The Hudson Valley has inspired painters, poets and essayists for centuries. Today it’s the backdrop for a burgeoning food scene, stunning nature trails and quaint small towns with plenty of old-fashioned charm. Whether you’re a fan of artisanal cheese or the latest in minimalist home design, there’s something here to inspire every taste and interest.
The region is divided into Upper, Mid and Lower Hudson Valleys, each offering its own unique landscape and history. The Upper Hudson Valley extends north from the New York City line and is dotted with quaint villages, the Catskill Mountains and bucolic farmland. It’s here that Frederic Church’s masterpiece, Olana, is located. The Middle Hudson Valley includes the counties of Greene, Columbia and Albany. This area is characterized by rolling hills, farmland and the river’s many tributaries. This region was home to Native American societies, including the Munsee and Lenape of the lower valley and the Mohawks of the upper valley, whose Six Nations Confederacy helped shape the nation’s early government.
Lower Hudson Valley includes the counties of Dutchess and Rensselaer. This area is a hub for history buffs. It was here that George Washington led his surprise attack against the British garrison at Stony Point, a strategic point on the river’s banks. The capital district is also a center for state government, with significant historic resources that illustrate the region’s role in early American history.
A string of small towns line the Hudson River, each embracing its own brand of local culture and awe-inspiring natural beauty. From world-renowned modern art to progressive practices in agriculture and food sourcing, there’s no shortage of artisanal experiences. There are also dozens of ways to experience the area’s majesty, from a stroll through a historic district to an exhilarating hike up a mountain ridgeline.
Take a day trip or a weekend escape to discover the region’s burgeoning food scene, scenic trails and historic sites. In Kingston, a summer-camp-themed cafe and a pressed-tin cocktail bar are both popular new hangouts in the Uptown district. In the nearby hamlet of Omi, Art Omi is a nonprofit arts center and sculpture park surrounded by 120 bucolic acres. Dia Beacon, a contemporary art museum in a former Nabisco box-printing factory, features new exhibits from the artist Renee Green and an eight-acre landscape expansion project opening later this year. A visit to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library in Beacon will help you understand the depths of FDR’s legacy, from his handwritten speeches arguing for America to enter WWII to fragments of the USS Arizona. For a full-day adventure, you can hike to the top of Bald Mountain for sweeping views and a rewarding 1000ft climb.