Hudson Valley: 10+ Artsy & Cool Things To Do in Peekskill, New York

By Jacquelin Carnegie 

Many Hudson Valley river towns have become so hip, they're almost unrecognizable. But so far, Peekskill has managed to remain low-key, while becoming a haven for artists and expanding its cultural scene. Much of this unpretentious renaissance is due to the presence of Hudson Valley MOCA, founded by the cutting-edge, art collectors Livia and Marc Straus, who are committed to the enrichment of the multi-cultural Peekskill community. Back in 1861, a forward-thinking, President-elect Abraham Lincoln stopped here; it's time to follow his lead.
ARTSY PEEKSKILL
Hudson Valley MOCA
1701 Main St; Tel: 914/788-0100; https://bit.ly/2Q3G6Do

Laura Kimpton, HVCCA
(photo: Sarah Connors)

Livia Straus and her husband Marc put the groove in groovy. These avant-garde, ahead-of-the-curve collectors opened this not-for-profit arts center in 2004. In addition to presenting innovative and unconventional exhibits of contemporary art, the center offers a wide range of community outreach and educational programming for local students and adults. 

Enlighten Peekskill: Hudson Valley MOCA is also the primary sponsor of this project to "light the way" from the train station to downtown with an exhibition of site-specific artwork.
Peekskill Public Art Trail: Throughout the downtown area and along the stunning Riverfront Green Park there's a great sculpture trail with artwork from past Peekskill Projects and pieces commissioned by the city of Peekskill. Download a map and go for a stroll.
Peekskill Arts Alliance - Open Studios (www.peekskillartists.org): Every June, the PAA organizes an artists' open studio weekend, highlighting local artists and galleries. Over 200 artists reside in Peekskill.
The Hat Factory (1000 No. Division St; peekskillhatfactory.com): Kind of an artsy mall; for ceramic lovers, the Peekskill Clay Studios.

GREAT ENTERTAINMENT
The BeanRunner Cafe (201 So. Division St; Tel: 914/737-1701; www.beanrunnercafe.com)

Lisa Gutkin

 - This lovely cafe in downtown Peekskill has great live music every Friday and Saturday night--jazz, blues, reggae, soca, and singer/songwriters (call to reserve seats in advance). If you're lucky, you might get to hear Lisa Gutkin, whose family has spent summers in the area for five generations.

The Paramount Hudson Valley (1008 Brown St; http://bit.ly/2czSYhH) - This restored 1930’s movie palace is now a performing arts showcase with top names in music of all genres, comedy, and more. 

Peekskill Jazz & Blues Festival (Summer) - This free, outdoor festival features world-class jazz & blues musicians.
Feel Like a Local: Head to the Peekskill Farmers Market (Saturdays, June-Nov, 8am-2pm, on Bank Street, btw Main St & Park St) & Peekskill Flea Market (Sundays, April-Nov, 8am-4pm). 

Dine in Style: The restaurant scene in town is booming thanks in part to restaurateurs Louie Lanza (The Hudson Room, Taco Dive Bar, The Hudson Creamery) and John Sharp (Gleason's and Birdsall House). Several of the restaurants also offer live music, and two coffee houses double as galleries/music venues. There's a brewery and several gastro pubs. Here's a list of Peekskill's many eateries. 

BR Nelson, Beyond, Art Trail
(photo: J. Heumann)

Where To Stay: 

Inn on the Hudson (634 Main St; Tel: 914/739-1500; www.innonthehudson.com) - Get a discount if you mention the HVCCA.

Holiday Inn Peekskill (2 John Walsh Blvd; Tel: 800/315-2621; http://bit.ly/2csiauE). Or try, Airbnb and Bed & Breakfasts.
Getting There: From New York City (Grand Central Terminal) take a train to Peekskill on Metro-North's scenic Hudson line (about an hour).

Hudson Valley, New York: 15+ Artsy & Cool Things To Do

Bannerman's (photo: JCarnegie)

By Jacquelin Carnegie 

All year long, not just during the beautiful fall foliage season, the area surrounding New York's magnificent Hudson River is ideal for a day trip or weekend get-away. There are several counties on both sides of the river worth discovering, but Dutchess County has some of the most diverse offerings. Explore the spectacular countryside, cultural choices, fairs & festivals, vineyards and farmers' markets. Here's a sampling to get you started:

BEACON - ART & NATURE
Any day of the week, stroll along Main Street to check out the selection of cafés and galleries. Beacon gets even livelier on weekends with its Sunday Farmer's Market, on the riverfront, the Flea Market (April-Nov) behind the post office, and Second Saturday, a citywide celebration of the arts.

