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Hi. I recently saw some positively breath-taking photos of the Hudson Valley - just spectacular. But the geographic configuation has me a bit confused. Does the HV span several counties? And what would you consider the most concentrated area of scenery and history in order for a person to take a 3-4 day vacation there? I guess I'd have to say that Sleepy Hollow would be a must, so I would want to work from there. Any thoughts? Thanks a bunch...
Hi. I recently saw some positively breath-taking photos of the Hudson Valley - just spectacular. But the geographic configuation has me a bit confused. Does the HV span several counties? And what would you consider the most concentrated area of scenery and history in order for a person to take a 3-4 day vacation there? I guess I'd have to say that Sleepy Hollow would be a must, so I would want to work from there. Any thoughts? Thanks a bunch...
The whole area from NYC through Bear Mountain is splendid. There are a few companies that provide boat trips. NY Waterway, NYC Water Taxi and a few others.
The Hudson Valley extends north for quite a distance, beyond Albany, so there is much to see in the region. There are many historic homes and sited scattered throughout the valley, and a good concentration in the Lower Hudson Valley in Westchester. Historic Hudson Valley manages several of these sites that are open to the public.
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All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
~William Shakespeare (As You Like It Act II, Scene VII)
Thanks so much for the info. I'm from Southeast PA and would like to travel by car with my dogs here and there. I often thought I would early retire somewhere North (although Delaware is still in the running since it's so affordable to live there). I never considered living in NY because of housing prices, but would still love to see some of the beauty of the HV anyway.
You link is extremely helpful and is much appreciated
You're welcome. The Valley is beautiful, but be careful...it could win your heart. There are so many places to explore that you're going to have to make it more than one trip, but then again, I think that the Hudson Valley is worth it -- even if I'm biased in favor of it.
Upstate is generally more affordable than Westchester, save for the tax rates, which are more favorable in Delaware. However, even if you settle in Delaware, you can be in Albany in about 4.5-5 hours, so much of the Hudson Valley is an easy day drive for a weekend excursion.
One excellent way to see the landscape is via water as ponytrekker suggested. I knew I had a saved link to some cruises on the river, and came across it, so I thought I'd post it for you.
Hudson River Cruises (http://www.hudsonriver.com/cruises.htm - broken link)
Here are a couple of general guides to travel in the region:
Enjoy your visit, or should I say visits, to the region!
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All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
~William Shakespeare (As You Like It Act II, Scene VII)
A lot of people don't realize that you get that "West Coast" vista of cliffs and mountains on top of a large body of water right here in the HV (albeit on a smaller scale, but still unparalled in the East except maybe in coastal Maine).
Hi. I recently saw some positively breath-taking photos of the Hudson Valley - just spectacular. But the geographic configuation has me a bit confused. Does the HV span several counties? And what would you consider the most concentrated area of scenery and history in order for a person to take a 3-4 day vacation there? I guess I'd have to say that Sleepy Hollow would be a must, so I would want to work from there. Any thoughts? Thanks a bunch...
Depending on the definition, the Hudson Valley goes all the way from NYC to Albany and northward, where it changes it name to the North River as it flows down from the Adirondacks.
If you can only visit one spot, I would suggest the West Point Military Academy area which is in the heart of the Hudson Highlands. There is alot of spectacular beauty in this area plus you have alot of Continental Army history from the Bear Mountain area to New Windsor and Newburgh. West Point itself has alot of history.
Another great area for history is the Kingston, New Paltz and Hurley area. The City of Kingston is one of the oldest communities in the United States and has dozens of Colonial buildings, especially in the Stockade district of Uptown. Downtown aka Rondout is also historic and has an arts community.
Across the Hudson River in Dutchess and Columbia Counties, you will find the Hudson River Estate district. One reason there are so many estates and mansions here is because of the beautiful views of the Catskill Mountains across the valley. Quite a few of these estates are open to the public including "Springwood" and "Val-Kill" in Hyde Park, the homes of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
If you can only visit one spot, I would suggest the West Point Military Academy area which is in the heart of the Hudson Highlands. There is alot of spectacular beauty in this area plus you have alot of Continental Army history from the Bear Mountain area to New Windsor and Newburgh. West Point itself has alot of history.
Particularly beautiful is route 9W in the Storm King mountain area.....you'll think you're on one of those windy cliff roads just outside of L.A. except for the lack of palm trees.
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