Isn’t it Romantic?
The Hudson Valley is for lovers!
Valentine’s Day may be over, but Cupid is in residence in the Hudson Valley all year long. Cozy restaurants, private hideaways, and scenic spots perfect for proposals have attracted lovers for centuries. Celebrate a special anniversary or the start of a new love at some of the valley’s intimate destinations.
The food of love is fresh and locally grown at restaurants throughout the region. Walk down the garden path at Cathryn’s Tuscan Grill in Cold Spring and you’ll enter an elegant Italian restaurant with just the right touch of rustic charm. Sink into one of the comfy couches in the bar for a cocktail before dinner. With its delicious cuisine, the restaurant sits right in the heart of this Hudson River village. Just to the north, rekindle the romance at America’s oldest continuously operating inn, the Tavern at the Beekman Arms in Rhinebeck. Choose a cozy booth, the garden greenhouse, or a table next to the fireplace. American cuisine is prepared with Hudson Valley farm-fresh products along with regional wine, beer and spirits. Open every day of the year, make it a getaway and spend the night at this historic inn built in 1766.
For a wonderful romantic outing, taste the love potions at Hudson-Chatham Winery in Ghent. Boasting an intimate yet airy tasting room complete with a candle-lit fireplace, couples can try a wide range of award-winning wines. The winery features hand-crafted vintages, cheeses and desserts, and includes vineyard tours and a gazebo with scenic views. Food and wine have always played an important part in the art of love, and even choosing what to cook together can be a romantic experience. Walk hand in hand through the Waterfront Farmers Market in Troy to select ingredients from over seventy vendors. It’s a unique setting for romance, but how can you lose when you’re surrounded by stalls filled with fragrant baked goods, flowers, candy, wine, and the freshest of produce? And there’s also live music!
Fresh air can be a marvelous aphrodisiac, particularly when paired with beautiful scenery. The path along the foot of Hook Mountain at Nyack Beach State Park hugs the shore of the Hudson River at its widest point offering expansive views of the Hudson Highlands and the passing water traffic. Stroll along the banks from spring through fall, then snowshoe or cross country ski in winter. When spring breezes start warming up the earth, a stroll through the thousands of nodding tulips at the Orange County Arboretum in Montgomery prompts thoughts of love. The paths wind through raised beds, pergolas draped with wisteria, and bubbling water features. The park benches along the way might be that perfect place to pop the question, or just drink in the colorful beauty of the surrounding flowers.
In any season, head for the hills and the rustic elegance of The Graham and Co., a small, boutique hotel in Phoenicia with a modern take on the classic weekend getaway. Within minutes of major ski and snow shoeing areas, twosomes can bike in the spring, lounge around the pool in summer, and hike the surrounding mountains in fall. Within those same mountains in Windham is a home built in 1782 as an inn, returned to its former elegance as Catskill Maison. If you can’t resist curling up in the heavenly bed, you may decide to read a book on your private porch, or take an afternoon soak in your two-person in-room Jacuzzi. Gaze into the eyes of your loved one over the three course breakfast before you start out for your day’s adventures.
Speaking of getaways, what could be more romantic than staying in a real castle? The Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown sits majestically atop one of the highest points overlooking the Hudson River amid sprawling acres of manicured gardens. With over 100 years of history, couples can luxuriate in the lavish rooms and linger in the beautifully appointed award-winning restaurant, Equus. If not a castle, choose an 1800’s mansion overlooking Washington Park in Albany for your stay. The artistically restored Morgan State House is filled with romantic places to cuddle up. Relax in the English garden, a spacious, tranquil sanctuary in the heart of the city. Admire the gorgeous woodwork as you breakfast. It’s a great escape for a romantic weekend.
Cue the violins, bring out the hearts and flowers, romantic adventures happen in all four seasons in the Hudson Valley. Rekindle a romance or start a new one. Come dance, come dine, come and fall in love again. And did we mention that we do weddings?
Additional information can be found at the Hudson Valley Tourism web site at www.travelhudsonvalley.com. Hudson Valley Tourism, Inc. is the ten county region designated by I LOVE NEW YORK to promote tourism for the area. Counties include Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester. Regional information can be obtained from any of the county tourism offices, or by calling 845-615-3860.
RESOURCES
Cathryn’s Tuscan Grill, Cold Spring. 845-265-5582, www.tuscangrill.com
The Tavern at the Beekman Arms, Rhinebeck. 845-876-1766. https://beekmandelamaterinn.com
Hudson-Chatham Winery, Ghent. 518-392-9463, www.hudson-chathamwinery.com
Waterfront Farmers Market, Troy. 518-708-4216, www.troymarket.org
Nyack Beach State Park, Upper Nyack. 845-358-1316, www.palisadesparksconservancy.org
Orange County Arboretum, Montgomery. 845-615-3830, www.orangecountynyparks.com
The Graham & Co., Phoenicia. 845-688-7871, www.thegrahamandco.com
Catskill Maison, Windham. 518-734-3232, www.catskillmaison.com
Castle Hotel & Spa, Tarrytown. 914-631-1980, www.castlehotelandspa.com
Morgan State House, Albany. 518-427-6063, 888-427-6063, www.statehouse.com