There’s only one place where you’ll find the oldest winery in the U.S., remnants of the Revolutionary War, and some of the best farm-to-table food money can buy. Just a short drive north of New York City, it offers breathtaking scenery.
The Hudson River Valley is one of the country’s oldest settled regions, and like one of the wines the area is famous for, it has aged beautifully. Today, it’s a hotspot of cultural pursuits as well as home to some of America’s most fascinating history.
We’ve curated must-see attractions in the Hudson Valley for every type of traveler, whether you’re seeking a food and wine experience, history, art and architecture, or outdoor adventures.
Come along with us as we explore the Hudson Valley, a National Heritage Area that stretches from Albany in the north to Yonkers in the south.
Food & Wine Destinations in the Hudson Valley
Delight your palate with food and drink in the Hudson Valley, now recognized for its abundance of dining options with a farm-to-table focus. Plan to visit one of the three destinations below for a true taste of the region.
Brotherhood Winery | Washingtonville
Brotherhood is the oldest winery in the country and also the closest winery to New York City. Here, you’ll explore the cellars hand-dug in 1839, sample some of the winery’s original recipes, and enjoy tastings amid the historic vineyards.
Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture | Tarrytown
Created with a bequest from the Rockefeller family in the 1930s, the center invests in farmers, in addition to conducting research and education programs to teach people about sustainable, healthy agricultural techniques.
Take a behind the scenes tour of the farm, which includes the greenhouse, planting fields, and the livestock yards. For a dinner to remember, make a reservation at their Michelin-starred, farm-to-table restaurant, Blue Hill at Stone Barns.
Talbott and Arding | Hudson
This chef-owned gourmet grocery delights with artisan cheeses, specialty salads, gourmet crackers, and more. Visit to take home a treat for yourself (or someone special!), or buy all the supplies you need for an elegant picnic lunch.
Historical Hudson Valley Sites
From America’s earliest days to sites immortalized in literary history, history lovers will be right at home in the Hudson Valley.
Revolutionary War Heritage Sites | Throughout Area
Headquarters, forts, and memorials from the Revolutionary War era are scattered throughout the region. A shortlist of notable sites includes:
- Constitution Island at West Point
- Saratoga National Historical Park
- Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site
Learn about these sites and more by viewing the National Park Service’s complete list.
Sleepy Hollow & Tarrytown, NY
Fans of Washington Irving’s famous short story will enjoy the spooky atmosphere in Sleepy Hollow and the Tarrytown area.
Visit Sunnyside, Irving’s home; take a tour of the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to see notables; and, if you’re looking for something less scary, enjoy the town’s numerous dining and shopping establishments in quaint surroundings.
Hudson River Maritime Museum | Kingston
Explore the legacy of the Hudson Valley and discover how important the river was in the country’s development. You’ll also learn about the history and ecology of the area.
You can even book a boat tour to suit your tastes - bird-watching, fall foliage, lighthouses, and more.
Art & Architecture in the Hudson Valley
You don’t need to look far into the Hudson River Valley area to find breathtaking architecture and artwork. Explore the culture and artistic legacy of the Hudson Valley by visiting one, or all of, the following destinations.
Lyndhurst | Tarrytown
Discover an enchanting Gothic Revival castle in near-pristine condition. Built in 1838 and inhabited for over a century by some of the area’s wealthiest and best-known families, Lyndhurst is a blend of gorgeous architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds.
Kykuit | Pocantico Hills
Four generations of the Rockefeller family called Kykuit home. Overlooking the Hudson River, the entire estate sprawls over thousands of acres, with the 40-room mansion at the center.
Select from a variety of tours to see exactly what you’d like -- the grounds, the main house, or the art galleries.
Dia:Beacon | Beacon
This modern art gallery is housed in a restored factory space with a collection that includes pieces by Andy Warhol, Blinky Palermo, and Louise Bourgeois. Check the website before your visit to see if your favorite piece is currently on view.
You can also enjoy the gallery’s bookstore and café, Homespun Foods, on the premises.
Outdoor Adventures in the Hudson Valley
The beauty of the Hudson Valley is undeniable. For an up-close encounter, visit one of the destinations below. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can obtain a National Park Service Passport to be stamped at each qualifying location you visit.
Bear Mountain State Park | Woodbury
The 5,000 acres that form this state park offer a spectacular look at the Hudson Highlands, the mountains that border the river. Enjoy the hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and more that this park affords.
You’ll also encounter several trailside museums and zoos, as well as a vintage merry-go-round for the young and young at heart.
Storm King Art Center Sculpture Park | Cornwall
A unique mixture of art gallery and parkland, Storm King contains one of the largest collections of outdoor sculptures in the U.S. Stroll through 500 acres of large-scale, site-specific sculptures and artwork. You can also head indoors to the visitor center to enjoy permanent works on display in the gallery.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve | Pleasantville
Enjoy thoughtfully-designed green spaces and quiet trails at this park, located near the Rockefeller estate. A network of carriage roads makes getting around the park easy.
Don’t miss Rockwood Hall, the site of a former Rockefeller home and now host to a beautifully-designed landscape with views of the Hudson.
Find More of What You Love
Wherever your travels take you in the Hudson Valley, you’re sure to find something to inspire, delight, and entertain you.
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