New Mexico, where aliens supposedly landed.

Address: 250 Lake Street, Newburgh, New York

Official site: https://motorcyclepediamuseum.org/

Come fall, ghost hunters and paranormal fans head to the small town of Sleepy Hollow in Westchester County for a spook-tastic time. Go on your own or on a guided tour of the hauntingly beautiful Sleepy Hollow Cemetery , the final resting place for Andrew Carnegie, William Rockefeller, Walter Chrysler, and Irving Washington.

Attend the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze , displaying thousands of illuminated hand-carved lanterns in October. This family-friendly event gets art lovers and kids excited about its brand new Museum of Pumpkin Art , where gourds are turned into classic works of art.

Those brave enough can sign up for a haunted house experience at Horseman's Hollow at Philipsburg Manor, where the headless horseman and other spooky characters come to life.

Just an hour outside of New York City, you take a walk in the woods a la Bill Bryson on the iconic Appalachian Trail (A.T). The section of the A.T. in Bear Mountain State Park remains special among hikers because it is the first stretch of the famous trail to be completed in 1923.

Start your journey at the Bear Mountain Recreation Area and head southbound to the summit of Bear Mountain, taking in the incredible views along the way from various overlooks. Bear Mountain State Park is located in the Hudson Highlands, on the western side of the Hudson River.

The nearby Harriman State Park , another popular hiking destination, is the second-largest park (after Adirondack State Park) in the New York State Parks system, boasting 200 miles of hiking, several lakes and reservoirs, beaches, camping grounds, and more.

Experienced hikers can make their journey on the storied trail from Bear Mountain to Harriman on a 13.5-mile out-and-back difficult trail. You may bring your dog with you, as long as he is leashed.

A Nabisco box-printing factory turned art gallery sits majestically overlooking the Hudson River, 60 miles north of New York City. Dia:Beacon opened in 2003, and presents contemporary art from the Dia Art Foundation's collection in a 300,000-square-foot space.

Dia:Beacon is located in Beacon in Dutchess County, and you can expect to find works such as the monumental 1978 Shadows by Andy Warhol, mixed-media installations by Joseph Beuys, massive sculptures by Richard Serra, Innocent Love paintings by Anges Martin from 1999, and more. Take an hour-long thematic and interactive tour with one of the guides.

Address: 3 Beekman Street, Beacon, New York

Official site: https://www.diaart.org/

Did you know that Kingston was the original capital of the state of New York? The first permanent settlement in this Hudson Valley city was actually called Espous and was founded by the Dutch in the middle of the 17th century. In 1669, the name was changed to Kingston once the British took control.

Today Kingston is a hub between the mid and upper Hudson Valley. For many years, the town was rather sleepy and industrial, but in the past few years, its Uptown neighborhood has positively reinvented itself as a thriving hot spot for dining, farmers markets, historic buildings, and galleries.

The neighborhood is also known as the Stockade District, and it is made up of eight blocks that were the original site of the Dutch settlement. You can see the original Ulster County courthouse; the Senate House; and the Old Dutch Church, which is a National Historic Landmark.

This section of town also hosts a weekly farmers market, as well as the best restaurants in the city. Kingston is also a jumping-off point from which to explore other hopping Hudson Valley small towns, like New Paltz , Woodstock , and Saugerties.

More on New York

The Ultimate Guide to the Hudson Valley, New York

04/29/2021 by Guest Blogger 1 Comment

Nestled between the popular skiing spots of the Catskills and the overcrowded streets of Manhattan, you’ll find the sloping hills and bucolic towns of the Hudson Valley.

Until recently, the valley was an undiscovered gem. Now, it’s not uncommon to hear a few different languages while roaming the streets of one of its towns on a sunny day. Cars line up to enter state parks during the busy season, and “leaf peepers” surge through the winding mountain roads in the fall.

However, despite the newfound attention it’s getting, a lot of what makes the Hudson Valley so charming is still fully intact. Area farms stand in for grocery stores, and mom-and-pop businesses are the norm. On top of that, the valley is an outdoor adventure playground mixed with the kind of quality food and drink scene you’d expect within a hundred miles of New York City. 

Still not convinced? This list of hiking, rock climbing, eating, and exploring opportunities should kick off your trip planning.

Table of Contents

Hiking, Rock Climbing, and Everything Outdoors In Between

Spanning the banks of the Hudson River, the valley is flanked by mountain ranges and rolling hills. This lends itself to a little bit of everything when it comes to outdoor recreation:

Climbing at “The Gunks”

About 90 miles northwest of New York City, Minnewaska State Park and the privately run Mohonk Preserve invite visitors from all over the world to experience some of the best rock climbing on the East Coast. These adjacent preserves protect land on the Shawangunk Ridge (aka The Gunks), a cliff face dotted with waterfalls. Climbing guides can take you up if you’re new to the sport (e.g. locally owned and operated Rock And Snow in New Paltz ). 

If you’re not into climbing, the parks also boast miles of winding hiking trails, some of which have a little rock scrambling involved. Meandering trails lead to scenic stops like Awosting Falls (pictured above), a 60-foot drop down a rock cliff face.

Hiking at Harriman or Bear Mountain State Park

Another package deal, Harriman and Bear Mountain State Parks sit next to each other on the southern edge of the state, and, at just an hour from Manhattan, are also two of the most visited. The trails here are well loved by city dwellers who want a quick escape into nature (translation: it gets busy here, so come early). Harriman, the second largest of New York’s state parks, has over 200 miles of wooded trails to explore, with two lakefront beaches and two public campgrounds (and a good number of lesser-known swimming holes you might pass by on the trails). Closer to the river, Bear Mountain has elevated trails that offer scenic views over the Hudson, which are especially beautiful in the fall.

Play in the Hudson River

It’s time to dispel a myth here once and for all: while it has a long way to go, the Hudson River is getting cleaner every day. After decades of unregulated pollution from energy companies and factories in the early 1900s through the mid 1960’s, it got a bad reputation. But that’s changing.

Personally, I’ve taken quite a few swims in the river and never felt concerned about the pollution aspect of it, but the currents are really strong here, so I’d only recommend doing this at designated beach areas. The four public Hudson River beaches are Croton Point Park, Kingston Point Beach, River Pool at Beacon, and Sojourner Truth/Ulster Landing Park.

I get it: it’s weird to think about diving headfirst into a waterway into which waste was literally pumped for years. So if you don’t want to physically submerge yourself in the water, New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation has guidelines for how to interact with the Hudson safely, and water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are well within those limits. There are also a number of guided kayaking tours and rentals along the length of the river that are open seasonally (usually April or May to September). 

Explore the rail trails

Old railways once connected much of New York state. Over the years, trains fell out of favor and many of those tracks were converted into trails. This system is found mostly in the Hudson Valley, where the various sections of the Hudson Valley, Wallkill Valley, Dutchess, and Kingston Point rail trails all connect. You can explore a lot of the valley on foot or bike through these wide paved or dirt paths.

If you want to go beyond the Hudson Valley, these are partially integrated into the larger Empire State Trail , a brand-new bike path that spans the entire state: connecting New York City to Canada all the way north past Rouses Point and all the way west via Buffalo.

Discover Small-Town Charm

The Hudson Valley is lined with residential communities that were built around a Main St. commercial center. Many urban New Yorkers have moved into the area in recent years, bringing with them an influx of juice bars and trendy coffee shops as well as higher real estate prices. As a result, these older towns now have a mixture of both modern, younger-focused businesses and more traditional storefronts. Despite changes in the area, they still provide a glimpse into small-town New York.

A college town wedged into the base of the Shawangunk Ridge, New Paltz is an earthy, crunchy community with a vibrant nightlife and delicious food scene. The unpretentious downtown hosts dozens of restaurants, with everything from a vegan hotdog stand to a German beer garden. There are little boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores along the main street and at Water Street Market, an outdoor shopping center with views of the mountain ridge and the Wallkill River. Just past the end of the pedestrian area, the Wallkill farm stand is open most of the year (it closes for a few months in the winter) with fresh produce, plants, and a selection of homemade baked goods that surprisingly includes a pretty on-point key lime pie.

Hip and bustling Beacon is undergoing a transformation. Its location about an hour and a half by train ride from New York makes it a popular weekend trip for many in the city. The downtown offers a range of vintage clothing stores, artisan donut shops, and cooked-from-scratch brunches that bring lines on the weekend. Eclectic restaurants offer a range of lunch and dinner options, including The Pandorica , a Dr. Who-themed option. Walking towards the river along Main St., you get views of the mountains on the other side , not a bad backdrop for your freshly roasted cold brew.

The Hamlets

To be honest, I didn’t know hamlets were a thing until I moved up here. Now, I live in one and couldn’t be more delighted. These little pocket towns are as adorable as they sound, with strong communities and a one- or two-block Main St. Check out Highland for one close to the Hudson River with a trendy coffee shop, an art gallery (turned wine bar at night), a family-owned butcher and sausage maker, and a local brewery with a dog-friendly interior stocked with games all within its two-block “downtown.” You can walk off your snacks on the Walkway Over the Hudson , a pedestrian-only bridge that spans the river between Highland and Poughkeepsie.

Eat (& Drink) Local

There are plenty of fancy restaurants in the area, but you’ll find better food at the more hole-in-the-wall-type spots for the most part.

Rossi’s Deli, Poughkeepsie, NY

There are Italian sandwiches, and then there are Italian sandwiches that make you want to roll over into a happiness-induced food coma. Rossi’s Deli in Poughkeepsie makes the latter on their own crunchy homemade bread, layered with freshly cut meats (imported, of course) and homemade mozzarella. For the non-sandwich eaters, they also have tasty salads and the classic Italian “food in a case” items (olives, cheese, and stuffed pepper shooters to name a few).

The Big Cheese, Rosendale, NY

A cheese shop that serves Mediterranean food is probably my favorite combination of all time. A lot of the cheeses in its case are made locally, but many more are not. The shop rotates them out so there are new cheese choices just about every time you visit. In addition, it also offers a selection of snacks and salads in the deli case that range from falafels and chicken salad to homemade tempeh. This is a great spot to grab and go for a picnic at one of the many nearby parks.

Orchards, varied locations

The cool thing about apple orchards in the Hudson Valley? A lot of them have turned into cideries with outdoor hangouts, often with fire pits and live music or other entertainment. Brooklyn Cider House in New Paltz is one of the larger ones, with wood for sale to feed the open fire pits, wood-fired pizza, and a range of homemade ciders fermented from the trees you’re sitting next to, but there are apple orchards scattered throughout the valley that are worth visiting.

Scenic Rides

Explore Hudson Valley’s scenery on long country roads and some strategically placed railroad tracks.

Fall country drives

The Hudson Valley roadways come alive in the fall, both with traffic and colorful foliage. The rolling hills of yellow, green, and orange can be seen from just about everywhere in the valley, but these routes offer some of the best views: Old Route 28 to 212 from Phoenicia to Woodstock, Route 44/55 from New Paltz to Kerhonkson, and Seven Lakes Drive in Harriman State Park. 

Hudson River train line

Did you know you can access hikes from the Metro-North Hudson train line out of Grand Central in New York? Even better, did you know that this train line runs along the Hudson River, with views of the Palisades cliffs and the lower mountain ranges just past those? Probably not, because this is a commuter line. And as such, it is usually overlooked by travelers. Don’t be that person! This train route is beautiful, and the stops bring you to many of the cute towns and state parks mentioned above. Plus, visiting Grand Central is always worth a trip in and of itself.

Tips for Visitors

• Nicer weather brings crowds: In my very biased opinion, the Hudson Valley is beautiful in every season, but the fall is something special. Other people seem to think so too: this is the busiest time of year up here. This is not meant to turn you away, it’s just a reminder to plan accordingly. Early mornings and longer hikes make for a quieter outing during the hectic fall season.
• Tourism is controversial: Tourism has exploded in the area in recent years. With it, many city dwellers have gobbled up real estate for second homes or to permanently move upstate. This is controversial for locals, some of whom appreciate the impact these newcomers have on business and others who feel like they’re being kicked out or overcrowded by them. Keep this in mind if you visit any of these towns. As a tourist, your behavior has an impact on these areas long after you leave them.
• Rent a car: You can access some beautiful places off of the Metro-North train line, but to get a good feel for the area, you’re better off renting a car and doing a proper road trip. Download directions before you go, or enjoy the scenery if you get lost.
• Hotels book up: There is a well-established tourist scene in the Hudson Valley, but there are a limited number of accommodations – and they book up quickly. This is not the kind of place where you want to wait and grab a room at the last minute, expecting it to be cheaper. Even in the off-season, people use this region as an escape from the city. Plan and book your hotel, Airbnb, or other accommodation ahead of time. 
• It can get rural: This is not the middle of nowhere, but it can get rural quickly. There is spotty cell service (especially in the mountains and parks) and we share this space with wildlife, including black bears, coyotes, and rattlesnakes. As in any “wilder” area, it’s important to pack out what you pack in and never interact with, feed, or chase the wildlife.

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About the Author : Alicia Raeburn is a freelance writer and content marketing strategist at  Alicia Raeburn Writing . Her writing covers health, wellness, marketing, travel, and food and has been published in Lonely Planet, Matador Network, Everyday Health, Design & Decor Magazine, and more. When she’s not writing, she spends most of her time playing with her rescue dog, hiking, kayaking, sampling the latest food joints and traveling.

