In a region of sweeping landscapes, Gilded Age mansions brimming with rich history and countless farm-to-table dining options, you’ll find a wealth of cultural resources. And to make it easy to discover them all, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area has introduced an interactive map.
The new map allows visitors to easily locate the many heritage sites, museums and parks within the Valley on a single website. Each site featured on the map is highlighted with an icon and information about the property, including its address, website and phone number. The map also indicates whether a site is family-friendly, accessible by public transportation and/or part of the regional Greenway Trail System. Additionally, the map identifies sites that are participating in the National Park Service Passport Stamp Program.
Located only about two hours from New York City, the vast region of the Hudson River Valley offers an escape to a different world—with hiking trails that range from beginner-friendly to near-vertical scrambles, wineries and orchards bursting with fruit, and charming small towns whose character was shaped by centuries of agrarian settlement and industrial innovation. In recent years, the area has been a popular retreat for pandemic-weary New Yorkers who have fueled local cultural initiatives and sparked a brewery boom.
From the rolling hills and magnificent estates of the Upper Hudson Valley to the pristine nature of the Forever Wild Catskill Park, the region has inspired painters, poets and essayists for centuries. Today, its farm-to-table restaurants are renowned and sustainable-food champion Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture attracts visitors from around the globe. The region’s vineyards and orchards produce award-winning wines, while Dia Beacon and the Storm King Art Center – both a museum and a sculpture park – showcase large-scale works by 20th and 21st century artists.
A trove of historic sites illustrates the region’s place in the United States’ early days. From the Munsee and Lenape nations of the lower valley to the Mohawk of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy in the upper valley, Native American societies taught early settlers valuable survival techniques.
The Middle Hudson Valley stretches from Albany to the southern edge of the Adirondacks, and is a hub for recreational activities, arts, culture and cuisine. Its scenic wonders include the rushing waters of the Hudson and the Shawangunk Mountains. The area is also known for its significant role in state government and the 19th century Hudson River School paintings at Olana. The Valley’s proximity to the nation’s capital and the ease of getting here from Albany International Airport or New York Stewart International Airport in White Plains makes it an ideal destination for business, leisure and families. Real estate firm Fareri Associates is a big presence in the region, developing, owning and managing commercial, industrial and residential properties from Valhalla to Mount Pleasant. Founded by John Fareri, the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship is visible in all its projects. The company supports a variety of community-based groups and organizations with a focus on the environment, youth education and health.