There are some places in the Hudson Valley that are a must-see. Check out the following destinations: Beacon, Cold Spring, and New Paltz. If you are a nature lover, you’ll love seeing the fall colors and the Esopus Lighthouse.
New Paltz
Located in the Hudson Valley, New Paltz is a charming town with a rich history of culture and art. The town is also home to the State University of New York at New Paltz. Visitors will find an eclectic mix of historic architecture, natural beauty, and contemporary energy.
This town is known for its historic architecture, including seven colonial-era houses, a church, and even a replica of a wigwam. You’ll also find stone house museums that tell the stories of local settlers. Visitors can even download a free walking tour of the town to enjoy the historical sites.
The town is also famous for its apple orchards, so if you’re visiting during the fall, you’ll want to stop by the Jenkins-Lueken Orchards. The orchards have been in business for over 50 years, and you can pick up berries and apples at their farmstand. If you’re looking for a great way to spend a day, you can also go to the town’s Open Air Market on Sundays. There are food vendors, arts and crafts, and local musicians.
New Paltz is also a great place to enjoy hiking and cycling. There’s a rail trail that connects the town with neighboring towns, and you can explore the surrounding countryside from here.
Beacon
There are many reasons to visit Beacon, New York. A charming New England village with Dutch roots, this charming town is a popular location for weddings. The town is home to the fully restored 1740’s Dutch barn and 18th century Dutch homestead. There are also plenty of places to eat, including the renowned Bank Square Coffeehouse.
Depending on how much time you have to spend in the Hudson Valley, driving from New York City to Beacon is likely to take about an hour. Alternatively, you can fly into Hudson Valley Regional Airport. However, if you’re trying to travel sustainably, avoid short flights. If you’d prefer a bus ride, take the Shortline Bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.
Despite its small size, Beacon has an incredible history and is one of the best places to visit in the Hudson Valley. It’s a beautiful town with a vibrant arts scene. Several galleries and a museum are located downtown. Moreover, you can find a number of local businesses and boutiques on Main Street.
Beacon is a great place for tourists who want to spend an entire day exploring the Hudson Valley. It is a picturesque town with a scenic riverfront. It is also home to Mount Beacon, the highest peak in the Hudson Valley. This mountain offers a great day hike with sweeping views of the city. If you’re traveling from a nearby New York City area, the cost of housing here is comparable to that of the surrounding neighborhoods. However, Beacon is easy to explore on foot, and there is a local shuttle service to get you where you need to be.
Cold Spring
Cold Spring is an idyllic village on the Hudson River that served as an important artillery base during the American Civil War. Today, the town is a popular destination for culture-loving New Yorkers and Hudson Highlands hikers. To get the most out of your stay, follow our 48-hour guide to the Hudson Valley. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, you can visit the Hudson Valley Outdoor Museum, a 500-acre outdoor museum. The museum features hiking trails, bike rentals, and a cafe.
If you’re looking for spectacular views of the Hudson River, take a hike through the Breakneck Ridge. The trail is one-mile long and offers some iconic vistas of the Hudson. It is a popular destination for hikers, and it is accessible from the Washburn Trailhead in Cold Spring. Hikers should know that Breakneck Ridge is one of the hardest hikes in the Hudson Valley, but there are also easier options for those who don’t want to take on a challenging hike.
Cold Spring is also home to a charming historic district. The town is surrounded by quaint boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants. You can enjoy outdoor eating and listen to live music while you browse the local shops.
Beacon Falls
The town of Beacon is home to the historic Beacon House, with original Dutch doors and scalloped shingles. The interior features period furniture and collections including 18th century Chinese porcelain and silver tea sets. The grounds include a brook and some of the region’s oldest trees. The town is also home to the Dia:Beacon Museum, a world-renowned contemporary art museum. The building was once a Nabisco box-printing plant and now houses work by emerging artists and galleries.
While in the area, be sure to take time to check out the town’s many shops, restaurants, and theaters. Beacon’s Main Street is lined with eclectic murals, boutiques, and restaurants. There is something for everyone: from the fashion-conscious to the homebodies. The town is also home to the Hudson Valley Renegades baseball team, which plays at Dutchess Stadium.
In Beacon, a short walk from downtown, you’ll find the aptly-named Beacon Falls. This waterfall sits at the eastern end of Main Street, surrounded by a stunning natural setting. A few restored buildings and abandoned rail tracks make for the perfect backdrop. Then, downstream in Madam Brett Park, you’ll find Tioronda Falls, another waterfall worth a visit.
On Sundays, Beacon is host to the Beacon Flea Market. The market features local artists and collectors, as well as locally made foods and vintage items. There are over fifty vendors in the market, which is open to the public every Sunday.
Kingston
If you’re looking for an idyllic getaway in the Hudson Valley, Kingston may be the perfect destination. The city has a vibrant arts scene and one of the largest farmers markets in the area. During the winter, the market moves indoors to the Old Dutch Church. If you’re not a fan of the farmers market, you can check out some of the many shops in Uptown. The area is known for its eclectic stores, including Half Moon Books, Wright Gallery Records, Rhino Records, and Lovefield Vintage.
Kingston’s downtown is the hub of artistic activity. A stroll down Broadway will remind you of the town’s vibrant past. You’ll find beautiful architecture here, as well as powerful political murals. The city is also home to the O+ Festival, a weekend-long arts and wellness program that raises awareness about the struggles of working artists and their families. If you’re looking for something a bit more interactive, explore the Midtown Arts District. You can also find open studios, art galleries, and craft markets in the city’s side streets. You’ll be spoilt for choice in Kingston!
Kingston is located halfway between New York City and Albany. It is well connected by car and bus and has a vibrant arts scene. It is also home to the historic Senate House, which was constructed by a Dutch immigrant in 1676. The building was used for many different functions, including being the home of the New York State Senate during the 18th century. Today, the historic building is run by the state and is a designated historic site. It contains a vast collection of historical artifacts that you’ll be able to enjoy while you’re in Kingston.
Annandale-on-Hudson
If you’re looking for an idyllic Hudson Valley vacation spot, Annandale-on-Hudson should be on your list. This small village has a lot to offer visitors and features many attractions. The town is located close to Bard College and offers beautiful scenery. Other great destinations include the Poet’s Walk Park and Red Hook Golf Club.
If you’re traveling with children, don’t miss the Hudson Valley Children’s Museum. Here, kids can learn more about the area’s rich history. There’s also the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, which is based on environmental education and incorporates nature play at Grasshopper Grove. This museum also hosts weekend nature programs.
If you’re looking for art museums, Annandale-on-Hudson has more than a few to offer. The Loeb Museum, which is on the campus of Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, offers both permanent exhibits and visiting exhibits by international artists. It also serves as a research center and welcomes faculty to use its collections. Another option is the Hessel Museum of Art, which was built in 2006 and showcases more than 3,000 works of art.
If you’re planning a trip to Annandale-on-Hudson, you may want to stay in a rental property. There are several properties available in the area, and many come with amenities such as cable/sa.