Painters, authors, and presidents have all been lured to New York’s Hudson Valley for decades. The Hudson Valley, located almost two hours north of Manhattan, continues to astonish travelers with its dramatic four seasons, historical monuments, and tiny communities. The following is a list of the best things to do in the Hudson Valley.
The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
The first presidential library and museum in the United States set the bar for preserving a legacy. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library covers FDR’s entire presidency, from the Great Depression’s onset in 1933 until he died in 1945.
The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
Eleanor Roosevelt was more than a first lady; throughout FDR’s administration, she was an activist and advocate, and after his death, she sat on the United Nations General Assembly. When President Roosevelt was not at the Springwood residence, the first lady remained at the 181-acre Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park. Until 1962, it was her permanent residence. Visitors may witness where Eleanor Roosevelt received luminaries like Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy.
The Culinary Institute of America
The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park is a foodie’s dream, with four world-class restaurants managed by students of the world’s most prestigious culinary school. Enjoy their versions of some of the world’s most famous cuisines.
The New York State Museum
Admire the dazzling tusks on a 13,000-year-old Ice Age Mastodon skeleton in the country’s oldest and biggest state museum. After that, get into the saddle of one of the 40 hand-carved carousel horses, donkeys, or deer on the Herschell-Spillman Company’s 100-year-old merry-go-round.
Bear Mountain State Park
Hiking the nearly 6000-acre Bear Mountain State Park is seven miles from the United States Military Academy in the steep highlands. Several hiking paths, including six miles of the renowned Appalachian Trail, are available to stretch your legs.
The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Have you ever fantasized about going on a barnstorming mission like Flying Ace Eddie Rickenbacker and hunting down the Red Baron? Experience the wind in your hair on an open-air biplane fly at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Inside, you’ll find one of the country’s most significant collections of vintage planes.