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Make a trip to these beloved regional sites for heritage, history, and a photo or two.
Here in the Hudson Valley, local history hides within each and every county. It defines small towns, bolsters family businesses, and enlivens antiquated spaces. With so much history in such a relatively small geographic area, it is nearly impossible to uncover each and every spot within the space. Here are just a few of the many notable places that dot the map of upstate New York.
Albany
New York State Capitol
State Street and Washington Avenue, Albany
The seat of the New York State government in the state capital is an architectural marvel with rich political history.
Albany City Hall
24 Eagle Street, Albany
Designed by notable architect Henry Hobson Richardson, City Hall is a 19th century Romanesque edifice that houses the mayor’s office, the Common Council chamber, and the city court.
Columbia
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
1013 Old Post Road, Kinderhook
The home of former president Martin Van Buren now operates within the National Park System. Visitors can tour the expansive grounds and see the graveyard where Van Buren and his family are buried
Dutchess
Innisfree Garden
362 Tyrrel Road, Millbrook
The praise never ends for Innisfree Gardens in Millbrook. With its medley of Modernistic and Romantic styles and Chinese and Japanese structure, the verdant landscape is often recognized as one of the world’s best gardens.
Dia:Beacon
3 Beekman Street, Beacon
A perennial favorite for visiting Brooklynites, Dia:Beacon is one of the county’s top art centers and the unofficial reason for the city of Beacon’s revitalization.
Greene
Five State Lookout
Mohican Trail – Route 23, East Windham
A climb along Mohican Trail leads to one of the most awe-inspiring views in the whole of the Hudson Valley. On a cloudless day, visitors can see the White Mountains of New Hampshire, the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, the Helderberg Mountains of New York, and the Connecticut Valley.
Kaaterskill Falls
Route 23A, Haines Falls
This Greene County waterfall is a favorite with local Instagrammers for obvious reasons. The highest cascading waterfall in New York is picture perfect.
Thomas Cole National Historic Site
218 Spring Street, Catskill
Located in picturesque Catskill, New York, the former home of Hudson River School founder Thomas Cole houses scenic landscape paintings that embody the artistic movement.
Orange
Riverbank Historic House Museum
2 Riverbank Lane, Cornwall-on-Hudson
Located in charming Cornwall-on-Hudson, Riverbank is a classic Italianate abode with 19th century origins. It sits on the list of the National Register of Historic Places and the State Register of Historic Places.
Storm King Art Center
1 Museum Road, New Windsor
The outdoor sculpture park attracts a global audience with large-scale exhibits scattered across rolling, verdant hillsides.
Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site
84 Liberty Street, Newburgh
The landmark from George Washington’s stay in Newburgh is a critical stopping place in any Revolutionary War tour. The spot is a must for Hamilton lovers and history buffs.
Putnam
Chuang Yen Monastery
2020 Route 301, Carmel
Designed to promote Buddhism in the valley, this serene monastery is open to the public from April to January during the year. Visitors can slip off their shoes and pay their respects to the Great Buddha in this meditative space.
Boscobel House and Gardens
1601 Route 9D, Garrison
The stately home of wealthy Loyalists boasts one of the nation’s finest furniture and home collections from the Federal period. In addition to checking out the home’s historic charms, visitors can stroll the grounds and walk along the neighboring trails.
Rensselaer
Bennington Battlefield
5157 Route 67, Walloomsac
Another Revolutionary War site in upstate New York, Bennington Battlefield is where American forces overtook their British counterparts in 1777. The destination includes an expansive terrain, an information room, and game fields.
Knickerbocker Mansion
132 Knickerbocker Road, Schagticoke
Dating back to the 1780s, Knickerbocker Mansion in Rensselaer hearkens back to the Middle Ages with its unique architectural design. Tours and special events happen onsite throughout the year.
Rockland
Bear Mountain State Park
Palisades Parkway or Route 9W North, Bear Mountain
Everyone should go to Bear Mountain at least once to hike, bike, or picnic. The Hudson River park offers mountain views to go along with lakeside seating, fishing, and more.
The ’76 House
110 Main Street, Tappan
New York’s oldest tavern is a national landmark, a restaurant, and a performance space for local musicians. Visitors can chow down on hearty fare and learn more about the British spy who was confined inside the home during the Revolutionary War.
Ulster
Mohonk Mountain House
1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz
Mohonk is one of those places that requires multiple visits. With plentiful hiking trails, a pristine lakeside setting, top rated dining, and luxurious accommodations, Mohonk has it all.
Senate House State Historic Site
296 Fair Street, Kingston
The former home of a local merchant turned into a major landmark in the Revolutionary War in 1777 when New York rebels met there to form a new state government. Nowadays, the space attracts visitors with its gardens and historic exhibits.
*Currently the Senate House is undergoing vital restoration work and guided tours will not visit the interior of the Senate House.
Westchester
Balanced Rock
667 Titicus Road, North Salem
As one of the Hudson Valley’s more unusual attractions, Balanced Rock makes a statement with a structure that defies gravity. How the massive rock balances atop the smaller ones beneath it remains a mystery.
Sunnyside
3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington
Folklore fans should consider a trip to Sunnyside, the home of Washington Irving. The riverside home charms during the day with romantic architecture and manicured grounds. It is hard to believe that the man who wrote The Legend of Sleepy Hollow ever spent a night here.
Tarrytown Music Hall
13 Main Street, Tarrytown
Founded at the tail end of the 19th century, Tarrytown Music Hall is the oldest theater in all of Westchester. As a nationally recognized historic site, it continues to show a variety of performances, including music, dance, theater, and film.
Which places should we add to the list? Let us know in the comments or email us at edit@hvmag.com.
Related: Visit the Top Cultural Attractions and Historic Sites in Westchester
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