Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site is the 32nd President of the U.S. Franklin D. Roosevelts birthplace, home, and burial place in Hyde Park.
You can travel to the estate by train from NYC to Poughkeepsie train station and then take a cab, or by car.
The house can only be accessed by a guided tour for $20, but you can walk the several miles of trails on the grounds for free. Its a lovely way to spend an afternoon and there are many places to eat and drink in Poughkeepsie.
Into A Masterpiece At Olana State Historic Site
The Hudson River was the inspiration for a mid-19th-century American art movement of landscape painters known as the Hudson River School. One of the most famous of these landscape artists was Frederic Church. His former home is in Hudson, NY, and today, it is possible to take a tour of the stunning building and its grounds.
Olana was the home of Frederic Church, his wife Isabel, and their four children. He purchased 126 acres of land in 1860 just south of Hudson a former sketching spot he used to frequent. Originally he and his wife built what they called a “Cosy Cottage,” where they lived until 1866 when they purchased an additional 18 acres and designed Olana.
The main house at Olana is perched atop a hill, mixing Victorian design with Middle Eastern decorative themes. Inside viewers will find the numerous paintings, sculptures, and furnishings that Frederic and Isabel collected throughout their lives and travels. The now-250-acre estate is lined with carriage roads, blanketed with forest, and has an artificial lake, all of which are primed for exploring. It’s a wonderful introduction to Hudson, and the artistic movement that was inspired by the surrounding region.
Address: Cosy Cottage 5720, NY-9G, Hudson, New York
Upcoming Hudson Valley Events You Will Love
Looking for Hudson Valley Events that are fun for the whole family? Youve come to the right place!
I have done you the favor of combing through Facebook and have had my browser full of open tabs in order to provide you all with a comprehensive list of popular Hudson Valley Events taking place this year.
In addition to my , which is FULL of Popular Hudson Valley Events that will be sure to fill every weekend of your personal calendar, this article will also be updated regularly.
This article contains affiliate links. I make a small commission for purchases made through links at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure for more info.
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Take A Boat Ride On The Hudson
Getting a mid-river view of the Valleys legendary landscape is a not-to-be-missed experience and there are several ways to do it . Book a spot on one of the cruisers which regularly ply the waters between Haverstraw and Hudson. The on-board tour guides provide a bit of history and folklore as you motor past West Point, Bannerman Castle, the Great Estates area, and similar sites. During the summer months, the Beacon Sloop Clubs flagship Woody Guthrie sets sail each weeknight, offering free rides and a little river education. Sails on the sloop Clearwater can also be arranged.
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Books About The Hudson Valley
Curl up around a cozy fire with a good book about the Hudson Valley. Perfect!
Hidden History of the Mid-Hudson Valley: Stories from the Albany Post Road Carney Rhinevault and Tatiana Rhinevault
This is an easy introduction to the history of the Hudson Valley, based on stories of things that happened and people who lived along the Albany Post Road, the main road between New York City and the state capital in Albany in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
There are plenty of fascinating fun facts, events and characters, including safe houses on the Underground Railroad, riots, spies and more. Worth a read if you are interested in history.
Enjoy the fall!
Do you have any favorite places to enjoy the Hudson Valley in the fall? Id love to hear about them.
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If you are planning to visit New York City, read about some New York experiences:
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Explore The Hudson Valleys Connection With The American Revolution
When most people think of American Revolutionary history, they often think of big southern battles like Yorktown, but the first half of the war was fought primarily in the north. New York saw its fair share of action, considering access to New York Bay and the Hudson River were vital for transportation.
- Stony Point: The battle of Stony Point was a small but crucial battle in the American Revolution. The American forces won the battle in July 1779, but within two days, left the British to reclaim it. Now, you can visit the Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site and see the oldest lighthouse on the Hudson River, the Stony Point Lighthouse. Its free to walk around the site and visit the lighthouse and small museum.
- Washingtons Headquarters State Historic Site: From April 1782 to August 1783, the future first President of the U.S. made Hasbrouck House in Newburgh his headquarters, which you can now visit as Washingtons Headquarters State Historic Site. He rejected the proposition to be King and to make the new nation a monarchy there. Now there is a museum with an exhibit containing over a thousand objects from Washingtons collection. You can take a tour, which includes access to the Tower of Victory, a recently restored belvedere with a view of Mount Beacon.
Come For The Mountains Stay For The Food
Restaurants in the Hudson Valley know how to savor the summer with outdoor dining oases, wide open patios, and picnic tables on grassy fields of wildflowers. If your carless, there are great options close to the train station on the far less crowded MetroNorth Hudson line.
