There are many reasons the Hudson Valley is the place to be in the fall. The foliage is beautiful, the air is crisp, and there’s so much to do—and eat! Here are five of our favorites:
1. Hit the Farmers’ Markets
While you’re eyeing the fresh veggies and fruits at the many farmers markets in the area, odds are you’ll bump into CIA students and instructors doing the same. Whether it’s just down the road from campus at the Hyde Park Farmers Market or a short drive to the popular Rhinebeck Farmers Market or Beacon Farmers Market, these open-air venues let you sample the goods and talk with the people who grow your food.
2. Pick Your Own
Spend an afternoon at a Valley farm and pick your own ingredients. Apples and pumpkins are in abundance at PYO hotspots like Fishkill Farms, Dubois Farms, and Wilklow Orchards, so don’t be surprised if you go home with a hefty haul—or are eating pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, and pumpkin muffins for weeks to come. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)
3. Go Hiking
Time to work off all that pie and take in the natural beauty of the Hudson River Valley. Restore your soul with a visit to the Mohonk Preserve in the Shawangunk Mountains, or challenge yourself with a trek up Mount Beacon. If you prefer your trails flat, then walk, run, blade, or bike the Walkway Over the Hudson. The former railroad bridge spans the river between Poughkeepsie and Highland and offers spectacular views.
4. Chow Down and Sip at Festivals
The Valley’s amazing food, growing craft beer scene, and award-winning wines are cause for celebration all year round. At this time of year, food lovers and beverage fans are known to gather at fall events like the Hunter Mountain Oktoberfest and Nostrano Vineyards Fall Fest.
5. Get Spooked
There’s no better place to get your Halloween on than the Hudson Valley (remember The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?). You’ll be screaming and cowering at can’t-miss attractions like Headless Horseman Hayrides and the Haunted Mansion and Fright Trail. Scary not your thing? Then be amazed by the 7,000-plus glowing, hand-carved pumpkins and more at The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.