Hudson Valley, NY Food & Travel Guide
The Hudson Valley is a picturesque region that lies along the Hudson River to the north of New York City. It is known for its breathtaking mountain views, a rich history, and quaint towns that draw visitors up on weekend trips from New York City.
Each of the small towns in the Hudson Valley has something unique to offer. Some have great hiking trails, some take you back in history, and others feature a great dining scene. I have been lucky to spend a great deal of time in this area and explore what the Hudson Valley has to offer.
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The Best Restaurants in New Paltz, New York
The best restaurants in New Paltz include an Italian deli, an Irish-American restaurant on a golf course, and a coffee shop that also makes their
Dining in Kingston, NY: The Best Restaurants, Bars & Coffee Shops
Kingston, NY is an historic city nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley that is emerging as a diverse culinary and beverage destination. From
A Guide to Cold Spring, New York: Best Restaurants, Hotels, and Things to Do
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The Best Hotels in Kingston, NY: Where to Stay
Kingston was the original capital of New York in 1977. Later that year the city was burned by the British during the Revolutionary War and
The Best Orchards for Apple Picking in the New York Hudson Valley
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Not Just Apple Picking: The Best Cideries in the New York Hudson Valley
New York City may be known as the Big Apple, but that’s only because upstate New York has over 600 apple orchards. In fact, New
A Dining Guide to Wappingers Falls: A Quaint Village in the Hudson Valley
Wappingers Falls is nestled in the picturesque Hudson Valley of New York. It is a charming village that lies in both the town of Wappingers
A Guide to Beacon, NY: The Best Restaurants, Breweries, and More
Beacon, New York is a hip town in the Hudson Valley. With the Dia Beacon museum, two breweries, a distillery, and many great restaurants Beacon makes an excellent weekend getaway.
Best Restaurants in Fishkill, NY: A Worthwhile Stop in Hudson Valley
Here are the best restaurants in Fishkill, NY and the immediate surrounding areas. The Hudson Valley in New York State stretches north of NYC from
Where is the Hudson Valley?
The Hudson Valley is a scenic region in New York State that extends about 150 miles northward from the northern edge of New York City to the capital city of Albany, following the course of the Hudson River. Nestled between the Catskill Mountains to the west and the Taconic and Berkshire Hills to the east, the valley is characterized by its lush landscapes and rolling hills.
The region is divided into three main areas:
- Lower Hudson Valley: Westchester and Rockland counties closest to New York City
- Mid-Hudson Valley: the counties of Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, and Sullivan
- Upper Hudson Valley: the capital district around Albany, as well as Columbia, Greene, and Rensselaer counties
The Hudson Valley’s proximity to New York City makes it a popular destination for those seeking a retreat into nature and history without straying too far from urban amenities. Its towns and cities are known for their vibrant arts scenes, historic landmarks, farm-to-table dining, and nearby outdoor recreational activities, making the Hudson Valley a diverse region worth exploring.
Best Time to Visit the Hudson Valley
One of the great things about the Hudson Valley is that it is an excellent year-round destination. The ski areas are popular in winter. People flock to the area for the great hiking from the spring into fall. Summer is the busiest season as the towns fill with tourists and people from NYC take weekend getaways. Then in the fall,
- Autumn: This is arguably the most picturesque time to visit the Hudson Valley. The region is well known for its colorful foliage as the mountainous landscape transforms into a stunning palette of red, orange, and yellow leaves. Fall also brings harvest festivals, apple picking, and wine tastings, making it a popular season to visit.
- Summer: Summer is ideal for those looking to explore the Hudson Valley’s outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and exploring the numerous state parks. There are also many cultural events, music festivals, and farmers’ markets. This is the busiest time of year and also the most expensive as families rent vacation homes and people from NYC flock to the towns for weekend getaways.
- Spring: As the snow melts and temperatures warm, the valley blooms with flowers and greenery. People come to visit botanical gardens, go hiking (which lasts through the fall), and enjoy the outdoors before the summer crowds. The weather can be a bit unpredictable at times, so packing layers is advisable.
- Winter: While this is the slowest season for most of the region, the chiller winter has its own allure for those who enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports offered in the Catskills. The holiday season brings festive markets and events to the towns throughout the valley. It’s a magical time for those who appreciate the serene beauty of a snowy landscape.
What are the Best Towns to Visit in the Hudson Valley?
The Hudson Valley is dotted with charming towns and cities, each offering its unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and dining. Most of these towns have small hotels or Bed & Breakfast style accommodations so that you can explore them by foot. And then they are a great base for driving out to the activities in the more rural areas. Here are some of the best towns to visit and where you might want to stay.
