Less than an hour from Manhattan, this region’s magnificent landscapes have inspired generations of artists and writers. Traveling along the majestic Hudson River, you’ll find palatial historic estates, splendid gardens, farm-fresh cuisine and fascinating history. Here are two itineraries—a Southern and a Northern route—to start your exploration of the picture-perfect Hudson Valley!
Hudson Valley – Southern Route
A. Yonkers
Start with an overview of the region and the river it is named for at the enchanting Hudson River Museum. Tour the 1877 Glenview Mansion and galleries while wishing upon a star in the planetarium. You can watch live harness and simulcast racing at Empire City/Yonkers Raceway. Choose from a variety of games and over 5,500 slot machines in the Casino
B. Rye
Head east to Playland Park, for old-fashioned fun on Long Island Sound. With more than 50 rides, plus a beach, boardwalk and fishing pier, it’s been a family favorite for nearly 80 years.
C. Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow
Drive northwest to tour Historic Hudson Valley’s network of stunning sites in Sleepy Hollow Country including Philipsburg Manor, a 1750 working farm; Sunnyside, Washington Irving’s charming 19th-century cottage; Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate and the Union Church of Pocantico Hills. At Pocantico Hills, take a delicious tour at the Stone Barns Center for Food Agriculture, a sustainable farm and education center at Sleepy Hollow. Dine on outrageously fresh local fare at the Blue Hill Restaurant. Don't miss Lyndhurst, a Gothic revival mansion.
D. Bear Mountain
Drive northwest to Bear Mountain State Park, with a trailside museum and zoo, picnic groves, a merry-go-round, a swimming pool, hiking and bike trails, and fishing.
Finding a room with a view is easy at the Bear Mountain Inn, a beautiful mountain side retreat nestled in the heart of Bear Mountain State Park.
E. Central Valley
Just north, you can power shop at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. The world’s largest collection of luxury designer and name brand outlets has 220 fabulous stores.
F. Monroe
Drive a few miles west to Museum Village, where 19th-century history comes to life.
G. Goshen
Just northwest the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame highlights racing with thrilling interactive exhibits.
H. Washingtonville
Go northeast to tour the cellars of Brotherhood, America’s oldest winery, and taste some of their finest creations. Please remember to have a designated driver.
I. West Point
Head east to follow the footprints of generals on a tour of the US Military Academy at West Point, a strategic site called “the key to the continent” by George Washington. In nearby Mountainville, take an artful stroll at the Storm King Art Center. The ever-changing sky and landscape serve as a fascinating backdrop to over 120 masterworks displayed in meadows and woodlands.
J. Garrison
Traveling east you may tour the magnificent Boscobel House & Gardens, a restored 19th-century mansion estate overlooking the Hudson River and West Point. Boscobel’s acclaimed Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival attracts over 30,000 fans every summer.
K. Beacon
A short drive northeast takes you to Dia: Beacon, Riggio Galleries, where the renowned art collection spans the 1960s to the present and includes masterworks by Andy Warhol and Richard Serra.
Hudson Valley – Northern Route
A. Kinderhook
Begin at the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, the home of the eighth president of the US. Van Buren entertained politicians and celebrities at this farm estate during the turbulent 1840s and 1850s.
B. Hudson
Drive southwest to visit Olana, the splendid estate of 19th-century Hudson River School artist Frederic Church. Tour the Persian-style mansion and stroll the surrounding gardens and carriage paths. See a premiere collection of firefighting objects at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting. Children’s activities include creative play on fire engines and a Fire Safety discovery room. Follow Hudson’s Antique Trail: 65 shops and galleries along five historic blocks on and around Warren Street. Items range from European furniture to clocks and architectural items.
C. Kingston
Cross the river and head south to the Senate House State Historic Site, the meeting place of the first NYS Senate. Browse the history exhibits and art gallery.
Take a narrated sightseeing tour with Hudson River Cruises, aboard the modern 300-passenger Rip Van Winkle. You’ll pass charming lighthouses and historic mansions.
D. Rhinebeck
Head east across the river, to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Experience the thrills of watching old-time, madcap air shows and explore one of the world’s largest collections of historic aircraft from the pioneer days of aviation.
E. Hyde Park
Head south to tour The Culinary Institute of America, the world’s premier culinary college. Register online for food and wine tastings or cooking classes. Make reservations at one of the five award-winning restaurants (you don’t need reservations for the Apple Pie Bakery Café open M-F).
Nearby, visit the Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, Val-kill, the private retreat of the First Lady, from 1945-1962.
Relive the Gilded Age with a tour of the neighboring Vanderbilt Mansion, surrounded by lush formal gardens and great Hudson River views.
F. Poughkeepsie
Just south, check out the views from the Walkway Over the Hudson, the longest pedestrian bridge in the world! A marvel of adaptive-use architecture, the renovated railroad bridge is now a linear park stretching 1.28 miles across the majestic Hudson River.
G. New Paltz
Just across the river, Minnewaska State Park Preserve offers biking, hiking and horseback riding trails to scenic waterfalls, as well as scuba diving, rock climbing and swimming.
Treat yourself to a stay at the elegant Mohonk Mountain House, a lakeside Victorian castle surrounded by forests and winding trails. Enjoy fine dining, swimming, boating, tennis, golf, hiking and a spa. Conde Nast Traveler just named it one of the Top 20 large resorts in the US.
Eleven wineries along the Shawangunk Wine Trail offer tours, tasting and special events. With a designated driver, travel a 30-mile loop along country roads with charming B&Bs, restaurants, streams for canoeing and fly fishing, and roadside farmstands.
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