See A Movie At A Drive
Things havent changed all that much at the Valleys many drive-in theaters, which is perhaps the best reason to go to one. Relive those hot summer nights of your youth by catching a double feature on a gigantic screen for a fraction of the price youd pay at the neighborhood multiplex. Technological innovations over the years have resulted in clearer pictures and high quality sound, and the current snack bar offerings go way beyond popcorn and candy. Moviegoers scarf down char-broiled Black Angus burgers at Poughkeepsies Overlook Drive-In and fill up on a wide variety of frozen treats at Twist, the ice cream shop at the Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont. Youre still likely to see children perched on car fenders in their pajamas, teenagers canoodling in back seats, and older folks camped out on lawn chairs, just like it was in 1986 or 76, or 66, or even 56.
American Impressions: A Nation In Prints At Vassar Colleges Francis Lehman Loeb Art Center Poughkeepsie
Until February 6, TuesâSun, 10 a.m.â5 p.m.
At Vassarâs very own free-to-the-public art gallery, visitors will be treated to fine art prints showing representations of the United States from the colonial era to modern times. The work of contemporary American artists, including John Woodrow Wilsonâs Head Study of Martin Luther King, Jr., will be featured.
Tour The Franklin D Roosevelt Presidential Library And Museum
Americas first presidential library and museum set the standard for documenting a legacy. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library spans the 12 years of FDRs administration, from the grips of the Great Depression in 1933 until his death in 1945.
Poignant artifacts include hand-written speeches outlining why America should enter World War II, as well as fragments from the USS Arizona battleship sunk during the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941.
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Visit The Mohonk Mountain House
If you look up Mohonk, youll also come across the famous Mohonk Mountain House, a luxury resort and spa in a Victorian castle located on Mohonk Preserve. Its a sprawling property on the edge of Mohonk Lake that makes you feel like youve been transported to the European countryside, perfectly perched within the surrounding forest. Its no wonder upstate NY mountain resorts like Mohonk were popular summer destinations among upper-middle- and upper-class NYC residents in the 1950s-1960.
Though staying the night here can cost you a pretty penny , you can fully embrace your mid-century boujie summer vibe by getting a day pass to do certain activities, like a Summer Sports Pass that allows you access to all of the outdoor sports activities and facilities, like hiking, boating, tennis, etc. Theres also a Spa Pass that allows you access to the spa and the hiking trails.
Best Things To Do In The Hudson Valley New York
New York‘s Hudson Valley is 150 miles of lush nature marked by hundreds of years of history, human endeavors, and breathtaking natural beauty. Home to charming towns like New Paltz, Catskill, Hudson, Poughkeepsie, Troy, Hyde Park, Kingston and many others, the valley has seen battles that formed the nation at Saratoga, NY, artists of the Hudson River School of Painters that defined how the world sees American art, and top chefs graduating from the Culinary Institute of America to provide us with fresh perspectives on food. You will find great day trips, unique restaurants, and more. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.
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Kiss The Sky: The Jimi Hendrix Re
Music lovers, critics, and even former members of Jimi Hendrixâ original band, all agree: Jimy Bleuâs cover band is the real deal. If youâre a fan of classic rock, â60s culture, or always wished you could somehow hop in a time machine to see Hendrix live, getting Kiss the Sky tickets at The Paramount is the next best thing.
Walkway Over The Hudson
The Walkway Over the Hudson is the worlds longest elevated pedestrian bridge coming in at 1.28 miles across the Hudson River. What was once a railroad bridge, it is now a free and easy walk from the cities of Highland on the west or Poughkeepsie on the east.
As you stroll 212 feet above the glittering river, you get a clear view of the expansive body of water stretching south to north, as well as a nice shot of Hyde Park, including the Culinary Institute of America campus.
You can access the walking bridge from either side of the river. If you walk from the Highland side, there is a local ice cream shop, Frozen Caboose Ice Cream, to satiate you afterwards. On both the Highland and Poughkeepsie side, there are also food trucks during the warm weather months.
If you plan on getting on the train, you can easily walk to the Poughkeepsie train station from here. Along the walk, there are placards explaining some of the history of the bridge as a railroad.
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Visit Kykuit The Rockefeller Estate
See the home and grounds of one of the founders of American commerce, John D. Rockefeller. Four generations of Rockefellers lived on the Kykuit estate. While walking around the estate, visitors will see the beautifully kept gardens, fine furnishings and collections of sculptures and Chinese and European ceramics owned by the family. The home is now a site for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The estate reopened for the 2021 season on May 3rd, and guided tours are required for visits.