Beacon: Known for its vibrant arts scene, Beacon is home to Dia:Beacon, one of the largest contemporary art museums in the United States. This riverside town also offers quaint shops, delicious eateries, and beautiful hiking trails, including those leading up to Mount Beacon. Beacon is on the train line from NYC.
New Paltz: Offering a blend of outdoor activities and historical sites, New Paltz is home to the Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve, ideal for hiking, biking, and climbing. The town also features the historic Huguenot Street, showcasing stone houses from the early settlers. Because this a bit west of the Hudson River, you will likely want to drive here.
Cold Spring: This riverside village offers stunning views of the Hudson Highlands and a quaint Main Street filled with antique stores and cafes. It’s also a gateway to outdoor adventures, with easy access to hiking at Breakneck Ridge and the Hudson Highlands State Park. Cold Spring is on the train line from NYC.
Kingston: As New York’s first state capital, Kingston is rich in history, evident in its vibrant Uptown Stockade District. The town also offers a bustling waterfront with dining and recreational activities. The Metro-North train from NYC does not go this far, but there is an Amtrak station in nearby Hudson, which you can then Uber from. But while the stockade district is walkable, I recommend having a car.
Hudson: Once a whaling port, Hudson is now renowned for its impressive antique shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Its vibrant, creative atmosphere and historic architecture make it a must-visit for culture lovers.
Rhinebeck: With its well-preserved architecture and tree-lined streets, Rhinebeck boasts a quintessential small-town charm. It’s famous for its antique shops, boutiques, and the Dutchess County Fair, one of the largest in New York state. This is one of the more upscale destinations in the Hudson Valley, and so hotels and restaurants are on the pricey side.
The Hudson Valley is dotted with charming towns and cities, each offering its unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Here are some of the best towns to visit:
Beacon: Known for its vibrant arts scene, Beacon is home to Dia:Beacon, one of the largest contemporary art museums in the United States. This riverside town also offers quaint shops, delicious eateries, and beautiful hiking trails, including those leading up to Mount Beacon.
Rhinebeck: With its well-preserved architecture and tree-lined streets, Rhinebeck boasts a quintessential small-town charm. It’s famous for its antique shops, boutiques, and the Dutchess County Fair, one of the largest in New York state.
Hudson: Once a whaling port, Hudson is now renowned for its impressive antique shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Its vibrant, creative atmosphere and historic architecture make it a must-visit for culture lovers.
New Paltz: Offering a blend of outdoor activities and historical sites, New Paltz is home to the Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve, ideal for hiking, biking, and climbing. The town also features the historic Huguenot Street, showcasing stone houses from the early settlers.
Cold Spring: This riverside village offers stunning views of the Hudson Highlands and a quaint Main Street filled with antique stores and cafes. It’s also a gateway to outdoor adventures, with easy access to Breakneck Ridge and the Hudson Highlands State Park.
Kingston: As New York’s first state capital, Kingston is rich in history, evident in its vibrant Uptown Stockade District. The town also offers a bustling waterfront with dining and recreational activities.
How to Get to the Hudson Valley
Getting to the Hudson Valley is relatively straightforward, whether you’re coming from within New York State or traveling from further afield. Here’s how to make your way to this scenic region:
By Car: By far the easiest and most common way to get here is by car. Afterall, it is a rural area spread out over several counties. Driving offers the most flexibility for exploring the entire Hudson Valley, with the region accessible via several major highways. In particular, Interstate 87 (the New York State Thruway) runs north-south through the valley, and Interstate 84 runs east-west. These offer easy access to many of its towns and attractions.
By Train: The Hudson Valley is well-serviced by train, offering a scenic and convenient option for visitors. The Hudson Line of Metro-North Railroad provides service from Grand Central Terminal in New York City to various towns along the eastern shore of the Hudson River. It runs alongside the west bank of the Hudson River and stops at popular destinations like Peekskill, Cold Spring, Beacon, and ends in Poughkeepsie. This is the most popular transportation for people taking weekend trips up from the city. new.mta.info
Amtrak also runs through the Hudson Valley connecting stations further north than Poughkeepsie such as Rhinecliff, Hudson, and Albany.
By Bus: Various bus services connect the Hudson Valley to New York City and other parts of the state and country. Companies like Trailways and Greyhound offer routes to key locations in the region, providing an affordable travel option.
By Air: For those flying in, the closest major airports are Albany International Airport (ALB) in the northern part of the valley, Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Newburgh in central, and Westchester County Airport (HPN) in the southern part. The major airports in the New York City area such as John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR) are about an hour drive or longer if you are taking the trains up from them.