The 150-mile swath of rolling hillscapes that runs north from New York City to Long Island is a world all its own. Magnificent scenery, historic mansions and cultural treasures have earned the region a place among National Geographic Traveler’s Top 20 Best of the World destinations.
The area served as the setting for major events of the American Revolution and shaped new currents of American thought and art through the work of artists, such as Frederic Church and Thomas Cole, Dutch and Huguenot settlements, and early labor cooperatives. In 1996, Congress established the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area to promote the region’s historical, natural and cultural resources across 11 counties in New York state.
From the quaint town of Hudson to the country inns where chefs hone their craft, the food is exceptional in the region. Savour farm-to-table cuisine at country inns and restaurants, including celebrated chefs from the Culinary Institute of America. Sample the wines of the region at vineyards and wineries that produce award-winning wines.
Explore the region on foot or by bike, car or train. Stroll through historic downtowns, visit shops and eat at local cafes and restaurants. Discover the area’s rich arts scene, including galleries and live performance arts. The region also offers a variety of recreational activities.
The historic towns of the valley, which stretch from the Berkshires to the Catskill Mountains in Upstate New York, offer a taste of the past. Many are embellished with Dutch gables and Federal-style townhouses. Others have a more eclectic character, like Woodstock, once a center of vice that now serves up Malaysian dishes and outdoor seating in true Woodstock spirit.
Two Manhattanites find that with a good eye, patience and a high-speed Internet connection, anything is possible.
In the heart of the Hudson Valley, you can find everything from world-class museums to artisanal cheesemakers. The region also offers a wide range of recreational activities, from exploring the natural beauty of the hills and mountains to sampling the culinary and cultural offerings. The area is home to a vibrant community of makers, artists and entrepreneurs.