Guest Post: Hidden Gems in the Hudson River Valley

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By Nikki Goth Itoi

Next time you find yourself in New York City with a day or two to spare, head north to the Hudson River Valley [2]. You can hop the train, rent a car, or even ride your bike. Whatever your mode of transportation, seek out the back roads, and there is a good chance you will discover something new—a farm stand, a winery, a trail, a memorable meal, or a romantic inn to spend the night.
Here is a sampling of the kinds of places you might stumble upon when you venture off the beaten path:

Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture: Although, not exactly hidden, this 80-acre center adjoining the Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Westchester County remains in many ways a well kept secret. Pick up veggies for the week at the farmers market, attend a gardening lecture, send your kids to summer camp, and learn what it takes to operate a sustainable farm.

Croton Gorge County Park: On a summer day, park at the base of the New Croton Dam and cool off in the mist from the falls. This is a great place to pick up the Old Croton Aqueduct trail for a jog or mountain bike ride.

Go-Go Pops: Stop in for a handmade icy treat nestled among the antique shops on Cold Spring’s Main Street.

Bellvale Farms Creamery: Warwick locals enjoy 50 flavors of homemade ice cream and valley views from this hilltop stand located between Warwick and Greenwood Lake.

Walkway over the Hudson: More than a mile long, this new state historic park connects the city of Poughkeepsie with the town of Highland in Ulster County on the other side of the river. A converted railroad bridge, it is now the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. Enjoy the best river views the region has to offer.

Wild Hive Café: Begin or end a day on the Dutchess County Wine Trail at this wholesome bakery/café in Clinton Corners. Tasty breads are made from organic grains that are grown and milled nearby.

The Rhinecliff: Stop in for dinner or drinks, or stay the night in a beautifully restored riverside mansion that was built in 1854.

Saugerties [3] Lighthouse: Hike a riverside trail to a historic lighthouse. If you plan ahead, you can even stay overnight in a rustic and secluded bed-and-breakfast setting.

New York Zipline Adventure Tours at Hunter Mountain: Skiers know Hunter Mountain [4] for its slopes, but in summer, hidden in the treetops of this Catskill resort is a 4.6-mile zipline that holds distinction as the longest and highest course in North America.

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome [5]: For good old-fashioned family fun, get tickets to watch the antique planes put on a daring show in this outdoor aviation museum near the Village of Rhinebeck.

The Book Cove: Browse the collection of local titles at this independent bookstore in the center of Pawling. When you’ve had your book fix, head over to the soda counter at McKinney and Doyle for a frozen treat.

Harney and Sons Tea Shop: Warm your hands around a cup of the daily brew after a stroll on the Millerton rail trail or between visits to the local antique shops.

Nikki Goth Itoi is the author of Moon Hudson River Valley [6], as well as Moon Baja [7] and Moon Cabo [8]. A native of Dutchess County in New York, she now lives in northern California with her husband and two children.