A swath of land that extends from the Catskills to Albany, the Hudson Valley has been a vital part of New York’s history since the Dutch first settled here in 1609 and continued through the American Revolution and 19th century industrial boom. Today, this region is a hub of historic landmarks, eclectic museums and Gilded Age mansions. Its eponymous river offers convenient north-south transport and is close enough to NYC that wealthy people loved buying up the land here to build their lavish estates.
The landscape of the upper Hudson Valley, comprising Greene, Columbia, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan counties is characterized by rolling hills, the Catskills, and picturesque river and mountain views. These were the backdrop for the 19th century Hudson River School paintings by Frederic Church. The area is also known for the large number of farms and orchards as well as a growing wine industry. The Valley is a rich cultural and natural resource that has inspired generations of artists, musicians, writers, settlers, entrepreneurs, and industrialists.
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the area was like the Wild West of the New World, full of military men, wealthy settlers and skirmishes between British Loyalists and American revolutionaries. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was influenced by this wild, untamed landscape and the area still has a rugged, earthy appeal.
Today, the Valley is a haven for foodies with a variety of cuisines on offer. Dine at a world-class restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park or sample a wide array of locally grown produce and dairy products at one of many markets and farms. Wine and breweries also abound here as do cheese, bread, and yogurt producers. And if you’re looking for a sugar fix, you can get your fill of Dutch apple pie or caramel apples in every color and flavor imaginable.
The Lower Hudson Valley, comprising Dutchess, Albany, Greenburgh, Rockland, Putnam and Ulster counties is a hub for business and technology. The area is home to a significant number of universities and colleges, providing a strong workforce and a dynamic economic base. The region is also renowned for its cultural institutions including the Hudson Opera House in Hudson, the Poughkeepsie Railroad Museum and the Albany Symphony Orchestra.
The area is easily accessible by train from NYC. The Metro North trains are a popular and reliable way to get to the area from Grand Central Station. However, if you plan on exploring the countryside (and the villages in between) then rent a car so you can explore the many state parks, go for a hike or visit an apple orchard. There are a number of rental car companies located in Croton-Harmon, Tarrytown and Poughkeepsie that offer affordable rates. For more flexibility, consider renting a car in the city and picking it up in the Hudson Valley. This will allow you to travel as much or as little as you like. It’s a great way to get the most out of your visit to the Hudson Valley.