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09/25/2023 at 3:14 am

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A welcome escape from the chaos and traffic of New York City, the Hudson Valley calls to visitors who are eager to relish the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, taste the growing restaurant scene, and relax against the calming backdrop of the Hudson River. Whether you're making the short and accessible commute from Manhattan or coming from elsewhere, you'll find farm-to-table dining experiences, yoga studios, and wineries alongside parks and outdoor spots that are the perfect places to unplug from the nonstop pace of urban life.

The true spirit of the valley lives in the little river towns, scattered gems where clusters of cafés, boutiques, and galleries arrange themselves along storybook main streets. You'll find a treasure chest of antiques shops in Nyack, Cold Spring, and Saugerties. Hudson, where more than 60 vendors jostle for ascendancy over a span of five blocks, is perfect for a lazy afternoon of browsing and people-watching while Kingston (the state's first capital) is home to dozens of restaurants featuring everything from Asian fusion to gastropubs. Beacon is home to the expansive Dia:Beacon museum and lays claim to an edgy contemporary-arts scene. Deeper inland, particularly in the sleepy hamlets nestled near Millbrook and New Paltz, you'll find country roads that wend their way to apple orchards, wine trails, horse paddocks, and farm stands.

A vibrant tableau of American history unfolds along the Hudson's shores, culminating in the Gothic facades of the United States Military Academy at West Point, where you can walk in the footsteps of Civil War heroes and U.S. presidents. Grand, antiques-filled mansions, the legacies of prominent New York families of yore, command breath-stealing Hudson River views. Many—including the Boscobel Restoration in Garrison; Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate near Tarrytown; and Montgomery Place, the Livingston mansion in Annandale-on-Hudson—open their doors and gardens for seasonal touring.

If you're looking for outdoor adventures, a dozen-plus state parks lie within the Hudson corridor. Craggy peaks, pine-scented forests, cool mountain waterways, and the sapphire ribbon of the river itself serve as superb venues for hiking, climbing, biking, kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor diversions. If you prefer to retreat indoors, you can join a yoga or meditation workshop at one of area's many yoga studios or sign up for a meditation retreat at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck.

It's easy to skip upriver from New York City for a day trip to the region, but scores of country inns, bed-and-breakfasts, spas, and destination restaurants hold all the enticements for a longer, more leisurely Hudson Valley sojourn.

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A Longtime Insider Considers the Evolving Allure of New York’s Hudson Valley

By Gary Shteyngart

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When I close my eyes and think of my favorite place in the world, I am on my porch in the mid– Hudson Valley , watching a fat groundhog peering out of his hole, wondering if he can nip on the roots of my Christmas trees before I chase him away. Or I am dipping my bread into the thick, soupy kale sauce of the gnudi di cavolo nero at GioBatta Alimentari, my favorite local restaurant, in nearby Tivoli. Or I am in my car high above the Hudson River, purple mountains ahead, curving riverbanks behind me.

I spent the happiest days of my childhood at a Russian bungalow colony near the town of Ellenville in the Catskills. Surrounded by kids who spoke my language, I found I felt more at home in the country than in the city. I learned to love nature and farm-fresh eggs (which my father would drink raw), and to recognize the mad glint in a hungry groundhog's eye. A dozen years ago I bought my house, not far from where I spent those summers growing up, and since then I have split my time equally between this rural part of the state and New York City. While the deep winters can be gray and a walk to the nearest dry cleaner is impossible, living upstate brings me more joy than the city has in decades. With each year, the amenities, especially the burgeoning selection of food and drink, continue to grow, especially since COVID-19 brought legions of fleeing city dwellers north (along with property prices I can only describe as satirical).

A Victorian house in the village of Rhinebeck, where the dining-and-imbibing scene has been heating up.

Unlike the eastern tip of Long Island and the tiny sliver of Manhattan, this vast scenic playground still has enough room for artists and writers to form strange colonies of the like-minded, which is how I found myself drawn to the place I now consider home. (My last novel, Our Country Friends, was essentially set at my house. A groundhog and a Russian bungalow colony make cameos.) To my friends, I am now Mr. Upstate. Not a week passes without someone demanding a quick cheat sheet on Hudson or Kingston or Rhinebeck, with allowances for children, dogs, or vegans. And so I write this article partly to move on with my life, and also because as much as I love having friends stay in my guest cabin, a renaissance of new hotels has sprouted on both sides of the Hudson to satisfy the upstate-­curious. The best incorporate creativity in both their lodgings and their kitchens. Why pay incredible rents to feed and entertain the Brooklyn cognoscenti in Brooklyn when you can go up the river to cram them full of gnudi and art on the weekends? I have used these hotels as springboards for diving deeper into my favorite parts of the region—though some, like the museum of aesthetics that is Habitas-on-Hudson, near Rhinebeck, are worth a visit on their own.

A barrel sauna at Hutton Brickyards, a hotel on the former brickyard that supplied materials for the Empire State Building and Yankee Stadium

Lev Glazman is the cofounder of Hudeson's The Maker hotel, a jewel-box property full of custom-made, shoppable designs.

Hudson was the first town I discovered in the mid–Hudson Valley as an adult. Most people know it for the antique wares of Warren Street, which have helped make it, in the last decade, a prime destination for status-obsessed weekenders. (It was even mentioned on the show Billions, which is about how much some of these antiques cost.) But Hudson also contains swaths of public housing and burgeoning Bangladeshi and Caribbean communities. There are several hotels here, but The Maker is the only one that makes you feel as if you've somehow become a character in Brideshead Revisited. Founders Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg have turned three historical Warren Street buildings into a fantasia of twin fireplaces, murals made out of burlap, and lamps with nicknames like “The Falcon.” My room, modeled on a Parisian atelier, featured the prow of an early-20th-century boat jutting from one wall.

Small plates at Backbar, a South Vietnamese restaurant in Hudson

Hudson, which bills itself as “Upstate's Downtown,” is not short on exceptional food and drink. Swoon Kitchenbar brasserie was the first truly great restaurant to open on Warren Street; I've spent many an evening feasting on its crispy artichokes in black garlic aioli and sipping its grapefruit-flavored Health Margarita. Just across the street, BackBar, a Southeast Asian place with spicy dishes and funky outdoor dining, saved my family's butt during the worst of the pandemic. The newish Feast & Floret on South 3rd Street does pasta right—I love the squid-ink sorprese with spinach and nduja. But the most heralded newcomer is Café Mutton, which is open only four days a week for lunch and Friday nights for dinner. Set in a humble space far off the beaten path, it offers seasonal comfort food that bedevils: How can something as simple as a fried-bologna sandwich taste this good? Who knew that red lettuce with anchovy and stracciatella was the best salad in the world? What are they putting in the addictive rice porridge?

Neven & Neven Moderne is still my favorite antiques store in Hudson, but then I'm a midcentury-modern kind of guy. On a recent visit, a pea-colored Arne Jacobsen swan chair almost had me reaching for my wallet. The same block of Warren is home to the venerable Carrie Haddad Gallery, which recently showcased the nebulous cloud- and river-scapes of Jane Bloodgood-­Abrams. A few blocks down on Warren, Spotty Dog Books & Ale has amazing readings (I've done a few) and plenty of a writer's most important companion: alcohol. If you walk all the way down Warren to Promenade Hill Park, atop the Hudson, you will break free of its most touristy element and find yourself with a river's view of Frederic Church–like proportions. The landscape painter's much-visited estate, Olana, whose “Orientalist” stylings might have Edward Said rolling in his grave, is a short drive away and is filled with works that attest to Church's prominent role in the 19th-century Hudson River School.

GioBatta Alimentari is a colorful Italian restaurant in Tivoli, a few towns south of Hudson.

A plate of gnudi at GioBatta Alimentari—the latest from storied local chef Francesco Buitoni and his wife, Michele Platt.

In Tivoli, a few towns south, is the restaurant I dream about: GioBatta Alimentari, the latest from storied local chef Francesco Buitoni and his wife, Michele Platt. The man who made the first great kale salad in the Hudson Valley (now every restaurant within 100 miles serves one) is a ubiquitous presence in this neck of the woods, coaching kids soccer and catering the memorials when our dear friends pass away. Down the street, Fortune's serves unforgettable ice cream—the halva honeycomb and anything involving labneh are musts.

Across the river in Kingston is Hutton Brickyards , possibly my favorite of the hotels I've visited in the region, for one reason: its proximity to the Hudson, which laps the bank mere feet from where you sit in your Adirondack chair. Flags emblazoned with the word “thirsty” are provided to guests; hang one outside your room and suddenly a minibar of delicious alcoholic beverages will materialize before you. This, I think, is the very highest point of our civilization. The hotel, per its name, was built among the ruins of the former Hutton Brickyard (which reportedly supplied materials for the Empire State Building and Yankee Stadium). An old crane hovers above the Hudson, lending the retreat an elegiac feel. Most of the rooms are cozy cabins, perfect for a carnal getaway. The restaurant celebrates local ingredients (some of my most heavenly meals have been in late spring, during snap-pea season), simply prepared, and the main on-site activity is a lovely private wood-barrel sauna from which you can watch the Amtrak hurtle like a silver bullet on the other side of the river, delivering country passengers into the city's maw.

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

Hannah Towey

Kingston may also be my favorite of the small mid-Hudson cities. Its Stockade District consists of incredible 17th- and 18th-century Dutch Colonial architecture. The area includes the Four Corners, the only intersection in America where all the buildings date from before the Revolutionary War. One of them houses Rough Draft Bar & Books, which opened in 2017 and is already beloved. A block away, the Hotel Kinsley , in addition to being a great place to stay, is home to the best martini in the valley and does incredible things with fish and lobster rolls in season. Close by, Lola pizzeria wows with pies like the Fig & Pear, and the venerable Le Canard Enchaine presents snails, foie gras, and eponymous duck dishes that complement the stylized decor. Midtown Kingston is home to Top Taste, a celebrated low-key Jamaican joint. The chef, Albert “Sammy” Bartley, a James Beard nominee who runs the place with his wife, Malenda, coaxes incredible flavor out of goat and oxtail. I can think of no better way to spend lunch than gobbling up mounds of jerk in a place that feels both casual and urban. Nearby Masa Midtown is a quieter destination, perfect for Turkish tapas and pastries. The diminutive Ozlem Oguzcan-Cranston, better known as Chef Oz, makes a terrific simit, a Turkish relative of the sesame bagel.

Jax Hughes, a farmer at Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection, tends to the hotel's chickens.

Just-gathered zucchini and squash blossoms

at Wildflower Farms' working farm.

Farther south, the tie-dyed college town of New Paltz is a bit far from my usual stomping grounds, but Wildflower Farms , a new Auberge resort in neighboring Gardiner, had me speeding down the interstate. The rocky outcroppings of the Shawangunk Mountains (the “Gunks,” to natives) preside over slick cabins and yellow mustard flower–filled fields. There are strange but fun experiential activities on offer. Care to chop wood at dusk? I lacked the upper-body strength for that, but I did help feed some hens in the morning, then plucked warm eggs right out from under their butts. You can present your bounty to the kitchen, which will cook up a delicious omelet for you. (Speaking of eggs, Clay, the property's restaurant, also serves a perfect farm egg with white button mushrooms, aged cheese, and truffles for dinner.) A flower-pressing pottery class was the last activity on my bingo card. Some newlyweds joined me as I imprinted hydrangeas on a votive-­candle holder I had forged with my own two clumsy hands.

The eclectic, playful design style at Habitas-on-Hudson makes it one of the area's coolest hotels.

Back on my side of the river, Habitas-on-Hudson , in Staatsburg, just outside of Rhinebeck, is part of the worldwide Habitas resorts movement, the brainchild of three dudes who met at Burning Man. Set in a 1700s mansion overlooking the river (alas, a highway runs between it and the property), Habitas may be the coolest of the hotels I've visited. Its goal, according to the young woman who checked me in, is to “bring out the inner child in people,” which for me takes all of a few minutes. Before I've even settled in, Victoria Messinger, the resident food and beverage manager—who, despite her youth, has already mixed coupe-size sips of heaven on both sides of the Hudson—is teaching me how to make a Naked and Famous cocktail. It's equal parts yellow chartreuse, mezcal, Aperol, and lime juice, and did you know that a coupe glass supposedly gets its shape from Marie Antoinette's breast? The house is a maze of nooks and crannies, with good literature scattered about and the constant promise of a stiff drink from the gorgeous wood-paneled bar. Dinner thrills with local blue oyster mushroom lettuce cups and a smashed-cucumber salad zinging with carrot ginger purée and salsa macho.

The bar at Pretty to Think So, in Rhinebeck, serves inventive cocktails to big names in fashion.

Esopus Meadows Lighthouse is the only surviving wooden lighthouse on the Hudson River.

