A Summer Guide to The Hudson Valley
As the temperatures soar to 90 degrees, we spend our days longing to escape north where the only items on the itinerary include long drives with the windows down, deep plunges into swimming holes, and starry night walks in the warm night air. This is why, with help from our friends at Wonderscope, we created a perfect day’s adventure in the Hudson Valley.
Spend your day picking strawberries, biking along historic trails, diving into icy water, and exploring all that the region has to offer, but don’t forget to leave plenty of time to wander aimlessly as you never know what you’re going to discover upstate on a summer’s day. If you’re looking for a place to shack up for the night, make sure to check out our favorite places to stay this summer.
Photos and Video by Wonderscope, Words by Emma Tuccillo
Pick Your Own Strawberries at Kelder’s Farm
With summer comes strawberries, and there is nothing more pleasurable than eating sweet, juicy strawberries you picked yourself. Off Route 209 in Kerhonkson, Kelder’s Farm is a 200-year-old century farm where you can pick your own seasonal fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Kids will especially love Kelder’s infamous jumping pillow, corn and meadow mazes, mini golf course and, of course, the friendly petting animals. Don’t leave without browsing their amazing market, where they have meats, produce, and gourmet products all available for purchase.
Walk The Rosendale Trestle
Before a major restoration in 2013, it had been almost 35 years since the last train crossed the Rosendale Trestle. Today, at 940-feet long and 150-feet high, this iconic Hudson Valley landmark carries the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail over Rondout Creek, offering hikers and bicyclists stunning views of Joppenbergh Mountain, Rosendale’s Main Street, and Rondout Creek. After walking or biking along the trestle, be sure to visit the charming town of Rosendale, where we recommend visiting Market Market for dinner, then catching a flick at The Rosedale Movie Theatre.
Explore Kingston by Bike
Newly opened by Jay Teske Leather Company, Kingston Bike Rentals is one of the best ways we can think of to explore Kingston and the surrounding area. Pop in and check out all the charming stores that have opened up in the Rondout, shops like Hops Petunia, Clove and Creek, and Brunette. Pedal along Rondout Creek, pack a picnic to bring with you to Rotary Park on the Kingston Greenline, visit the Hudson River Maritime Museum, or take a ride to Kingston Point Beach for a dip in the Hudson River. If you go on a Saturday, Kingston Parks and Rec offers two-hour kayak tours with boats launching from the beach.
Plunge Into a Swimming Hole
Make the most of your summer upstate with the discovery of a natural swimming hole, where locals and visitors alike convene for the ultimate swimming experience. Whether diving off rocks, doing cannonballs off the rope swing, or simply sunning on a blanket away from the shrieks and splashes, the joy of a newfound swimming hole just can’t be matched. The best swimming holes are found by chance or through word of mouth, so wander around the Hudson Valley or make friends with a local to find a gem.
Enjoy Dessert and Drinks at the Village TeaRoom
Indulge in the season’s bounty and a lovely selection of local beverages with a visit to The Village TeaRoom, a much adored restaurant and bakeshop set in a 200-year-old former tailor shop in the heart of New Paltz. Dine outside on the maple shaded patio with this month’s seasonal cocktail and dessert—-a rhubarb gin collins and a slice of strawberry shortcake—-or opt to share an array of other sweets, from sponge cakes and mousses, to pavlovas and fruit tarts, all made with farm fresh strawberries, raspberries, peaches and blueberries.
The Village TeaRoom closed in 2019, however the owner now runs Agnes Devereaux Catering in Staatsburg, NY.
Catch a Flick at The Hyde Park Drive-In
Nothing provides a more nostalgic summer experience than a trip to the drive-in. The smell of buttery popcorn in the warm night air while a stream of light illuminates the outdoor screen is enough to convince us to abandon our life in the city and spend our entire summer watching movies from the comfort of a car. We recommend visiting the Hyde Park Drive-In which has been open since 1950. Showing exciting blockbuster movies like The Jungle Book and Captain America, a night there will unlock your childlike wonder and remind you of a simpler time.
Thank you to the amazing team who put together this feature:
Production Company: Wonderscope Director, Editor: Natalie Wallace Producer: Miranda Harple Cinematography: James Knightly Still Photography: George Fava & Miranda Harple