We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.

New York

Free Newsletter

Interested in New York?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for New York each week.
More Lists
Lists you may be interested in:
See All New York Lists
We remove posts that do not follow our Traveller Lists guidelines.
We reserve the right to remove any lists for any reason.
Report a problem
Explore the world! TripAdvisor has reviews and information on over 400,000 locations, including:
Vacation Specials
Travel Destinations

Explore other New York resources:

  [ Create a List ]
Justnin's Traveler List
Vote on this Traveler List!

Write a thankful note to show in this member's profile.Compliment Justnin

The Hudson Valley: America's Preserved Dream

Ask this member a question. Justnin Longing to relocate to hometown: Hyde Park, NY.
1 May 2006
3.5 of 5 stars based on 7 votes
The Hudson River Valley is so overlooked by tourists, that its historal villages, parks, museums, culture, and charm have been blessedly preserved for future generations. Just load the family in the car and drive north (back and forth) between routes 9 and 9W crossing various historic bridges that transport visitors to the past, from the timeless world of dreamy forests, mountains, and dutch-villages of Rip Van Winkle; to the time of preservation, patriotism, and President FDR.
  • Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Sleepy Hollow, Bear Mountain, Cold Spring, Newburgh, New Paltz, Rhinebeck
  • Category: Roadtrip
  • Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Never been before
  • Appeals to: Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Seniors, Budget travellers , Tourists
  • Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Tags: New York, river, history, colonial
1. Sleepy Hollow
Sleepy Hollow, New York
The place to stop for any fan of Washington Irving's classic story of the headless horseman.
2. Bear Mountain
Bear Mountain, New York
Beautiful
Lake Hessian is Surrounded by a Bear Mountain Inn lodge, carousel, free
zoo,outdoor iceskating(winter), and breath taking views of the Hudson River
Highlands. There are important Revolutionary War battle sites on the
Hudson River below the cliffs here. For millitary history, don't miss
Fort Montgomery and West Point, just north of the area off rt.9W.
3. Cold Spring
Cold Spring, New York
A charming all American colonial town, that has been used in film and
postcards. This place is very unique and you will have to take a cruise
around the enchanting/spooky Bannerman Island Castle and stay overnight
in town.
4. Newburgh
Newburgh, New York
A place that has hisotrically had so much to offer, that George
Washington built his home and millitary headquaters right in town,
where it still stands today.
5. New Paltz
New Paltz, New York
Don't miss this charming town for shopping and food. Drive the quaint country roads
surrounded by apple orchards and farms that will beg for your camera. The worlds largest collidescope is at a fun/family-themed museum just west of here(Catamount). For an excursion drive northward to Woodstock, NY of music festival fame and the various homes of David Bowie, Moby and Bob Dylan (if you know where to look).
6. Hyde Park
Rhinebeck, New York
This was home to arguably the greatest President of the 20th Century: FDR
and Eleanor Roosevelt called Hyde Park thier home and their estates
still wait for visitors. You should also get lunch at the Apple Pie Bakery Cafe; in the Culinary Institute of America. For other important sites, visit Vassar College in Poughkeepsie (where fudge was invented) and the Vanderbuilt Mansion for more
Hudson River views, Roman statues and rose garden.
7. Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck, New York
This is the final stop on my Hudson Valley excursion. Here you will find the finest preserved colonial and victorian mansions and outlying farms. Shopping is the thing to do in town, and see a movie at upstate films. Various celebrities and NYC-elite have all snatched themselves up pieces of Rhinebeck's preserved historic buildings, so keep your eyes open . This is a small community of afluent New Yorkers that are NOT expecting many visitors to their little slice of the "American dream." Liam Neeson, Gweneth Paltrow(Staatsburg) call this place home today. Stop over at Staatsburg Historic Mills Mansion and Norrie Point (a boaters destination) for more natural river beauty. MORE historic mansions are near Rhinebeck, such as the Livingston Mansion(a signer of the Declaration of Independence) and the Wilderstien Mansion. Countless other buildings dating to 18th/19th century aristocracy occupy the area surrounding Rhinebeck, so don't be afraid to drive around aimlessly- if you're into that approach. For a perfect ending to this journey, spend the night at either the Belvedere Mansion or the Beekman Arms(America's oldest Inn). More affrodable accomadations can be found in Hyde Park.
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Sleepy Hollow, Bear Mountain, Cold Spring, Newburgh, New Paltz, Rhinebeck