The lushly fertile, picturesque hudson valley, named for the river that runs through it, is home to a string of small towns and majestic nature. It’s also one of America’s oldest wine-producing regions, as well as the source of many of New York City’s finest restaurants and a thriving farm-to-table food scene. It’s also famous for its autumn scenery—the colors of the trees are nothing short of breathtaking.
The region stretches from Westchester County down to Albany, the state capital. Along the way, a mix of rural landscapes and urban heritage sites offer year-round adventure. Take in sweeping views from the world’s longest pedestrian bridge or browse galleries in quaint river towns. Visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library to see artifacts from FDR’s 12 years in office, including his handwritten speeches that urged America to join the war effort and fragments of the USS Arizona battleship sunk during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941.
Vineyards, orchards and farms line the winding roads of the upper hudson valley. Gnarled apple trees are laden with sweet fruit, while the vines nourish a flourishing wine industry. Microbreweries and dairy farms round out the agricultural picture.
The hudson valley is a great destination for travelers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re planning a leisurely drive, an adventurous hike, or a culinary journey, the region offers a wide range of options to suit any taste and budget.
Locals here are known for their open mindedness, making the hudson valley one of the country’s most LGBT-friendly destinations. In fact, there are several gay pride festivals held throughout the year in the area. The Hudson Valley Institute at Marist College, working with the hudson valley national heritage area, has developed this digital project to share information about these resources with visitors and residents alike.
As a National Heritage Area, the hudson valley promotes historic and cultural sites in 11 counties. The region’s natural beauty and cultural treasures have inspired artists and writers, from the landscape paintings of the Hudson River School to the hauntingly beautiful vistas that inspired Ichabod Crane and Washington Irving’s Sleepy Hollow.
Getting around is easy. The regional train and bus system, Metro-North, provides services between New York City and the hudson valley. In addition to the train system, NY Waterway operates ferries between Haverstraw and Ossining and between Newburgh and Beacon. Rockland Coaches and Short Line run commuter buses in the area, and intercity bus service is available from the Newburgh Airport.