The hudson valley is a vast, beautiful region that encompasses more than 4 million acres. It is dotted with the classics—agricultural heritage and traditions, historic sites, historic districts and scenic vistas, but it is also home to newer offerings, from boutique micro-breweries to state-of-the-art wineries that tout their views of the mountains. New generations of farming entrepreneurs in organic and niche crops are developing value added products designed to take them straight to the markets of Manhattan, while traditional cattle and dairy farms still populate the landscape.
The area’s enduring history begins with Henry Hudson’s 1609 exploration of a tidal estuary that opened a pathway to the Americas. European settlement quickly followed, fueled by the river’s tidal flow and the natural beauty of the landscape. Today, the valley is dotted with five National Parks, 58 National Historic Landmarks and 89 historic districts. The region is also the site of two National Monuments, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and three National Historic Trails.
From the pristine beaches of Lake George to the quaint townships of Dutchess and Orange counties, the valley is rich in timeless scenery and American history. Explore the legendary homes of the Roosevelt, Rockefeller and Vanderbilt families, and the 19th-century mansions of the Hudson River School painters in Tarrytown and Nyack. Discover the landscape as a source of artistic inspiration at Dia Beacon or gain a new perspective on nature at Storm King Art Center, where sculptures loom larger-than-life.
More and more downstate New Yorkers are discovering the hidden treasures of this region—the burgeoning food scene, a growing number of well-marked hiking trails and a resurgence of artisanal shopping, with everything from boutique wineries to handmade soaps. This year, Hudson will welcome a new luxury hotel, and a handful of other high-profile openings are scheduled to make the area even more exciting.
The smallest of the upstate cities, Kingston may be my favorite small mid-Hudson town. Its Stockade District is bursting with 17th- and 18th-century Dutch colonial architecture, and its new Rough Draft Bar & Books is a must for cocktail lovers. It’s also the gateway to the Catskill Mountains, and a short drive away is the spectacular estate of Frederic Church, whose “Orientalist” proportions would have Edward Said rolling over in his grave.