This Charming Hudson Valley County Boasts Serene Hills, Art Trails, and a Taste of New York

Two hours north of fast-paced New York City, the idyllic Hudson River Valley hides some of the state’s most overlooked and beautiful small towns in the state. City dwellers often head to Manhattan’s surrounding islands looking to escape the hustle or to trendy Hudson, the “downtown of Upstate” New York. But those in the know travel to peaceful Dutchess County instead. With dozens of listed historic sites, cutting edge contemporary art, innovative viticulture and cuisine, all set in lovely landscapes of undulating hills and mountains, it’s a dream getaway for anyone looking to take in some of upstate New York’s most charming enclaves.

Covering 800 square miles and divided into four regions — northern, central, southern, and eastern — Dutchess County is interspersed with so much to explore. From early American history to farms, microbreweries, hiking trails, and even theatre and opera, you’ll find Manhattan-style sophistication at a provincial pace. Scroll on for recommendations on some of the area’s highlights and must-see spots.

Whether you’re looking to hike in stunning landscapes or brush up on early American history, there’s something here for everyone. One of the area’s most famous destinations is in the city of Beacon. Dia:Beacon houses the Dia Art Foundation’s collection of abstract and conceptual art dating from the 1960’s to the present, in a former 1920’s box-printing factory constructed by the brand Nabisco. Each room or gallery features one artist’s work. With a bookshop and café onsite, you could easily spend an entire day browsing the collection or exploring the outdoor gardens designed by artist Robert Irwin, but you may want to stroll through the town as well. The Dutchess County Contemporary Arts Trail connects Dia:Beacon with other museums and cultural events centers throughout the county, including the Hessel Museum of Art at Annandale-on-Hudson, Opus 40 in Saugerties, and the Storm King Art Center in New Windsor.

While you’re journeying along the trail, you’ll see that Hudson River scenery can’t be beat. The Walkway Over the Hudson is a great way to see the natural beauty. Stretching from Poughkeepsie to Highland, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge offers sweeping vistas of the Catskill mountains any direction you look. Walk the whole length or simply take the elevator to the top and soak up the view.

Dutchess County is also home to 19 historic districts and 180 listed National Historic Sites. Among them, the Springwood estate, or the former home of America’s 32^nd President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, is one of the most popular. Built at the turn of the 18^th century, it still holds many artifacts from four generations of his family including furniture, artwork, and taxidermy. His wife Eleanor’s nearby retreat home, Val-Kill, is also a well-loved destination. The Vanderbilt Mansion is yet another impressive site, a country palace built in the Beaux-Arts style by one of America’s most prominent families. It still contains lavish, original features and furnishings. Another historic mansion, the Staatsburgh State Historic Site, belonged to Ruth Livingstone Mills, wife of philanthropist Ogden Mills. Stroll through for a glimpse of opulent historic furnishings like furniture and art.