Dia: Beacon (photo: Laura Asaibene)

DIA:BEACON
3 Beekman St., Beacon, NY; Tel: 845 440 0100; www.diaart.org
In a beautifully-renovated, 1920's factory building, the Dia Art Foundation’s minimalist art collection, from the 1960’s to the present, takes center stage in wide-open galleries with huge, beautiful windows and skylights. On display are works by such renowned modern artists as Dan Flavin, Richard Serra, and Louise Bourgeois. There are changing exhibitions, gallery talks, and other special events (also a café).
BANNERMAN’S CASTLE - ISLAND TOURS
Bannerman's Island; Tel: 800/979-3370; www.bannermancastle.org (May-Oct)
While in Beacon, explore a picturesque island in the Hudson River that's been off bounds for years. In 1901, Frank Bannerman, a zany Scottish-American munitions dealer, built a quasi-castle and residence for his family on Pollepel Island. Today, thanks to the Bannerman Castle Trust, you can admire the ruins. Pack a picnic and enjoy great views of the Hudson as well as the 20-minute ferry ride there & back. On some Sundays, there's also music. (Reservations required for all tours & special events. The ferry dock for Bannerman's Island is a 5-minute walk from the Beacon train station.)

Hudson River (photo: JCarnegie)

Dine: All along Main Street there are several nice cafés, try the Beacon Bread Company Bistro.
Stay: The Roundhouse at Beacon Falls (2 East Main St.) - former factory building turned into a groovy boutique hotel.
Getting There: Drive or train from New York (Grand Central), take Metro-North (Hudson line) train to Beacon. (The museum, ferry dock & Main St. are all in easy walking distance of the train station.) Be sure to check out the way-cool, yet funkier town of Newburgh, right across the river.

POUGHKEEPSIE - CULTURAL VISITS & COUNTRY WALKS
Vassar is well known as a prestigious college, but it's a bit of a secret that the lovely campus is open to the public with a fabulous theater and a museum that would please any culture lover.

Vassar

VASSAR COLLEGE:
POWERHOUSE THEATER
124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY; Tel: 845-437-5599; http://powerhouse.vassar.edu
For over 30 years, the Vassar & New York Stage and Film's Powerhouse Theater has fostered and celebrated young playwrights, aspiring actors, directors and designers on stage for six weeks each summer. It's a delightful place to see theater and you can often see famous actors up-close-and-personal performing alongside the up-and-comers.
FRANCES LEHMAN LOEB ART CENTER
Tel: 845/437-5632; http://fllac.vassar.edu
This incredible collection includes fabulous Dutch Masters, Hudson River School paintings, major 20th-century works as well as sculpture and photography.
WALKWAY OVER THE HUDSON
(www.walkway.org; 61 Parker Ave., about 4 blocks north of the Poughkeepsie train station. Open: 7am-sunset)  For breathtaking views of the Hudson, stroll or hike across this abandoned railway bridge that's been transformed into a scenic walkway.
Dine: Try out places favored by the locals.
Stay: Courtyard by Marriott (2641 South Rd/Rt. 9, Poughkeepsie, NY; Tel: 845/485-6336) - friendly staff & a nice indoor pool.
Getting There: Drive or train from New York (Grand Central), take Metro-North (Hudson line) train to Poughkeepsie, then a taxi. (Empire Taxi, Tel: 845/454-4444)

HYDE PARK - HISTORIC SITES & GREAT EATS
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt devoted their lives to the betterment of all Americans. Hyde Park is where FDR grew up and spent most of his life.
ROOSEVELT-VANDERBILT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITES 

FDR's Springwood

4097 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY; Tel: 800/967-2283, www.nps.gov/hofr
FDR's HOME: It's a patriotic thrill to tour these four sites. You can also stroll the beautiful grounds with miles of hiking trails. (For more information about the guided tours, contact: National Parks Service, Tel: 845/229-5320.) Springwood - The Roosevelt family home. (The President & Mrs. Roosevelt are buried in the Rose Garden.) Val-Kill - Eleanor Roosevelt's private cottage, she came here when she wanted to relax. Top Cottage - FDR's private retreat.
FDR Presidential Library & Museum - Opened in 1941, this is America's first presidential library, built under FDR's direction. There are fascinating artifacts and changing exhibitions.
THE VANDERBILT MANSION (www.nps.gov/vama)

Val-Kill (photo: NPS/WD Urbin)

This magnificent estate was once the home of Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt. Take a guided tour of the mansion and learn about the Gilded Age. Wander around the exquisitely-landscaped gardens and grounds with stunning Hudson River views.

