For more than 150 miles, the pristine landscape of hudson valley offers leafy drives, vineyards and farm-to-table options for foodies. It is one of the country’s oldest wine-producing regions, and its natural beauty has long inspired painters and writers. The area also serves as home to The Culinary Institute of America, a training ground for soon-to-be chefs.
The region’s storied history extends back to the Munsee, Mohican and Iroquois nations. Its towns, villages and historic sites tell the story of Henry Hudson’s 1607 voyage to the Dutch colony that would become New York City. Parks, nature preserves and hiking trails crisscross the valley, where the views are breathtaking.
This is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with an abundance of hiking and biking trails that are perfect for those seeking an active escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The mighty Hudson River winds its way through the valley, with its watershed comprising 11 of the state’s counties.
Located just over an hour from NYC, the region’s capital, Albany, is a hub for wineries and breweries. It is also renowned for its burgeoning culinary scene, with a number of Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants to choose from.
Other highlights include the historic, 1838 Lyndhurst mansion, the southernmost of the region’s many lavish mansions. Built in the Gothic Revival style, it was once owned by Jay Gould, the notorious robber baron of the Gilded Age. In nearby Tarrytown, tour Sunnyside, the estate of Washington Irving, whose stories about Rip Van Winkle and the Headless Horseman made him a beloved American author.
At the nearby Hudson Valley Regional Airport (HPN), a short drive away, you’ll find two commercial airlines serving the region: Westchester County Airport and Stewart International Airport. Metro-North Railroad runs commuter rail service to and from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan.
Several bus companies, including Rockland Coaches, Short Line and Leprechaun Line operate intercity and commuter bus transit throughout the region. NY Waterway operates ferries between Haverstraw in Rockland County and Ossining in Westchester County, and between Beacon in Dutchess County and Newburgh in Orange County.
A former whaling port and industrial center, Hudson now attracts a spirited artisanal community that includes antique dealers and gallery owners. It’s also a hot spot for foodies, with a handful of excellent small-plate eateries. Sample aged, stout-washed goat cheese at Edgwick Farm or a lion’s-mane mushroom tart from Four Wall Farm. Then head to the thriving arts scene at Dia:Beacon, an art museum housed in a former factory.