Things To Do In Hudson Valley

The Culinary Institute Of America In Hyde Park

Hudson Valley Region, New York, a picture-perfect holiday destination

While primarily an institution specializing in culinary, baking, and pastry arts education, CIA has several restaurants and a bakery on site. Eating at CIA is always a culinary adventure and a chance to experience the next generation of top chefs. Make a reservation well in advance if you want to dine at CIA.

Boscobel House & Gardens

Inside and out, Boscobel is a gem of the Hudson Valley.

The Neoclassical mansions interior contains a superb collection of furniture from the Federal period, including pieces by Americas most celebrated cabinetmaker, Duncan Phyfe. Outdoors, its 68 acres of gardens and grounds overlook Constitution Marsh and the Hudson River.

The grounds include public access to 68 acres of gardens , an apple orchard, a 1.25-mile woodland trail, and The Hudson River School Artists Garden, featuring outdoor sculpture.

From mid-April through December, Boscobel House & Gardens hosts house tours, talks by design experts, activities, and kids programs.

During the holidays it draws crowds who come to the Twilight Tours of the mansion. From June through September, it is home to the hugely popular Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, where plays are performed under a tent on the estates Great Lawn.

The Dutchess County Fair attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually.Photo by Ingrid Kulick

Sample Wine At A Valley Vineyard

The oldest wine-making region in the country, the Valley is home to some of the nations top wine producers and the quality of their vintages rivals whats produced on Long Island and in the Finger Lakes. From traditional wines like Chardonnay and Cabernet to fruit liqueurs and hard ciders and dessert offerings , theres a wine to suit every palate. Looking for something new? Try Clinton Vineyards Cassis, a black currant wine, or the Candy Ass Red from Glorie Farm Winery, which is made with Concord grapes.

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Wineries And Cider Tastings

There are plenty of delicious wineries and cider breweries in Hudson Valley. Remember, New York has its very own Wine Belt!

Dont forget to stop by Magnanini Winery in Wallkill which has a tasting room Wednesday through Sunday and a Pasta Night on Friday!

Applewood Winery has delicious hard cider and mead as well as delicious wines and Bad Seed Cider Taproom in Highland is to die for!

Nyc To Hudson Via Public Transit

Hudson is one of the few towns along the Hudson River with its own train station, making it convenient for those of us without a car.

To get there, take Amtrak from New York Penn Station. Its about a 2 hour ride, one way, and the train is pretty comfortable.

I recommend booking your tickets in advance, because prices vary significantly depending on how far out you book, and what day and time youre riding.

For example, the Friday night train fare cost us $66 USD a person, but the return trip on a Monday morning was only $39 USD.

In general, Amtrak fares are pretty overpriced.

Once you arrive, Hudsons train station is conveniently located near town, about a 5-10 minute walk from bustling Warren Street.

Tip: The train route follows the Hudson River and the views are beautiful! Sit on the right side for the best view.

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Bars & Nightlife In Hudson: A Craft Beer Bookshop Dive Bars With Live Music And Fancy Cocktail Bars

Half Moon in Hudson, NY. Photo: Erin Lindsey/Escape Brooklyn.

Depending on your mood, theres a wide range of bars in Hudson these days from no-frills dives to fancy cocktail lounges to dance parties. Starting at the dive end of things, Half Moon is Hudsons local go-to watering hole, with pretty regular live music, a jukebox, pool table, and the best happy hour in town. Up on Warren Street, Spotty Dog is a fun concept thats now being repeated elsewhere in the Hudson Valley: a bookshop with a bar. Theres a couple couches and chairs around for leisure drinking and reading. Just down the street, newly opened Lawrence Park is the only bar open after midnight and hosts tons of events

On the highbrow side of things, the Maker Hotels Lounge is gorgeous, decadent, and intimategreat for special occasions or check out Sonder, a natural wine bar with snacks that is a perfect vibe for date night.

Things To Do On Rainy Day In Hudson Valley

Rainy and windy outdoors? Dont worry! Hudson Valley has plenty of exciting and fun indoor activities for kids and the whole family that are completely weather-proof.

Its a well known fact that Hudson Valley is NOT a cheap city to visit or to live in. Everything in Hudson Valley seems to cost twice as much as it would in any other major European city, even down to a cup of coffee! However, this doesnt mean that its impossible to experience Hudson Valley on a budget. All of the activities included on this list are under £10 or free! Wherever your interests lie and whatever the size of your budget, Hudson Valley has something for you.

Explore Hudson Valley on a budget with our tips for seeing the city without going broke.

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Things To Do In Hudson Valley With Friends

There is an endless amount of things to do in Hudson Valley, which is even more exciting when youre travelling with a group of friends. There are some incredible food trucks, bars and lots of historical importance that cannot be missed on your trip here.

