Hudson Valley holidays

The Hudson River Valley is designated as a National Heritage Area. Significant attractions present the history of the Wappinger Indians, the American Revolution, The Gilded Age, and the era of an iconic president. You can see everything from the Dutch Colonial home of Mount Gulian, to the Gilded Age mansions of Staatsburgh State Historic Site and Vanderbilt National Historic Site.

Hyde Park was the birthplace and final resting place of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Take a guided tour at the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, and visit America’s first presidential library and museum. Nearby, you can discover Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site – the only one dedicated to a first lady.  

You’ll also find a world-class cultural arts scene in the Hudson Valley. A huge gallery, Dia Beacon showcases large-scale works of art by world-renowned artists from the Sixties to the present day. And, in July and August, the Fisher Center hosts SummerScape, an international festival of music, opera, cabaret, theater, film and dance on the stunning campus at Bard College.

Farm-to-table dining is a way of life in the Hudson Valley, as it’s one of the richest agricultural regions of the Northeast. You can explore farms firsthand with pick-your-own experiences, and try local produce at the abundant farmers markets. And you can follow the Dutchess Craft Beverage Trail to discover the region’s award-winning wines, beers, ciders and spirits.

At the very head of the dining scene is The Culinary Institute of America – known to foodies as the “CIA”. Numerous celebrity chefs have graduated from the world’s premier culinary college, which continues to train students from all over the world. A meal at the CIA is a truly unforgettable experience, where you can take your pick from three student-staffed restaurants, Bocuse, American Bounty, and Caterina de Medici. Just make sure you book a table in advance, as it’s extremely popular.

The scenic beauty of the Hudson River is unmatched, and there are countless ways you can explore Dutchess County’s great outdoors. Discover the caves at Dover Stone Church, kayak along the Hudson River, hike the Appalachian Trail, or climb the 96-metre fire tower at Ferncliff Forest. Fancy a gentle stroll? Wander through the “cup” gardens at Innisfree Garden, one of the best gardens in the world.

And the Walkway Over the Hudson is a must-see. The world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge has amazing views from 65 metres up. Walk over the two-kilometre bridge, and discover a further 32 kilometres’ worth of hiking and biking trails.

For something a little different, head to Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome and enjoy a bird’s-eye view when you fly in an open-air biplane. Between June and October, there are weekend airshows featuring the Golden Age of Aviation and the oldest flying plane in America, as well as French, British and German planes from World War One. There’s also a large museum filled with vintage planes, cars and motorbikes.

There are a number of ways you can reach the Hudson Valley. After a few days in Manhattan, you can collect your hire car and drive two hours north. Once you’re out of the city, you can look forward to a very scenic journey.

Or perhaps you’d prefer to travel by train? It’s a relaxing 90-minute journey from New York. You can either take Amtrak from the new Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station, or ride the Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Terminal. Whichever you choose, you’ll have beautiful views as both train lines run alongside the Hudson River.

If you’d like to have a car to explore the Hudson Valley – which we’d really recommend – you can collect one in the pretty city of Poughkeepsie.