CIA chefs

Dine: CIA (1946 Campus Dr., Hyde Park, NY; Tel: 845/471-6608) - The Culinary Institute of America is a world-renowned cooking school with several dining options: Bocuse (French), de'Medici (Italian), American Bounty, and the causal Apple Pie Bakery Cafe. (Make reservations way in advance; all restaurants close during school breaks, so check ahead.)

Rhinebeck Crafts: Jonathan's

Stay: Courtyard by Marriott in Poughkeepsie.
Getting There: Drive or train from New York (Grand Central), take Metro-North (Hudson line) train to Poughkeepsie. Then taxi from the Poughkeepsie train station to FDR Visitors Center (about 10-15 minutes).

 

RHINEBECK - ARTS, CRAFTS & BEYOND

Rhinebeck is a lovely area with wonderful fairs and festivals:

DUTCHESS COUNTY FAIR (Aug): Here's your chance to experience a real county fair with 4H Clubs, farm animals, pie contests, carnivals rides, music & more family fun.
RHINEBECK CRAFTS FESTIVAL (June): This legendary event is features some 200 top-notch craftspeople, local furniture makers, music, gourmet food & merriment.
HUDSON VALLEY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL (Sept): A great way to sample the local Hudson Valley vintages, craft beers, and culinary offerings.

Fisher (photo: Peter Aaron)

BARD COLLEGE: FISHER CENTER
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY; Tel: 845/758-7900; fishercenter.bard.edu
About 10 mins from Rhinebeck, this Frank Gehry designed entertainment center on the Bard campus offers a wide-range of events, or just take a tour of the stunning facility.
Dine: Take your pick from every type of restaurant.
Stay: The Beekman Arms  (6387 Mill St.) - Open since 1766; the Clintons stayed here during Chelsea's wedding.
Getting There: Drive or train from New York (Penn Station), take Amtrak to Rhinecliff. (Taxi into Rhinebeck but, at this point, you'll really need a car.)

 
MORE HUDSON VALLEY ACTIVITIES
DUTCHESS COUNTY FARM FRESH TOURS: Whether you want to pick apples, sample artisanal cheeses, visit local wineries and distilleries, taste New York maple syrup and hand-crafted ice cream, buy organic produce or items made from local wool, there's a place for you! Visit Fishkill Farms & McEnroe Organic Farm, Crown Maple Estate, Hudson Valley Sheep & Wool Farm, Dutch’s Spirits, Harney & Sons Fine Teas and many other charming, scenic spots. 
FARMERS' MARKETS: Download a brochure about farms with fresh produce for sale and head out on your own or for some family fun!
HUDSON VALLEY RESTAURANT WEEKS (Spring & Fall): With all the fresh produce available, the area restaurants serve some incredibly-tasty, farm-to-table meals. Several also have rooms to book, so add an overnight stay to your meal!

Fishkill Farms

Making Your Trip Easier
Metro-North offers several "get-away" packages to Hudson Valley places and events.
Dutchess County Tourism has tons of info & hotel deals on their site.
These newspapers have info about local cultural events: About Town & Southern/Northern Dutchess News. 
Stewart International Airport: If you'd like to visit the Hudson Valley from Europe, good news! A new budget airlines PLAY now has flights into/from Stewart Airport in Newburgh, NY.

Hudson Valley, New York: 3 Artsy Day Trips

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Hudson River, Olana (photo: JCarnegie)

Looking for something interesting to do for a day trip or weekend getaway? Here are three artsy options:

A HAVEN FOR EMERGING ARTISTS
The Wassaic Project
37 Furnace Bank Rd, Wassaic, NY;

wassaicproject.org

Head to Wassaic, New York to experience a groovy, 1960s-esq, art-loving community. A group of artists, from different disciplines, have come together in this sylvan enclave to: Put on art exhibitions in Maxon Mills, an historic grain mill; Provide artists' studio space in Luther Barn, once used for animal auctions; and do artsy outreach to the local community and the like-minded public at large.
Art Exhibitions: The Wassaic Project curates exhibits by international, emerging artists showcased in the amazing Maxon Mills building.

Kelly Goff, Dumpster

Open Studios: Artists in Residence Studios in the Luther Barn are open to the public usually on the Last Saturday of the month (during COVID some "Chat with the Artists" are virtual.) Events: There are also some fun events such as a Community Block Party, an Artist Parade in May, and a Halloween Haunted House in October. Prior to COVID, and hopefully again in the future, a summer festival was held to celebrate art, music, film & dance, with on-site camping.

Wassaic: The Wassaic Project is right on Main Street in the heart of this little, woodsy hamlet. While in the area, explore other artsy aspects of Dutchess County, NY. 

