A burgeoning wine scene and scenic drives make the Hudson Valley one of the country’s hottest vacation spots. But if you live in the area, there’s plenty to discover as well—from leafy main streets lined with boutiques to the area’s rich history and vibrant cultural offerings.
As a trendsetter, the region is always looking ahead. Whether it’s for food, art or music, street festivals are more popular than ever thanks to a lingering post-lockdown urge to socialize and a throng of new transplants eager to get involved in their communities. The region is also a hotbed of local talent, with venues like Arrowood Farm and the 3-day O+ Festival highlighting emerging artists and well-established performers.
Many residents of the area left their Manhattan lives behind, deciding to trade in the hyperkinetic grind for a quieter, slower pace. Away from the hordes of tourists, the Hudson Valley offers a wealth of activities to occupy weekends and free time—from relaxing strolls at state parks to challenging hikes with sweeping views. And if you’re not into the outdoors, there are countless galleries and performances to keep your cultural appetite satisfied.
Before Europeans arrived, the Hudson River was viewed as an inhospitable wilderness with wild animals and poisonous snakes, thick forests and mountainous terrain that impeded travel. The upper section of the river, known as the Hudson Highlands, was particularly treacherous with winds, currents and hills that climbed to 1,000 feet on both sides.
But it was also an incredibly fertile landscape, with Native Americans living here for thousands of years and introducing early settlers to farming and hunting. In fact, Manhattan’s Indian name, Mannahatta, is derived from the Munsee word for “island of many hills.” And the area was home to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy—the Six Nations—whose Iroquois Constitution inspired the United States’ government system.
The Hudson Valley is steeped in history, natural beauty and a thriving food and farmer’s market scene. Designated a National Heritage Area, it was the inspiration for the Hudson River School of Painters and a key staging point in the American Revolution.
But it’s the people who live here that make the Hudson Valley so special. Unlike people in more remote areas who grow up resenting small town life, Hudson Valley folks actually embrace it. While the area is an easy commute from New York City, residents choose to live in smaller towns where there’s a strong community and a notable absence of national chains. For those who don’t have a car, the Metro North rail line extends from Westchester County up to Poughkeepsie, and bus service is provided by Rockland Coaches, Short Line and Leprechaun Lines in Rockland and Orange Counties and by NY Waterway between Haverstraw and Ossining in Westchester and Newburgh in Dutchess Counties. The area is also served by two airports with commercial airline service: Westchester County Airport near White Plains and Stewart International near Newburgh.