This part of the valley offers amazing hiking at Mills Mansion; the trails hang above the Hudson and are ridged with rocks like a stegosaurus's back. I've never considered nearby Rhinebeck to be the most exciting of towns—I have no idea what most of its shops, aside from the excellent Oblong Books, are even trying to sell—but the dining-and-imbibing scene has been heating up. In addition to the always-pleasing pastas of Mill Street restaurant, newcomer Café con Leche offers juicy mounds of Puerto Rican pernil. Meanwhile, Pretty to Think So (love the name) is raising the roof on craft cocktails in a space where distinctive patrons like the Vogue contributing editor Lynn Yaeger can be spotted having a ball.

My final hotel destination takes me to the exact area where I spent those summer vacations at the Russian bungalow colony. Inness is a newish retreat in the town of Accord, cradled between the Catskills and the Gunks, with pastoral views of both alongside endless fields flanking farmhouses, pools, a tennis court, and a nine-hole golf course. The restaurant is a dream, with fresh mint-arugula salads, boquerones with spring garlic and salsa verde, and cauliflower brought to life with a combination of vadouvan and tahini. It's strange to think that in the 1980s we paid as much money for the entire summer season as some of the hotels I have stayed in cost per night. (Granted, we did not have a golf course, only a tiny pool.) But nonetheless there is a strong bungalow vibe at Inness, with people relaxing on the porches of the Scandinavian-style cabins and playing with their dogs. Instead of Russian, though, I hear Spanish, Chinese, and Hebrew.

I decide to drive down to Ellenville to see what's left of the bungalow colony. The buildings are barely standing, and the pool has been properly trashed, but I can still hear all those young immigrant voices chattering away in a combination of Russian and English, being chased by their babushkas with plates of kasha. Ellenville itself used to be a gloomy town, but the theater where I saw Octopussy (my first encounter with James Bond) still stands. There are also new tapas bars and the almost two-decade-old Aroma Thyme Café, where I perused a menu that includes $65 strong Belgian ales and ordered a juicy melt-in-the-mouth slow-cooked smoked brisket.

But the past has not been entirely erased. I pass the edifice of a building that purports to be the future home of the Catskill Borscht Belt Museum and realize the circular journey I have taken, having traveled to this vibrant and creative new Eden by way of the old.

Gary Shteyngart is the author of Our Country Friends: A Novel .

This article appeared in the September/October 2023 issue of  Condé Nast Traveler.  Subscribe to the magazine   here .

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Hudson Valley

Winding roads along either side of the Hudson River take you by picturesque farms, Victorian cottages, apple orchards and old-money mansions built by New York’s elite. Painters of the Hudson River School romanticized these landscapes, especially the region's famous fall foliage.

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West Point Museum

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Historic Huguenot Street

Step back in time on a stroll around this picturesque enclave of buildings remaining from a Huguenot settlement dating back to 1678. Guided tours (which…

Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture

Stop by this massive, ecofriendly farm for a peek into the modern agriculture movement. On warm-weather weekends (April to November; adult/child $22/free)…

Walkway Over the Hudson

This is the main eastern entrance (with parking) to what was once a railroad bridge (built in 1889) crossing the Hudson. Today it's the world's longest…

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Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

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Vanderbilt Mansion

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Harriman State Park

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Hudson Valley & Catskill Mountains Road Trip Itinerary: 22 Fun Things To Do

The Hudson Valley & the Catskills have long been a retreat for overwhelmed New Yorkers seeking refuge from big-city chaos. Whether it was families escaping to the Borscht Belt for the summer, artists flocking to like-minded communities, or adventurers seeking whitewater rafting, the Hudson Valley area was a go-to destination.

Today, its accessibility makes it the perfect road trip destination for a day trip, a week trip, or more. For the sake of this travel guide, we’ll be referring to the general area as ‘the Hudson Valley’ with the understanding that mountain towns are technically part of the Catskills.

Although the Hudson Valley is beautiful any time of year, fall is really when it’s at its finest. Take a long weekend to soak in the gorgeous red, orange, and gold leaves and give yourself time for a hike or apple picking. The picturesque villages seem set up just for that autumnal crisp air.

How To Get To The Hudson Valley

Heading north out of the quagmire that is New York, there are numerous routes that go through the Hudson Valley and Catskills. Start with 87, which heads directly north from the Bronx before veering west to cross the Hudson River and then continuing north once again. Or, take the scenic route and drive along Route 9. It’s much older so it passes historic little towns – which also means it can be a lot slower. At some point, make sure to stay on the west side of the Hudson to be able to access towns like Kingston and Woodstock. 87 is the main artery on the west side of the river, with 9W serving local traffic.

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Recommended Itinerary for Navigating the Hudson Valley

Our road trip starts by heading north from New York City. Since it’s a large area, we’ll specify whether the following stops are on the east or west side of the Hudson to make the itinerary a bit clearer.

Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow

Best known as the home of Washington Irving, references from both Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown litter his works. They’re located on the east side of the Hudson River, just north of New York City in Westchester County.

Take a Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise

Get an on-the-river experience on a 2-hour cruise that leaves from Kingston, New York. Step aboard the Rip Van Winkle, find a comfortable seat and watch the picturesque natural scenery glide by as you listen to engaging narration from your guide. Travel south to Hyde Park, getting views of the Catskill Mountains, sumptuous estates, sleepy villages and historic lighthouses.

Old Dutch Reformed Church

The Dutch were among the first Europeans to live in the area and their influence is still seen today with buildings like this that date back to the 1600s. Pay a visit to Washington Irving, who included this church and burial ground in his famous “Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Freak yourself out even more by walking over the Headless Horseman Bridge on the grounds.

Take a Private, Beginner Friendly Helicopter Lesson

Yes, you heard that right. You can try flying a helicopter over the beautiful Hudson Valley. Your aerial experience begins not far from New York City in the town of White Plains. Learn basic flying techniques and safety protocols before jumping in a Robinson Helicopter. Experience views of the Atlantic Coast, the Hudson River and New York’s stunning skyline. Your instructor will guide you and allow you to take the controls for yourself. 

Philipsburg Manor

Philipsburg Manor dates back to Dutch colonial days, and now has a meticulously restored gristmill. Preservationists have more recently increased the visibility of enslaved African-Americans who lived and worked the Manor, a rare historical acknowledgment. 

Because the Rockefellers never did anything small, the Kykuit Estate is just as over-the-top as you might expect the richest man in America to demand. The gardens are lovely and worth checking out as well.

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About a half-hour north of Tarrytown is Peekskill, also on the east side of the river. Peekskill is the quintessential Hudson Valley village, with quaint shops and small eateries lining the main streets.

Hudson Valley MOCA

The Hudson Valley and surrounding area have long been a source of inspiration and refuge for artists, and the past few decades have seen an influx of appreciation for the modern and the experimental. This museum of contemporary art includes a range of multi-modal installations. Check in advance for special events.

Sculpture Trail

Created by the above-mentioned HVMOCA, the Sculpture Trail is an engaging walk around town that includes a variety of different sculptures. It only adds to the draw of Peekskill itself.

Bear Mountain State Park

Ok, you’ve been in the car long enough – let’s get out and explore! Bear Mountain State Park is over 1,500 acres with 23 trail miles. Hike, ride your bike, or cross-country ski, depending on the season. It’s always a beautiful spot.

Storm King Art Center

Located about a half-hour north of Peekskill and on the west side of the Hudson, Storm King Art Center is an absolute haven. Take as much time as you need to explore the breathtaking collection scattered all over the grounds. It’s an impressive array.

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This college town is home to some lovely old buildings built by Huguenot settlers in the 1700s. In fact, the Huguenots were such an influence that there is indeed a street named after them. It’s worth spending time exploring downtown – which isn’t exactly large so it’s difficult to get lost – for the old stone architecture.

Wallkill Valley Rail Trail

The Rail Trail stretches from Gardiner up to Kingston and one of the trailheads is in New Paltz. Hike as much or as little as you want, but it’s a beautiful little way to step back in time along a former railway. It’s probably easiest to access by the Wallkill River down by Gun Club Road.

Jenkins-Lueken Orchards

This bit of heaven is located just on the outskirts of town and offers berry, apple, and pumpkin picking depending on the season. Apple picking really is the stand-out, with over 500 trees. Supplement your booty at their farm stand before you leave.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Although it’s technically not in New Paltz, Minnewaska is one of the biggest draws to the area. The more adventurous go rock climbing on some fairly steep rockfaces, but those of us who stay on the not-so-daring side of life will certainly enjoy this gorgeous state park. Be careful driving there because those hairpin turns are no joke.

Mohonk Mountain House

This regal hotel offers just about every amenity you can imagine, but you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy them. Day guest passes are available for golfing, hiking, or just grabbing a cocktail and pretending to be the owner. 

Let’s just get this out of the way: This is not where The Concert was held. It was planned by the Woodstock Music & Art Fair and since that was branded all over promotional posters, we have the legacy of the cultural event thought to be held somewhere it was not.  What a world.

All of that said, the townspeople of Woodstock have no problem making the most out of the confusion and you can find Woodstock The concert -branded goods everywhere. Despite all of this, it’s still an adorable town – c’mon, how cute is the name Tinker Street?

Woodstock Drum Circles

Did you really think we’d cover Woodstock without getting all freaky psychedelic on you? Since you’re here, you might as well swab yourself in some tie-dye and bang a gong. The Facebook group is probably the best way to stay informed on drum circles, but they’re almost always held for the full moon.

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Karma Triyana Dharmachakra

When you’ve had your fill of consumerism and have got to get yourself back to that proverbial garden, head up into the mountains on the outskirts of town for some soul-freeing. This Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the North American seat of the Karma Kagyu line of Buddhism. Attend a personal retreat, take a tour, or just shop at the bookstore in these breathtaking grounds.

Town Tinker Tube Rental

Ground yourself back in reality by diving into the mighty Esopus! Located west of Woodstock, stop off at Town Tinker to go tubing down the river. This is not for the faint-of-heart! Class II whitewater can include some adrenaline-spiked waves but it’s the perfect experience for thrill-seekers on hot summer days.

Located on the east side of the Hudson, Rhinebeck is one of the most charming towns around. Dating back to the 1700s, Rhinebeck manages to embrace both the historical and the contemporary with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and experiences.

Beekman Arms Delamater Inn

Holding the title of “Oldest inn in the United States”, Beekman Arms has been in operation since 1766. Staying or dining there are both fantastic, but just settling in the tavern for a grog of ale is enough to give you a taste of New York’s early days.

RELATED: 10 Exciting Outdoor Activities in New York’s Finger Lakes Region

Omega Institute

Give yourself the gift of peace and quiet and book an R&R Retreat Weekend at the placid Omega Institute . Drop-in yoga classes and guided meditation are worth it, but even just reading in a hammock for hours is delicious. Omega also offers bodywork, theme weeks, and more. It’s a gem.

Wilderstein Historic Site

If the pared-down décor of Omega isn’t for you, you’ll love the Wilderstein Historic Site. Built-in the mid-1800s, it’s a Queen Anne style mansion that was home to FDR’s cousin/companion Daisy in the later years of her life.

The Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains provide endless opportunities to explore nature, adventure, art, and culture. It’s one of the oldest European-settled areas in the country and, although it has had its share of economic hardship over the years, it continues to develop and thrive. If you’re looking for more things to do in the New York area, be sure to browse these other travel guides ,   book this itinerary or design your own route with Winetraveler.

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11 Beautiful Hotels in New York's Catskills and Hudson Valley That Our Editors Love

It’s the season for New Yorkers to get out of town. Here's where our editors can't wait to go.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

Courtesy of Hotel Lilien

It’s the season for New Yorkers to get out of town. And there’s perhaps no place more in demand this season than the Catskills and Hudson Valley, where there’s a seemingly endless number of hiking trails, restaurants, breweries, and arts venues to explore, whether it’s your first visit or your 40th.

Fortunately, the region has seen a huge influx of new places to stay over the past few years. It’s so buzzy that Travel + Leisure named Hudson Valley one of the most exciting places to travel in 2023 .

In fact, there are now so many places to stay that it’s hard to know which one is right for you. Rather than giving an exhaustive list of everywhere you could stay, T+L surveyed its contributors and editors for their recent memories of hotels, lodges, and camps in the region. The mostly New York City–based editorial team had plenty of opinions, all based on first-hand reporting trips to the area.

Here, T+L’s guide to the newer, more interesting, and worthwhile hotels for your next visit to the Catskills and Hudson Valley.

AutoCamp Catskills

Matt Kisiday/Courtesy of AutoCamp Catskills

Opened in 2022, this summer camp for adults in West Saugerties has a fleet of refurbished Airstreams, plus a variety of cabin-style accommodations and safari-level tents spread across 37 acres. But it’s the Airstreams that impressed T+L commerce editor Lydia Price during a stay last fall: “Panoramic windows in the bedroom, which take up one end of the 31-foot Airstream, were perfect for gazing at the trees outside awash with brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges. The charming space has crisp white walls accented by a wooden floor, cabinets, and door frames. On my nightstand, I found a guidebook detailing the region’s rich history as a haven for artists.”

