The Hudson Valley in New York follows
the winding path of the mighty Hudson River through miles of majestic
wilderness, fruiting orchards, bucolic farmland and 19th century
old-money retreats. The many parks in the area offer outdoor adventures
in beautiful and often historically relevant locals.
Harriman State Park is 72-square miles of outdoor adventure thanks
to its many hiking trails and camping sites. There’s swimming
and hiking in the summer and ice-fishing and cross-country skiing
in the winter. The same is true of Bear Mountain State Park, which
offers a stunning view of wild flowers and fall foliage from its
1,360-ft. peak.
History buffs will find many points of interest in New York’s
Hudson Valley. Hyde Park, FDR’s favorite get-away, houses
the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library & Museum, Val-Kill (Eleanor’s
private retreat) and the amazing Vanderbilt Mansion & Museum.
This 43-acre, one-time home of robber-baron scion William C. Vanderbilt
is a combination of marine and natural history museum, planetarium
and park is a National Historic Site and open to the public. The
Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site marks the
revolutionary base of operations Gen. Washington used through
much of the war, and features a museum, galleries and gift shop.
Poughkeepsie New York in the Hudson Valley
is the home of Vassar University and the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center,
which features Hudson River School paintings.
