Whether you’re a history buff, a nature-lover or an art lover, the Hudson Valley is brimming with things to do and see. Take a tour of Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz to see original stone houses, a reconstructed 1717 French church and a visitor’s center. At Kykuit, the estate of four generations of Rockefellers, enjoy sprawling terraced gardens filled with 20th century sculpture and explore a renowned collection of 19th-century art from artists such as Henry Moore, David Smith and Louise Nevelson.
The region’s rugged landscape was the setting for a lot of early American history. It was where the Revolutionary War began and ended, with decisive battles fought from Saratoga to West Point and beyond. During the same time, wealthy people were flocking to this picturesque region and building large estates that still dominate the scenery today.
In modern times, the region has become a leader in agriculture and sustainable living. Vineyards and orchards abound, and there’s no shortage of farmers markets. You can also find local wine and produce at many restaurants and in shops and markets along the region’s main roads. The area’s farm-to-table dining scene was boosted by the opening of Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Tarrytown, which was founded by former President Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary. The area is also known for its incredible breads and pastries, including artisanal rye from Croton-Harmon and Maldon buckets of sea salt.
As a bonus, the region’s proximity to NYC has helped it attract plenty of creative minds. A generation ago, landscape painters began leaving their Manhattan studios to seek inspiration from the region’s unspoiled natural beauty. Their paintings became the hallmark of a new homegrown style of artistic expression and earned them international acclaim. Artists like Thomas Cole, James Fenimore Cooper and Frederic Edwin Church were among the first to capture the area’s pristine natural beauty on canvas.
During the last ice age, glaciers filled the valley with water and created an enormous lake called Lake Iroquois. When the ice sheet melted, the lake drained into the Hudson River and large sand deposits created the Rome Sand Plains. Today, the river runs through an area that has long been known for its abundant wildlife and majestic beauty.
The best way to get around the region is by car, though you can also explore by train. Metro-North trains run from Grand Central Station to towns in the area, and you can rent cars in places such as Croton-Harmon, Tarrytown and Poughkeepsie. You can also check out the Hudson Valley Regional Tourism Board to learn about attractions and events in specific towns and regions.