The pristine Hudson Valley stretches along the river from Westchester County to Albany, New York’s state capital. The region is known for its vineyards, orchards and farms, including sustainable-food champion Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. The area’s verdant richness lends itself to inspired cooking and dining, with Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants not hard to find. The area’s art community thrives as well; the Storm King Art Center sculpture park and Dia:Beacon, a museum in a former factory, showcase large-scale work by major 20th and 21st century artists. Congress established the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area to recognize the area’s historic, cultural and natural resources.
Despite its relatively close proximity to New York City, the upper Hudson Valley remains a distinct and somewhat mysterious region. Many people refer to the area as “upstate,” and most confuse it with the “Mid-Hudson” region, which includes Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties. Some people even include Sullivan County, which is technically outside the valley’s geographic definition.
While the sexy town of Woodstock is no longer the hippie hotspot it once was, the city still attracts crowds seeking to buy tie-dyes and crystals in the original spirit. Visitors who want a taste of the old Hudson Valley can take in a live concert at Bearsville Theater or stroll around Tinker Street to get their fill of knick-knacks. The town’s historic district features buildings from the era of railroads, banking and tinkering.
In the middle portion of the Hudson Valley, the river flows through the towns of Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff and Kingston before heading north to the Catskills. The region is also home to the oldest winery in the United States, the Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville. Today, the vineyards are joined by a growing number of breweries, cider mills and meaderies producing heady drinks to enjoy at local gastropubs.
The region also offers a host of outdoor adventures and scenic drives. The Upper Hudson River Valley National Scenic Byway features more than 125 miles of winding roads and picturesque scenery. The Hudson Valley National Wildlife Refuge has more than 11,000 acres of diverse habitats, from wetlands to forests.
The Middle Hudson Valley is a great place to learn about the area’s history and culture, as it has been an important center of settlement, commerce and industry since colonial times. A variety of museums, such as the Albany Institute of History and Culture, showcase regional and international exhibits. Other popular sites are the Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and Stewart International Airport. The region is served by several commuter trains and buses operated by Amtrak. Private car rentals and limo services are also available. A wide range of lodging options is available, from luxury resorts to budget hotels and motels. The largest city in the region is Poughkeepsie, with a population of about 76,000.