Hudson River Valley
Named after the English explorer Henry Hudson, the Hudson Valley stretches from Westchester to Albany, New York. Home to the Mahican, Munsee, Tappan, Weckquasgeek and many other Native American tribes, the area was later settled by the Dutch in the 1600’s. Over time the area became popular due to the construction of the Erie Canal, and later as the home to many New York City Commuters. Among some of the more popular attractions of the Hudson Valley and surrounding area are farms, art galleries, antique shops, wineries, mountains, war battlefields, West Point and of course the Culinary Institute of America.
After our visit to Stuart’s Farm, the 2 Plus 2 team decided to take a drive into the Villages of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, which are both located approximately 25 miles north of Manhattan, along the eastern shore of the Hudson River. Though most famous for Washington Irving’s, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (and Tim Burton’s 1990 movie of the same name), the towns are pristine, historic and beautiful. With the small town charm, proximity to NYC, ethnic twist and unfathomable amount of outdoor activities, it is easy to understand why the housing prices in the area are some of the highest in the State.
As if by luck, we arrived in Sleepy Hollow on the day of the annual Halloween Parade. Unlike the wild, outlandish and over the top Halloween parade in Manhattan, the low key Sleepy Hollow parade is about as tame as a parade can be. Family friendly, to say the least.
After watching the local marching band play the theme to the Munster’s and walking around for a bit, we inevitably got hungry. Restaurants in the area are classic apple pie American with an ethnic twist. Carnivores and herbivores alike won’t have any problems finding something delicious and reasonably priced.
It is absolutely impossible to summarize all of the activities and events in the entire Hudson Valley into one review. The area is great for boating, hiking, bike riding and all kinds of winter activities. Below we have included a few places/activities that we have either been to, were recommended to us… or that we want to do/go to in the near future. For more information on the Hudson Valley, Sleepy Hollow or Tarrytown, check out the websites below.
Stoutridge Vineyard
10 Ann Kaley Lane, Marlboro845-236-7620
www.stoutridge.com Organic Winery, Westchester
Winery Specializing in Organic wines. K&M’s favorite! They offer tastings and tours of the winery.
Hudson Valley Enchanted Balloon Tours
14 Franklin Lane, Otisville 845-386-1402 www.balloon-rides-ny.com Balloon Rides, WestchesterHot air balloon rides over the lower Hudson Valley with FAA certified pilots.
Bear Mountain Inn
Palisades Pkwy. Rte 9W, 7 Lakes Dr, Bear Mountain845-786-2731
www.visitbearmountain.com The 1915 rustic style Bear Mountain Inn is located at the base of Bear Mountain overlooking both the Hudson River and the historic Hessian Lake. It is the architectural jewel of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) and is a familiar landmark for many visitors. Park employees constructed the Inn and its furnishings using natural materials, including chestnut, and other timber and fieldstone found in the park. In a national contest, the Bear Mountain Inn ranks high as an excellent example of rustic design set amidst a natural landscape. There is nothing like it in this part of the country. It is the centerpiece of a great park system developed at the edge of metropolitan New York City.
Hudson Highlands Cruises
Haverstraw Marina, 616 Beach Road #A, West Haverstraw 845-534-7245 www.commanderboat.comCruise along the Hudson River aboard the historic Commander.
Storm King Adventure Tours
178 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson845-534-7800
www.stormkingadventuretours.com
Kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking trips tailored to your skill level and interests. Access to the Hudson River, Storm King Mt, and Black Rock Forest provides the ultimate landscape for your adventure.
Hudson Valley Outfitters
63 Main St. Cold Spring 845-265-0221 www.hudsonvalleyoutfitters.comAn outdoor specialty boutique featuring comfortable footwear, casual and technical sportswear and gear for hiking, paddling and active lifestyles. Kayak rentals and tours on the Hudson River.
Catskill Outback Adventures
8243 Route 28, Big Indian845-254-9888
www.catskilloutback.com
Hiking/snowshoeing, fishing, canoes and kayaks, mountain bikes, rope course and rapelling, team building. Equipment rentals, lessons and guided trips. Geo caching/ letterboxing.
How To Get There
Amtrak 800-872-7245www.amtrak.com
Service from New Rochelle to the Boston-Washington Northeast corridor. Service from Croton-Harmon and Yonkers to upstate New York, Montreal, Chicago and points west.
Bee-Line System914-813-7777
www.beelinebus.com
Countywide bus service with over 55 routes and express service connecting major metropolitan areas.
Metro North 800-METRO-INFOwww.mta.info
Service to Grand Central Terminal and 43 stations in Westchester and points east and west on three lines. Metro-North’s “”One Day Getaways”" offer great deals on exciting venues: Rye Playland, Empire City, Kykuit and more.
A: A gorgeous day! The most adorable little towns and scenery! It is such a welcome treat from the madness that is New York City on a daily basis. Do this… it’s relaxing, different and close!
K: Manny and I have tried to make it a point to get up to Tarrytown at least once a year (usually on our way to the Hudson River Valley vineyards). This year, we’ve made it up twice. It’s close enough to go for the day, but just far enough away to feel like a getaway…it’s a lovely, quaint little place!
L: It doesnt get much more American than this. Only 45-minutes from downtown Manhattan (with no traffic!) and you are in another world.
M: Love going up here. Great break from the busy city… Sometimes it’s good to slow life down a little bit.
Our Rating Scale…- Scene- That picturesque country town you see in movies- little shops, friendly people and comfort food!
- Coordinates- 2: State- Bring your GPS… this is a road trip, but a short one, and well worth the drive… plus the drive is part of the fun!
- Return Rate- Green light!
