Over 100 ‘Fun Facts’
About the Hudson Valley

January 27, 2022

Did you know that Lucille Ball made her stage debut in Newburgh? How about Philadelphia Cream Cheese wasn't invented in Philadelphia, but in Orange County? Or that a mansion in Dutchess County inspired the expression "keeping up with the Joneses?" Find out about those and over 100 other fun facts about the Hudson Valley.

Did You Know? Over 100 'Fun Facts' About the Hudson Valley

Did you know that Lucille Ball made her stage debut in the Hudson Valley? How about Philadelphia Cream Cheese wasn't invented in Philadelphia, but in Orange County? Or that a mansion in Dutchess County inspired the expression "keeping up with the Joneses?" Find out about those and over 100 other fun facts about the Hudson Valley.

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Lucille Ball

Lucille Ball made her stage debut at the Ritz Theatre in Newburgh in 1941. Others who have performed here include Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Milton Berle.

Newburgh, Television

RCA chose Newburgh in 1939 as the first test market for the television set.

George Washington

George Washington, the 1st President of the United States of America, lived in Newburgh during the final years of the Revolutionary War. Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site is open to visitors.

Scatzi's Burger

Buzzfeed placed the Scatzi's Burger 13th on its list of "21 Juicy Burgers That Will Ruin You For All Other Burgers."

"A burger at Schatzi is a special treat, because not only does it have 8 ounces of LaFrieda blended burger meat, it also has crispy pork belly, melted cheddar, potato, green onion rosti, Schatzi sauce, and is all sitting between two beautiful toasted pretzel buns," Buzzfeed wrote about the Scatzi's Burger.

LEGOLAND New York

LEGOLAND New York officially opened in July 2021 in Goshen. It's the first new major theme park to open in the Northeast in more than four decades.

Robert DeNiro

Oscar-winning actor Robert DeNiro has a home in Gardiner, New York in Ulster County.

Thomas Edison, Newburgh

Thomas Edison built his first power plant in Newburgh.

Ben's Fresh, Port Jervis

Ben's Fresh in Port Jervis made the finals in a statewide competition to name the best burger in New York State. The "Benny Burger" from Ben's Fresh in Port Jervis ended up finishing third. The burger from Ben's Fresh was also honored with the People's Choice Award, thanks to an online vote.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Dines at Salt Point Cafe & Market

Customers and workers were shocked when the "Hamilton" creator was spotted at Salt Point Market & Cafe in July 2021 where the "food is sought after by all."

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones is a longtime resident of Pawling in Dutchess County.

Cuomo Calls Hudson Valley 'Magnificent'

In early July 2021, Gov. Andrew Cuomo was at LEGOLAND New York and said the theme park will help everyone learn how "magnificent" the Hudson Valley really is.

Post Malone, Poughkeepsie

In March 2021, Post Malone shocked customers when he and a crew of friends dined at Hurrican Grill & Wings in Poughkeepsie.

Paul Rudd

Actor Paul Rudd lives in Rhinebeck and co-owns Samuel's Sweet Shop with Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilarie Burton.

Newburgh

Newburgh was the first city in the nation to be electrified.

Jimmy Fallon is From Ulster County

Long before he appeared on SNL or became the host of The Tonight Show Jimmy Fallon grew up in the Hudson Valley. Fallon grew up in Saugerties and attended Saugerties High School

Daniel Craig & Rachel Weisz

Married actors Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz own a home in Ulster County, New York.

Bill & Hillary Clinton

Democratic presidential nominee former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her husband former U.S. president Bill Clinton live in Chappaqua, Westchester County.

Chelsea Clinton Was Married in Dutchess County

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton walked Chelsea Clinton down the aisle during her wedding to Marc Mezvinsky at the Astor Courts Estate on July 31, 2010 in Rhinebeck

Liev Schreiber

Ray Donovan actor Liev Schreiber owns a home in Dutchess County, New York.

Liam Neeson

Actor Liam Neeson has a home in Millbrook in Dutchess County.

Goshen Historic Track

Goshen is known as the “Trotting Capital of the World" thanks to the Goshen Historic Track. The historic track is a half-mile harness racing track. It opened in 1838 and is the oldest horse racing track in North America.

Ship-to-Shore, Kingston

Ship to Shore in Kingston was honored by Only In Your State as being one of the "15 Best Restaurants For Foodies In New York State."

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