The hudson valley is steeped in history and natural beauty, boasting a vibrant wine and craft brewery scene. Visit grand historic mansions up and down the river, and take in sweeping views from the world’s longest pedestrian bridge. Journey through military history at West Point, home to alumni including Dwight Eisenhower and Ulysses S Grant, or browse the galleries in quaint river towns.
The Hudson Valley was first explored by English sailor Henry Hudson in 1609. He had intended to find a shortcut to Asia but soon discovered the tidal river, then called Mahicanituck, was impassable, with wild animals, poisonous snakes and rugged mountains.
Nevertheless, the region was quickly inhabited by Dutch, British and American colonists. It was central to the Revolutionary War, and its natural beauty inspired painters of the Hudson River School, which became America’s first great art movement.
Today, the Hudson Valley is a popular getaway for New Yorkers and tourists seeking respite from the city. It’s also an important economic center, with a wide range of industries and an emerging gastronomic and culinary culture.
It’s also the best place to see some of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in America, from stately mansions to small-town mills and taverns. The region’s rich architecture helped spawn preservationist movements across the nation, which saved many of its buildings from destruction by industrialization and war.
Most people who live in the hudson valley were born and raised here, or they moved here from another part of the country for its beautiful scenery, mild climate and laidback lifestyle. These are the people who will be the most likely to tell you about the hidden gems in their town, a secret hiking trail or the best bakery.
The hudson valley is also home to several small liberal arts colleges that are known for their vibrant and diverse art, music and performance scenes. These include Bard, Vassar, Marist, Mount Saint Mary and Sarah Lawrence, which draw thousands of students to their communities each year. These students are bringing their energy to local bars, restaurants and shops, helping the economy by spending money on housing, food, entertainment and tuition.
In the hudson valley, the pace of life is slower and less stressful than in Manhattan. It’s the perfect place to get back in touch with nature, or to flex your creativity. Artists here tend to follow their passions, whether that’s painting, weaving, dipping candles or concocting spice rubs. Crafters are everywhere, and you can find a plethora of artisans at Field + Supply MRKT in Beacon, the Roundhouse in Hudson or the Maker’s Market in Rhinebeck. For those who like to read, the area is a book-lovers’ paradise. You’ll find a bookstore in every town, from Rodgers Book Barn in Hillsdale to H.A.S. Beane Books in Red Hook. And you can always satiate your thirst for hard cider, at places like Angry Orchard in Walden or Left Bank Ciders in Catskill.