Hudson Valley

Step back in time at the medieval Castle-on-Hudson, a 19th-century luxury hotel sitting atop a scenic Tarrytown hillside, or tour New Rochelle, the city that inspired some of Norman Rockwell’s most memorable illustrations. Canoeing, kayaking, and sailing are popular outdoor activities, and easy access to the Appalachian Trail allows travelers to get their fill of nature.

Most Hudson Valley tours depart from New York City and include round-trip transportation, making for an easy day trip. The region is dotted with wineries and breweries, and culinary excursions allow you to avoid the hassle of driving, explore the countryside, and taste local wines, beers, or ciders. Bike tours are a good option for travelers who want to get some exercise and explore the countryside up-close, while helicopter and hang-gliding tours provide sweeping views over the entire region.

• Hudson Valley is a must-see for history buffs, foodies, and nature lovers.

• The valley’s restaurant scene is famous for its talented chefs and abundance of local ingredients. Be sure to grab a bite at a local establishment.

• Most Hudson Valley towns feature bike-friendly streets, while scenic off-road bike trails are often easily accessible.

Hudson Valley is located just north of Manhattan and ecompasses New Paltz, Nyack, Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, and Beacon. The Metro North train connects the Big Apple to multiple Hudson Valley cities, while guided tours typically provide round-trip transportation from Manhattan.

Spring and summer weather is typically pleasant in the Hudson Valley, making those seasons ideal for outdoor activities. While temperatures may be crisp in autumn, the region’s spectacular fall foliage is a draw for many travelers.

The Hudson Valley is an East Coast hotbed for wine production, putting out award-winning cabernet francs, chardonnays, and merlots. The region is home to some of America’s oldest vineyards, which were operating before California’s Sonoma and Napa valleys rose to fame. Craft beer breweries, cider orchards, and boutique distilleries also populate the valley.

If you plan to explore far and wide, the best way is by car. Those four wheels open up possibilities, such as easy access to the many hikes around the Hudson Valley. That said, many believe that the best way to see the Hudson Valley is by foot.

Most upstate New Yorkers will tell you that fall—when the foliage takes center stage and there are a ton of autumnal things to do—is the best time to visit the Hudson Valley. Area hikes showcase hills bathed in red and gold, and towns like Sleepy Hollow celebrate Halloween in style.

If you only have one day in the Hudson Valley, go to Hudson, the little city with lots going on. Aside from urban activities like browsing Warren Street’s vintage shops and eating out, there’s easy access to the Hudson River for cruises that show off the best Hudson Valley scenery.

Yes, a car is ideal for getting around and exploring the Hudson Valley. Public transit options may link up some of the bigger towns, but it would be tricky to access the smaller hamlets and remote wooded areas of the Hudson Valley without your own vehicle.

On an urban front, towns like Hudson, Rhinebeck, and Woodstock are interesting places to put on a must-explore list. In the countryside, Bear Mountain State Park offers varied terrain for all outdoors lovers, while hiking Bull Hill (aka Mt. Taurus) near Cold Spring is easily accessible for New Yorkers.

Yes. Hop on the Hudson Line of the Metro-North Railroad to follow the east side of the river between New York City (Grand Central Terminal) and Poughkeepsie, stopping at destinations including Cold Spring and Peekskill. Another fast option is the Amrak Empire Service from Penn Station to Hudson.