A thriving culture and historic sites are the hallmarks of the hudson valley, a region of 10 counties in New York State that’s steeped in tradition yet constantly evolving. Discover a vibrant mix of dining and drinking destinations, cultural events and recreational activities that are sure to spark your sense of adventure.
Claimed by the Dutch and colonized by feudal patrons, aristocratic palaces on private estates and industry-friendly river towns intermingle to create a regional cultural landscape of remarkable depth and texture. From the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art at SUNY New Paltz, to Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, where a picnic pre-concert is as much a part of the experience as the music itself, there are many ways to experience Hudson Valley culture.
The region’s illustrious past has left behind a legacy of enduring architectural beauty and rich heritage. The National Historic Landmark district of Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz features seven original stone houses dating to 1705, a reconstructed 1717 French church and a visitors’ center, while at Lyndhurst, an 1838 Gothic Revival mansion boasts dramatic river views and magnificent gardens. In Kingston, the Senate House State Historic Site offers guided tours of a furnished historic home that once served as the meeting place for the state’s first legislature. Farming is an important industry in the hudson valley, and a number of vineyards and orchards dot the landscape. Among the area’s sustainable food champions is the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Kingston. Sculpture parks and contemporary museums are also abundant in the region, including the Storm King Art Center in Beacon and Dia:Beacon in a former factory.
With Metro North rail service connecting New York City to points north, the hudson valley has long been an ideal place for commuters. But many people have opted to make the valley their permanent home, drawn by its quaint charms and enticing amenities. A new generation of entrepreneurs has begun to move to the region, opening restaurants and shops that cater to those seeking a more laid-back lifestyle.
The local arts scene is rich and varied, with a strong presence of dance, theatre and music. The Catskill Community Players presents professional musical theatre in the round and children’s theater programs throughout the year, while the Penguin Rep Theatre has grown from a summer theatre in an 1880’s hay barn to one of the area’s most influential arts organizations. The Hudson Valley School of Music & Dance teaches performing arts skills to students of all experience levels, from beginners to those wanting to refine their craft.