In the late 1700’s, during the Revolutionary War and the early days of our fledgling United States, the Hudson Valley was sort of the wild west. It was home to miscreants, military men and wealthy settlers battling each other in the name of their new country. The battles took place in the woods and hills, in town squares and on riverbanks. It was also rife with Hessian Jagers, German sharpshooters and expert horsemen working for the British Empire to fight the American uprising. The fledgling nation’s first President, George Washington, even made modern-day Newburgh his headquarters for a year. Today, Hudson Valley is a storied region of stunning landscapes, historic mansions and a host of activities that make it one of the Best Destinations in the World according to National Geographic Traveler.
The beautiful scenery makes for stunning hikes. There are over 150 miles of leafy trails offering something for everyone from a relaxed stroll to a challenging climb. The area also offers plenty of wineries, craft breweries and restaurants that are making a name for themselves in the culinary world. It’s also home to the Culinary Institute of America, where future chefs learn their trade.
It’s also a hotbed of creativity with a thriving arts scene. You can find a lot of concerts here, as well as galleries and performing arts centers. Hudson itself is a cultural destination, with over 50 bars and an old-timey feel. The city was once a center of vice, but it now has some of the best dining in the area and plenty of opportunities to snag antiques.
During the Revolutionary War, it was a major supply route for the fledgling nation. The area’s pristine wilderness also attracted the wealthy. They wanted to buy up the land and build mansions there. Today, you can tour many of these historic mansions.
The region has also been a hub of social and political activism. It was the site of a famous libel trial in 1803, when Harry Croswell, editor of The Federalist, was accused of conspiring to scandalize and traduce the President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson.
The aforementioned libel case was the first time that this type of case had ever been filed in the United States, and it helped usher in the freedom of the press. The region is still a source of activism today, with groups fighting to preserve the environment and halt the destruction of river scenery and historic sites, like Revolutionary War forts along the Hudson River. It is important to remember that the Hudson Valley has a rich history, and you can learn more about it by visiting the many historic museums and battlefields. If you’re traveling in the area, we recommend renting a car so that you can explore more of what this beautiful region has to offer. You can rent a car from NYC or in nearby towns and cities such as Croton-Harmon, Tarrytown, Poughkeepsie, etc.