Eastwind Hotels

Lawrence Braun/Courtesy of Eastwind Oliverea Valley 

Eastwind Windham , about 150 miles north of New York City, caught T+L’s eye thanks to stylish rooms and suites decked out with “hand-woven Turkish rugs, custom wall-hangings, Masaya & Co. furniture, and private fire pits,” as editor Melanie Lieberman wrote in 2018. But last September, Eastwind stepped things up with stand-alone Scandi-inspired cabins — known as Lushna Suites — with private decks, hammocks, and outdoor showers. (These A-frame beauties are also stocked with cozy Pendleton robes if the spring weather hasn’t quite warmed to “outdoor shower” temps.) T+L features director Peter Terzian also loved his stay at the Windham, New York, hotel: “Eastwind's most beguiling element is hidden from view. Drive behind the renovated fishing lodge that makes up the main building and you'll find sleek wooden Scandinavian-style glamping structures in a field strung with fairy lights. Our oblong cabin was designed with the craftiness of a Rubik's Cube: a living room opened onto an outdoor terrace; a utilitarian bathroom and study were tucked under a sleeping loft.” The brand has since opened a sibling hotel in the area, Eastwind Oliverea Valley , with 27 suites deep in the mountains of the Big Indian Wilderness. 

Hotel Kinsley

This chic stay spreads across two historic buildings in the Uptown neighborhood of Kingston, New York. The hotel's HQ sits in a 19th-century bank building that's been impeccably restored with 10 guest rooms, a gorgeous restaurant and bar (designed by Studio Robert McKinley), and a petite spa treatment room plus sauna. "During my stay, the cozy, wood-paneled bar and light-and-airy restaurant attracted just as many locals and visitors, making Hotel Kinsley feel like Kingston's best-kept secret," T+L managing editor Erin Agostinelli said.

A sibling building a few blocks away occupies a three-story mansion dating to 1770 that's today kitted with every modern convenience, including heated bathroom floors and Bluetooth-enabled Tivoli Audio hi-fis. Each of the 13 rooms is a little different, but the real showstoppers are those with pedestal bathtubs, begging for a spot on your Instagram grid .

Hotel Lilien

A newcomer in the town of Hunter — and just minutes from the famed Kaaterskills Falls — Hotel Lilien got 18 rooms and suites that have enchanted several T+L editors. “Hand-picked vintage and Victorian furnishings and decor fill the hotel, which has original features such as 1890s wood paneling, stained-glass windows, and a cozy sitting area with a wood-burning stove,” as contributor Dobrina Zhekova recently detailed . “Old and new coexist harmoniously throughout the property. In the guest rooms, lounge chairs by midcentury furniture designers Marcel Breuer, Mies van der Rohe, and Franco Albini complement Victorian sofas, antique Persian Rugs, crisp Brooklinen bedding, and Wright mattresses.” T+L editors who visited also appreciated the property’s dog-friendly suites, set apart from the main building.

Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection

Courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection

“It’s a vision of rural Catskills life filtered through a luxurious lens,” wrote Jeffries Blackerby, the former editor in chief of Departures , in a recent issue of T+L . The newly opened escape in the town of Gardiner has “65 cabins and cottages arranged around a grand main building that’s home to Clay, the restaurant; the poolside Dew Bar; and an open-air venue named the Great Porch, as well as a shop, a spa, and an event space. Everything faces an open plain that rolls out like a carpet toward the stark granite ridge of the ‘Gunks,’ as the Shawangunk Mountains are known,” he noted. While hiking and relaxing in nature are certainly on offer, the resort affords guests “many everyday majesties,” he said, including spectacular bird-watching opportunities.

Kenoza Hall

A one-time boarding house, this newly renovated property is the latest from Foster Supply Company , which has six hotels across the Catskills region. Kenoza “marries historic touches like the original hardwood floors with custom elements, including sleigh beds,” wrote T+L special projects and surveys editor Sarah Bruning in a recent issue. “As a complement to hiking, canoeing, and other vigorous activities, daily programming focuses on wellness, including yoga, hydrotherapy, and meditation.” The most recent Catskills addition to the Foster Supply portfolio, Hotel Darby, opened near Narrowsburg, New York, with “retro-chic rooms and suites, a custom-built bar, a hammock grove, and miles of private hiking trails across the 17-acre spread,” as T+L reported in 2021 .

This Hudson, New York, hideaway was a revelation for travel editor Hannah Walhout, who visited recently. "My suite, the 'Architect,' felt like it could have been the apartment of some Bauhaus luminary," she said. "The best part: an unbelievably massive — like, swimming-pool sized — bathtub, made using two slabs of Roman black marble." Other suites and public spaces are just as enchanting, decorated with beautiful objets d'art, vintage furniture, and antiques galore. "It felt like everything was exactly in its place," Walhout said.

The Shandaken Inn

"This rustic yet refined getaway — the brainchild of Catskills resident Jay Jacobs — has graphic textured wallpaper and restored wood-burning stoves," Bruning wrote in a recent issue of T+L. It's a short drive from spring skiing — or warmer-weather zip lining — at Hunter Mountain or hiking to the dramatic Kaaterskill Falls.

Starlite Motel

This stylish re-do of a 1960s roadside motel opened in May of 2020, and the vintage vibes and proximity to some of the best trails in the Catskills have made it a must-visit for T+L associate editor Liz Cantrell. "Just minutes from Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk Preserve, this is the perfect base for a weekend of serious hiking. Plus, the large saltwater pool and canteen-style bar will help you recover. There are 16 traditional rooms, but I've got my eye on the camper, which will be open for bookings this summer," she said.

Urban Cowboy

This 28-room lodge is set on the edge of the Big Indian Wilderness, a 33,500-acre expanse of land managed by New York State, which offers hiking and other outdoor pursuits. But guests can also hang closer to home base, according to Bruning: “Guests mingle at the nightly bonfires or over meals at the live-fire restaurant, which highlights foraged, seasonal ingredients. On-site pursuits include swimming and fishing for trout in the Esopus Creek, which runs through the grounds.” During a visit with his husband, Terzian said , “a feeling of well-being continued throughout our stay,” thanks to “the convivial staff, who treated us like new friends, all while delivering on-point service.”

Wylder Windham

Courtesy of Wylder Windham

This totally reimagined escape debuted in 2022, though parts of the resort-y getaway date back to 1880. “It’s nostalgic, and perfectly executed,” wrote T+L contributor Alison Fox after her summertime stay . “It’s a modern property in every way that counts, but that knows exactly where it came from and embraces its past.” With a variety of room categories and both on- and off-property activities, “it has enough amenities to bring you back to a time before screens: there are wood-fired saunas and fire pits strewn throughout the grounds, pickleball courts … and hammocks framed by trees, overlooking the creek and the mountain beyond,” Fox added.

Hudson Valley Tourism: 20+ Best Tips you Need for the Perfect Outing

Best known for its beautiful landscapes and the Hudson River, the Hudson Valley is so much more than apple trees, the majestic river and mountains. Hudson Valley Tourism is a big deal around these part.s

When you visit the Hudson Valley region you will also be visiting up-and-coming towns, a thriving artists’ scene, award-winning restaurants, distilleries, breweries, and cideries abound.

This local gal is excited to not only showcase the best of Hudson Valley Tourism but also to give you essential tips to make your next visit a great one.

Although many people love to visit this region of New York State, there are a lot of mistakes you can make when planning your trip and while you visit the Hudson Valley.

This article contains an affiliate link or two. I make a small commission for purchases made through links at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more info.

Why is Hudson Valley Tourism so important?

Just like any other large region in the United States, tourism is a big deal for the local economy. Hudson Valley tourism is no exception – It relies on the people traveling to this region to generate jobs.

Hudson Valley Tourism encompasses so many things, for example:

• Hotels and Lodging
• Restaurants
• Local Attractions
• Historic Sites
• and so much more…

What NOT TO DO before you visit the Hudson Valley

Do not leave on an outing without planning ahead.

No matter what time of year you plan to visit the Hudson Valley, the Number 1 mistake people make is NOT Planning and Researching enough before the trip.

• Many locations require a reservation (restaurants, museums, etc), so check their website before making plans.
• Many places in the Hudson Valley are closed for the Winter season (restaurants, historic sites, etc), so that is something that you have to keep in mind before you venture out to the Hudson Valley.
• No matter what time of the year you explore the Hudson Valley, some places are not open AT ALL during the week and only welcome visitors on the weekends.
• Some places are also open for limited hours on the weekends, leaving many unprepared people feeling frustrated.
• Other locations may be closed for special events. While a usually quiet town may be filled to the brims, during your visit, because of a Yearly Festival you knew nothing about.

And this may not be what you expected or envisioned when you planned to explore that particular area of the Hudson Valley.

So make sure to check days and times of operation before heading out to your final destination.

Make sure you check the Weather before your Hudson Valley outing

The weather is another factor people don’t take into consideration when getting ready to explore the Hudson Valley.

The region has three distinct areas and the weather can be drastically different in the:

• Lower Hudson Valley (Yonkers, NY),
• Mid-Hudson Valley (Poughkeepsie, NY)
• and in the Upper Hudson Valley (Albany, NY).

READ MORE Where Exactly is the Hudson Valley? Reference this Ultimate Hudson Valley Guide before heading out on your next Hudson Valley adventure. I include information regarding each county and what to expect when you visit.

Hudson Valley Tourism & Best Tips: Start Here

With so much to see and do in the Hudson Valley, planning a visit can be overwhelming, but with these 20+ tips , I can assure you that you will be well prepared.

Follow these tips and you will make your visit both memorable and everything you had hoped for.

The following tips are essential when planning your Hudson Valley NY outing, especially since these tips are coming from yours truly: a Hudson Valley Native and Resident! Hudson Valley Tourism is my passion.

Click below to see some items you should have during your Hudson Valley Outings and you will be guaranteed a successful outing:

• Because ‘you never know’ when an accident happens, you need a small, portable First Aid Kit , like this product in your life. This is a great buy for under $15
• If you’re going to be out all day exploring, you never REALLY know what the weather will be like. Even if you think you do know, it can start raining at any time, so this small life-saver is an essential item . This is another great buy on Amazon for under $15.
• My favorite walking shoes, by far, are these because they are soft and the memory foam feels great on my feet. See the color and size choices here.
• Looking great during your Hudson Valley outings is essential and this Hudson Valley Merchandise is perfect for any outing!

Traveling to the Hudson Valley Region

Tip #1: flying to the hudson valley region.

If you’re not from the immediate area, there are several major airports that can get you in and out of the Hudson Valley with minimal hassle. The airport you choose is dependent on where you plan on staying for the majority of your visit and your budget.

Your choices of airports include:

• Albany International Airport
• Stewart International Airport , Newburgh
• Westchester County Airport/White Plains Airport

If you prefer to lodge outside of the Hudson Valley, it is easy enough to travel to many parts of the Hudson Valley using the railroad system or a car.

Contrary to popular belief, there are several larger cities in the Hudson Valley and these hubs offer train service for those visiting from the North and the South.

White Plains, Poughkeepsie, and Albany are just a few that I can think of off the top of my head.

When you plan to explore the Hudson Valley, be mindful that traveling by train is as easy as buying a train ticket through the MTA Metro-North Railroad or Amtrak .

The Metro-North Railroad is the perfect way to get to and from the Hudson Valley and NYC when you travel within the Hudson Valley.

Unfortunately, the train only runs from Grand Central to:

• Poughkeepsie (Hudson Line)
• Port Chester (New Haven Line)
• Wassaic (Harlem Line)

The trains also travel from New Jersey to:

• Port Jervis, NY (Port Jervis Line)
• Spring Valley (Pascack Valley Line)

A car is then needed if you’re planning to travel to other parts of the region from any of the above-mentioned train stations.

Now, if you plan to travel from NYC to the Upper Hudson Valley Region (Hudson, Albany, Rhinecliff), then Amtrak is your best bet. I suggest you purchase your ticket in advance in order to get the best deal.

Tip #2: Driving to and within the Hudson Valley area

Taking a drive to visit different areas of the Hudson Valley may be one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery, countryside, towns and cities.

There are several major highways in and out of the Hudson Valley.

A few of the well-traveled roadways/highways are:

• the New York State Thruway/I-87 (North-South)
• Interstate-684 (North-South)
• the Taconic State Parkway (North-South)

Getting around during your visit to the Hudson Valley NY Area

Tip #3: driving within the hudson valley region.

If you are traveling by airplane or train to the Hudson Valley, then a car may be necessary to get around the area while you explore the Hudson Valley.

Because the Hudson Valley region consists of several counties, a car is usually a good idea. Especially if you want to explore locations that are not walking distance from a train station. Hudson Valley Tourism in larger cities is easier because public transportation that can easily take you to popular places in the area from a train station, but small towns do not offer that service.

Making your Plans to explore the Hudson Valley: The Essentials

Tip #4: research your destination on several hudson valley tourism websites.

Learn as much as you can about the location you plan to visit using several Hudson Valley tourism websites. Some are more comprehensive than others.

Research the places/towns you want to visit before making the trip.

It would be disappointing to get to a location and realize that it is closed for the season or crowded because of a Special Event you were unaware of. Some places are only open seasonally (April through October) and many places host Festivals and special events throughout the warmer months.

Tip #5: Check my Facebook HVE Events Page

Also check My Facebook Events Group Page for any events happening in the places you’ll be visiting. I would hate for you to miss anything fun. A Festival may be something that you’re in the mood for.

These events don’t just happen during the summer, but take place all year long. Hudson Valley Tourism and Events is a year-round specialty of the region.

