The Historic Hudson Valley is a region of New York State that rises from the tip of Manhattan and stretches out to Albany. It is also known as the Brooklyn of Upstate New York, and is home to many creative and talented individuals. From upscale waterfront villages and resort hotels to verdant farms that produce sun-ripened fruit, fragrant cheeses and heady wines, the Hudson Valley has something for every visitor. Read on to discover some of the highlights of this beautiful region.
Sleepy Hollow is a village adjacent to Tarrytown, where the famous Headless Horseman was allegedly buried. Sleepy Hollow is home to the Old Dutch Church, and Washington Irving’s story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, is set there. Washington Irving is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, which offers evening walking tours. Other notable residents of the area include Elizabeth Arden, Andrew Carnegie, and William Rockefeller.
The Hudson Valley played an important role in the Revolutionary War, as the Battle of Stony Point took place in the region. George Washington turned modern-day Newburgh into his headquarters for one year. The Hudson Valley also has the oldest continuously occupied military post in the nation: West Point, founded in the early 1800s. It is home to the United States Military Academy, which was founded there. It’s still used today for training soldiers.
A tour of the Hudson Valley is a great way to learn about the region’s rich history. The region’s lush landscapes inspired a number of artists, including Thomas Cole. Visit his studio and home at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, or take a tour of some of the area’s wineries and cideries. For food and lodging, head to the Hudson Valley’s famous Rivertown Lodge. This old movie theater has 27 rooms.
There’s no shortage of things to do in the Hudson Valley. You can explore the quaint hamlets or the charming towns for which the region is famous. For a culture-loving vacation, try a tour of the Dia Foundation, a former Nabisco factory. You can view Louise Bourgeois’ massive spider and marvel at the Dan Flavin light installations and Richard Serra’s Cor-Ten steel sculptures.
When visiting the Hudson Valley, it’s best to visit during the fall season. You’ll be treated to the beautiful autumnal leaf situation. The area also has plenty of activities to keep you busy, so make sure to plan enough time to explore. You can take a Metro North train out of NYC and get to the various towns in the area. Rental cars are generally cheaper in the area. And if you are planning on visiting more than one town during your stay, it’s best to rent a car outside of the city.
The Hudson Valley is home to a variety of museums and galleries, as well as parks. The second-largest state park in New York, Harriman State Park features more than 200 miles of hiking trails and several lakes and beaches. Hiking is permitted here, but you must keep your dog on a leash. Contemporary art is displayed at the Dia Beacon museum, which opened its doors in 2003. If you like art, you can explore the Hudson River towns with Metro-North and Amtrak.