Weather During Hudson Valley Winter
Hudson Valley Winter weather can consistently range from 20 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most of the Mid-Hudson Valley Region and the Catskills are cold and wet throughout the winter and evenings can be frigid.
Many parts of the Lower Hudson Valley often experience milder temperatures that may be between 5 10 degrees warmer than the Mid-Hudson and Upper Hudson Valley regions.
Because the Hudson Valley Region runs approximately 150 miles north, the weather can be significantly different in Westchester County than in Albany. And because much of the Hudson Valley is mountainous, that also adds to the changes in climate/weather due to the high elevation.
Hudson Valley Snow
Whoever said that it snows more in the Hudson Valley than the city has not been to either in the last 5-ish years.
Weve recently had winter storms that have only affected the lower part of New York State and caused no snow to accumulate in the Mid & Upper Hudson Valley regions. Weird, right?
Hudson Valley snow accumulations can vary greatly from year to year. Some years there will be more Hudson Valley snow in the lower Hudson Valley than the other areas or vice-versa.
As crazy as that sounds, the weather in the Hudson Valley is becoming more unpredictable than in years past.
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Feel Tiny At Storm King Art Center
Imagine a baby giants building blocks strewn throughout the countryside, and you get a sense of theStorm King Art Center. This 500-acre outdoor museum exhibits large-scale sculptures that complement the natural surroundings. For example, Alexander Calders sculpture Five Swords is a bright, bold, reddish-orange, nearly 20ft-tall steel monument that could be from the giants forgotten game of jacks.
Each of the 100 massive sculptures requires its own gallery landscape, and they are spread throughout the grounds, walkways, paths and wooded trails.
How To Use This Post When Packing For Hudson Valley Winter Activities
Ive broken down all of the basic Hudson Valley packing essentials so you can prep for your visit without being worried about missing a thing. However, Id recommend downloading my printable Hudson Valley Packing List below so that you can check things off the list as youre packing for your adventure.
In the downloadable checklist, Ive also included an essentials section that applies to any trip.
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Top Ten Things To Do In The Hudson Valley In The Fall
Peering over the edge, you see a carpet of red, orange and yellow trees stretched out to the horizon. Nearby, bright red trees form a stunning foreground. You stand on top of the cliff looking down and out to the horizon. This is some of the most spectacular fall color you have seen. Ever.
There are plenty of similar places in the Hudson Valley to enjoy the fall foliage, and plenty of other things to do to enjoy autumn.
No time right now to read about the top ten things to do in the Hudson Valley in the Fall? Pin It and save it for later:
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New York City tends to get most of the attention, and for sure its my favorite city in the United States, but its nice to get out of the city too. Especially in the fall.
The Hudson Valley in upstate New York is absolutely one of the best places to be in fall. I love doing active things when I travel and visiting New England for the cranberry bogs , but I recommend visiting the Hudson Valley for all other things fall/ autumn.
Center For Creative Education Kingston
Under the guidance of longtime executive director Bryant Drew Andrews, the Center for Creative Education is a nonprofit whose mission is to enrich the social and cultural awareness of children and the community through arts, wellness, and education. Classes range from the visual arts to theater, writing, gymnastics, and a variety of dance styles.
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Bannerman Castle A Hudson Valley Historic Site
Bannerman Castle ruins. Image by littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock.com
Bannerman Castle was built in the 1900s on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River and used as a holiday home and storage for excess munitions.
In the 1960s, the island and castle were gifted to the Taconic Park Commission and became NY state property. Subsequently, a massive fire destroyed large portions of the castle leaving us with what we see now. It wasnt accessible for decades until local residents in the area banded together to raise funds to clear paths on the island and ensure safe accessibility to the ruins.
Now, you can take a boat from Newburgh or Beacon and tour the island and castle. You can also visit the island by driving your own boat or, my personal favorite, go by kayak.
Carefully review the Bannerman Castle website. Its very specific about arrival times and group sizes if you are not arriving on one of their boats. It is $30 per person to visit on your own. If you take one of the castles boats and do a tour, its $37.50.
Local Tip:
Camp At Bear Mountain State Park
This picturesque park is open for fun year round. At Bear Mountain, you camp pitch your tent for some time in the woods and you may even spot a black bear or two. For summer 2021, most parks in New York State are operating on 50 percent capacity to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is best to book early so you can get a campsite at your desired time. Bear Mountain Golf Course is due to open for the summer season on May 20th, and Summit Bike Park is due to open on June 11th. Indoor facilities at the park including Bear Mountain Inn Restaurant and Perkins Memorial Tower, are currently still closed.
