From mountain ranges to lakes, historic sites to mansions, animal sanctuaries to quirky villages along the river, this verdant region is a natural and cultural draw for New Yorkers and vacationers alike.
The Hudson Valley is a part of the state of New York, located just outside of New York City and encompassing Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties. It has a number of important cultural institutions, including the Culinary Institute of America and the National Museum of the American Indian. Its business climate is also vibrant, with 1.2 million highly educated workers and hundreds of Fortune 500 companies.
Its rich culture has been celebrated by National Geographic Traveler, which named the Hudson Valley a Top 20 Best of the World Destination in 2011. The region’s spectacular scenery, historic mansions and cultural treasures draw visitors from around the world.
Dining
The region is famous for its farm-to-table dining and the many award-winning vineyards, breweries, wineries and distilleries that can be found here. It’s not uncommon to find celebrated chefs preparing their culinary creations at country inns, restaurants and the world-famous Culinary Institute of America.
You can also take your pick of the many breweries in the area, many of which are offering tours and tastings to help you discover their unique styles. Some of these places, such as the Blue Barn in Peekskill and the Barton Creek Brewery in Wappingers Falls, have even teamed up with local farmers to create unique dishes inspired by their products.
Shopping
When you’re in Hudson, don’t miss the many shops brimming with stylish finds. Whether you’re looking for modern or vintage furniture, art, home accessories or textiles, there is something here to satisfy your aesthetic tastes.
For a dose of upscale design, head to FINCH Hudson, a lifestyle store curated by the chic duo Andrew Arrick and Michael Hofemann. Their pieces are flawlessly curated and are a great way to add a touch of glamour to your home.
Or visit the charming Red Chair On Warren, a furniture shop that’s evocative of Swedish, Belgian and French antiques. The interiors are warm and inviting, with a mix of traditional pieces and contemporary furniture.
There’s also a wide selection of jewelry at the aptly named Jade and Pearl, as well as some beautiful paintings at the Art Gallery on Warren Street. The best time to see the art is during their monthly Sunday afternoon shows.
Lastly, don’t miss the beautiful gardens at Eleanor Roosevelt’s Olana, declared a historic site in 1984. You can also enjoy a walk through the shady woodlands of the estate.
The Hudson Valley is the perfect place for a family getaway or a romantic weekend. It has endless outdoor activities, including hikes in the Adirondacks or the Catskill Mountains, horseback riding and kayaking.
Its beautiful countryside is a paradise for photographers, with mountains, woods and rivers. It’s also a fantastic place for biking, skiing and snowboarding.
The region’s bridges cross the Hudson River, including the Tappan Zee Bridge between Tarrytown and South Nyack and the Bear Mountain Bridge between Peekskill and Fort Montgomery. The area is also served by two airports, the Stewart International Airport near Newburgh and Westchester County Airport near White Plains. The area is a short drive from New York City and has excellent commuter train service via Metro-North Railroad, which has stations in several cities and towns in the area.