Tip #6: Make a list

Make a list of all the places you want to go. I call this my ‘Wish List’ – Some people call it their ‘Bucket List’. Even if you don’t see it all, at least you have a list ready that can be used for another visit.

PRO TIP: Don’t over-schedule yourself, though, and be able to go with the flow. Be spontaneous and go where the locals go.

Tip #7: Google Maps is your friend

Plot everything in Google Maps to see what is close to each other and make the most out of your day when you visit the Hudson Valley.

Plotting your visit will also assist in making a well-informed reservation at a local hotel (if needed) and/or restaurant, both by location and affordability.

Tip #8: Check the Weather

Make sure to check the weather before you explore the Hudson Valley, any time of year. Although the seasons are relatively predictable, the weather may change very quickly. Try to wear the right clothes for the weather and your particular outing.

LOCAL TIP: The Best place to access local weather is on my favorite HV Weather Website: Hudson Valley Weather

When is Hudson Valley Tourism at its Best?

Tip #9: explore the hudson valley during your favorite season.

Spring and Autumn are the most popular times of the year for Hudson Valley Tourism, weather-wise, if you like that sort of weather. Some people really enjoy hot weather and some prefer cold weather, so you can visit the Hudson Valley during your favorite season.

Summer is often hot and humid while the winter months are often frigid and can be very snowy.

While a visit to the Hudson Valley is enjoyable at any time of the year, Autumn-time is magical. The trees are dressed up in vibrant colors and the crisp air warrants a walk, run, hike or bike ride. Fall Festivals are also abundant and occur during most weekends.

Experience the Best of Hudson Valley Tourism

Tip #10: make the most of your visit.

Always be present!

Sometimes you have to put the phone down and just enjoy every single moment in the Hudson Valley.

Tip #11: Walk around

Walk around.

Even if it’s a small town, just go out and walk around and explore where the locals go. You see more by walking than when you’re driving. And you may bump into a hidden treasure that is not listed in a guide or on a website.

Tip #12: Be Spontaneous!

• Say “Yes!”
• Keep your options open.
• Try something new.

You never know what will happen. Some of my best memories have been from trying something I/we would normally not try.

Tip #13: Talk to the Locals

Hudson Valley Tourism is NOT JUST about the guides and websites.

If you’re visiting a new town, take some time and talk to the locals and shop owners. You will get the best recommendations for restaurants, cafes, and local hidden gems straight from the people who live in that area of the Hudson Valley.

STAYING LOCAL? Tips for being a Tourist in your Hometown: the Fun way to explore locally

Tip #14: Take lots of photos but…

Take a lot of quick photos and then put away the camera to experience the day.

Tip #15: Go, Solo!

Don’t be afraid to explore on your own.

I do most of my Hudson Valley exploring with my daughter, but on several occasions, I venture out on my own and love doing so.

Just me and my Tripod…

When solo exploring, make sure that you head to a public location that has security and people around. I also make sure to go during the day. I do not explore any new places at night.

Packing for a visit to the Hudson Valley

Tip #16: have a packing list.

If you’re planning to spend a few days exploring or planning a Weekend Getaway in the Hudson Valley, make a packing list to guarantee that you don’t forget anything.

Tip #17: Have a Road Trip Car List

Have a Road Trip List with car essentials in case you explore more rural areas. In this instance, it’s best to be over-prepared.

Tip #18: Be Prepared

Bring a Portable Power Bank if you plan to use your phone for your outing. Between calls, GPS, and photos, the batteries tend to die quickly. Don’t forget the charging cords and a portable tripod !

Tip #19: Get a Backpack

A good backpack is always essential. I prefer ones that are small enough to easily locate my things but that have inside pockets for keeping my valuables safe.

These are my TWO favorites .

General Tips for Exploring

Tip #20: download apps.

Download all the apps you need before leaving on your visit. Make sure your apps are updated, such as Google Maps, etc.

Tip #21: Follow this Important Picture-Taking Tip

Always take the picture and try to be IN the picture.

Even if you feel silly taking that selfie, you will be happy to have it after your visit is over.

Tip #22: Visit Some Free Places

There are many FREE places and attractions up and down the Hudson River Valley. Below is a very small sampling of great places to visit that don’t cost a thing! Hudson Valley Tourism does not always mean spending a fortune. You can do a lot for less in this great part of New York State.

• New Windsor Cantonment & the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
• West Point Museum
• Rockland Center for the Arts
• Magazzino Italian Art
• And more can be found in this article all about free things in the Hudson Valley .

Tip #23: Visit Some Popular Places

With so many free places in the Hudson Valley, it can be tempting to not patron the places that charge an admission fee, but these places are well worth the price of admission.

Popular places include:

• Hudson River Museum , Yonkers
• Trevor Zoo , Millbrook
• DIA:Beacon, Beacon

Tip #24: Visit Some Historic Sites, Too

The Hudson Valley is so full of history that a trip to the region cannot be made without visiting some of the World-Famous Historic Sites, such as:

• Washington’s Headquarters in Newburgh
• Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park
• Gomez Mill House
• Van Cortlandt Manor

Tip #25: Book a Tour

Take a tour! Hudson Valley Bucketlist offers Wine tours and food tours to satisfy any palate.

These tours are exactly what you need to experience and explore the best of the Hudson Valley. Contact them through their website for more information.

Some of their tours are:

• The Winemaker Tour
• Beacon Bites and Beverages
• Rhinebeck Paired Tastings
• And More…

Visit and Eat in the Hudson Valley

Tip #26: make reservations.

If you’re planning a visit to the Hudson Valley, Reservations are always recommended.

During the Warmer months, I suggest making reservations several weeks before your planned visit. Many local favorites, especially near the Hudson River, will book up rather quickly during the warmer months.

When in doubt, call the restaurant and find out if reservations are needed.

Tip #27: Research the Restaurant Before you Go

With all the new & unique culinary experiences in the Hudson Valley, make sure you do your research regarding restaurants. Some menus may be too eclectic or complex, especially if you’re dining with children.

Tip #28: Visit Seasonal Farmers Markets

Hudson Valley Tourism is not only about the sights. Supporting our local, hard working farmers is also great for the local economy. Make sure to visit a Hudson Valley Farmers Market during any season. Several are open during the winter months, too.

These are wonderful community hubs and besides the local produce, some of these markets offer other activities, as well as, Food trucks.

Why You Should Visit the Hudson Valley & Support Hudson Valley Tourism

The Hudson Valley is a monumental place to visit and explore. With the abundance of things to do, there is no shortage of adventures you can take either alone, with a significant other and/or as a family.

Keep in mind that your experience may be different each time you visit the Hudson Valley. It is often dependent on the weather or season.

My #1 Tip is to do your research.

Even if you’re traveling a few hours from home or from a few states away, research is always key.

That is why this blog was created and is certain to be your go-to resource for seeing the Hudson Valley.

Until the Next Adventure…

Find discounted meals & discounted activities from my friends at Local Flavor & Groupon !

Check out My Etsy Shop where you will find deals on Tees, Totes & More.

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Hudson Valley Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Hudson Valley travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

New Yorkers looking for some fresh country air have been escaping to the Hudson Valley for decades, and for good reason.

The Hudson River Valley area, just north of New York City , offers incredible mountain and river views — which inspired the mid-19th century Hudson River School of landscape painting, made famous by artists like Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church.

Some of the most notable names of the 19th and early 20th centuries built opulent homes along the Hudson River, including the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers. You can even visit some of these homes — like the Franklin Delano Roosevelt National Historic Site — as you travel through the area.

Even if extravagant homes aren’t you’re thing, you’ll find plenty to do in the Hudson Valley.

The area’s proximity to New York City makes Hudson Valley day trips and weekend getaways particularly popular. With just a short road trip or train ride, you can hike some of the area’s top trails like those found at Hudson Highlands State Park (like the Breakneck Ridge Trail and Bull Hill Full Loop ) and Bear Mountain State Park .

History buffs can visit the historic military college at West Point or the quirkier Motorcyclepedida Museum in Newburgh.

There are also plenty of romantic things to do in the Hudson Valley if you’re looking to plan a getaway with your sweetie. Explore the giant outdoor sculptures at Storm King Art Center in New Windsor or just relax at one of the area’s top hotels like the Mohonk Mountain House , complete with a world-class spa and sumptuous restaurants.

The spotlight has been on the Hudson Valley for centuries and it’s high time you discovered its magic!

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to the Hudson Valley in New York State .

Note: This ultimate Hudson Valley guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Hudson River Valley Map

Use this Hudson Valley tourism map to begin planning your trip to this incredible destination!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

If you’re planning a trip to New York’s Hudson Valley, don’t miss:

How To Hike Anthony’s Nose In The Hudson Valley

Escaping NYC For The Shawangunk Wine Trail In New York State

Hiking Bull Hill In The Hudson Valley Of New York State

How To Have A Fun Time In Dutchess County, New York

Hiking Perkins Memorial In Bear Mountain State Park

How To Hike Breakneck Ridge To The Mount Beacon Fire Tower

Upstate New York Guides

32 Best Hikes In Upstate New York

19 Best Romantic Getaways In Upstate New York

Thanksgiving getaways From NYC: 11 Unforgettable Holiday Escapes

New York State Road Trips

Planning a New York State road trip? These guides can help:

A Road Trip Itinerary From NYC To The 1000 Islands

Best Hudson Valley Tours

Explore local culture with a New York State tour guide through these unique excursions:

• Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Wine and Local Cheese Tour (Beacon, New York)
• Hudson Valley Fall Foliage Helicopter Tour (Westchester, New York)

Renting A Car In The Hudson Valley

Need a rental car for your Hudson Valley trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Hotels In The Hudson Valley

Click here to browse the best Hudson Valley hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals !

You can also use this map to search for local stays and experiences. Both the rental link and map are set to Beacon, but you can easily change the location to your specific destination:

New York State Travel Insurance

When visiting the Hudson Valley in New York — or anywhere else in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Hudson Valley travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Hudson Valley Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in the Hudson Valley .

Q: Where is the Hudson Valley in New York?

The Hudson Valley region is comprised of the area surrounding the valley of the Hudson River, stretching from the Capital District to Westchester County, directly north of New York City.

The area takes up much of the southeast corner of New York State and includes cities like Albany, Troy, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, and Cold Spring.

Q: Where should I go on vacation in the Huson Valley?

There are tons of great towns in the Hudson Valley that make for great getaway locations, but a few stand out among crowd.

New Paltz , located in Ulster County, has been a favorite of visitors to the Hudson Valley for years for its incredible nature, quaint shops, and historic resorts.

The Mohonk Mountain House , a National Historic Landmark, offers guests tons of opportunities to relax and enjoy the incredible mountain views in style. Any stay at the resort includes three meals per day and unlimited activities such as fishing, golf, archery, and yoga that will leave you feeling well-rested and invigorated.

Right near the resort is the Mohonk Reserve, an incredible park with 70 miles of carriage roads and trails for hiking, environmental education opportunities, and more. And of course the views of the nearby mountains will take your breath away.

For the perfect spooky getaway, head to Sleepy Hollow in Westchester County, home of the legendary headless horseman. The village is naturally at its peak during the Halloween season, when visitors come from miles away to experience the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, a festival featuring thousands of intricately-carved pumpkins on display, and visit sites from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow such as The Dutch Reform Church and the Headless Horseman Bridge.

Sleepy Hollow has much to offer throughout the rest of the year, though. Here you can visit historic houses such as Kykuit, one of the Rockefellers’ massive estates, and Sunnyside Estate, the former home of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving.

History fans will also want to visit Sleepy Hollow Cemetary, the final resting place of famous figures like Elizabeth Arden, Samuel Gompers, and Andrew Carnegie.

You’ll also find tons of great places to eat in Sleepy Hollow, many partnering with local farmers to offer a farm-to-table experience.

Art lovers will want to take a trip up to Beacon , a riverside town in Dutchess County featuring some of the best modern art outside of New York City.

Beacon is home to Dia:Beacon, a massive contemporary art gallery with giant immersive art pieces that will capture your imagination.

Beyond Dia:Beacon, you’ll find tons of other galleries in town featuring everything from glassblowing to photography to paintings.

Becon is also home to Bannerman Castle, the ruins of an early 20th-century Scottish-style castle that’s now the perfect place to hike and explore.

Soak up some fresh air in the local parks, do a bit of antiquing, and check out one of the local farmer’s markets for delicious, fresh ingredients.

Q: What are some fun things to do in the Hudson Valley?

One of the most fun things to do in the Hudson Valley is to check out its exciting arts scene. The area is home to numerous world-class museums and galleries showcasing work from artists from around the world.

Performances

You’ll also find tons of opportunities to enjoy the performing arts around the Hudson Valley. Theatre lovers will want to visit Vassar College’s Powerhouse Theater , which hosts New York Stage and Film’s Summer Season every year.

This festival of new works has helped launch many famous plays and musicals such as Hamilton , Doubt , and Hadestown and their workshops and readings are not to be missed.

You can also catch daring new productions of Shakespeare’s classics every summer at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in Garrison, NY. Bring a picnic and enjoy both new and classic works in an incredible outdoor setting.

