Guest Article – 9 Tips for Planning a Trip to the Hudson Valley

photo credit: Lake Minnewaska Trail - Minnewaska State Park, New York via photopin (license) — photo credit: Lake Minnewaska Trail – Minnewaska State Park, New York via photopin (license)

Already booked your room at the Mohonk Mountain House? You’re going to love your time in the Hudson Valley. Here are a few things to know to make your trip run smoothly.

1. The Hudson Valley is located two hours north of New York City.

2. Visit the Carrie Haddad Gallery, which honors Haddad, who opened the Hudson Valley’s first art gallery in the 1990s.

3. If you want time to unwind and reflect, check out Poet’s Walk, a shaded path with plenty of benches to hang out on along the way.

4. When traveling to the Hudson Valley during the summer, expect temperatures in the 70s and 80s. However, temps may peak in August, and the humidity tends to be high.

5. Visiting the Hudson Valley in September and October is a good idea because the towns will be less over-run with tourists. There’s plenty of hiking to do in the area and you’ll love the gorgeous views as the leaves change color.

6. While New York in the wintertime can be dreary, the Hudson Valley’s small towns are exceptionally charming around the holidays. Since this isn’t peak-season for travelers, you’ll score great lodging deals, too.

7. The closest airport is Stewart International Airport in Newburgh. The second closest is the Westchester County Airport. You can also fly into one of New York City’s airports and take the Metro North train to the Hudson Valley. The Hudson Line stops at many towns along the way, ending in Poughkeepsie.

8. If you’re traveling to the Hudson Valley from a city, you’ll want to make sure you rent a car. You won’t be able to get around the Hudson Valley without driving. While some of the towns have plenty to do within walking distance, the towns are small. You’ll likely want to branch out and explore during your time in the area.

9. The Hudson Valley is located on both the east and west sides of the Hudson River. The valley starts a bit north of New York City and extends up to Columbia County. The farther north you travel, the more narrow the valley is.

The Hudson Valley is a common escape from New York City dwellers, but it also attracts visitors from all around the state, country, and world.