The hillscapes of this 150-mile swath feel as if they’ve barely changed since the 18th century. In town, ramshackle farmhouses and Federal-style townhouses still dot the landscape. Vineyards, orchards and sustainable-food champions abound; Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture is a standout. The nearby Storm King Art Center sculpture park is one-of-a-kind, while Dia: Beacon—a museum in a former Nabisco box-printing factory—has an outstanding collection of modern works.
The region’s natural beauty and historic sites have inspired painters, poets, essayists and novelists for centuries. Despite its proximity to New York City, the Hudson Valley remains wild and unspoiled. This National Heritage Area is a place to relax, recharge and discover the many ways the landscape has been shaped by nature, people and history.
During the last Ice Age, a glacier pushed south from Lake Ontario to form what is now the Hudson River Valley, which extends to the Atlantic Ocean in the northeast part of New York state. The valley is filled with rich scenic, cultural and recreational resources spanning 11 counties.
Before European settlement, the region was home to Native American societies, from the Munsee and Lenape of the lower Hudson Valley to the Mohawk and Haudenosaunee of the upper valley. Early settlers learned survival techniques from the indigenous communities and adapted some of their diplomatic, social and governance structures. Today, the Hudson River Valley is a National Heritage Area, promoting the preservation and interpretation of historic sites across 11 counties.
In Kingston, a hip small-town that’s the sartorial equal of Brooklyn, the Stockade District boasts amazing 17th and 18th-century Dutch colonial architecture, including the Four Corners—the only intersection in America where all buildings date from before the Revolutionary War. There’s also a wealth of new dining and drinking spots, such as Assembly, a new live music hangout in a former schoolhouse in the uptown district; Camp Kingston, a summer-camp-themed cafe with tropical vibes and inventive menu items like miso-and-roasted-strawberry ice cream; and Culture Cream, a new artisanal ice cream shop that has an imaginative menu that includes flavors like lavender-and-bourbon.
For a romantic escape, book a room at the Hotel Kinsley, a boutique hotel housed in a Queen Anne-style building with English gardens and a seasonal pool. Across town, The Social Type is a cute stationery store and The Spotty Dog Books & Ale offers local authors’ latest releases.
The town of Woodstock is world-famous for its tie-dyes and crystals, but the hamlet’s cultural scene is equally impressive. Check out the soaring, contemporary sculptures at the Storm King Art Center, then shop for artisanal goods on Tinker Street and peruse the boutiques in Main Street’s downtown district.
Throughout the region, you’ll find a wealth of festivals and events, from the mad-capped wonders of the New York Renaissance Faire to the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Bearsville. And don’t leave without visiting Woodbury Common Premium Outlets to score deals on luxury and brand name products.