RoundhouseIf there’s anything our attempts at homemade sourdough and banana bread have taught us, it’s time to let the chefs do the cheffing. Overlooking a natural waterfall in Beacon, NY, this fresh-air hotel restaurant offers a vibrant menu of duck confit steam buns, and twelve hour smoked brisket sandwiches paired with barrel-aged Manhattans. On the weekends, a “Smoke on the Water” popup is set up with brisket, ribs, wings, and sausage.
SilviaReservations are strongly encouraged for Silvia’s buzzy deck in the heart of Woodstock town. Family-run and-owned by Brooklyn-born Korean sisters Doris and Betty Choi and their husbands, everything from their vegan kimchi to miso fish sauce is made in-house, with locally sourced veggies and organic meat provided from over twenty local farms. Hours: 4:30pm – 8pm Thursdays through Tuesdays.
CucinaThere’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of pasta and carafe of Italian wine at Cucina, a Woodstock staple since 2006. The restaurant, situated in a restored farmhouse, has taken advantage of its sprawling fields for outdoor dining with summer staples on the menu of lobster rolls, BBQ chicken and hot dogs.
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Take In A Show At The Bardavon
35 Market St, Poughkeepsie845.473.2072
The Bardavon 1869 Opera House New York States oldest continuously operating theater is Poughkeepsies one-stop shop for cultural events of every stripe. A typical season at the 944-seat theater includes concerts by headliners who are usually booked into much larger venues. But you can also catch performances by established dance and theater companies, watch classic films, experience opera streamed live in HD from the Met, and attend concerts by the Hudson Valley Philharmonic.
Admiring the ornate decoration in this historic building, however, is almost as exciting as watching the performers. The theaters original interior was renovated in 1923, turning it from an opera house into a movie palace the neoclassical/Italian Renaissance design elements from that era including elaborate plasterwork and a impressive domed ceiling are still present today. Installed in 1928, the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ is the only one in any theater between Manhattan and Albany that remains in its originally intended setting. Saved from the wrecking ball in 1976, the theater was subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places it has proven to be an architectural gem as well as a vital arts resource for the Valley and well worth a visit.
3 Beekman St, Beacon845.440.0100
Franklin Delano Roosevelt National Historic Site
If you are looking for a complete Franklin D. Roosevelt experience, take a tour through Top Cottage, the Roosevelt country home. This is the home where Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt eventually retired and in which they entertained many famed guests, from politicians to members of royalty.
Step back through time and visit the cottage as it would have been in early 1800s and witness the early technology that helped Franklin Roosevelt learn to live with his disability and continue to serve as President of the United States. Combine a visit to the Franklin D. Roosevelt site with a visit to Val-Kill, the cottage that once belonged to Eleanor Roosevelt.
4097 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538, 845-229-9115
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Have Brunch At The Thayer
674 Thayer Rd, West Point845.446.4731, ext. 7929
Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, West Points Thayer Hotel built in 1926 has played host to multi-star generals from Douglas MacArthur to Dwight Eisenhower . The hoi polloi can get a taste of its history on Sundays by indulging in the legendary Champagne Brunch. This midday meal at MacArthurs Riverview Restaurant features a groaning board of dishes that are a far cry from military mess-hall grub: savory smoked salmon, dreamy Bananas Foster, and unlimited glasses of champagne, mimosas, and Bloody Marys. Pair the cuisine with the jaw-dropping views of the Hudson visible out the dining room windows, and we dare you to find a more relaxing way to spend a Sunday.
A post shared by Baldwin Winery on Apr 25, 2018 at 4:56am PDT
Cohoes Falls Fall Views Park Hudson Valley
Fall Views Park in Cohoes is home to the spectacular Cohoes Falls. With four acres of falls, rivers, and walking trails, it is a naturally stunning vista where you can spend an hour or two. The Upper Level offers easy access for everyone. Here you can enjoy a picnic or fishing trip with your family. The area features enlightening panels that inform visitors of the historical, educational, and geological significance of the falls and park. For those with a high level of fitness there is access to the bottom of the falls via a staircase. A trip to Cohoes Falls is a great family activity.
North Mohawk Street, Cohoes, NY 12047
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What Hudson Is Famous For
Hudson was the first city to be chartered by the United States.
Named after the famous English explorer Henry Hudson, the town has had quite the cycle of booms and busts.
Originally settled by the Mohican Indians, the land was first purchased by the Dutch in the early 1700s, then by Quaker whalers after the Revolutionary War.
The Quakers were worried the British might return after the war to re-seize land, so they left the coastally unprotected towns of Nantucket and New Bedford looking for a more inland location.
