Vacation in the Hudson Valley: Attractions & Things to Do

Hudson, the largest town in Columbia County located on the Hudson River is a 2 hour drive north from New York City and 45 minutes south of Albany, NY. America’s history had its foundations along the Hudson River and the city of Hudson played a big role in the development of New York State and our Country. The many historic sites located in nearby towns help to explain first hand how the beginnings of Hudson with its indigenous population and the arrival of Henry Hudson unfolded.

This rich cultural history also includes a legacy of art and nature. The beautiful vistas from the mountains and stunning views of nature have inspired artists for over a century and this legacy of art can be seen in the Galleries, Art Colonies and the homes for our famous painters, Frederick Church’s Olana and Thomas Coles home, Cedar Grove.

Outdoor recreation in its many forms is another major draw for visitors to this area. Those scenic views and the beauty of nature are still here to be enjoyed no matter what season. The best hikes in the state can be had in the Catskill Mountain Park right across the river from Hudson.

Another activity to participate in while visiting our county is the Farming sector. Farms are part of the Hudson Valley’s DNA. With fertile soils and a long tradition of farming, Columbia County is home to many successful farms and producers that supply the region with fresh, locally grown produce and other agricultural products.

Another draw to our county are the quaint small towns offering an eclectic variety of shopping in one of a kind stores and first class eateries where farm to table food has always been a norm.

So, read on and pick some activities from our list of fun things to do in and around Hudson

HISTORY

Bronck House

518-731-6490

https://www.gchistory.org/bronck-houses-barns

Shaker Museum

518-794-9100

https://www.shakermuseum.us/mount-lebanon/

Persons of Color Cemetery

518-758-9882

https://www.villageofkinderhook.org/personofcolorcemetery.html

Old Austerlitz

518-392-0062

Welcome to Old Austerlitz

Martin Van Buren Home

518 758-9689 x2040

https://www.nps.gov/mava/learn/historyculture/founding-father.htm

Clermont

518-537-6622

https://www.hudsonrivervalley.com/sites/Clermont-State-Historic-Site-/details

Edna ST Vincent Millay’s Home

518-392-3362

https://millay.org/steepletop-house/

Hudson Athens Lighthouse

http://www.hudsonathenslighthouse.org/

Museum of Firefighting

518-822-1875

https://fasnyfiremuseum.com

Thomas Cole House

518.943.7465

thomascole.org

Olana

518-828-1872

https://www.olana.org

Hudson Athens Lighthouse

http://www.hudsonathenslighthouse.org/

518.828.5294

ART

Art Omi

120-acre Sculpture & Architecture Park and contemporary art gallery

518-392-4747

artomi.org

Art School of Columbia County

518-672-7140

https://artschoolofcolumbiacounty.org/

Spencertown Academy

518-392-3693

https://spencertownacademy.org/

Free Columbia

518-672-7302

https://www.freecolumbia.org

The Circle Museum

For a more complete listing of art galleries in the area, click here: https://columbiacountytourism.org/business-category/explore/arts-culture/art-galleries/

Theater and Performance Spaces

Time & Space Limited

518-822-8100

https://timeandspace.org

Basilica Hudson

518-822-1050

http://basilicahudson.com/

Mac-Hayden Theater

518-392-9292

http://www.machaydntheatre.org/

The Ghent Playhouse

518-392-6264

ghentplayhouse.org

Hudson Hall

518-822-1438

hudsonhall.org

518-822-1438

518-392-6121

ps21chatham.org

OUTDOOR RECREATION PARKS

Riverfront Park

On the River near AMTRAK in the city of Hudson

Bash Bish Falls

3 E St South Egremont, MA 01258

413-528-0330

Poets Walk

776 River Road, Red Hook, NY 12571

High Falls Conservation Area

Philmont NY

Columbia County Land Conservancy

clctrust.org

Hiking the Catskills

https://www.visitthecatskills.com/hiking

Lake Taghkanic State Park

518-851-3631

https://parks.ny.gov/parks/laketaghkanic/details.aspx

SKIING

Catamount Mountain

518-528-1262

https://www.visitthecatskills.com/hiking

Windham Mountain

518-734-4300

https://www.windhammountain.com

Hunter Mountain

https://www.huntermtn.com

518-263-4223

Hudson Ferry Co.

The Hudson Ferry Co. is a cross-river ferry that connects communities in the Hudson, NY area. We offer regularly scheduled ferry service from Hudson to Athens, thematic sightseeing tours, and private charters.

518-945-8184

Waterstreet, Hudson, NY

AGRITOURISM

Love Apple Farm

518-828-5048

loveapplefarm.com

Hawthorne Valley Farm

518-672-7500

https://farm.hawthornevalley.org

Kinderhook Farms

(518) 758-2166

https://www.facebook.com/KatchkieFarm/