From Hudson Valley wineries to ice-yacht sailing, this pristine New York State region is packed with timeless scenery and American history. Whether you want to delve into military history at West Point, tour Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential library or simply stroll quaint river towns, this Great American Road Trip destination has something for every traveler.
This stunning landscape was shaped by glaciers during the last ice age. The resulting gorge is known as the Palisades, so named for the vertical fractures that look like fence posts (palisades) on the sides of steep cliffs. The area was home to Native Americans, and later colonized by the Dutch. The Dutch had a good thing going with this location—the Hudson River was a vital link to the sea and to New York City, and wealthy merchants bought land here to grow crops to sell back in the capital.
As more and more downstate New Yorkers head to the Hudson Valley, all kinds of new places to go and things to do are popping up—from craft beer breweries to vineyards and historic mansions. The region’s natural beauty inspired the Hudson River School painters, and its landscapes also captured the eye of a burgeoning movement in literature called transcendentalism. The poems of William Wordsworth and John Keats were influenced by nature here, as were the paintings of Frederick Church and Jasper Cropsey.
Today, the rocky banks and lush forests make a perfect backdrop for picnicking and hiking. Some of the state’s best wineries are here, along with acclaimed restaurants that feature farm-to-table fare and Michelin-starred chefs. There are also plenty of artisanal craftsmen here, including blacksmiths, leather workers and potters. The Culinary Institute of America is here, too, to turn out soon-to-be chefs with the skills they need to cook up a feast in any kitchen.
With its proximity to the Big Apple, it’s no surprise that the Hudson Valley has long been a favorite spot for urbanites who need a bucolic escape. A number of new lodgings have opened in the past few years, ranging from luxury spas and lodges to a Soho House-style property in Rhinebeck. In addition to its storied hotel rooms, the region offers log cabins and farmstays, like Wildflower Farm in Rhinebeck, where early risers can head to the barn for breakfast, collecting fresh eggs from the henhouse and having them cooked up by a dedicated staff.
The region’s pristine waters are a big draw for anglers, too, although the water has suffered from industrial pollution in the past. Fortunately, the efforts of environmental groups have helped to clean up the water and restore fish populations. For the most up-to-the-minute information about the condition of the river, check out the website for the Hudson River Waterkeeper, which constantly monitors and reports industries that pollute the water.