Fall is upon us and New York state has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for fall family fun or want a romantic getaway, New York has you covered. I had the pleasure this past weekend of exploring a new area of New York; the Hudson Valley. I’ve been to Albany and New York City but haven’t spent as much time in between. Here are some great suggestions for the ultimate New York Fall Weekend Getaway in the Hudson Valley.
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The Location
This area stretches from the northern skirts of New York City in Westchester County to Albany along the Hudson River. The Hudson Valley area is known for its orchards, farms, and vineyards/breweries/cideries. In this post, we will be about Rockland and Westchester Counties.
Where to Stay
The Time Nyack: I had to opportunity to be hosted by The Time Nyack. It is a beautiful boutique hotel located just off of the Hudson River in Nyack, New York. My family and I opted to work with this hotel because it was unique and is an operating full-service property.
The hotel has 123 guest rooms and 10 suites. All of the rooms have a mini fridge, keurigs, and very comfortable beds. The hotel has a great on-site restaurant as well. It was nice when I worked from my hotel room that after my daughter’s virtual school session, we could go down and get a quick bite without having to drive.
We found this was a great location since we had a fun weekend planned in Sleepy Hollow across the river. There are hotels in Tarrytown which are branded hotels versus boutiques primarily. My family like that Nyack was a little quieter and had some great little eateries like Boxer Donuts and Prohibition River.
Things to do
Jack O’Lantern Blaze: The Jack O’Lantern Blaze has been on my hit list for a few years. This event is worth every single penny. Don’t miss this Halloween trail that is illuminated with over 7,000 carved pumpkins. This event runs every year on the weekends from Late September-Early November. This event sells out fast so I recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time online. This event is located just north of Sleepy Hollow in Croton-on-Hudson. It takes about an hour to walk through with photo stops. The Blaze is a must for a New York Fall Weekend Getaway!
Scenic Hudson RiverWalk: This was a fun little spot in Tarrytown. It is an open public park area. You can actually stand on a platform on the riverfront and see New York City as you look down the river. There is a playground for kids and it is dog friendly. Pack up a picnic and hit this laid back spot on the Hudson River.
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The Mario Cuomo Bridge Path: I’m kicking myself for not bringing my bike. We walked part of the Bridge Path during our trip. The Path is a new pedestrian walk/bike bridge that follows the bridge with 5 different lookouts on the Hudson River. It connects Nyack and Tarrytown. The Bridge Path is approximately 3.6 miles each way. This is a very unique experience and is completely free!
Mansion & Manor Tours: There are a ton of beautiful manors and historic homes to visit. Some of the top attractions include Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, Lyndhurst Manor, and Rockefeller’s Kykuit Estate. Keep in mind that you need to purchase tickets ahead currently as they are not available on site. Some of the attractions have altered operations currently.
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Lyndhurst
Sleepy Hollow Cemetery Tours: If you want to go find the Headless Horseman, consider a cemetery tour. The cemetery has some famous residents like Washington Irving, Rockefeller Mausoleum, and the famed Hessian Soldier. You should consider going at night time for a lantern tour!
The Hudson Valley Wine & Craft Beverage Map: You cannot go wrong with a craft beverage, a glass of wine, or some hard cider. There is bound to be a drink that everyone enjoys! View the full map here.
Favorite Eateries
The Blue Pig: I received a recommendation for this spot from Visit Westchester. They make homemade ice creams and desserts that are to die for. The Blue Pig is close to the Blaze event. This place does great at catering to dietary restrictions. They have many flavors that are vegan and gluten-free. Even the toppings and whipped cream are homemade!
The Grille at Nyack: This restaurant is located right inside The Time Nyack hotel. All of the steaks are aged for 53+ days. So if you are in the mood for a great steak, this is where you need to go. I also recommend their Banoffe Pie!
Boxer Donuts: It is hard to pick just one favorite for donuts at this place. The flavors are creative from the donuts to the coffee bar. I sampled their newest creation that was a donut/muffin combo which was delicious. Try everything if you can! Boxer Donuts is a must.
Prohibition River: The restaurant is located right on the main street in Nyack. They have many different beers on tap and a very vast menu. I recommend getting the grilled cheese shooters and the mac n cheese. Prohibition River is a great stop.
Auntie El’s Farm Market: This is about a 15-minute drive west from Nyack and is a must stop. The farm stand has fresh fruits, vegetables, jams, and syrups. My opinion is that the highlight would be the on-site bakery. Get the devil dogs, donuts, or crumb cake! Autie El’s does not disappoint.
Why You Should Consider the Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley is an easy getaway for the North East. There is so much more to New York state than the city. This area has a variety of local restaurants and shops so you can enjoy a shop local feel.
Don’t forget to check out my Time Nyack Review!
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