The Hudson Valley offers a lot for visitors to enjoy: leafy drives, vineyards, farm-to-table dining and spectacular natural beauty. A National Heritage Area, it also has a rich and varied history that gave rise to a new current of American thought and culture.
The region’s illustrious past was largely a product of its geography and people. As English sailor Henry Hudson searched for a route to China in 1609, he stumbled upon the river now named after him, and his discovery launched America’s first commercial trade. After the Revolutionary War, the valley became an industrial hub with canals, railroad lines and other important infrastructure. At the same time, its picturesque scenery inspired a group of artists who honed their craft and formed the Hudson River School of Painting.
Today, the valley remains a place where the beauty of nature is balanced with the energy of industry and the needs of modern society. The thriving agricultural sector, with its abundant fruit and produce, is one of the Valley’s most significant assets. Wineries, breweries and distilleries are also plentiful in the area.
A variety of other industries also thrive in the Valley, including health care, education and technology. It is home to the headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies, as well as numerous research and development centers, and the nation’s third-largest medical center. The University of the Hudson Valley and Marist College have a growing presence in the area, along with countless private businesses that provide jobs and economic vitality.
The Valley also offers many leisure activities, from the shopping and dining of its quaint town centers to its vibrant art scene. A number of renowned museums are located in the region, as well as theaters, dance companies and orchestras. The area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and sports fans, with a multitude of parks and hiking trails.
The region is easily accessible from New York City via train, car and plane. Albany International Airport in Newburgh and Westchester County Airport in White Plains are convenient options for air travel. The Metro-North Railroad provides commuter rail service to the region from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan. The rail line’s three segments—the New Haven Line (serving southeast Westchester and Putnam Counties), the Harlem Line and the Hudson Line—all offer service to the region.