From fixtures named after places in the valley (Millbrook, Goshen, and, Garrison to name a few), to our headquarters and distribution center in Wappingers Falls, we are a Hudson Valley brand through and through. The Hudson Valley is slowly becoming a coveted travel destination, especially for our neighbors in the tri-state area and NYC.
Fall in the Hudson Valley is a time like no other: leaves changing colors, a crisp coolness in the air, the tart crunch of apples and the rosy-cheeked fun of picking them, and pumpkins sprouting in patches. If you’re planning a trip to the Hudson Valley for some fall-sightseeing, allow us to be your guide.
Where to Pick Your Own
Apple and pumpkin picking are fall staples in the Hudson Valley, and lucky for you there are tons of farms to choose from. DuBois Farms in Highland is a pick-your-own dream. The farm not only has fall favorites like pumpkins and apples. They also have nectarines, plums, pears, peaches, grapes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and flowers ready for picking. You can also take advantage of the farm market and cafe, or grab a drink of local hard cider at the tavern.
Looking for something more family-oriented? In the farm-town of Poughquag, you’ll find Barton Orchards. Barton features pick-your-own-apples, hayrides, and corn mazes. Farms throughout the Hudson Valley make delicious, tantalizing apple cider doughnuts all through the fall. It'd be hard to name one as the best, but the ones at Barton Orchards just might be it.
Picking apples and pumpkins is only half of the fun; creating delicious dishes and amazing crafts rounds out the whole experience.
Where to Hike
Trying to stay active on your day trip and take in some beautiful scenery? There's no better way to do this than a hike. Bear Mountain is known for its stunning views, so beautiful that it’s a wedding-destination for many Hudson Valley couples. The grounds also include a hotel, with a restaurant and spa, in case you want to take a break from your perfect fall day for some pampering.
Photo from stormking.org | Ronald Bladen, Untitled (Three Elements), 1965
If you’re interested in a nice stroll rather than a hike, Strom King Art Center (about a 10-minute drive from Storm King Mountain) is perfect for taking in amazing works of art with the Hudson Valley’s natural scenery as a backdrop.
Mohonk Preserve in New Paltz is the hiker’s mecca of the Hudson Valley, with several trails to choose from with varying difficulty levels. Mohonk is New York’s largest visitor-and-member-supported nature preserve. It includes sites of the Wallkill River and tons of natural features along the way, like a butterfly garden.
Where to Eat & Drink
As you might expect from its name, The Mill House Brewing Company is first and foremost a brewer of beers so excellent, they're served at restaurants all throughout the valley. But it also has a menu full of delicious pub-style fares, like charcuterie boards and poutine. If you or your special someone is a beer drinker, then you've got to try their Oktoberfest, which so lives up to its name that they call it 'fall in a glass.' There are dozens of fantastic breweries throughout the Hudson Valley, and all of Upstate New York: check them out on our Pinterest.
Photo via Heritage Food + Drink
Our Wappingers Falls neighbor, Heritage is the new hot spot for farm-to-table seasonal fare. They stay true to the “buy local” mantra that the Hudson Valley thrives on, sourcing goods from local farmers and distilleries. While you’re there make sure to look up and see our Colchester pendants that hang in the bar area.
Halloween in the Valley
Once you’ve enjoyed some Hudson Valley spirits, it’s time to get into the Halloween spirit. What is October other than the 30 days leading up to Halloween? Not to brag, but considering Rip Van Winkle and Sleepy Hollow were both written about the Hudson Valley, we basically own Halloween (move over, Salem, Massachusetts).
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a walking tour at Van Cortlandt Manor. Artists create thousands of pumpkin creations, from carved faces of celebrities to sculptures of dinosaurs. This attraction is family-friendly, and also features a gift shop full of fall trinkets, warm apple cider, and, doughnuts.
For something a little less family-friendly and not for the faint-of-heart, Kevin McCurdy’s Haunted Mansion in Wappingers Falls is a Hudson Valley staple. Walk (or, probably run) through the trail and meet some unsightly characters. While there are some major scares, it’s a fun experience and something to enjoy with your whole crew.
We hope you enjoy these last days of October and your Halloween, whether you can make it to the magic that is the Hudson Valley in the fall or not!