A visit to a local farm is a favorite activity of many travelers to the Hudson Valley. There are tons of great farms throughout the region specializing in everything from apples to Christmas trees to livestock.

Many of these farms have farmstands open year-round where you can shop for fresh produce and local ingredients to spice up your home cooking.

Other farms have pick-your-own produce experiences and tours to give you a taste of life on the farm.

Whenever you choose to visit the Hudson Valley, there’s likely a farm experience available for you. Pick apples and pumpkins in the fall, browse rows of fresh Christmas trees in December, tour maple syrup farms in the winter, and bring home bushels of berries throughout the spring and summer.

The Hudson River

With so many great things to do in the Hudson Valley, the Hudson River itself often gets ignored; however, you’ll find that the river is the best way to take in the beauty of this region.

Many towns along the river offer sightseeing cruises on classic steamboats, sailboats, and more. The average day cruise lasts about two hours and sails past historic lighthouses, Victorian mansions, and impressive bridges.

You can also hop on a sunset cruise for romantic views of the river and surrounding hills.

Some river cruises even offer live music on board or cruises during special events like Halloween and during the West Point Fireworks Display on the Fourth of July!

Q: What are some free things to do in the Hudson Valley?

One of the best free things to do in the Hudson Valley is to get outside and explore the area’s natural wonders. The Hudson Valley is home to some of the best hiking trails in Upstate New York , which are all totally free to explore (although you may need to pay for parking at the trailhead).

The area’s trails also vary in levels of difficulty, so there’s something for everyone from pro climbers to those just starting out.

Beginners will want to check out some of the easier trails at the Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining while more experienced hikers can take on trails like Anthony’s Nose in Garrison and Bull Hill in Cold Spring.

Either way, you’ll get a chance to take in the sights of the Hudson Valley and get a nice dose of fresh mountain air.

Many of the Hudson Valley’s famed art museums and galleries are also free to explore. The Rockland Center for the Arts in West Nyack features an excellent collection of contemporary paintings, sculptures, photography, and more from local artists.

Once you’ve finished with the gallery, take a walk through the Catherine Konner Sculpture Park , home to a vast collection of unique, large-scale sculptures from a variety of artists.

In Cold Spring, you can visit Magazzino Italian Art , a large gallery that brings the best of contemporary Italian art to the Hudson Valley.

And in Pelham, the Pelham Art Center hosts rotating exhibitions showcasing the work of up-and-coming artists from across the country.

Q: Are there flights from New York City to the Hudson Valley?

The Hudson Valley is easily accessible from New York City by train and bus, but there are only a few flights from the city to the area.

You’ll find a few non-stop flights from LaGuardia or Newark International Airport to Albany International Airport most weekdays. The flight is just a little over an hour and the airport is just a few miles from the city center. Note, though, that there are many Hudson Valley villages, towns, and cities that are much closer to NYC than Albany.

Q: Can you take a train to the Hudson Valley?

Since flights are so rare, you’ll likely have more luck finding a train ticket to your destination. The Hudson Line on Metro-North, the MTA’s regional rail service for points north of New York City, hits many of the major towns and cities along the Hudson River and terminates at Poughkeepsie.

For points north of Poughkeepsie, you’ll want to hop on Amtrak’s Empire Service.

Q: Is the Hudson Valley safe?

The Hudson Valley is considered a very safe place to visit. In fact, many of the area’s towns have been voted some of the safest in the state of New York. As with any travel destination, though, you’ll want to be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for petty theft, especially in more crowded areas.

If you’re driving, be sure to lock your car whether you’re parking in town or near a trailhead.

And if you’re out hiking or biking in the woods, always stay on the designated paths.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in New York?

Most visitors from abroad who are allowed to enter the United States — the country New York State is located in — can stay for up to six months. Entry requirements and allowances vary depending on where you are from, so definitely check the US government website .

Q: Do I need a travel visa for New York?

Visa requirements vary depending on where you are from. You can visit the US government website to see if you need a visa and what type.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in the Hudson Valley?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted in the Hudson Valley, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in the Hudson Valley?

While tap water is safe to drink in most places, it’s smart to check with the hotel in your specific destination to be safe.

Q: What is the local currency in New York State?

The local currency in New York is the US Dollar (USD).

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12 Best Quaint Towns In Hudson Valley | Expect a Memorable Visit!

• Destinations
• Hudson Valley
• The Catskills
• United States

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

Stretching nearly 150 miles from Yonkers in Westchester County to the state capital of Albany , and spanning both sides of the Hudson River, the quaint towns in the Hudson Valley of New York are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City.

This fertile valley is full of family farms, orchards, and vineyards focused on sustainable food and regenerative agriculture. Its scenic views and quaint settings have inspired artists and writers. And its laid-back atmosphere has delighted vacationers for generations, from the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts to everyday travelers.

Here are the best Hudson Valley towns to visit, listed in counterclockwise order from New York City.

Note: Some of my experiences were hosted. All opinions are my own.

12 Best Quaint Towns In Hudson Valley

Quickly learn about the 12 best towns in this quick video, or read on to learn about them in more detail:

1. Tarrytown

Population: 11,500.

Just 25 miles north of the nation’s biggest city, relive the glory days of the Gilded Age with a visit to Lyndhurst. The imposing limestone mansion overlooking the Hudson River was once the country home of “robber baron” Jay Gould, and it is one of the filming locations for HBO’s new original series The Gilded Age .  

Then enjoy a modern Cantonese meal in a beautiful white porticoed mansion at Goosefeather, or dig into deliciously comforting pub fare at Bridge View Tavern. As the day comes to an end, watch the sunset from the scenic Hudson RiverWalk Park, or enjoy a leisurely 1.5-mile roundtrip stroll along the Hudson River bank to the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse before settling in at the Westchester Marriott for the night.

Pro Tip: Be sure to check out these additional historic mansions in the Hudson River Valley .

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2. Sleepy Hollow

Population: 10,100.

Adjacent to Tarrytown, the village of Sleepy Hollow is forever tied to Ichabod Crane thanks to Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow . So begin your experience in this quaint Hudson Valley town by visiting the Old Dutch Church.

Although the Headless Horseman haunted the 17th-century church’s burying ground, the author of the spooky short story is buried in the adjacent Sleepy Hollow Cemetery . When visiting Sleepy Hollow Cemetery during the fall, take an evening walking tour to wind past the graves of William Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and Elizabeth Arden by the light of kerosene lanterns.

When you’re sufficiently spooked after visiting Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, wrap up your visit to Sleepy Hollow at Kykuit, the magnificent, 40-room Rockefeller Estate overlooking the Hudson River in Pocantico Hills.

Pro Tip: ​​It’s best to visit Sleepy Hollow in October, not just because the whole town celebrates Halloween in a big way, but because the Old Dutch Church is only open to visitors then.

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Population: 2,100

Art lovers and history buffs will love the hamlet of Katonah, about 30 minutes north of Sleepy Hollow. Explore the Katonah Village Historic District with this walking tour to learn more about the century-old, beautifully maintained Queen Anne and Victorian buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If exploring makes you hungry, stop at the Blue Dolphin Diner for a taste of Italy in the heart of Katonah. Or visit The Whitlock for local flavors, from organic fruits and vegetables to craft beer and small-batch ice cream.

Halfway between this historic district and Cross River Reservoir is the Katonah Museum of Art, known as one of the best small museums in the United States. Art lovers won’t want to miss the ever-changing exhibits and attractions inside the long, rectangular building.

For a luxurious accommodation in this part of the Hudson River Valley, stay at the Bedford Post Inn . Co-owned by actor Richard Gere, this romantic, eight-room inn includes a yoga studio and two farm-to-table restaurants that range from a casual bistro to upscale fine dining. Or, stay at the historic Crabtree’s Kittle House in nearby Chappaqua.

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4. Cold Spring

Population: 1,960.

Just north of West Point, Cold Spring is home to the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve . Covering more than 7,400 acres along the east bank of the Hudson River, the preserve is a gorgeous place to enjoy the great outdoors, especially from late spring through early fall. Admire the scenery and wildlife along the park’s hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail. To explore the park from the water, visitors can rent canoes and kayaks from Hudson River Expeditions .

For a truly unique experience at Hudson Highlands State Park, tour Bannerman Island (originally known as Pollepel Island). Home to the ruins of the Bannerman Castle , this lush isle offers truly unique views of the Hudson Valley. Note that you’ll start your visit to the island by climbing more than 70 stairs and will explore on foot, often by walking along unpaved paths and uneven surfaces.

While in Cold Spring, consider a visit to Magazzino Italian Art . In addition to gorgeous art installations, they have walking paths, and an undeniably cute family of Sardinian donkeys lives on the grounds!

Fuel up for a day of exploring Cold Spring with breakfast at Hudson Hil’s , where breakfast fare like farm-fresh eggs and stacks of pancakes is available all day. And when you’re ready to call it a day, stay at the Hudson House or Pig Hill Inn .

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Population: 14,400

Just 10 minutes north of Cold Spring, Beacon is another cute Hudson Valley town located right on the river. Grab a cup of coffee and a filling sweet or savory bowl at Kitchen & Coffee before exploring Dennings Point State Park on a peninsula that juts out into the Hudson River. Admire the contemporary art on display at Dia Beacon , and browse the shops that line Main Street as it winds through town.

When hunger strikes, dig into a fried chicken biscuit sandwich at The Beacon Daily ; the sandwich was recently crowned Hudson Valley’s best . Or head to Melzingah’s Tap House for a burger and a brew just across the street from Fishkill Falls. For the best views of the falls, drink, dine, or stay at The Roundhouse .

And no matter which meal option you choose, don’t leave Beacon without a made-to-order s’more at the Hudson Valley Marshmallow Company . Note: you’ll probably want a bag of gourmet marshmallows and graham crackers to take home with you.

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6. Poughkeepsie

Population: 30,500.

One of the best ways to drink in the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley is to walk across the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the tree-lined Hudson River, Catskill Mountains, and town of Poughkeepsie from 212 feet above the water as you stroll along the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Formerly the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, the Walkway Over the Hudson includes an ADA-compliant 21-story glass elevator. In addition to spectacular views (they’re best at sunrise and sunset), you can enjoy many discovery zones on both sides of the Hudson, including Highland Landing, the Poughkeepsie Waterfront, and Little Italy.

In addition to the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts, Samuel Morse, the inventor of the telegraph and Morse Code, was another Industrial Age household name who craved the peaceful beauty of the Hudson Valley. Today you can see the Italian-inspired mansion and tour the gardens of Morse’s home when you visit Poughkeepsie. 

Pro Tip: To explore several best Hudson Valley towns to visit without changing hotels every night, Poughkeepsie is a great central location. Not only is it halfway between Tarrytown and Hudson on the river’s east bank, but its Mid-Hudson Bridge also provides easy access to the town on the left bank of the Hudson River.

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7. Hyde Park

Population: 20,900.

One of the largest towns on this list, Hyde Park, is closely linked to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the United States’s longest-serving president. History lovers will enjoy exploring the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt as well as his presidential library and museum .

After getting your fill of history, pair the great outdoors with adorable animals at Clover Brooke Farm . Cuddle a barnyard creature, say namaste to a llama, or hike with an alpaca. (And in case you’re wondering, llamas and alpacas are two different animals.)

Pro Tip: Although you likely won’t have an alpaca as a companion, here are more fantastic hikes in the Catskills .

For a great place to stay in Hyde Park, check out the Journey Inn . This bed and breakfast is just across the road from the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site . Each of the seven guest rooms is decorated with a theme related to the inn’s neighbors (the Roosevelts and Vanderbilts) or beloved destinations (like Tuscany and Kyoto).

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8. Rhinebeck

Population: 7,780.

One of the most notable sights in Rhinebeck, just 10 miles up the Hudson River from Hyde Park, is Wilderstein . This impressive three-story Queen Anne mansion, with its distinctive circular tower, was the family estate of Daisy Suckley . In addition to serving as a close confidant to FDR, Suckley bred Scottish terriers and gifted the president his beloved Fala .

In the heart of Rhinebeck’s downtown, enjoy Irish fare at Bia . Try the Irish fisherman’s stew filled with fresh-caught fish, cabbage, and potatoes served with chunks of brown bread and creamy Irish butter. And don’t leave without a nightcap of Irish coffee boozed up with a shot of Irish whiskey. Another delicious option in Rhinebeck is The Amsterdam , which serves upscale farm-to-table dishes as well as sells fine foods in its provisions market.

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Population: 1,083

The residents of this village in Upstate New York enjoy saying, “i lov iT” (which is Tivoli spelled backward). And after picking your own seasonal produce at Mead Orchards , feeding the goats at Greig Farm , and enjoying a performance at Kaatsbaan Cultural Park , you’ll be doing the same!

You’ll also love the Hotel Tivoli , a quaint but contemporary century-old building in the heart of town. There are 11 guest rooms on the second and third floors and a Mediterranean-inspired farm-to-table restaurant on-site.

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Population: 6,150

If your inner artist or architect is craving more time with the Hudson School art gang, then you won’t want to miss the Olana State Historic Site . This Moorish-style home on the banks of the Hudson River was home to Frederic Church, Thomas Cole’s star pupil.