They settled on Hudson, due to its prime location at the head of the Hudson River, and soon developed the area into a busy port town. They even laid out out a proper city grid!
Youll still find whale logos in town today, on some street signs and business logos.
The town transitioned from a rich seaport to a bustling industrial town, with factories making fire engines, brickworks, iron cement and more.
Wealthy merchants and factory owners built many of the impressive homes found throughout Hudson today. They built a motley mix of architecture styles everything from Federal to Victorian to Queen Anne but all of the grand buildings, whether neglected or beautifully restored, are still charming.
When industry left the northeast in the late 20th century, Hudson wasnt spared.
Today, Hudsons hip-happening!
Fun Fact: Hudson is home to the highest percentage of self employed people in all of New York State!
Take In The View At Henry Hudson Riverfront Park
Henry Hudson Riverfront Park is located at the edge of town right along the water.
If you need a break from all the shopping, the quiet benches and relaxing views make for a nice short escape. Sit and watch the boats go by or see the colorful changing of the leaves in fall!
The park isnt that well maintained, so Id suggest going on a sunny afternoon. Even better, stop by Talbott & Arding in downtown Warren to pick up a to-go picnic!
Theyre a local provisions shop with a pretty extensive menu of sandwiches, salads and cookies. We especially loved their gourmet cheese and meat selection. Everything they offer is simple and delicious!
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Do Something At Hunter Mountain
64 Klein Ave, Hunter800.486.8376
Sure, we already know that Hunter with its 58 trails, top-notch snowmaking equipment, and great après-ski amenities is one of the best places in the Northeast to hit the slopes. What you may not know is that the mountain offers family fun programming during the other three seasons of the year as well. Check out the Scenic Skyride or the Zipline Canopy Tour for a thrilling views that rival any drone shot. When the snows not flying, the site plays host to some of the regions most anticipated festivals, from TAP New York to Taste of Country and Octoberfest.
5720 State Route 9G, Hudson518.828.1872
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Also in Ulster County in the Shawangunk Mountain Ridge is another popular hiking haven: Minnewaska State Park. Featuring multiple waterfalls, sparkling lakes, sheer cliffs, and hardwood forests, the park is a nature lover’s paradise. There are 50 miles of paths to choose from for biking, hiking, walking, and more, and they are all within an hour-and-a-half from New York City.
If you want to bring your furry companions, dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they are leashed. Camping is available from mid-May to mid-November at the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground, which comes with a cooking area, restroom, and shower facilities.
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Lush Landscapes And Sophisticated Pleasures Await
Americas first art movement, the Hudson River School of Painters, started here, with their brilliant depictions of lush landscapes of the valley. See how they lived and how they painted at restored homes like Olana and Thomas Cole National Historic Site. The arts continue to have a huge presence here within Storm King Art Center and Dia:Beacon, two internationally known art spaces.
All that landscape translates into limitless recreational opportunities, including part of the 3,200-kilometer-long Appalachian Trail, which was started here. The region is a four-season playground, hosting kayakers, rock climbers, hikers, swimmers, boaters, golfers, paddle boarders and more in the warmer months. Winter brings downhill and cross-country skiers, snow tubers, skaters, snow boarders, snowshoe lovers and hikers who love to see the Hudson Valley covered in white. Dont miss Walkway over the Hudson with its knockout views of the river and surrounding mountain ranges.
Speaking of crafts, there are three major craft villages here, Catskill, Woodstock and Sugar Loaf. Dedicated to the art of the handmade, shops frequently contain the studios of the owners who will gladly tell you about their skilled approach. Inveterate shoppers are dazzled by the range of options, from artisan clothing to discount designer wear. Boutiques abound, as do hundreds of antiques shops for collectors and those who just fancy a piece of vintage Hudson Valley.
Taking Hudson Valley Day Trips By Train
Taking the train from New York City to the Hudson Valley is quite simple. There are five train lines that will take you to different areas of the Hudson Valley.
The Metro North Train system is fairly reliable. Once you arrive at your stop, there are usually taxi services that can easily take you to your destination.
This makes this the perfect way for New Yorkers to explore the Hudson River Valley without a car.
Some towns are located near the train stations, so all you need are a good pair of shoes and youre on your way!
The Metro North Lines are:
- Hudson Line
- The New York State Thruway
- Interstate 684
- and more.
Knowing where these particular highways/Thruways/Interstates takes you is very important because many do not intersect and will lead you to very different places in the Hudson Valley.
Mapping out your destination, beforehand, is crucial in planning your Hudson Valley day trips. Using Google Maps will be extremely helpful, as not only does it show you how to get to your destination, it also shows you estimated time of travel, alternate routes and offers suggestions for places to eat and other sites to see.
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