Magnificent scenery, historic mansions and cultural treasures attract visitors from across the country to this region just a two-hour drive north of New York City. Explore the Hudson River’s banks and surrounding mountains in a string of charming small towns, or visit the area’s many museums and festivals for an unforgettable getaway.
The area’s history dates back to the earliest days of American colonization, when the rugged landscape of the Hudson Highlands earned it an important place in America’s story of independence from Britain. As settlers moved upriver, they built their first settlements and established the foundation of a vibrant community that remains today.
Once the site of booming industrial and mining industries, the landscape of the valley was drastically altered in the wake of the Revolutionary War. In the ensuing years, naturalists and other environmentalists waged a lengthy battle to preserve the area’s wilderness and halt the destruction of its incredible natural beauty. Today, the Hudson River is one of our most pristine waterways, with its natural landscapes, wildlife and recreation opportunities still intact and thriving.
National Geographic Traveler recently rated the Hudson Valley as a Best of the World destination. You’ll find everything from world-renowned modern art to progressive agricultural and food sourcing here, surrounded by magnificent nature.
This region’s string of quaint small towns offers plenty of shopping and dining to fill your day. In Kingston, a stroll through the Stockade District showcases incredible 17th- and 18th-century Dutch Colonial architecture. It’s also home to the Four Corners, the only intersection in America where all buildings date before the Revolutionary War. The town of Hudson is another must-visit, where you can snag amazing antiques in the quaint shops on Tinker Street and then dance the night away to 90’s country tunes at Ole Red!
The upper valley is home to the Culinary Institute of America, a school that attracts top chefs and culinary students. Sample the region’s food at farm-to-table restaurants like Wm. Farmer & Sons, which serves country ham and grilled lamb, or at Swoon Kitchenbar for local cheeses, inventive cocktails and delectable duck dishes.
The lower valley’s landscape is also the inspiration for many of the area’s best artists. Find a new perspective on the natural world at Dia Beacon, or get creative with sculptures that loom larger-than-life at Storm King Arts Center. You can even hone your own artistic talents at one of the area’s many workshops and summer camps.