The hudson valley is home to historic sites, parks, and landscapes that tell America’s story. It’s also a foodie destination with renowned restaurants, wineries and breweries. The area’s 10 counties offer a diverse range of activities and places to explore.
The region extends from the outskirts of New York City to Albany, the state capital. Along the way, it’s dotted with vineyards and orchards, including sustainable-food champion Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. Its museums, including the art-in-a-factory Dia:Beacon and Storm King Art Center sculpture park, show large-scale work by major 20th- and 21st-century artists.
In the 1700s, the Dutch established farms and estates in the region to take advantage of the fertile farmland. The region’s natural beauty inspired many artists, including Thomas Cole (1801-1848), who portrayed the landscape of the Hudson River valley using the European theory of romanticism—a concept that focuses on evoking a sense of awe and wonder.
When glaciers receded, they left behind a broad river valley with hills and mountains. This land was a prime hunting and fishing spot for Native Americans, who used the river to trade with other tribes. When the Dutch West India Company hired Henry Hudson for his voyage up the Hudson, he reported that this was “a very beautiful, pleasant and healthy country.”
After the Revolutionary War, the valley became part of the American frontier. But in the early 1800s, industry grew and forests were cleared, threatening the region’s landscape. In the midst of this development, Hudson River School painters strove to preserve the area’s natural beauty through their works.
By the turn of the century, preservation efforts were largely successful. The region’s beautiful scenery has captivated visitors ever since.
The hudson valley is the backdrop for a wide variety of outdoor activities and recreation, from hiking to kayaking and horseback riding. It’s also a cultural hub with a thriving arts scene. Many of the region’s 10 counties have historic districts, parks and lands that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. The area’s proximity to New York City and its ease of access through Albany International Airport in White Plains, Stewart International Airport in Newburgh and the Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Poughkeepsie make it a popular destination.
When in Hudson, be sure to visit the Stockade District, where 17th- and 18th-century Dutch Colonial buildings stand side-by-side. You can stay in a hotel like the regal Hotel Kinsley, which features a stunning four-corner intersection where every building dates before the Revolutionary War. The nearby Stockade Tavern serves up a mean martini, and the restaurant Rough Draft Bar & Books is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. In the nearby town of Rhinebeck, Grazin’ is a 50s-style diner with an ethical outlook on animal welfare. The booming arts community in Hudson has helped revitalize the town, which also has public housing and a vibrant Bangladeshi and Caribbean community. The quaint town of Hudson is a great choice for a weekend getaway.