Best Things to Do in the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley stretches north from New York City along the majestic Hudson River, encompassing rolling farmland, dense forests, historic estates, and vibrant towns that have attracted artists, chefs, and adventurers for generations. Whether you are planning a long weekend or a full week, the region delivers an incredible variety of experiences that rival destinations anywhere in the world.

From Birchwood in Accord, NY, you are perfectly positioned to explore the best of what the Hudson Valley and Catskills have to offer. Our location places you within easy driving distance of world-class hiking at the Shawangunk Ridge, the cultural energy of Kingston and Woodstock, and dozens of farm-to-table restaurants that have put this region on the culinary map.

This guide covers our top picks across outdoor adventures, dining, arts and culture, and charming towns — everything you need to plan an unforgettable Hudson Valley getaway. Check out our area guide for even more local recommendations from the Birchwood team.

The Hudson Valley is an outdoor paradise. The Shawangunk Ridge — known locally as "the Gunks" — offers some of the best hiking and rock climbing on the entire East Coast. Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park are the crown jewels, with miles of carriage roads and dramatic cliff-top trails overlooking pristine sky lakes. For a detailed breakdown of trails and difficulty levels, see our complete hiking guide.

Beyond hiking, the region is a haven for paddlers. Kayak or canoe on the Rondout Creek, which flows through the charming town of High Falls just minutes from Birchwood in Accord, NY. The Hudson River itself offers guided kayak tours with stunning views of the Catskill Mountains. In summer, swimming holes like Split Rock and the Peekamoose Blue Hole draw visitors seeking a refreshing dip in crystal-clear mountain water.

• Hiking: Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park, Sam's Point, Bonticou Crag
• Rock Climbing: The Gunks — world-renowned for trad climbing with over 1,000 routes
• Water Sports: Kayaking on the Rondout Creek, tubing on Esopus Creek, swimming at Vernooy Kill Falls
• Cycling: Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, scenic back roads through farmland
• Winter Sports: Cross-country skiing at Mohonk, downhill skiing at Belleayre Mountain

No matter the season, there is always an adventure waiting just outside the door at Birchwood. View our gallery to see the beautiful natural surroundings of our estate.

The Hudson Valley has quietly become one of the most exciting food destinations in the Northeast. A new generation of chefs has settled here, drawn by the extraordinary quality of local produce, heritage meats, and artisanal dairy. The result is a dining scene that ranges from Michelin-recognized fine dining to unforgettable roadside farm stands.

In nearby Kingston, you will find restaurants like Lola Pizza, Duo Bistro, and the legendary Silvia, which sources nearly everything from farms within 30 miles. High Falls, just minutes from Birchwood in Accord, NY, is home to intimate eateries that change their menus with the seasons. Woodstock offers everything from organic cafes to upscale dining with mountain views.

Farm visits are a highlight in their own right. The region is dotted with pick-your-own orchards, artisan creameries, and farm stores selling everything from raw honey to heritage-breed pork. The New Paltz Farmers Market and Kingston Farmers Market are perfect weekend stops.

For our full list of restaurant recommendations organized by town and cuisine, check out our area guide. Many of our guests tell us the food alone is reason enough to return.

Art runs deep in the Hudson Valley. The region has attracted creative spirits since the Hudson River School painters first captured these landscapes in the 19th century. Today, that artistic legacy thrives in world-class institutions, independent galleries, and grassroots creative spaces scattered across the valley.

Dia:Beacon is the undisputed heavyweight — a vast former factory on the river that houses monumental works by Richard Serra, Dan Flavin, and Donald Judd. Closer to Birchwood, the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art in New Paltz and a constellation of galleries in Kingston's Uptown and Midtown neighborhoods offer rotating exhibitions that rival anything in Manhattan.

Woodstock, of course, carries its legendary musical heritage proudly. Live music venues like Levon Helm Studios (the Midnight Ramble) and Colony keep the spirit alive year-round. Summer and fall bring outdoor concerts, art walks, and festivals that fill the weekends with energy.

• Dia:Beacon — Monumental contemporary art in a stunning industrial space
• Storm King Art Center — 500-acre outdoor sculpture park
• Woodstock Artists Association & Museum — Celebrating local artists since 1919
• MASS MoCA — A short drive north for cutting-edge contemporary art

Staying at Birchwood puts you within reach of all these cultural treasures. Learn more about nearby attractions in our area guide.

One of the greatest pleasures of a Hudson Valley visit is wandering through the region's small towns. Each has its own personality, and exploring them is a perfect way to fill a leisurely afternoon between hikes and meals.

Kingston is the cultural anchor — a small city with a beautifully preserved Stockade District, trendy Uptown boutiques, and a waterfront that has been revitalized into a hub for food and entertainment. It is just 25 minutes from Birchwood. For a deep dive, read our Kingston NY guide.

New Paltz combines college-town energy with serious outdoor access. Main Street is lined with independent shops, craft breweries, and restaurants, and the Gunks rise dramatically at the edge of town. Our New Paltz guide has all the details.

Woodstock needs no introduction — but it deserves one anyway. Beyond its famous name, Woodstock is a genuinely delightful village with galleries, live music, and a community that welcomes visitors with warmth. See our Woodstock guide.

Other towns worth visiting include High Falls (closest to Birchwood, with excellent restaurants), Rosendale (known for its trestle bridge and annual street festival), and Rhinebeck (home to the oldest inn in America and a charming downtown).

With so much to see and do, you will want a home base that matches the quality of the experience. Birchwood in Accord, NY is a luxury vacation estate set on a private, wooded property in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Our location is central to all the attractions mentioned in this guide — hiking, dining, arts, and charming towns are all within a short drive.

Birchwood offers the space, comfort, and amenities that hotels simply cannot match. Gather your group around a crackling fire, spread out across multiple living areas, cook meals in a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, and step outside to nothing but birdsong and forest. It is the kind of place that makes you exhale the moment you arrive.

• Central location: 20-30 minutes to Kingston, New Paltz, Woodstock, and the Gunks
• Private estate: No shared walls, no neighbors — just you and the forest
• Luxury amenities: Heated pool, hot tub, fire pit, chef's kitchen, and more
• Book direct and save: Book your stay directly for the best rate — 10% less than Airbnb or VRBO

Ready to plan your Hudson Valley adventure? Book your stay at Birchwood and start creating memories in one of the most beautiful regions in the Northeast.