From gorgeous, multicolored leaves scattered across mountains and valleys, to the abundant art galleries, restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries, the Hudson Valley offers the perfect fall getaway – or more – if you love the fall. Only about an hour north of NYC, the Hudson Valley offers charming villages, antiquing, hiking and other autumnal delights. Here are only a few ideas to help you make the most of your Hudson Valley getaway.
Catskill Mountain Railroad
If you’re heading upstate to experience fall foliage, experience the Catskill Mountain Railroad in Ulster County. These recreational trains ride through the stunning Catskills and offer both indoor and open-air seating, making it an easy way for passengers to check out the changing leaves. Fall foliage train rides begin in October and operate three times daily. The railroad also runs year-round, and features a Polar Express train ride during the holiday season.
Climb “The Gunks”
Located about 90 miles north of NYC is the Shawangunk Ridge, aka “The Gunks.” A recognized rock climbing destination, this sprawling mountain range attracts climbers from across the United States. Climbers of all experience levels year-round visit to conquer its cliffs, which average 150-ft in height.
If you’re looking to conquer the Gunks, The Mohonk Preserve serves as an ideal base, with over 1,000 routes available for climbers. Guided trips are available for both full-day and half-day excursions.
Get Creeped Out in Sleepy Hollow
Renowned because of Washington Irving’s famous short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, this Westchester County village lives up to its reputation with a host of events in the fall. On weekends through November, take a lantern-lit evening tour of the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where Irving Washington himself is buried. Other famous people buried there include William Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie.
There’s also the Jack O’Lantern Blaze, where over 7,000 hand-carved and lit jack-o-lanterns are displayed throughout the Halloween season and into November. Or if you’re feeling really brave, checkout Sleepy Hollow’s premiere haunted house experience: Horseman’s Hollow, which brings the Headless Horseman and other creepy characters to terrifying life.
I’m a lifelong resident of Washingtonville and an expert on the New York and Pennsylvania real estate markets. If you’re considering selling your home in the Hudson Valley, New York, Philadelphia or Pennsylvania, contact me, Paul Biagini of Biagini Realty and I can help you get the most competitive offer for your home!