An inspiration to artists and poets since colonial times, the Hudson River Valley is one of the most beautiful expanses of natural scenery in the United States. Located along the Hudson from northern Westchester County to Albany, a distance of about 150 miles, the valley offers unparalleled scenic vistas, dotted with charming villages and small towns. Historic 19th-century homes, regional museums, wineries, a vibrant art scene, and rare reminders of Dutch Colonial life make the Hudson Valley a unique, unforgettable place.
Made famous by Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," Sleepy Hollow and neighboring Tarrytown are home to a collection of historic sites. The magnificent 19th-century Rockefeller estate Kykuit and the preserved 17th-century Dutch farm Philipsburg Manor present two sides of Hudson Valley history. Across Route 9 from the two estates, the Old Dutch Church (completed in 1685) and nearby Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, which figures prominently in Irving's famous tale.
Sleepy Hollow Historic Sights
Kykuit and Philipsburg Manor Visitor Center
381 N. Broadway (Route 9)
Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
914-631-8200
hudsonvalley.org
The quintessential Hudson Valley town, Nyack is located on the west shore of the Hudson at the Tappan Zee bridge crossing. Known for its fine dining, cozy bed and breakfasts, fantastic antique shopping, and year-round arts programs, Nyack is perfect for a weekend getaway from New York City. Nearby Hook Mountain State Park offers amazing views of the Hudson.
Village of Nyack, NY
New York State Thruway Exit 11
nyack-ny.gov/home
A striking mansion in the Federalist style, Boscobel was built in 1808 for the prominent States Dyckman family. Today the house is a museum filled with 19th-century paintings, Federalist furniture, and decorative arts (including pieces by Duncan Phyfe). The formally landscaped grounds offer a rose garden, orangery, herb garden, ponds, woodland trails, and spectacular views of the Hudson River. Musical performances and special exhibitions take place during spring, summer, and fall.
Boscobel House and Gardens
1601 Route 9D
Garrison, NY 10524
845-265-3638
boscobel.org
This massive Victorian mountain lodge, built in 1869, is a must-visit sight along the Hudson in New Paltz, New York. Besides luxury accommodations in its all-inclusive rates, overnight guests can indulge in spa treatments, fine dining, and a host of outdoor activities: lake swimming, boating, fishing, paddle-boating, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, tennis, and much more. In winter, enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports. Mohonk Mountain House welcomes day visitors at special rates.
Mohonk Mountain House
1000 Mountain Rest Rd.
New Paltz, NY 12561
845-255-1000
mohonk.com
An inspiration to the Hudson River School painters in the 19th century, two-tiered Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskill Mountains is the tallest waterfall in New York State. Managed by the state's Department of Environmental Conservation, the falls and many other scenic attractions are located within the historic North-South Lake Campground area. An extensive hiking trail network leads to picturesque Catskill peaks and falls. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, swimming, and row-boating.
Kaaterskill Falls
Within North-South Lake Campground area
County Route 18
Haines Falls, NY 12436
518-589-5058
dec.ny.gov/outdoor/24487.html
Set atop a promontory overlooking a bend in the Hudson River, Olana was the home and studio of Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church (1826-1900). Built between 1870 and 1891, the Persian-style mansion displays Church's personal collections of paintings, drawings, furniture, and decorative art, much as it was in the 1890s. The grounds, designed by Church, were once a working farm and feature paved carriage roads, gardens, and pools. The property is now a State Historic Site.
Olana State Historic Site
5720 Route 9G
Hudson, NY 12534
518-828-0135
olana.org
