Your Hudson Valley, New York, Itinerary at a Glance
National Geographic Traveler named the Hudson Valley, New York, a Top 20 World Destination in 2019. The list highlights outstanding places to visit based on their cultural and environmental significance, and this fantastic destination certainly fits the bill.
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Enjoy These Great Hudson Valley Attractions and More:
- Hudson River Museum
- Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center
- Washington Irving’s Sunnyside
- Bear Mountain State Park
- Bannerman Castle
Day-to-Day Hudson Valley, New York Itinerary
DAY 1 of Activities in Hudson Valley, New York
Begin your Hudson Valley experience at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers. Located on the banks of the Hudson River, the museum displays vibrant art from the 19th century to contemporary American art. Glenview is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a shining example of an 1877 Gilded Age home. A state-of-the-art planetarium is a significant part of the museum. Groups of 10 or more receive a discount.
Next stop is Nyack and the Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Yonkers. This charming house was the iconic American artist’s home until 1908. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contains boyhood memorabilia and sources of inspiration.
Depart for Tarrytown and Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, a 19th-century cottage that has been meticulously restored. Knowledgeable guides will lead you providing insights into the author’s life, work and what drove him in the design of his home and grounds. It’s just a five-minute drive to Philipsburg Manor, a Colonial-era farming and trading center. The villages of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are descendants of Philipsburg Manor.
It’s 50 minutes to Bear Mountain State Park, which is situated in rugged mountains that rise from the west bank of the Hudson River. A paved path takes visitors to a zoo of native wildlife permanently injured and unable to survive on their own. Along the path, four museums tell the story of the region.
TOUR NOTE: Depending on your departure time from the Hudson River Museum, there are multiple lunch options in Nyack, Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. There are also shaded picnic areas in the park.
It’s about 30 minutes to the Newburg/Beacon area and your accommodations for the next two nights. After settling in, depart for dinner at a group favorite Hudson Valley, New York, restaurant.
This evening is special as you visit Bannerman Castle on Bannerman Island. Live theater or a projected movie under the stars are some of the memorable experiences to be had here. The third Sunday of each month features a self-guided tour and a live music concert. Amazing farm to table dinners traditionally sell out quickly but are well worth the commitment.
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DAY 2 of Things to Do in Hudson Valley, NY
Savor some breakfast and depart to New Windsor and Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre outdoor museum featuring large-scale sculptures and site-specific commissions. The center is dedicated to preserving the surrounding landscape. Changing exhibitions and seasons offer variety with every visit.
Next stop is the Village of New Platz. There’s time for a leisurely stroll of charming shops and boutiques and re-experiencing old gems at antique, old books and vintage clothing stores. It’s on to Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge at 1.28 miles. Your coach and non-walkers can meet the walkers on the Poughkeepsie side of the walkway.
You’re just in time for lunch at Culinary Institute of America New York campus Hyde Park. The student-run restaurants cover all tastes from contemporary French and regional Italian to café classics and farm-to-table-American. A public tour provides a behind-the-scenes look into the world of food and the science of taste. Tour Roth Hall where the magic happens and connect with students.
A masterpiece of American design architecture, the Vanderbilt Mansion was built for Fredrick and Louise Vanderbilt. It was a seasonal residence in the Vanderbilt portfolio of homes and is a National Historic Site. A property of the National Park Service, tour operators need to visit Recreation.gov for fees and reservations. The guided tour presents 18 rooms on three floors.
Return to your accommodations to refresh and relax.
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DAY 3 of Final Attractions in Hudson Valley, New York
Breakfast, check out of your hotel and enjoy a day of art appreciation.
Depart for Dia Beacon, part of 12 locations and sites celebrating 50 years of contemporary art. Guided tours led by professional art educators are limited to 20 people. Groups up to 50 are welcome to tour on their own. Advanced reservations are required.
Depart for the one-hour drive to Saugerties and a visit to Opus 40, an artistic environment on 63 acres featuring a remarkable earthwork sculpture by Harvey Fite. Private tours can be arranged for groups of 15+ and can be tailor-made specialty tours. TOUR NOTE: You can enjoy lunch in Saugerties and depart for Ghent. It’s a 45-minute drive. There are plenty of good lunch options in both communities.
Art Omi in Ghent is a nonprofit arts organization that provides residences for writers, artists, architects and virtually every creative field. Begin your visit at the Benenson Visitors Center and continue to the Sculpture & Architectural Park. Visitors are welcome free of charge. Groups of 20+ must register a week or more in advance.
It’s an hour drive to Millbrook and Innisfree Garden. The creative garden area design highlights smaller cup gardens around the unifying features of Tyrell Lake and the Lake Path. Groups of 12+ must schedule in advance of the visit. There is a fee for a private tour with a landscape curator. Be sure to save some time to explore Millbrook, a delightful small town with locally owned boutiques antique shops and galleries.
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