The Hudson Valley has a lot to offer visitors, from its historic mansions to its vibrant arts scene. It’s also a place where many explorers came to find themselves and the freedoms of American independence.
Its close proximity to New York City made it a popular retreat for people seeking peace and quiet. Wealthy aristocrats and industrialists built their estates here, often taking advantage of the region’s lush watersheds and rich fertile soil to grow their crops. As the country developed, the Hudson became a shipping artery connecting the nation and aided in the advancement of its economy.
Today, the region has a more diverse identity, and its towns, farms, and attractions are attracting visitors from all over the world. It’s a place where you can experience everything from world-class cuisine to the thrill of a roaring river.
In the mid-1800s, tuberculosis and other diseases ravaged New York City. As a result, the region gained a reputation as a health retreat. Those in search of the cure found fresh air, evergreen forests and a pristine setting to be the perfect recipe for a long life. The beautiful vistas of the mountains, the river and the countryside were said to be healing for the soul as well as the body.
The region’s landscape and natural beauty provided a canvas for painters such as Thomas Cole, Frederic Edwin Church, and others to create their own interpretation of the natural world. The resulting artistic style, known as the Hudson River School, helped make the area a major tourist destination.
Take a scenic ride along the Hudson River on a sightseeing cruise or visit a museum to learn about the history of this incredible region. Enjoy the symphonies and other performances at the Bardavon 1869 Opera House or explore the works of contemporary artists at Dia:Beacon, a museum in a former Nabisco box factory. You can also get a whole new perspective on the landscape at Storm King Art Center, where sculptures loom larger than life.
A great place to start your exploration of the Hudson Valley is at Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz, where you can tour seven original stone houses and a 1705 colonial-era burial ground. At the nearby Kykuit, a Beaux-Arts mansion once owned by four generations of Rockefeller family members, you can see a collection of 20th century sculpture and take in a stunning garden designed by Henry Moore, David Smith and Louise Nevelson.
If you’re looking for something unique, head to Art Omi, a renowned artist’s retreat and sculpture park north of Hudson, where you can spend a day hiking and exploring the massive outdoor installations that are scattered throughout its 120-acre site. The retreat encourages visitors to connect with nature and the creative process through its rotating residency programs, workshops, exhibitions and more. The property is also home to the Art Omi Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging artistic expression. The foundation supports the work of both local and international artists, bringing them together through collaborative projects that inspire and challenge.