10 Places to Visit in the Hudson Valley
Hit the Hudson Valley highlights. If you haven’t crossed these places off your bucket list, you haven’t seen the Valley. There are literally thousands of attractions, destinations and events to cover throughout the year in our region, but here are a few of the “must sees” that we’re known for.
1. Village of Nyack
The Village of Nyack is a quaint Victorian town filled with intriguing shops and restaurants. Try international cuisine, off-Broadway theater, shops, galleries, antiques, and a gorgeous view of the Hudson River. 845-708-7300.
2. Playland Amusement Park
An Art-Deco national Historic Site, was the first planned amusement park in the United States. The historic wooden coaster and carousel have been at Playland since it opened in 1928. 50 rides are featured throughout the park. 914-813-7000.
3. Boscobel Restoration
An elegant early 19th century Federal-style mansion has an outstanding collection of furniture and decorative arts of the period. The world-renowned gardens offer a breathtaking view of the Hudson River. 845-265-3638.
4. United States Military Academy at West Point
The oldest military academy in the country. Walk the paths of Generals and presidents as you trace the footsteps of our country’s great leaders. Guided tours leave daily from the West Point Visitor Center, and the museum shows cadet life as it has been lived over the past 200 years. 845-446-4724.
5. Mohonk Mountain House
A 250 room mountain top resort built in 1869. This Victorian castle is a legend in the Hudson Valley. Overlooking its private crystal clear lake, the resort provides four seasons of activities for the day or the week. Hiking trails, spa, golf, ice skating, lake swimming, and boating are just a few ways to spend the day. 800-772-6646.
6. Thomas Cole National Historic Site
Visit the residence and studio of 19th century artist and founder of the Hudson River School. The site contains galleries of oil paintings, as well as rooms with Cole artifacts and period furnishings.nd magnificent vistas and views.
7. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Home, Presidential Library & Museum
Has a beautiful Visitor Information Center. This was the lifelong home of President Roosevelt, and he and his wife Eleanor are buried here. The Rose Garden is renown, and the museum contains extensive displays on the lives and careers of Franklin and Eleanor. 845-229-9115
8. Olana
Was the home and studio of Frederic Church, the pre-eminent Hudson River School artist. His Moorish/Persian home offers a spectacular view of the Hudson River Valley, inspiration for many of his works. 518-828-0135.
9. New York State Museum
Tells the story of New York from metropolis to the Adirondacks. It’s the oldest state museum in the United States. The Terrace Gallery highlights the best of all New York State’s regions, and there’s an historic carousel to ride. New to the museum is a moving 9/11 exhibit. 518-474-5877
10. Crailo State Historic Site
Is a museum of the Dutch in the upper Hudson Valley. Built in the early 18th century, it tells the story of the early Dutch inhabitants of the valley through exhibits highlighting archeological find from the Albany Fort Orange excavations. 518-463-8738.