Staycations to Take Right Now in the Hudson Valley
October 1st, 2020
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If COVID-19 upended your annual vacation plans and prolonged travel restrictions have you longing for distant horizons, it’s time to plan a staycation! Instead of traveling abroad, find somewhere within driving distance of your home and spend time exploring new trails, new streets, and new restaurants.
The Hudson Valley extends for 150 miles from the tip of Manhattan all the way north to the Capital Region. Find outdoor art exhibits spread across acres of rolling fields, and turn down roads you’ve driven by every day to find farmers’ markets and scenic trails. Staycations make serendipity possible. And the best part is, you can be home for supper or spend the night just down the street and let someone else cook dinner for you!
Here are our favorite places to explore during a staycation in the Hudson Valley:
- Do: Rent kayaks from one of Upstate Kayak Rentals self-serving hubs and see familiar sights from the water. Eight self-serve hubs are located throughout the region, allowing you to pick your location and get your gear with minimum fuss. Once you’ve registered online, you’ll receive a pin code to unlock your gear. We recommend the Albany Corning Preserve Boat Launch to explore the Hudson and see the Albany skyline from the water.
- Taste: After paddling around Albany’s waterfront, dock and walk a few blocks to Eggy’s Food Truck to fuel up, or wind down at The Albany Distilling Company and Bottle Shop. Craft cocktails, as well as NYS beers and wines pair nicely with a small plates menu.
- Stay: Morgan State House is located less than a mile from the distilling company. This upscale retreat in the heart of the city is perfect for couples. Plush bedding, deep soaking tubs, and ample green space around the inn make your stay feel like an oasis.
- Do: In need of some time in wide, open spaces? Head to Grafton Lakes State Park where six ponds, and about 2,500 acres of parkland are open for public use. Go paddling, cast a line for trout, go for a hike, or bring your bikes for a ride. Boat rentals are unavailable at this time.
- Taste: For kid and adult-friendly cuisine, head to Bacchus Wood Fired in Troy for delicious pizza.
- Stay: Broken Wheel Campground is a fun tent campground offering a western vibe and great amenities for kids. Call ahead to reserve a site as they are taking a limited number of reservations at this time.
- Do: Plan on hiking, biking, and paddling in this neck of the Hudson Valley woods. The Catskill Mountains are a haven for mountain biking, offering technical single track and downhill at places like Windham Mountain Bike Park, as well as wide paths perfect for a family outing. Hiking trails crisscross the Catskill Park, one of New York State’s two “Forever Wild” protected places. Boaters and paddlers will enjoy exploring Catskill Creek, a tributary of the Hudson River, with many restaurants within walking distance of the shoreline.
- Taste: Many of Greene County’s restaurants are open, offering a variety of in-restaurant, and takeaway options. For gourmet diner fare, head to Gracie’s Luncheonette in Leeds where everything is made from scratch. Try the New York Restaurant in Catskill for Polish-inspired dishes and so much more.
- Stay: Treetopia Campground offers a variety of site options, including cabins, Airstreams, glamping tents, and RVs. Enjoy the fun of camping without having to pitch a tent!
- Do: For thrill seekers, a trip to Catamount Mountain Resort for a ride on the “CataMonster” is a must. This is the longest Zipline in the U.S. at 5,523-feet. You’ll get a bird’s-eye-view of the mountains as you descend 1,000 feet over three zips.
- Taste: Many of Columbia County’s restaurants are offering dine-in and take-out options. Feast on all the food you’ve been missing, from Thai to pizza and everything in between.
- Stay: The Barlow in downtown Hudson offers a refined retreat that will soothe the soul and satisfy the need for a relaxed night away surrounded by elegant comfort. Check in and explore downtown.
- Do: Go to Mohonk Preserve where fishing, hiking, biking, and rock climbing offer an adventure to all. Explore more than 75 miles of trails by foot, and 30 miles of bike trails that connect to neighboring trail systems like the Minnewaska State Park Preserve. There is an entry fee to enjoy the preserve, but this is one city escape worth paying to enjoy.
- Taste: From Anatolia to Italy, and Asia to Latin America, Ulster County’s restaurant scene is well traveled. For freshly prepared comfort food, head to Dixon Roadside in Woodstock. Its sister property, Phoenicia Diner, is also a must-experience.
- Stay: Treat yourself to a relaxing stay at Mt. Tremper’s Emerson Resort and Spa and enjoy staying in, or adventuring out.
- Do: Hike part of the Appalachian Trail while spending time outdoors in the Hudson Valley! For 30 miles, this famous American hiking trail winds through Dutchess County’s Harlem Valley. From granite outcroppings and scenic overlooks, to forests and wetlands, experience part of the AT in the Hudson Valley.
- Taste: Bia just opened in 2019 in Rhinebeck and offers a unique take on traditional Irish cuisine, emphasizing Gaelic themes and offering an upscale dining experience.
- Stay: Dutchess is home to the oldest continuously operating inn in America. Book a night at the Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn in Rhinebeck for a centrally-located, historically-rich overnight treat.
- Do: New exhibitions at Storm King Art Center offer an added bonus and reason to visit this world renowned art center. Roam the grounds and see if you can get the best view of the larger-than-life sculptures.
- Taste: Farm-to-fork dining is synonymous with the Hudson Valley, and Orange County offers plenty of options. Stop by Iron Forge Inn in Warwick where the menu incorporates locally sourced ingredients that change with the season.
- Stay: Orange offers lodging properties to fit every budget. Book a stay at a chain hotel, like a Hampton Inn, or choose a boutique property, like the Thayer Hotel at West Pont.
- Do: For dramatic views of the Hudson River, visit Boscobel House & Gardens in Garrison. The grounds overlook Constitution Marsh toward West Point, where the U.S. military academy sits.
- Taste: Tilly’s Table Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, and live music every Friday and Saturday. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine and a lively atmosphere.
- Stay: For anyone in need of a relaxing retreat surrounded by the beauty of the Hudson Valley, The Garrison Inn is a must. This tranquil oasis offers on-site dining, a golf course, and more.
- Do: If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing the Hudson River on a sailboat – this is your year. Set sail from Nyack with Nyack Boat Charter and explore the scenic river valley and glimpse elegant riverside mansions. Or book an overnight sailing adventure with a captain for a truly memorable experience.
- Taste: Rockland County offers a global dining experience serving Indian, Mexican, and Filipino cuisine-and much more. Try Bombay Grill in New City for Indian specialty dishes.
- Stay: For a Hudson Valley getaway in the heart of nature, head to Bear Mountain Inn for the right amount of luxury and rustic retreat.
- Do: The grounds at Lyndhurst Mansion are open to the public for tours. For a small fee, explore 67 acres of gardens, including a rose and fern garden, and follow restored pathways around these unparalleled grounds.
- Taste: Westchester is home to several Michelin rated restaurants, including eight Bib Gourmand and the Hudson Valley’s first Michelin Starred restaurant, Blue Hill at Stone Barns. While reservations may be difficult to come by, it’s worth a shot at the waiting list to dine at one of these distinguished culinary meccas.
- Stay: The Castle Hotel & Spa in Tarrytown offers an indulgent retreat for a Hudson Valley staycation. Live like royalty during your stay and make the most of the castle’s rich amenities, like the larger-than-life chess set and outdoor pool.
Plan your staycation now in the Hudson Valley and Make It Yours.
You might also enjoy:
Make It Yours at Home in the Hudson Valley
https://travelhudsonvalley.com/make-it-yours-at-home-in-the-hudson-valley/
Things to Do in the Hudson Valley
