This page is not a complete list of opportunities to explore in the Hudson Valley, but is a list of a favorites from one of our owners!
Beacon (20 minute drive)
Beacon is a small city situated on the Hudson River. Great for a day getaway, there is no shortage of shopping, eating, drinking, and walking around. Think: little Brooklyn.
- Favorite place to eat: Melzingah’s (definitely recommend a reservation and the
- Favorite place for a beer for the beer: Two Way Brewing
- Favorite place for a beer for the location: Hudson Valley Brewery
- Favorite place for an easy hike: Madam Brett Park
- Don’t skip shops: Utensil, Scarborough Fare, and Denning Point Distillery
Long Dock Park and Memorial Park are both great areas for playgrounds if you are looking to tire out the kids after a day of walking around Beacon. If you’re looking for family friendly activities beyond the playground, check out Beacon’s art museum Dia:Beacon.
Looking to venture beyond Beacon? Catch a train from Beacon to NYC on the Hudson Line.
Looking for a serious hike? Check out Mount Beacon.
Poughkeepsie (20 minute drive)
Poughkeepsie is a great place for a night out. Where Beacon is little Brooklyn, Poughkeepsie is much more industrial. Recommended places for a night of eating or drinking:
- Millhouse Brewing Company
- Schatzi’s Pub & Biergarden
- King’s Court Brewing Company (drinks only, but can bring your own food – don’t skip on Hudson & Packard’s Detroit-style pizza a 2 minute walk away)
Beyond my own favorites, the Brassiere 292 is popular French cuisine and the Academy draws a lot of attention for its food hall style options.
Historic Sites in the Area
- Bannerman Castle (Beacon)
- Boscobel House & Gardens (Cold Spring)
- Locust Grove, home of Samuel F.B. Morse (Poughkeepsie)
- Vanderbilt Mansion (Hyde Park)
- Home Franklin D. Roosevelt (Hyde Park)
- Eleanor Roosevelt Library (Hyde Park)
Outdoor Activities in the Area
- Walkway Over the Hudson (Poughkeepsie)
- Dutchess Rail Trail (Dutchess County – 13 miles from Hopewell to Poughkeepsie with an additional 7 miles once crossing the Walkway over the Hudson in Highland)
- Poet’s Walk Park (Red Hook)
- Looking for a longer hike? Sylvan Lake Beach Park is only 50 minutes from the Shawangunks in the Catskills!
Other Popular Hudson Valley activites
- Culinary Institute of America
- Seasonal apple picking at Fishkill Farms or Barton Orchard
- Sloop Brewing
- Overlook Drive-in Theatre