For an escape just a short train or car ride away from NYC, the bucolic Hudson Valley offers plenty of intrepid family-friendly adventure. Scenic trails beckon hikers of all abilities, Gilded Age mansions are filled with rich history and an enduring agricultural industry fosters wine-making and craft beverage production. And of course, a burgeoning food scene means renowned chefs and artisanal producers make this region a culinary delight.
Magnificent scenery, historic sites and unique attractions have earned this area a place on National Geographic’s Best of the World Destinations list. From the self-sustaining heirloom produce and cheese at Kykuit in Westchester to farm-to-table fare at famed eateries and the Culinary Institute of America, there’s much to see and taste here.
Tour the opulent estate of Olana, a National Historic Landmark and muse of Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church. Or, spend a day in the vineyards at Brotherhood Winery, the oldest in the country. In nearby Putnam County, learn all about the rewilded battlefield where George Washington orchestrated a midnight bayonet attack to reverse the tide of the Revolutionary War at Stony Point, now a quaint museum that hosts lantern tours and battle reenactments.
The largest city in the Hudson Valley is Kingston, a charming town that boasts incredible 17th- and 18th-century Dutch Colonial architecture. It’s also the home of the famous eats-and-drinks destination The Maker, which elevates the weekend brunch to a whole new level. Or, head to Warren Street and shop the antique wares that have helped this town become a magnet for status-obsessed weekenders.
If you’re looking for a bit more contemporary art, check out Dia Beacon, a sprawling industrial complex beside the river that showcases works by modern artists. After that, snag a table at the upscale Hudson Valley Brewery and sip tart farmhouse lagers and sour I.P.As in its sleek tasting room.
The Hudson Valley’s 10 counties offer something for everyone, but we’ve rounded up the best places to stay, dine and play in this scenic and welcoming part of Upstate New York. Read on to discover the towns, villages and hamlets in this stunning region worth a detour.