Art Omi Day Trip: Where to Eat and Explore Around Ghent

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Planning a visit to Art Omi in Ghent? Look to these sites, shops, and restaurants to keep your Hudson Valley day trip rollin’.

Art Omi is a favorite destination among the Hudson Valley’s thriving art community. The outdoor sculpture and architecture park features over 120 acres of imaginative, large-scale works by artists from all over the globe. Art Omi displays over 60 pieces for visitors to admire; the art center updates its artwork on view yearly, so there’s always something new to discover.

This Hudson Valley hotspot is the ideal place to appreciate art in the middle of nature, but the adventure doesn’t need to stop at Art Omi. Check out these nearby spots for a full day of eating and exploration.

Explore

Borden’s Pond and Conservation Area

 

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Just 10 minutes away from Art Omi, this natural site is the perfect way to continue your day in the great outdoors. Though there isn’t a pond anymore like the name suggests, the area is full of character, with a wetland and a small stream surrounded by lush greenery. Go for a stroll through the trails and take in beautiful views of the Catskills to the sound of birds chirping in the trees. 

Taconic Sculpture Park

 

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If you haven’t had your fill of sculptures for the day, head over to this hidden gem just off the Taconic State Parkway. It’s impossible to miss, with a 19-foot tall head of Gaea atop the hill, gazing into the valley below. This mythical sculpture park features works inspired by Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Native American legends, all created by the self-taught sculptor Roy Kanwit. Visitors can even climb into Mother Nature’s head to observe the stunning view from her perspective.

Love Apple Farm 

 

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With expansive orchards full of farm-fresh fruit, you could spend a whole day at Love Apple Farm alone. The farm is open year-round, welcoming visitors to pick baskets of apples, berries, peaches, and other seasonal fruits. After your basket is filled to the brim, browse the market for a selection of kitchen essentials, hand-poured soaps, specialty foods, and much more. Before heading out to your next spot, swing by the bakery to indulge in homemade baked goods, made from scratch each morning.

Hudson Chatham Winery

 

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Only five minutes down the road from Art Omi, this picturesque winery is the ideal place to slow down your day a bit. Run by two graduates from The Culinary Institute of America, Hudson Chatham Winery offers a thoughtfully curated wine tasting experience with perfectly paired sips and charcuterie. Take a tour of the vineyard or lounge outside and take in breathtaking views of the Valley. 

Crandell Theatre

 

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Film and history buffs will feel right at home in this artistic hub in the center of Chatham. This historic site is the oldest and largest single-screen movie theater in Columbia County, showing a diverse selection of films from thought-provoking documentaries to the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Grab some popcorn and settle in for an afternoon of entertainment inside a living piece of history.

Shop

Olde 1811 Antique Shoppe

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Found in the oldest building in Chatham, this antique shop is a treasure trove of vintage goods begging to be explored. Originally built in 1811 and lovingly restored in 2007, the store is packed full of curios amassed over 50 years of collecting by owners Frances and Jeanne Veillette. Entering the shop is like stepping through a portal to the past, where visitors could spend hours sifting through old relics and oddities. Before you return to the present, check out artisan fares like hand-knit garments and repurposed silverware jewelry made by local artists.

Dining

The People’s Pub

 

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After a day of adventure, you’re sure to work up quite the appetite. Enter: The People’s Pub. Instead of a tavern-style pub, here you’ll find a cool community restaurant with a diverse, sophisticated menu. Start off with flash fried cauliflower and follow it up with pork al pastor or pan-seared salmon. Sip on a craft cocktail and watch the magic come together in the open kitchen.

Bartlett House

 

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Just a few minutes away from Art Omi, Bartlett House is a pillar of the community in Ghent that visitors won’t want to pass up. Built in 1870, this former railroad hotel was transformed into a warm, inviting restaurant where local chefs, bakers, and farmers collaborate to bring diners an incredible culinary experience with every meal. The cafe offers mouthwatering meals made from fresh Hudson Valley ingredients that will have you planning your next visit before you finish the last bite.

Chatham Grill

Craving some grub after an eventful day? Look no further than Chatham Grill for classic American comfort food to satisfy your grumbling stomach. This spot is famous for its meatloaf and burgers, but the menu covers everything from Atlantic salmon to hearty burritos to roast duck. Chow down on whatever your heart (or your stomach) desires and reflect on a day well spent.

Related: What to Do in Chatham: How to Spend 24 Hours in the Upstate Village

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