You made a new friend! A pal for life, a Netflix buddy, a mate to date and shoulder to cry on well done you! Better make sure they stick around then, huh? Luckily for you, billy-loads-of-mates, weve put together the ultimate ideas guide for things to do with friends in Hudson Valley. From the best restaurants for group dining, to pubs and bars with spaces to chat, from the newest events and nightlife, to the latest art exhibitions and theatre shows, charm your pals with the best things to do with friends in Hudson Valley and make sure they stick around

Discover all the cool things to do in Hudson Valley with teenagers by following our guide to fun, quirky and Insta-worthy activities.

Bear Mountain State Park

Best things to do in the Hudson Valley, NY

A favorite of Valley residents and city folks alike, Bear Mountain State Park spans parts of both Rockland and Orange counties, and has everything from hiking, swimming, and ice skating to rustic-chic dining and overnight accommodations.

Drive up its scenic Perkins Memorial Drive and stop at the summit Perkins Memorial Tower, then stroll or hike in the park the Appalachian Trail even crosses through it. Families will enjoy a ramble to the four Trailside Museums and the Bear Mountain Zoo or a ride on the classic carousel with its hand-painted scenes of Bear Mountain and native wild critters.

Bear Mountain is approximately 5,000 acres and hosts more than 2 million visitors annually.Photo courtesy of NYS Parks and Historic Preservation

The Bear Mountain Inn, built in 1915, is a destination in itself visitors often combine its Sunday buffet brunch with an afternoon in the park or at the spa. If you get a hankering to sleep over, choices include 15 rooms and suites at the Inn, or 24 rooms at the modern Overlook Lodge the Inns property also includes four rustic stone cottages, each with a common living area and six separate guest rooms with private baths.

Combo tickets are available to visit both Crailo and the Schuyler Mansion in Albany.Photo courtesy of Discover Albany

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What To Do In Hudson Ny: Shop Main Street & Explore Nearby Towns

Bring a picnic and watch sunset at the riverfront park in Hudson, NY, overlooking the Athens lighthouse. Photo: Erin Lindsey/Escape Brooklyn.

Hudson, NY is set at the foot of the Catskill Mountains but also central in the Hudson Valley and so the activities are endless. Well do our best here.

If youre opting for a trip to Hudson over other Upstate locations, chances are youre into arts & culture over a purely outdoorsy trip. With that in mind, spend a day meandering around town, checking out the small businesses on and around Warren Street. Some EB favorites are Flowerkraut, a floral studio and sauerkraut shop Clove & Creek, a beautifully curated home/apparel/gift shop Red Chair, an antique shop with a focus on French items Paula Grief, handmade ceramics Quiet Botanist, a botanical apothecary and dry flower shop and Jon Doe Records, a unique vinyl shop.

When perusing Warren St., visitors will likely be overwhelmed by the sea of super-curated, but pricey antique shops. But if youre in the market and willing to dig a little, much better deals can be found at Coxsackie Antique Center, about 25 minutes up the road. Alternately, the massive Antique Warehouse is also a great spot to spend a few hours searching for treasures. Last, for a souvenir youll never forget, stop into Hudson River Tattoo for great traditional style work.

Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market

If you happen to be in Hudson Valley on a Saturday morning, make sure you take a walk through the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market. The smell of fresh bread and food will waft towards you before you even set foot in the market. Sample fresh food and listen to fantastic live music as you wander amongst the stalls.

There are over 70 growers, bakers, chefs, and artisans who display their wares, catering to all tastes and requirements. Enjoy fresh local produce direct from the grower or pick up a meaningful gift for that hard to buy for person. A trip to the market provides a perfect morning out for the whole family.

Monument Square, Troy, NY 12180

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Best Restaurants In Hudson Ny

One of the best things to do in Hudson NY is try all of the restaurants. Theres so much delicious food that youll likely have a difficult time deciding. Sadly, one of my favourite spots in town was a Mexican restaurant that has sadly since closed down. But, there are many other great vegan-friendly establishments to try.

United States Military Academy At West Point

Visitors come to West Point from around the globe for everything from Army sporting events to shows at Eisenhower Hall to outdoor concerts at Trophy Point.

But the surest way to get an overview of the USMA at West Point is to take a guided tour and visit its museum. The narrated bus trips outline West Points history, starting in 1778 when it served as a Revolutionary War military post. Depending on the tour, stops may include the Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point, the West Point Cemetery, and more.

To delve deeper, visit the West Point Museum, which boasts more than 60,000 artifacts, including items belonging to the likes of George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, even Napoleon Bonaparte. Look for the Recent Acquisitions exhibition in Spring 2019, as well as exhibits honoring the centennial of World War I, including the original situation map from General John J. Pershings headquarters in Europe.

