Things to Do in the Hudson Valley, New York

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site

Thomas Cole put American art on the world map. He created a new style of painting that was uniquely American, and with his beautiful painting of Catskill landscapes, he laid the foundation of the Hudson River School of Art. Cedar Grove, the house in which he lived and painted, is located in Catskill, New York, and was opened in 2001 as a museum that celebrates the great artist’s life.

Thomas Cole’s paintings are on display in many of the world’s museum, but about 150 of his paintings can be found in his home. The house is registered as a National Historic Site, and hosts numerous exhibitions, lectures about the Hudson River School, and other programs. Just a short trip from NYC, The Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill is perfect for a weekend trip with many things to do.

218 Spring St, Catskill, NY 12414, 518-943-7465

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

For those interested in architecture, you cannot pass up a visit to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site in Hyde Park, NY. Nestled amongst gardens and woodlands with views of the Catskill Mountains and rivers, the 54-room mansion is a prime example of Beaux-Art architecture.

Modeled after a typical English country house, it is a reflection of an era rather than an attempt to pay homage to an individual person. Sun yourself in the stunning terraced Italian Gardens, which were the pride and joy of Frederick Vanderbilt. The only way to visit the Vanderbilt Mansion is via a guided tour, and there are some restrictions on entry.

119 Vanderbilt Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538, 845-229-7770

Teatown Lake Reservation

There is no better way to understand why we should protect the environment than to enjoy it daily and see it in its full glory season after season. Teatown Lake Reservation offers residents of Westchester County in New York 1000 acres consisting of a magnificent nature reserve with lakes, animals, rare native plants, and 15 miles of trails to enjoy and explore.

The reservation was established on the 194-acre gift from the family of Gerard Swope.

It grew to 1000 acres and today includes 41-acre Teatown Lake, 9-acre Vernay Lake, and 7-acre Shadow Lake along with waterfalls, streams, hardwood swamps, meadows, mixed forests, hemlock forests, and many laurel groves.

The reservation includes an Education Center that runs numerous programs and outreach activities with the local communities and schools.

The Nature Center has live animal exhibits, a Nature Store, and an art exhibit space.

The two-acre Wildflower Island holds an outdoor exhibit with 230 species of wildflowers, an outdoor classroom, a maple sugar house, the Wildflower Woods, a butterfly and bee garden, a sensory garden for the kids, and a raptor loop with owls, hawks, kestrels, and an eagle.

Address: Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd #1, Ossining, NY 10562, 914-762-2912

Cohoes Falls, Fall Views Park

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.

Address: Cohoes Falls, Fall Views Park, North Mohawk Street, Cohoes, NY 12047

Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art

The family of Marc and Livia Straus founded the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art in order to develop exhibitions and programs that promote understanding of contemporary art and its link to modern social issues.

The 12,000 square foot exhibition space in Peekskill, NY allows the center to organize high quality temporary and long-term exhibits and installations, supporting both emerging and established artists.

The center also provides artists with a space to build their long-term installations and organizes lectures and discussions.

It is also the main sponsor of the Peekskill Project, an annual exhibition of artwork that is site-specific.

Address: Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, 1701 Main St, Peekskill, NY 10566, 914-788-0100

Edward Hopper House Art Center

Visiting homes of great artists gives us a feeling that we can better understand what inspired their achievements. The renowned American painter Edward Hopper was born in a charming house in Nyack, New York and he lived in it until 1910. After he died, the community restored the house and in 1971 turned it into an art center. The Edward Hopper Landmark Preservation Foundation manages the house, and they work on preserving Hopper’s birthplace and his memorabilia and documents. They also organize numerous exhibitions of art in all media, screen art-related movies, and put on popular concerts in the garden.

Tours of the Edward Hopper House Art Center are accompanied by knowledgeable docents who are there to share stories about the life and work of Edward Hopper and the artists whose work is on exhibit at the time.

Address: Edward Hopper House Art Center, 82 N Broadway, Nyack, New York 10960, 845-358-0774

Saugerties Lighthouse

In the middle of the Hudson River near Saugerties, NY sits a beautiful romantic bed and breakfast. The Saugerties Lighthouse was built in 1835 to facilitate navigation on the river and is still carrying out that role.

Meticulously maintained and restored, it is also a living museum and a proud witness to more romantic times.

You can visit the lighthouse tower to see the still functioning but modernized mechanism as well as magnificent vistas of the river and its surroundings.

The lighthouse has been converted into a renowned bed and breakfast, and it is hard to imagine a more romantic space for Valentine’s Day weekend or a honeymoon.

168 Lighthouse Dr, Saugerties, NY 12477, 845-247-0656

Hudson Beach Glass

Visiting Hudson Beach Glass gallery is a delight for all ages: it is full of beautiful glass objects in all colors of the rainbow, some you would love to see on your table and others pure artistic whimsy. Visiting Hudson Beach Glass studio is even more fascinating.

You can see four artists who founded the studio in 1987 at work or even try your hand at making your own Christmas ornaments at one of their many courses and demonstrations.

The studio is located in a former icehouse, and the gallery in an old firehouse on Main Street in Beacon, NY.

162 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, 845-440-0068

Troy Waterfront Farmers' Market

If you happen to be in Hudson Valley on a Saturday morning, make sure you take a walk through the Troy Waterfront Farmers' Market in Troy.

The smell of fresh bread and food will waft towards you before you even set foot in the market.

Sample fresh food and listen to fantastic live music as you wander amongst the stalls.

There are over 70 growers, bakers, chefs, and artisans who display their wares, catering to all tastes and requirements.

Enjoy fresh local produce direct from the grower or pick up a meaningful gift for that hard to buy for person.

A trip to the market provides a perfect morning out for the whole family.

Address: Troy Waterfront Farmers' Market, Monument Square, Troy, NY 12180