A Weekend Getaway in the Hudson Valley

A short drive away from the city, the magnificent Hudson Valley is defined by the Hudson River, which winds its way from the Adirondacks down to the city and out to the sea. The small towns that line the river have spectacular attractions that draw on the strengths of the area's natural beauty. Drive up to Beacon and hop on a Ferry Ride to Bannerman Castle, a ruined Scottish-style castle that stands, crumbling and fabulous on its own tiny island, or stay on land and visit Dia:Beacon, a wide-open museum built in a former Nabisco factory. Inside, large works by Richard Serra, Dan Flavin, and Sol LeWitt are highlighted with the ever-changing light that floods into the building.

If you want to spend the night, check into The Bird & Bottle Inn for cozy accommodations. At night, stop by Blue Hills at Stone Barns, where chef Dan Barber uses the freshest ingredients the vegetables and meat are all raised on the 80-acre farm in Pocantico Hills to create meals that have been described as the best in the country. Just ninety minutes away from the city, the lower Hudson Valley is the perfect weekend getaway.