The Hudson Valley has long been the fountainhead of a truly American identity. The pristine landscape captivated 19th-century artists and spawned the reverence of nature movement known as the Hudson River School, and the area’s historic forts, battlefields, and gardens have helped shape our nation’s story.
Today, the valley is a National Heritage Area rich in natural beauty, history, and culture. Its leafy drives and wineries offer a real city break, while its burgeoning farm-to-table scene attracts foodies. This verdant region cradles The Culinary Institute of America, where soon-to-be chefs hone their skills, and it’s home to Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants.
Henry Hudson stumbled onto this beautiful valley when he misjudged his course of travel and sailed into New York Bay in 1609. Today, the landscape he viewed is celebrated with mansions, estates, and magnificent parks, and the rocky, wooded hills and sweeping vistas of the Catskill Mountains and Shawangunk Ridge arouse the imaginations of visitors to this area.
The cliffs that hug the valley’s eastern flank, called the Palisades, are protected and open to visitors at the National Park Service’s Bear Mountain Preserve. The park also houses an impressive collection of works by 19th-century landscape artists, including Thomas Cole, Frederick Church, and Sanford Gifford. The nearby Hudson River Maritime Museum explores the area’s storied history of navigation and trade, with a fleet of historic ships and interactive exhibits.
The region’s history is further illuminated by the many museums, historic sites, and battlegrounds that encapsulate the tumultuous events of the Revolutionary War. In Putnam County, you can visit the spot where George Washington orchestrated his surprise midnight bayonet attack on Stony Point, which reversed the course of the Revolutionary War and ushered in the era of American independence.
Other Hudson Valley landmarks include the site where General Anthony Wayne thwarted a British siege in 1779 and the place where Benedict Arnold jumped to the ship Vulture at Beverly Dock after being exposed as a traitor. And in the Capital District, you can see the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who ruled the nation from his family’s opulent Springwood estate for four consecutive terms.
For those looking for a little relaxation and rejuvenation, the area offers world-class spas and resorts. In addition, the town of Rhinebeck’s Catskill Center for the Arts is a showcase for sculptures by artists like Barbara Hepworth and Mark di Suvero. And the 500-acre Catskill Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with swimming, hiking, camping, 200 miles of walking trails, and works by contemporary artists.