Discover the Hudson Valley: An Artistic and Natural Haven
With a rich history and natural beauty, New York’s Hudson Valley offers a perfect escape from the fast pace of New York City. This region features historic cities, towns, and villages that tell the stories of its settlers, from the Munsee, Mohican, and Mohawk nations to Henry Hudson’s travels in the 1600s, as well as the arrival of the Dutch and the English.
Parks, nature preserves, and hiking trails provide ample opportunities to absorb the stunning landscapes of the region. Here are our picks for the best places to visit in the Hudson Valley.
Peekskill
Located in Westchester County, Peekskill is on a Hudson River bay approximately 50 miles north of New York City, easily reachable via the Metro-North railway. The town borders Blue Mountain Park, a nearly 1,600-acre preserve featuring over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing piers, and the only Sportsman Center shooting complex found in a state recreation area.
Art enthusiasts should not miss the Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), which boasts a 12,000-sq-ft exhibition space. Moreover, the Hudson Valley MOCA sponsors a sculpture trail showcasing over 25 works of public art along the Hudson River and throughout the city.
Troy
Situated on the eastern bank of the Hudson River just north of Albany, Troy, once known as “Collar City,” is celebrated for its heritage of producing detachable collars for men’s shirts. Despite being less known than the state capital, Troy’s well-preserved 19th-century downtown is filled with boutiques, shops, galleries, and dining options.
In addition to its collar-making history, Troy is famous as the hometown of Samuel Wilson, the meatpacker who inspired the iconic Uncle Sam caricature. Visitors can find an aluminum statue of Uncle Sam along the river as a tribute.
For music lovers, attending a performance at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark known for its exceptional acoustics, is a must. Moreover, those seeking contemporary performances should check out the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Hudson
About 120 miles from New York City lies Hudson, a former whaling port and industrial town that has transformed into a haven for antique dealers and artists. The mile-long main street, Warren Street, is vibrant with coffee bars, vintage fashion boutiques, and fantastic people-watching opportunities.
Just ten minutes from downtown Hudson is the breathtaking Olana estate, once home to Frederic Edwin Church, a 19th-century painter famous for capturing the essence of the Hudson River School. Church designed the 250-acre landscape surrounding his Persian-inflected Victorian mansion, providing visitors with stunning views of the valley and Catskill Mountains.
The renowned Art Omi is another art institution featuring a sculpture and architecture park spreading over 120 acres, offering gallery space and programs that connect art with nature.
Rhinebeck
In charming Rhinebeck, visitors can explore historic buildings, including the Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn, claimed to be the oldest continuously operating hotel in the United States, welcoming guests for more than 300 years.
Tour the impressive Gilded Age mansion, the 65-room Staatsburgh State Historic Site, and step back in time at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, where visitors can take rides on historic 1920s biplanes and witness weekly airshows featuring World War I-vintage planes.
Rhinebeck’s vibrant arts scene is evident at the Omega Institute, known for its yoga and wellness retreats. The Dutchess County Fairgrounds host various events throughout the year, making this town a cultural hub. For stunning views, head to Ferncliff Forest and climb the fire tower for breathtaking vistas, especially during fall foliage season.
Saugerties
The Saugerties Lighthouse, standing at the peninsula’s edge for over 170 years, offers unique accommodations for travelers seeking a memorable stay.
Saugerties, located along the beautiful Catskill Mountains, features natural areas such as Falling Waters Preserve, a 149-acre forest glen with waterfalls and stunning river views. Additionally, just ten miles west lies the charming town of Woodstock, home to a museum celebrating the iconic 1969 music festival.
Do not miss Opus 40, known as “America’s Stonehenge.” This 6.5-acre stone sculpture park, built entirely with hand tools by Bard College artist Harvey Fite, showcases impressive craftsmanship and artistry.
Cold Spring
The historic village of Cold Spring rests on a dramatic bend in the Hudson River. Its quaint main street is lined with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, now housing boutiques, restaurants, and inns.
Once a vital artillery and ironwork center during the American Civil War, Cold Spring today features the West Point Foundry Preserve, offering scenic nature walks through the ruins of former industrial structures. The town, bordering the expansive 7,400-acre Hudson Highlands State Park, is celebrated for outdoor activities and stunning views of Storm King Mountain.
Catskill
This area serves as the gateway to the Catskill Mountains and was the home of Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School. The Thomas Cole National Historic Site highlights the significance of Cole and his peers, who initiated one of the first home-grown art movements in the early United States.
Visitors can stroll along Catskill’s historic Main Street, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and inns, including the well-curated Magpie Bookshop. Other notable attractions include the scenic Hudson River Skywalk that connects the Thomas Cole National Historic Site to Olana and the RamsHorn-Livingston Sanctuary, a 600-acre bird sanctuary with diverse landscapes.
Goshen
In 2021, Goshen welcomed the northeast’s first new theme park in 40 years, LEGOLAND New York. Catering to children ages 2–12, this park features seven themed areas, including LEGO Castle and Miniland. A 250-room LEGOLAND Hotel is also conveniently located near the park.
Before LEGOLAND’s arrival, horse racing has attracted visitors to Goshen since the American Revolution. The Goshen Historic Track has been in operation since 1838 and continues to host harness races today, with LEGOLAND’s Miniland paying homage to this rich history.
Sleepy Hollow
This historic hamlet just north of New York City celebrates the “Legend” that made it famous. Each fall, Sleepy Hollow hosts the annual Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, showcasing impressive displays of carved pumpkins in various imaginative forms, including dinosaurs and the Headless Horseman.
Nearby attractions also include John D. Rockefeller’s Kykuit estate and the remarkable Blue Hill Stone Barns, renowned for its farm-to-table dining experience.
