The pristine hudson valley region stretches along the Hudson River from Westchester County to Albany. A historic hub for revolutionary happenings, it is also home to integral figures of American history (both good and bad) as well as the origins of the nation’s arts scene.
The region’s enchanting scenery inspired early painters and writers, who shared their work with the world through prints and travel accounts. The sublime landscapes of the Palisades, the Hudson Highlands and the Catskills became renowned worldwide. And, as industrialization sped up and rivers were dammed, an important battle began to preserve the valley’s natural beauty and the many historic landmarks that mark its past.
Until the mid-19th century, transportation across the Hudson River was slow and arduous. The arrival of steamboats changed all that, offering a regular and fast service for passengers and freight between New York City and Albany. This change ushered in the modern era of American commerce and helped the Hudson Valley become an essential regional center of the nation.
Native Americans, the descendants of Lenape and Mohican tribes, cared for the valley’s older-growth forests and fertile soils. This region is a legacy of their culture, and many Native American historical sites can be found throughout the valley. The region’s indigenous heritage is celebrated at a range of local museums and cultural centers, including the Dutchess County Museum of Natural History and the Hudson River School Museum of Art at Olana.
After the onset of colonization, immigrants brought their rich cultures to the Hudson Valley, creating a diverse and vibrant culture that has shaped the region. The area’s fertile lands encouraged agricultural pursuits, and it soon became a popular summer and weekend retreat for New York businessmen, whose wealth allowed them to build large estates in the region. The many architectural styles of the era are represented here, from the grandiose mansions to humble farmhouses.
A thriving artisanal scene has emerged in the valley, with many farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries. The region also houses the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, where soon-to-be chefs are trained. And, the valley’s verdant bounty makes it a top wine-growing region.
The burgeoning arts community is represented at galleries, multi-disciplinary centers and the region’s theaters. Get an eye-opening view of 20th-century American art at Dia:Beacon in a former factory, or gain a new perspective on the landscape through the larger-than-life sculptures of Storm King Art Center.
The area is full of historic sites and a slew of fun activities, from bopping around Tinker Street for your fill of tie-dyes and crystals in Woodstock to hiking the Overlook Mountain trail at Bearsville Theater. The charming town of Hudson has plenty to offer visitors, including a range of great restaurants and shops. Graze on ethically-sourced burgers at the retro Grazin’ diner, or grab a coffee to go at Moto Coffee Machine, housed in an old motorcycle shop. You can even take a step back in time at the famous 1840s gangster Dutch Schultz’s haunted estate, Pocantico Hills.