Hudson Valley Area Attractions
Hudson Valley New York Area Attractions and Things To Do
Tourists from all over the world find New York's Hudson Valley to be a great destination because of all the art, shopping, historic homes, outdoor adventure, wineries, etc. that it has to offer and they often choose to stay at a Hudson Valley Bed and Breakfast. Here is a small sampling of places to visit less than 1 1/2 hours from New York City:
Historic West Point
The United States Military Academy at West Point celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2002. Enjoy a football game, an outdoor concert, the cadets on parade, or the stunning views. Visitor's center, Museum, and tours available year-round.
Storm King Art Center is a museum that celebrates the relationship between sculpture and nature. Five hundred acres of landscaped lawns, fields and woodlands provide the site for postwar sculptures by internationally renowned artists. The grounds are surrounded by the undulating profiles of the Hudson Highlands, a dramatic panorama integral to the viewing experience.
Dia:Beacon
Dia Art Foundation, one of the world’s preeminent contemporary art institutions, opened a new museum on May 18, 2003, housing its renowned but rarely seen permanent collection, comprising major works of art from the 1960s to the present. Located on the Hudson River in Beacon, New York, Dia:Beacon occupies a nearly 300,000-square-foot historic printing factory.
Experience a three hour guided educational hike including your choice of a dendrology hike, a history of Storm King Mountain hike, a history of paper-making hike, or an airplane crash site hike. Various degrees of difficulty ($25 per person). Also for three hours, try kayaking with a guide to Bannerman's Island, the Moodna Creek Marsh, a sunset paddle, or a full moon paddle ($60 per person). Mountain bike in Black Rock Forest Preserve (bike rentals - $40 per day or $9 per hour, two hour min.) by yourself or with a guide for three hours ($25 per person for the guide plus bike rental). Call for details (845-534-7136).
The "Castles" of the Hudson
Some of the wealthiest families in the nation chose to live in the Hudson Valley. With breathtaking views of the river, the Vanderbilt Mansion, the Rockefellers (Kykuit), and Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt (FDR's home and library) are the crown jewels of area homes. Boscobel, Sleepy Hollow, and many other mansions are also open for you to enjoy the buildings and grounds.
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
The largest outlet shopping center in the United States, Woodbury Common offers incredible designer shoes and clothing, electronics, housewares, and jewelry in more than 220 stores in a setting like a charming small town. People come from around the world for the bargains.
Vineyards and Wineries 
Both the oldest vineyard in the U.S.(Benmarl) and the oldest continuously-operating winery Brotherhood Winery in the country are nearby. Follow the Shawangunk Wine Trail, with tours and tastings at more than a dozen wineries, many of which have underground cellars, or cross the river for the Dutchess Wine Trail. Enjoy at six course dinner, wine, music and dancing at Magnanini Winery. Five minutes for Cromwell Manor Inn is Palaia Vineyards Winery with live music and wine tastings Thursday thru Sunday!
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival 
The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is a critically-acclaimed regional theater, attracting audiences from the tri-state area and beyond. Shakespeare scholars, critics and enthusiastic fans laud its spare, clear and compelling productions. Set on the beautiful property of Boscobel Restoration, plays are offered all summer. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn before the show.
Orange County Choppers
As seen on the TLC Channel's American Choppers series, Orange County Choppers world headquarters is only one hour from NYC. The showroom is open every day.
National Purple Heart Hall of Honor
Located in New Windsor, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is only a short five minute drive from Cromwell Manor Inn.
The mission of the Hall of Honor is to collect and preserve the stories of Purple Heart recipients from all branches of service and across generations in an attempt to ensure that all recipients are represented. Their stories will be preserved and shared through a series of exhibits, live and videotaped interviews with veterans themselves, and the Roll of Honor, an interactive computer program detailing the stories of each individual.
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Enjoy live entertainment in this state-of-the art amphitheater at the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts presents some of the country's leading classical, rock, pop, jazz, and country entertainers. Click the link for a calendar of performances.
This is just a small sampling of what the Historic Hudson Valley of New York has to offer. Why not make a reservation at a Hudson Valley Bed and Breakfast and spend a few days exploring New York City's back yard?