Or embrace the region’s pastoral setting by taking a self-guided Scenic Sips tour of local wineries, breweries, cideries, and distilleries (using a designated driver, of course).

From locally sourced ingredients to Manhattans made with American whiskey, savor the area’s flavors at Wm. Farmer and Sons . Then spend the night at the Rivertown Lodge , a 27-room, independently-owned hotel that was once a movie theater.

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11. Catskill

Population: 11,370.

English artist Thomas Cole was so mesmerized by the rugged beauty of the Catskill Mountains region of the Hudson Valley that he organized a group of similarly inspired landscape artists known as the Hudson River School . Begin your visit to Catskill with a stop at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site , Cole’s home and studio. Then pair the great outdoors with awe-inspiring art by exploring nearly 20 Hudson Valley sights along the Hudson River School Art Trail that inspired the artist’s work.

To see one of the natural beauties of the Hudson River Valley for yourself, head 15 miles west of Catskill to Kaaterskill Falls. Take a short hike through the woods to a viewing platform that provides eye-level views of the waterfall as it plunges into the valley below.

While Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are all about the Headless Horseman, this area of the Hudson Valley embraces Washington Irving’s other popular character, Rip Van Winkle. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, head to the Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company , where you can enjoy appetizers, burgers, and entrees that pair perfectly with their craft beer.

For a unique stay in the Hudson Valley, consider the Treetopia Campground , where you’ll find everything from canvas tents to brand-new Airstream campers. See this page for other incredible glamping destinations in Upstate New York.

When you’re ready to visit the next quaint Hudson Valley town, take the Hudson River Skywalk over the Rip Van Winkle Bridge that connects Catskill to Hudson. Along the way, you’ll be treated to incredible views that will make you believe you’ve stepped into a Cole painting.

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12. Cornwall-On-Hudson

Population: 12,700.

Just across the Hudson River from Cold Spring, Cornwall-on-Hudson allows you to continue to embrace the Hudson’s Valley’s natural beauty at the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum . From frogs and fish to owls and opossums, you’ll get to meet some of the river dwellers and woodland creatures that call this area home at the museum’s Wildlife Education Center.

Foodies will enjoy a trip to Jones Farm , where guests can pick up farm-fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and gourmet foods. Prepare a picnic basket for a day of exploring the great outdoors, or grab locally sourced ingredients to whip up a meal if your accommodations include a kitchen.

If you’d rather leave the cooking to someone else, the best places to dine at are Painter’s Tavern for a wide range of American cuisine, and the Canterbury Brook Inn , a Swiss restaurant offering Alpine-inspired cuisine that pairs well with wines from the Finger Lakes region . And if you have a hankering for pulled pork or slowly smoked ribs, Brothers Barbecue has the best barbecue in the Hudson Valley.

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What Makes the Hudson Valley a Loved and Treasured Destination for Travelers?

 Nestled in the heart of New York State, the Hudson Valley is a treasure trove of natural beauty, historic landmarks, cultural richness, and the warm and friendly hospitality of the country folk.

Travelers are drawn to the rolling hills, serene lakes, and lush forests, which host a variety of outdoor activities and popular events throughout the year. With so many things to do in Hudson Valley , every visit turns into a memorable adventure.

Make sure to take a Halloween-themed trip to Hudson Valley, “The Blaze” , to get into the fall spirit.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or a journey through American history, the Hudson Valley will captivate you with its endless opportunities for discovery and delight. 

The Valley of Smal Towns With a Lot to Offer

The Hudson Valley, a National Heritage Area, has been a source of inspiration for centuries to painters, poets, essayists, and novelists. Within its boundaries lies the Forever Wild Catskill Park, and it proudly holds the title of the oldest continuous settlement in the nation.

This New York State region possesses a remarkable blend of diversity, untamed beauty, sophistication, and warm hospitality, making it comparable to any other place in the world so pack your bag, and off you go!

Here are additional recommendations for a weekend in the gorgeous Hudson Valley .

Ready to book your trip? Check out home rentals here:

When should I visit the Hudson Valley?

The best time to visit Hudson Valley is during the high season months June to October. The amazing hiking trails and peaceful freshwater lakes invite tourists to immerse themselves in the valley’s breathtaking nature and admire local landmarks, museums, churches, and old towns. Additionally, the popular performance festivals and open-air events offer unique and memorable cultural experiences in this idyllic setting.

How do you spend a day in the Hudson Valley?

Every day is different in Hudson Valley as it has so many activities to offer: trekking across the Walkway over the Hudson, hiking the Appalachian Trail, visiting a brewery, cidery, winery, or distillery, traveling the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, visiting Sleepy Hollow (the home of the Headless Horseman), and so many more.

What is the Hudson Valley famous for?

Hudson Valley is famous for its natural beauty, quaint towns, cultural landmarks, and many places of historical interest. Rural small towns along the river, surrounded by breathtaking scenery attract as many visitors as do challenging hiking trails and mountain biking paths. Delicious local cuisine promises memorable dining and friendly people will make you want to visit Hudson Valley again and again.

Do you need a car in the Hudson Valley?

While driving remains the most convenient way to see as many quaint towns as possible, you don’t actually need a car in Hudson Valley. You can see all the popular attractions on foot or by bicycle. If you suddenly decide to go on a day trip and visit several of the best Hudson Valley towns and landmarks in one go, there are many car rentals in the Hudson Valley at affordable prices per day.

Bitten by the travel bug as a preschooler when her family moved abroad for the first time, Sage Scott is addicted to travel. From her nomadic upbringing in a military family to her personal and professional travels as an adult, Sage has visited all 50 states, lived abroad twice, and explored nearly 30 other countries.

Now settled in America’s Heartland, Sage writes with a midlife traveler’s perspective from Kansas City — the Midwestern cowtown affectionately called the Paris of the Plains and the undisputed Barbecue Capital of the World — and is always in search of new experiences whether in her hometown or halfway around the world.

The Hudson Valley cities are a quick, easy escape from  New York City  that are bursting in rich history, local charm and the beauty and serenity of nature. The downstate New York region is a haven of hamlets, villages, great farm-to-table dining and incredible architecture, including the home of a famed literary legend. We’ve curated the perfect 48 hour Hudson Valley itinerary filled with the best  Hudson Valley things to do , see, shop and explore. 

Day 1 in the Hudson Valley Itinerary

Stay at hasbrouck house.

History meets luxury at Hasbrouck House . An expansive 18th century Dutch colonial stone mansion nestled in the hamlet of Stone Ridge, NY, it might be a stately estate but the boutique hotel evokes a sense of home the moment you step through its beautifully restored doors. There are 25 intimate guest rooms spread across four historic buildings, all preserved to honor the property’s history with expansive windows, reclaimed wood floors, vintage furnishings, brick accents, and cozy fireplaces. Set on 50 lush green acres, other highlights include the 100-year old landmark pool, private lake, and Frette linens and Aesop products in each of the chic soft grey guest rooms.

Eat + Drink: Be sure to make a reservation at The Butterfield . The intimate farm-to-table restaurant has a timeless vibe with leather cushioned banquets and duck egg blue bar with distressed metal benches. As for the menu, it resolves with seasonal delights and our pick is medium-rare sirloin topped with wild mushrooms and creamy polenta, finished with a red wine glaze.  Pair it with a new world local wine.

Spa + Wellness: The hotel can book you a private massage or yoga session with Hudson Valley beauty and wellness therapists. Hasbrouck House also offers complimentary hiking passes through Mohonk Passage where you can explore the natural wonders of the Hudson Valley on their many hiking trails. 

Hudson Valley Coffee Shops: Rise and Shine

Take a scenic route to get your caffeine fix at Big Mouth Coffee Roasters , a favorite local cafe in Beacon, NY, serving an incredible selection of roasted brews in a trendy industrial style setting. A cup of the Congo’s Mpumbi, which has delicious notes of tart tangerine and blackberry will prime you for a day of exploring.

Hudson Valley Painters: An Artful Experience

Art lovers will enjoy losing themselves at Dia:Beacon , which houses an expansive collection of modern art from the Dia Art Foundation. Wind through the halls of what was once Nabisco’s old box-printing factory turned gallery to immerse yourself in unconventional art and sculptures dating back to the 1960s. Right now, Detroit-based famed techno DJ and producer Carl Craig has a sound installation showcase (through summer 2021) in the basement. Be sure to pack a high-quality camera to capture yourself alongside your favorite works and installations. 

Hudson Valley Distillers: Hudson Whiskey

This 230-year old Tuthilltown Distillery (aka Hudson Whiskey) is a local institution that celebrates New York’s whiskey and bourbon legacy. Visit this must-see Hudson Valley Distillers to discover the secrets of how New York made whiskey post the prohibition era with the 90 minute Bourbon Renewal Tour then head straight to the tasting room to sample the good stuff. FYI, Hudson Whiskey uses high-quality grain from local farmers to produce its bold flavors which come inspired by the big apple.  

Hudson Valley Dinner with Water Views

A recent arrival to the Hudson Valley restaurant scene, Hudson Taco is considered a waterfront culinary hotspot. So naturally that means, it’s a first come first served scene. Be sure to request a table in the backroom to enjoy epic Hudson River views as you indulge in the elevated Mexican fare. Or perch yourself on a red stool at the bar to immerse yourself in the hip industrial space, people watch and throw back a classic cocktail (margarita, mojito, sangria) or their signature handcrafted creations like ‘Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire’ made with tequila, mezcal, mango, lime, ginger, and habanero bitters. Wash those down with a couple of rounds of their street-style tacos —we love the ahi tuna and cola pork. Finish the night with brown sugar and cinnamon coated churros dipped in chocolate or local berry preserve. Delish.

Day 2 in the Hudson Valley

Stay at the abbey inn & spa .

This beautiful restored convent and chapel aptly named The Abbey Inn & Spa sits on Fort Hill, a key lookout where George Washington had his army stationed during the Revolutionary War. Today the luxury brick and sandstone historic boutique hotel in Peekskill, NY (which occupies over 62 acres), has 42 elegant guest rooms all offering sweeping views of the Hudson River Valley from their high arched windows. Other highlights include the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant, luxe spa, English garden, and traditional porch where you can retire for a glass of wine after a long day exploring. 

Eat + Drink: Apropos has an expertly curated farm-to-table seasonal menu created with meat and produce from the many local farmers and purveyors in the Hudson. However, it’s the flavors of Bologna, Abruzzo, Valencia, and Seville that the menu takes its culinary cue.  Order the Lorighittas with salty fennel sausage mixed with the subtle bitterness of broccoli rabe. 

Spa + Wellness: The luxe Abbey Inn Spa is a cozy refuge with an extensive treatment menu that focuses on rejuvenating massages, facials and invigorating body wraps. Try their signature Vitamin C Brightening Facial blended with apple stem technology and alpha hydroxy acids. Or the Abbey Inn Cornerstone Massage which incorporates traditional Swedish massage and hot lava stones to release tension and provide relaxation. We also wouldn’t say no to finishing your day with a sauna or whirlpool session.

Hudson Valley Hikers: A New Kind of Nature Walk

There are endless picturesque Hiking Trails along the Hudson Valley, but if we had to nominate a fave – try Walkway Over The Hudson . The high standing pedestrian bridge spans from the Town of Lloyd in Ulster County to the City of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County and has nine exploration walks to choose from. Each offering their own taste of the historic Hudson Valley and its hidden gems, quaint shops, restaurants, and historic sites. You can also bike the scenic two and a half-mile trail through Franny Reese State Park . 

An Architectural Homage

Embark on a historic tour of Van Cortlandt Manor . The post-revolutionary home once owned by the influential Van Cortlandt family gives a glimpse of what life was like in the years following the American Revolution. Stroll through the stone manor and brick ferry to discover the impressive collection of colonial and federal furnishings and wander acres of gardens to reach the stone path overlooking the Croton River. Tribe tip:  The best time to visit the house is September thru November when the Great Jack O’lantern Blaze is on to see 7,000 illuminated hand-carved, lit jack o’ lanterns along the 18th-century path. 

A Haven for Bibliophiles

Take in the glorious scent of decades worth of novels at Bruised Apple Books . Spend the day at the iconic waterfront store sifting through over 50,000 titles including maps and stories about the region, rare paperbacks that will inspire you to start your own curated collection, and vintage records. 

Romantic Farmhouse Dining

With its well-earned reputation as one of the most beautiful restaurants on the waterfront, Harvest on Hudson has a Mediterranean and Italian influenced locavore menu that celebrates ingredients and produce ingenious to the Hudson Valley region. Modeled after a Tuscan villa with rustic romantic farmhouse vibes, marble-inspired walls, high arched windows, and a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, the restaurant is nestled away from main roads for a quiet, intimate experience. Order the Hudson Valley Rabbit Scarpiello or brick oven pizzas (we went for Shrimp and Fennel) which come charred to perfection. 

The Hudson Valley is just an hour from NYC, so if you are planning to head to the big apple or need some foodie, fashion, culture, or hotel inspo, check out our ultimate New York Travel Guide .

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In the Hudson Valley, a Drive Back in Time

One of the most beautiful parts of New York State was once the spine of the Dutch colony, and remnants of its history are everywhere, hiding in plain sight.