The LED marquee mimics its original style from 1931.Photo courtesy of Discover Albany

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Before You Begin Packing

#1: Check the weather

First things first check out the how the weather will be before you even consider packing.

I have made the mistake several times of packing without checking the weather and regretted not being prepared .

I know the Hudson Valley is not a huge location, but the weather can differ from one county to another. Ten counties is a lot of space when you consider that it can be much hotter in Lower Hudson Valley and in the cities versus Upper Hudson Valley and in the country/mountains.

#2: Make a list of Hudson Valley Summer Activities you will be doing

Make sure you are prepared with any essential gear that you will need for some popular Hudson Valley Summer Activities & Events.

These include:

Read my blog post highlighting fun Hudson Valley Summer Events.

#3: Examine where youll be staying the majority of the time

Check and see if youll be spending the majority of your time in the city or in the county.

Why is this important? If youre visiting the city, then you can get away with less things. You can always run into a coffee shop to cool off and stock up on water at a local mart. If youre visiting the country, you will be out in the elements for longer periods of time without an indoor break.

But if youre in the planning stages of your trip, make sure to check out some Summer in the Hudson Valley posts that will help you choose what to do during your adventure:

Ok, lets dive in!

Walk Across The Hudson In Highland Or Poughkeepsie

Did you know that you can walk across the Hudson River? Well, you can. Head to Poughkeepsie for a walk across the worlds longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Opened in 2009, the bridge sits 209 feet above the Hudson and spans 1.3 miles. The views from the bridge are spectacular on either side. Come for the sunset views.

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Where To Stay In The Hudson Valley

Hudson Valley has a wide range of accommodations for visitors to the area. Unfortunately, prices run the gamut from moderately expensive to very expensive, unless you stay at a chain hotel. Searching for a boutique hotel thats decently priced or a solid VRBO will be your best bet.

  • This Cozy Farmstead Cottage in Stone Ridge is ideal for anyone whos looking for a serene and adorable setting. This little cottage sits between two handsome barns, all of which were once part of a working farm. This is an idyllic country setting though only minutes from a historic village, restaurants, and farm-fresh produce with a beautiful cottage, perfect for a relaxing stay in the Hudson Valley.
  • This historic-yet-modern loft is a hip spot to stay in the Hudson Valley. This loft is spacious, but it also manages to be cozy with warm exposed brick and beams. Located in downtown Kingston, this apartment is a short walk away from coffee shops, eateries, breweries, and boutiques.
  • The Village Inn in Saugerties is located above a country store front, so you know its gonna be darn adorable. There are four rooms, and the inn has a two night minimum stay on weekends and holiday policy. Saugerties is a super cute town in itself, and extremely walkable to boot!

What are you looking forward to seeing first? Let us know in the comments below

Psst: Looking at venturing East? We have a few other posts exploring the East Coast!

Nature Walk On Ridge Road Behind The Olana State Historic Mansion

Hudson Valley Region, New York, a picture-perfect holiday destination

One thing not to miss, as it is an essential part of your visit to the Olana State Historic Site is Ridge Road. This is a gravel walking trail behind the parking lot, and you will see some signs for it in order to start your nature walk.

The Ridge Road trail starts in a wooded area with tall trees on both sides, and as you walk toward your left, the space opens up into an expansive view eastward of farms and towns. Its super pretty.

As you continue for another 5-10 minutes, be patient, because the next viewing point is a panoramic view from atop the hill, where you can look down at the Rip Van Winkle Bridge , the Hudson River, the Catskills to the southwest and a lot of open sky.

Grab your camera, because this is the spot where the original estate owner would paint the sunset! For this reason, the optimal time of day to visit the Olana State Historic Park and Ridge Road walking trail is golden hour or around sunset .

Helpful Tip

In the Great Northern Catskills region, youll see a lot of references to Rip Van Winkle, starting with Rip Van Winkle Brewery and ending with Rip Van Winkle Bridge. Take some time to learn about Rip Van Winkle and the history of why he is the mascot of this region of Upstate New York!.

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Hike The Appalachian Trail

Just an hour outside of New York City, you take a walk in the woods a la Bill Bryson on the iconic Appalachian Trail . The section of the A.T. in Bear Mountain State Park remains special among hikers because it is the first stretch of the famous trail to be completed in 1923.

Start your journey at the Bear Mountain Recreation Area and head southbound to the summit of Bear Mountain, taking in the incredible views along the way from various overlooks. Bear Mountain State Park is located in the Hudson Highlands, on the western side of the Hudson River.

The nearby Harriman State Park, another popular hiking destination, is the second-largest park in the New York State Parks system, boasting 200 miles of hiking, several lakes and reservoirs, beaches, camping grounds, and more.

Experienced hikers can make their journey on the storied trail from Bear Mountain to Harriman on a 13.5-mile out-and-back difficult trail. You may bring your dog with you, as long as he is leashed.

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