The picturesque, riverside communities that comprise the 150-mile stretch of the Hudson Valley are the perfect place for travelers to experience some of New York’s finest history, natural beauty, culture, and food — without ever stepping foot in the big city. From apple orchards and great hiking trails to historic mansions, there’s a little something for everyone.
Why go?
- This region is brimming with bucolic beauty: from the country’s oldest wineries to impressive Vanderbilt-era mansions. Plus, the Hyde Park-based Culinary Institute of America has inspired an impressive range of culinary talent throughout the region.
- Every September, the annual Basilica Soundscape highlights innovative and genre-bending visual arts, musicians, and writers — and there’s also plenty of harvest festivals such as the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival and Warwick Applefest .
- A few local guides to reference while you’re there include Eater’s “Guide for Eating and Drinking ,” Hudson Valley Magazine , and this guide from Practical Wanderlust.
The views at Montgomery Place Orchards are just as beautiful as the produce.
Photo by AVLtoday
Act like a local:
- Food: Check out Hudson’s Cafe Mutton — heralded as “America’s Most Delightfully Unpredictable New Restaurant ” by Bon Appetit — for fresh crepes, orange muffins + homemade bologna.
- Drink: Get to know the country’s oldest wine-making region and visit one of the many wineries . We recommend Demarest Hill Winery & Distillery for picturesque views and 80+ varieties.
- Outdoors: Spend a day roaming Storm King Art Center , a 500-acre outdoor art museum brimming with large-scale sculptures and world-renowned landscape architecture.
- Shop: Stock up on a dazzling array of fresh produce at Montgomery Place Orchards , a family-owned orchard and farm stand that also offers fresh jam, vinegar, and honey, among other goodies.
- Explore: If you’re an architecture or history buff, the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site — which houses a 54-room beaux arts palace — will be right up your alley.
The sunset cottage offers gorgeous views and a cozy firepit.
Photo via VRBO
Where to stay:
- Vrbo: Sunset Cottage in Hudson (~$384/night)*
- Airbnb: The Glass House (~$262/night)
- Splurge hotel: Hutton Brickyards (~$395/night
- Save hotel: Mohonk Mountain House (~$291/night)
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