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Wm Farmer And Sons In Hudson
Wm. Farmer and Sons is a converted historic 19th-century building with a restaurant, bar, and guesthouse. The farm-to-table restaurant offers seasonal produce from the local region and the hotel has beautifully appointed guest rooms. Good for a splurge. Some rooms even come with 24-hour butler service.
+ Free Things To Do In The Hudson Valley
If youre like me, Im sure youre trying to think of Free Things to do in the Hudson Valley or, at least, that you can do without spending a ton of money.
The problem is, that most Hudson Valley Activities that are both convenient and fun, can also cost a lot of money.
That can be a real burden for many and, especially, those with larger families.
Trust me, I know
Ive been in your position and after much trial and error and much research, I think I have found a solution for you.
This article contains affiliate links. I make a small commission for purchases made through links at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more info.
If youve ever wondered what fun activities are there for you to do, for free, with or without kids in the Hudson Valley, then I am here to help you.
After much researching and lots of visiting, Ive compiled this list of the places that are sure to make any outing A Special One!
AN ADDED BONUS:These are SUPER FUN things to do in the Hudson Valley.
Take a look at these free things to do in the Hudson Valley and let me know what you think
- Because you never know when an accident happens, you need a small, portable First Aid Kit from Amazon, like this product in your life. This is a great buy for under $15
- My favorite walking shoes, by far, are these because they are soft and the memory foam feels great on my feet. See the color and size choices here.
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Rockland Lake State Park
Rockland Lake State Park is a massive park located on a ridge of Hook Mountain along the Hudson River. This Valley Cottage park features two swimming pools, picnic areas, hiking trails, golf courses, boat rentals, and tennis courts. If youre looking for the perfect place for outdoorsy adventures, add this park to your list. Photography lovers will also appreciate the beautiful landscapes and scenery. The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Also in Ulster County in the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge is another popular hiking haven: Minnewaska State Park. Featuring multiple waterfalls, sparkling lakes, sheer cliffs, and hardwood forests, the park is a nature lover’s paradise. There are 50 miles of paths to choose from for biking, hiking, walking, and more, and they are all within an hour-and-a-half from New York City.
If you want to bring your furry companions, dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they are leashed. Camping is available from mid-May to mid-November at the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, which comes with a cooking area, restroom, and shower facilities.
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Franklin Delano Roosevelt Home
But that day, my sights were set on history, not food. I had the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Home and Presidential Library in my sights.
The Hyde Park estate was Roosevelts boyhood home when the Georgian colonial house was known as Springwood. Theres plenty of Roosevelt memorabilia and the requisite Presidential Library. Nearby is the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, where the First Lady lived later in life.
Unfortunately, I had very mixed feelings about my visit. The museum, etc. was excellent, as many presidential museums/libraries tend to be. But the FDR home itself was in a state of disrepair. However, I recall seeing a sign that future repairs were slated to be undertaken.
Why was this allowed to happen? Regardless of ones political persuasion, I dont think any American wants to see a presidential home be left to the whims of time and weather.
Still, I much enjoyed wandering about the grounds, through the barn and fields, and seeing the gravesite of Franklin and Eleanor in the garden. And I enjoyed standing on the crest of the lawn looking out across the forest to the beautiful Hudson River in the distance. Make a stop here.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Home / Library4097 Albany Post Rd
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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Explore The Hudson Valleys Connection With The American Revolution
When most people think of American Revolutionary history, they often think of big southern battles like Yorktown, but the first half of the war was fought primarily in the north. New York saw its fair share of action, considering access to New York Bay and the Hudson River were vital for transportation.
- Stony Point: The battle of Stony Point was a small but crucial battle in the American Revolution. The American forces won the battle in July 1779, but within two days, left the British to reclaim it. Now, you can visit the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site and see the oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River, the Stony Point Lighthouse. Its free to walk around the site and visit the lighthouse and small museum.
- Washingtons Headquarters State Historic Site: From April 1782 to August 1783, the future first President of the U.S. made Hasbrouck House in Newburgh his headquarters, which you can now visit as Washingtons Headquarters State Historic Site. He rejected the proposition to be King and to make the new nation a monarchy there. Now there is a museum with an exhibit containing over a thousand objects from Washingtons collection. You can take a tour, which includes access to the Tower of Victory, a recently restored belvedere with a view of Mount Beacon.
