Attractions in the Hudson River Valley, NY
by Leigh Goessl
New York State is full of diversified beauty and one of the most beautiful locations in the state is the Hudson River Valley. This valley is a large area located in central and southern New York State. The Hudson River stretches 315 miles, beginning just north of the capital city of Albany down to New York City.
Along the river's banks and sandwiched between the many mountains in the region are many attractions to enjoy. New York's Hudson River Valley offers much to see and do. There are parks, historical landmarks, religious places, museums and galleries.
Here are some top picks to consider checking out whether you're a local or someone visiting the Hudson Valley:
*Aerodrome
The Rhinebeck Aerodrome, located about two hours north of New York City, is a fantastic experience and highly recommended if you are in the area. The Aerodrome museum and shows are something unique and not likely able to see anywhere else.
Aviation buffs will be enthralled, but even if you aren't as engrossed by aviation history and mechanics, the Aerodrome is entertaining and enjoyable. Each year during the season the Aerodrome shows run mid-June to mid-October on weekends.
Located on the grounds are also museums with a vast collection of antiques relating to the early 20th century. The collection is comprised of aircraft, cars and other vehicles from the 1900-1935 period; it is one of the largest antique collections in the world.
Annually people flock to see these incredible air shows featuring antique aircraft, some of the oldest remaining craft in the world. It is truly a marvelous and entertaining experience for all. There are also parades, a vintage fashion show and antique cars too. You can visit the Aerodrome's website to get more information, museum and air show times and other interesting facts.
*Boscobel
This 19th turn of the century home is a wonderful piece of American history located in the Hudson Valley. The mansion built by States Morris Dyckman, a Loyalist during the American Revolutionary War, has been restored to its former glory. This historic mansion was originally located in Montrose, NY in Westchester County, but was moved in the 1950s to its current location in Garrison, NY.
If you are visiting the lower Hudson Valley during April - December (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas), you have the opportunity to tour this grand house. The exterior and the interior have been beautifully restored and brought back to life to illuminate how the home looked during its early years.
When you tour this amazing home, now museum, you get a definitive feel of how life was back in the 19th century for the Dyckman family. The Boscobel grounds sit above the banks of the eastern side of the Hudson River on Route 9D, and is conveniently located near the Bear Mountain Bridge.
*Bear Mountain State Park
Located off the Palisades Parkway off the western banks of the Hudson River is Bear Mountain State Park. The park has been a perennial destination for decades with fun offered year round. The winter boasts cross-country skiing and ice-skating while the summer offers boating, fishing, hiking, swimming and more. Bear Mountain is a terrific park to visit any time of the year.
Within the confines of the park is also a small zoo and museum. The zoo houses many animals common to the northeastern region of the US and is open year round. Inside the zoo is also a small museum which hosts historical facts and geology specific to the Hudson River Valley.
*Catskill Mountains
For many decades the Catskill Mountains region has been an annual favorite for vacationers. In the summer you can partake in much outdoor summer activity such as rafting, fishing, swimming, water skiing, camping and boating. In the winter the skiing is some of the best in the state.
Favorite annual seasonal events include the famed Hunter Mountain festivals and the town of Saugerties' Annual Garlic Festival. The festivals at Hunter Mountain are held on the weekends from late spring through early fall and have different themes for each festival.
*Spirituality
Nestled in the western side of Putnam County on Route 9 is Graymoor, the home to the Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Atonement. If you're looking for a peaceful place to go and feel a sense of serenity and peacefulness, or if you want to simply reflect, Graymoor is a place to go.
On the Graymoor grounds are many chapels, a gift shop, spirituality center and even a thrift shop which was established to help raise funding for those in need. Not to mention the beautiful views of the Hudson Valley from atop the mountain. Additionally there are frequent retreats scheduled where people can sign up and have a weekend of peaceful reflection.
Located in Kent, on the other side of Putnam County is the Chuang Yen Buddhist Monastery. The monastery is open to the public and you can visit the Great Buddha Hall, walk the grounds, have a vegetarian lunch (times are very specific) and visit the different areas of the monastery. The grounds here are very peaceful and visiting the monastery is a pretty incredible and serene experience.
Additional famous landmarks located in the Hudson Valley region are the Vanderbilt Mansion, and FDR Presidential Museum and Library. The region is rich in history which stretches back to the era in which American was in its infancy and even before.
Whether you enjoy history, scenery, art, spirituality or activities full of fun, chances are you'll find it in the Hudson Valley.