From grand estates to a string of charming small towns, the Hudson Valley is full of sights that delight and inspire. Explore the area on a day trip from NYC or spend a week or more exploring all it has to offer. Whether you’re interested in the region’s rich history or its modern culture, the 150-mile swath of riverfront has something for everyone.
Since Henry Hudson sailed the Half Moon up the river in 1609, great men and women have built fabulous estates up and down its banks. Politicians, artists and businessmen have all made their mark on this National Heritage Area, creating a fascinating blend of cultural history and natural beauty.
Located in the upper reaches of New York State, the valley is characterized by rolling hills and lush forests that sweep down to the banks of the Hudson River. Its cliff-like mountains and rugged terrain were not always welcoming to settlers. In fact, early maps and sailing journals described the region as inhospitable. Early inhabitants faced wild animals, poisonous snakes and a dangerously storm-prone environment.
But if these natural obstacles were challenging, the people who settled the valley soon discovered that it was also fertile and bountiful. They soon began to plant crops, raise livestock and establish their own families. As the population grew, these homesteads became small towns and villages with rich cultural history.
As the region continues to evolve, its natural beauty and rich cultural history remain a source of inspiration for many. Artists, writers and presidents have all found their muse here and the Hudson Valley is also known as one of the country’s best places to live.
The Hudson Valley is rich in art, music and cuisine. The region has a variety of world-class restaurants and is a foodie’s paradise. Savor delicious meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park or enjoy a contemporary art exhibition at Dia: Beacon, a museum housed in an old Nabisco box factory.
Shoppers will find a range of boutiques and stores offering everything from antiques to vintage clothes and jewelry. There are also trendy shops showcasing the work of local creatives and botanical shops selling plants and flowers. The historic town of Hudson is home to a few new, must-visit boutiques, including the three-week-old eponymous Nikki Chasin and a new outpost of Face Stockholm.
For those who prefer to take a break from driving, the region is easily accessible by train and bus. Amtrak’s Metro-North Railroad offers service to the Hudson Valley. There are also commuter buses, such as Rockland Coaches and Short Line, operating in the surrounding counties. The Westchester County Airport and Stewart International Airport serve commercial airlines. Several ferry companies operate on the Hudson River, including NY Waterway’s Haverstraw-Ossining and Verplanck-Ossining Ferry.