The falls near Kinderhook, N.Y., in the Hudson Valley. Credit... Tony Cenicola/The New York Times

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By Russell Shorto

• June 17, 2019

Some people travel with a particular objective in mind: to find the past in the present. It’s an impossibility, of course — you never truly succeed, because the present is so very present. But in a wayward, fast-moving world, a focus on history can root you, and offer perspective. This was my idea on a recent trip when I set out to find New York’s origins.

In the early 1600s, the Dutch founded a colony called New Netherland, with its capital of New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island. It was the base from which they laid a claim to the New World, and from which they tussled with their archenemy, England, and her colonies in New England and Virginia. The English won the power struggle when they took over in 1664, rechristening New Amsterdam as New York City.

New Netherland may be history, but its legacy is hiding in plain sight. It can be found in old houses and barns, in street patterns and in New York place names, from Harlem to Rotterdam, from “Breuckelen” (now Brooklyn) to Rensselaer. It’s in American culture broadly: “cookies” are Dutch; so is coleslaw. These small-scale legacies mask larger inheritances. The Dutch of the 17th century pioneered the concepts of free trade and religious tolerance, key ingredients in the development of what was to come: New York itself.

Fifteen years ago I wrote “The Island at the Center of the World,” about the Dutch founding of New Amsterdam. Lately I’ve been toying with revisiting that era in another book. To get back into the period, I spent a weekend driving through the former Dutch landscape, which also happens to be one of the prettiest parts of New York State. It wouldn’t be an exhaustive hunt for every remnant — more of a lightly orchestrated drive, stitching together locales, and meeting with historians and others who could give me perspective. It would be a reimmersion in the past, a visit to New York before it was New York.

There are plenty of sites in Brooklyn, elsewhere on Long Island, and in Manhattan that reflect the Dutch era. But I chose to focus on the Hudson Valley, the spine of the Dutch colony. So after a quick walking tour of what had been New Amsterdam, from Battery Park to Wall Street, I got in my car and headed north.

Driving out of Manhattan always presents challenges, but even these had a Dutch flavor. In Chinatown I maneuvered through heavy traffic onto the Bowery, which was once the boerderij, or farm road. Farther north, I skirted Nieuw Haarlem — the village founded in 1658 that would become Upper Manhattan’s Harlem — and made my way onto the parkway named for Henry Hudson, the English mariner who, sailing for the Dutch, first charted the area.

My first stop was at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. Much of the year its greensward is taken up with cricketers and soccer players; on this chilly day there was only a skittish flock of gulls. At the far end stands the Van Cortlandt House, dating from 1748, the oldest building in the Bronx. But a century before that, when the East Coast was the Wild West, this land was the estate of the jurist Adriaen van der Donck, who locked horns with Peter Stuyvesant, the last director of New Netherland, over the colony’s fate. Van der Donck was known as the Yonkheer, more or less the equivalent of “Young Sir,” a title that in time morphed into the name of the city of Yonkers. The Saw Mill Parkway that runs past it also echoes this Dutch settler: He was the one who established the mill.

As I crossed the Hudson on the new Mario Cuomo Bridge I felt a twinge of sadness for the passing of its predecessor, whose name, Tappan Zee Bridge, was a lovely amalgam of languages. The Tappan were the native tribe who lived in this region, and zee, Dutch for sea, reflected the settlers’ naming of this widening in the river after their neighbors.

Stone Ridge

state thruway

Cold Spring

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cuomo bridge

(tappan zee)

Heading up the west side of the Hudson on a moody spring afternoon, skirting Hook Mountain, which rises from the river with a primordial majesty, got me thinking about the Low Country settlers of the 1600s, who must have been stunned by such peaks. The Hudson Valley was — is — such a big, brooding, hunkering, muscular landscape. The wilderness was so very wild, and, whether from animals or natives who felt threatened by the Europeans, or the profound cold of the Little Ice Age, it was deeply dangerous. Those newcomers were all but powerless.

Today that wilderness is sprinkled with communities, many of whose settlers are escapees from New York City. A drive through the Hudson Valley is one of the most beautiful in the United States, with the river and the blue-black Catskills in the distance evoking the landscapes of 19th-century Hudson River School painters.

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There was still a glow in the sky as I drove into New Paltz, dominated by the 6,500 students at the State University of New York campus and the former students who settled there. The result is a mellow, hippyish vibe. You’d have difficulty walking down Main Street without running into a candle shop, pottery studio or tearoom.

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Tucked behind the modern city is Historic Huguenot Street , a 10-acre landmarked zone with seven houses from the early 1700s, built by the offspring of the French-speaking Huguenots who settled in the Dutch colony. I had been here many times, but always in summertime, when the place was crawling with tourists. This time I was lucky: the site was closed, and the chilly weather ensured that I would be alone. I paced the meadow, stood in front of the steep-roofed brooding stone edifice of the Jean Hasbrouck House, and listened to rainfall through the branches. I was searching for a sense of the towering serenity, the forbidding isolation that must have enveloped the colonial inhabitants. Eventually I headed back to the town center and shook off the gloom at a cheery little place called Scarborough Fare, which has dozens of varieties of olive oil on tap.

It was dark when I pulled into the Stone House Bed & Breakfast in Hurley, 15 miles north. I had found the place on Booking.com and selected it because it seemed to suit the trip. I could not have chosen better. The owner, Sam Scoggins, looked like an older version of the actor who played another Sam in “The Lord of the Rings,” and remarkably enough had a similar accent. He told me that he and his wife had met on a Buddhist dating website, bought this house 10 years ago and turned it into a bed-and-breakfast.

The house was built in 1705 by Cornelis Cool, a Dutchman, in the Dutch style, with Dutch doors and saw-toothed shapes in the gables called vlechtingen. Mr. Scoggins showed me records indicating that Cool had been the largest taxpayer in the county. He certainly built a rich man’s home: a wandering warren of wide-plank floors leading to snug rooms. The house sits midway between Hurley, which in the early 1700s was predominantly Dutch, and the largely English town of Stone Ridge. Later in the century, Mr. Scoggins said, the owner of the house hosted dances, where Dutch girls from one town met British boys from the other.

For dinner, I settled on a local hangout: Hurley Mountain Inn , a big barnlike bar-and-grill with a pool table in back. In the morning I looked out my window onto an unspoiled New Netherland landscape: the Esopus Creek below, the Catskill Mountains beyond.

With the undulating forested ridges of the Catskills on my left, I headed up the New York State Thruway, crossed the Hudson River at the village of Catskill and made my way east to Kinderhook where I met up with two experts on the area’s early history: the historian Ruth Piwonka, a longtime resident of the village, and Charles Gehring, translator of the Dutch archives of New Netherland. Kinderhook is Hudson Valley quaint, with Federal and Greek Revival houses separated by mountain vistas. It feels top-heavy: a tiny community of oversize houses, many of them weighty with history, including the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site , the Benedict Arnold House and the General John Burgoyne House.

But before that history, there was New Netherland. In fact, the name Kinderhook, or “children’s corner,” predates even the Dutch colony, which was founded circa 1625. “The name appears around 1614,” Ms. Piwonka told me. “You see it on explorers’ maps.” The popular story behind the name is that Henry Hudson was met here, on the Kinderhook Creek, by Indian families. “Nonsense,” said Mr. Gehring. “You have to understand that the Dutch named all such places as navigational markers.” He thinks it most likely that the name derives from rocks on the shore, which, from a ship, looked like children.

Next to Kinderhook is the even tinier village of Valatie, whose name presents another puzzle. It was officially named in the 1830s, but Ms. Piwonka said it was actually settled in 1661, when Peter Stuyvesant ordered families to farm the fertile flats along the creek. The name — pronounced va-LAY-shuh — signifies nothing in English. But the original Dutch — valletje — means “little falls,” and there are indeed falls here.

But why call them “little” falls? Ms. Piwonka led me six miles south, where, at the town of Stuyvesant Falls, I discovered two majestic drops in the water. The man for whom these falls were named also sent settlers here in 1661. By plopping settlers down in the area, Stuyvesant hoped to prevent the takeover of the encroaching English; despite his efforts, that takeover would come three years later. In one go, Ms. Piwonka had given me a lesson in geography, power and nomenclature.

After lunch at Magdalena’s, an excellent Mexican restaurant in Valatie, we met Lori Yarotsky, executive director of the Columbia County Historical Society, at a gabled brick house standing alone in a broad field. The Luykas Van Alen House was built by a son of a New Netherlander and was occupied by the same family from 1737 until 1935. Moving through the three meticulously restored main rooms gave me the visceral sense of the past I was looking for: a striking kas, or Dutch cupboard; wide hearths; broad beams overhead; enclosed four-poster beds; a fireplace toaster with its long handle.

I headed north on Route 9, past farmland, meadows and small towns, to the second city of New Netherland, Beverwijck, which became Albany. People like to make fun of Albany — pokey, drab, dull — but I appreciate its charms. There are extensive Victorian neighborhoods, and the old downtown is redolent of the era depicted in William Kennedy’s novel “Ironweed,” a time of speakeasies and flophouses. Albany was my base for visiting the Mabee Farm Historic Site , 20 miles away. Ian Stewart — burly and bearded, the very model of a preservationist/woodworker — was waiting for me. The fact that Mr. Stewart’s company, New Netherland Timber Framing and Preservation, is devoted to saving Dutch-era barns and farmhouses says something about the lasting physical impact of the Dutch.

I had asked Mr. Stewart if he would give me a primer in colonial Dutch architecture, so here we were, on a windswept, sun-washed flatland overlooking the meandering Mohawk River. The Mabee farm dates from 1670; the house itself, from 1702, is what you would charitably call cozy: Its closet-like rooms give you the feeling of the past as another place entirely.

But the star of the property is the barn. Dutch barns, it turns out, are a thing. “There were about 10,000 in America at one time,” Mr. Stewart said as he marched around the vaulted space, gesticulating at the wooden skeleton of the thing. “There are still 600 or 800 of them around.”

The barns are popular — many are repurposed as houses — because of their construction method, which involves an anchor beam with a protruding through-tenon. “It’s a really good way to tighten a joint because you’ve got it both wedged and pinned,” Mr. Stewart said. Doubly securing the central connectors allowed a Dutch barn to be built much larger and higher than an English barn. The result is a truly vast interior space.

Mr. Stewart led me back to downtown Albany to show me something exceedingly rare: a New World example of traditional Dutch urban architecture. Walking around Manhattan’s financial district you see no dwellings from the period — they’ve been swallowed up by development. The same is true for Albany, with one exception: 48 Hudson Avenue, the so-called Van Ostrande-Radliff House. “This is the last timber-framed Dutch house in Albany,” Mr. Stewart pronounced from the empty lot next to the building. “This is a gem.”

It didn’t look like a gem, at least not from the side. But from the front you get the idea, thanks to funds from the Dutch Consulate in conjunction with the New York State Museum, and the dogged work of the Historic Albany Foundation, which has created a scrim that hangs over the facade depicting its original timber-framed, gabled look. Now you get it. You might as well be in old Amsterdam, with swaggering burghers with swords and lace collars and long clay pipes strutting by.

While I was in Albany I walked through an exhibition in the New York State Museum devoted to Fort Orange, the original Dutch structure on the site. It’s a stand-in for a grand permanent exhibition on the history of New York that Mark Schaming, the director, told me should be ready by 2021. The fort exhibition was surprisingly intimate. The archaeologist Paul Huey and his team excavated the site in 1970, uncovering a massive array of artifacts. Here, in pipestems, beads and pottery, the lives not only of the Dutch settlers, but of the natives with whom they traded, and on whom they relied, are laid bare.

To me the most moving item was the cast of a skull of an unknown Dutch woman in her early 40s. Physical anthropologists determined that, besides missing many teeth, she had, in an age without painkillers, suffered from “acute infections, rickets, sinusitis, an upper respiratory infection, arthritis, and possibly gout.” Her bones indicated that this woman of perpetual pain had engaged in a lifetime of hard labor.

My weekend had been an act of recreation: trying to bring places in the past back to life. To help me, I had on my phone images by the historical artist Len Tantillo, who is as meticulous in his reconstructions of New Netherland as any academic historian I know.

As my last stop, I visited him at his studio, in Rensselaer County, where we looked at his painting of the Mabee farmhouse. “A work like that is relatively easy to do because the farm still exists,” he said. “You can go there and look at the buildings.”

But details change over time — a window is added, a door frame disappears — so to recreate it at a particular time, in this case, circa 1800, requires archival work. The Mabee family had slaves, and I noted that Mr. Tantillo had depicted a black man working a plow. “He was a man named Cato,” he said. “He was a slave who was owned by Jacob Mabee’s brother. He escaped, and there was an ad in an Albany newspaper for his return, giving his name and a physical description. He was captured and lived the rest of his life on this farm.”

Mr. Tantillo’s paintings achieve what I try to do in my historical writing, and what travelers of a certain mind-set are looking for. They bring us back. They awaken what, in a magical phrase, the Dutch historian Johan Huizinga once pointed to as the basis of all historical work: “our perpetual astonishment that the past was once a living reality.”

Russell Shorto is the author of “The Island at the Center of the World” and “Revolution Song: A Story of American Freedom,” among other books. He tweets at @RussellShorto.

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