Student Tours
If you’re responsible for planning student educational tours, your challenge is to balance learning with fun experiences. It also helps if your itinerary covers more than one subject in the curriculum. For a hands-on history lesson that also includes exposure to arts and culture, without forgetting the fun – consider the Hudson River Valley region. This ten-county region – easily accessible to motorcoaches – offers a concentration of sites and attractions open and welcoming to student groups. Historic sites cover multiple pivotal points throughout America’s past; cultural institutions pay homage to arts both past and present; and outdoor recreation offers thrilling moments perfectly captured in a Gen Z’s Instagram feed. Making it even easier, group-friendly restaurants and accommodations are ample and open year-round.
Just what would a multi-day student tour of the Hudson Valley look like? Here’s one sample.
DAY 1 – Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster Counties
Visit:
Magazzino Italian Art
A private warehouse art space showcasing post-war and contemporary Italian art.
magazzino.art
2700 U.S. Route 9, Cold Spring
Hudson River Expeditions
Kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle-board rentals, tours, and instruction for the novice to experienced paddler.
hudsonriverexpeditions.com
14 Market Street, Cold Spring
Stay:
Hampton Inn & Suites Poughkeepsie
Amenities include a free hot breakfast, free internet access and an indoor pool.
hilton.com/en/hampton/
2361 South Road, Poughkeepsie
Hampton Inn New Paltz
Newly built hotel with an indoor pool, complimentary hot breakfast. One mile to village of New Paltz.
hamptoninn3.hilton.com
4 S. Putt Corners Road, New Paltz
Day 2 - Dutchess County
Visit:
Mount Gulian Historic Site
A reconstructed 18th century Dutch manor house on the Hudson River.
145 Sterling Street, Beacon
Dia:Beacon
The Dia Art Foundation's collection of art from the 1960s to the present.
3 Beekman Street, Beacon
Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites
Three National Historic Sites managed together: The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt NHS, Eleanor Roosevelt's Val-Kill, and the Vanderbilt Mansion.
4097 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park
Eat:
Shadows on the Hudson
New American eats in a sprawling space with standout waterfront views.
176 Rinaldi Boulevard, Poughkeepsie
Stay:
Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel
Complimentary full hot breakfast, free wifi, refrigerators and microwaves.
40 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie
Day 3 - Greene, Columbia, Ulster Counties
Visit:
Olana State Historic Site
5720 Route 9G, Hudson
The home and studio of eminent Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church; one of the most visited sites in the state.
olana.org
Thomas Cole National Historic Site
218 Spring St., Catskill
A nationally recognized historic site that marks the birthplace of American art, where the Hudson River School of landscape painting began.
Thomascole.org
Eat:
White Stone Café
2337 Route 66, Ghent
Family style American fare with something for everyone.
whitestonecafe.com
Creekside Restaurant
160 West Main Street, Catskill
American classics, cocktails & various beers served in casual surrounds with a patio & creek views.
Facebook: Creekside Catskill