Maxon Mills (photo: jwcofrin)

 

Eats: The Lantern (10 Main St) - Local joint with great pizza & micro brews on tap. 

Stay: Book nearby B&Bs or an Airbnb.
Getting There: Drive or train from New York (Grand Central), take Metro-North (Harlem line) to Wassaic (about 2 ½ hrs). Then, a ten-minute walk to The Wassaic Project or get a lift.

DISCOVER THE 

HUDSON RIVER SCHOOL
While artist Thomas Cole may not be that well known today, he launched America's first, original art movement: the Hudson River School (1825-1875). One of his students, the artist Frederic Church, went on to even greater fame and fortune. You can visit Cole's home and studio, Cedar Grove, in Catskill, NY as well as Church's home, Olana, in Hudson, NY. These historic homes--where American Art was born--are just two miles apart, across the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.

Thomas Cole, View Near Catskill Village

Church's House on a Hill
Olana State Historic Site

Olana (photo: JCarnegie)

5720 Route 9G, Hudson, NY; www.olana.org
(Make Tour reservations well in advance.)
After studying with artist Thomas Cole from 1844 to 1846, Frederic Edwin Church became a sought-after Hudson River School painter. Through his landscapes of worldwide locations, Church gained national and international prominence, becoming the best-known and most successful painter of his time. In 1867, Church and his wife, Isabel, traveled to Europe and the Middle East. Upon their return, Church built their new home on a hilltop, inspired by Middle-Eastern architecture. Hence, Olana is an impressive combination of Victorian architectural elements and Middle-Eastern decorative motifs. Church worked closely with famous architect Calvert Vaux on the house, but the landscape architecture for Olana’s 250-acres was his own design. The naturalistic landscape is considered another of Church’s great artworks. Today, due to conservation efforts, it's one of the best-preserved, artist-designed landscapes in the United States.

Frederic Church, View of West Point

 

Hudson, NY: Hudson is a pretty, hip little town with tons of eateries, nice shops, and art galleries on Warren Street, plus the Hudson Hall performing arts center. In addition to visiting Olana, the Omi International Arts Center (1405 Co Rt 22, Ghent, NY) with The Fields Sculpture Park is nearby, plus other Columbia County attractions.
Eats: Nice, inexpensive places for Lunch: The Cascades Food Truck (708 State St), Le Perche (230 Warren St); Dinner: Wunderbar Bistro (744 Warren St); Gourmet Take Out: Talbott & Arding (323 Warren St).

Stay: Some nice B&B. Or, try Airbnb. Getting There: Drive or from New York (Penn Station), take an Amtrak train to Hudson (about 2 hrs, with stunning views of the Hudson River along the way). Then, a 10-minute taxi ride.

Cole's Home: The Hudson River School of Art
Thomas Cole National Historic Site
218 Spring St., Catskill, NY; Tel: 518-943-7465; www.thomascole.org
(House open year-round; Studios, March-Nov/May-Oct; Book a Tour)

While Church's Olana is opulent, Cole's Cedar Grove is modest. Born in England, Thomas Cole came to America in 1818 when he was 17 years old. Mostly self-taught, he worked with members of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, but struggled to make a living as an artist. Finally, he received recognition for paintings he made from sketching in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills during the summer of 1825. Cole became the leader of a group of landscape artists now known as the Hudson River School. Today, Cole's home and studio, Cedar Grove, is used for art exhibits and other arts-related events. There are “Sunday Salons” (Jan-April) and guided hikes (June-Oct) along the Hudson River School Art Trail to see the landscapes Thomas Cole painted.
Catskill, NY: Not upscale like Hudson, but this little town still has its' charms. There are quaint shops and some galleries on Main Street, plus other Greene County attractions.
Eats: La Conca Doro (440 Main St) & Frank Guido’s Port of Call (7 Main St) right on the water, open seasonally. Stay: Check out various types of Catskill’s accommodations.

Olana, Dining Rm (photo: A.Wainwright)

Getting There: Drive or from New York (Penn Station), take an Amtrak train to Hudson. Then, a 10-minute taxi ride. Another option: rent a car in Hudson. Cedar Grove & Olana are about 10 minutes apart.

Editor's Note: River Crossings: A fantastic exhibit that featured contemporary works by world-renowned artists to celebrate Cole's & Church's legacy; still worth checking out.

Hudson Valley: 10+ Artsy & Cool Things To Do in Beacon, New York

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Hudson River from Beacon (photo: JCarnegie)

Art and nature lovers, Beacon, NY--overlooking the magnificent Hudson River--is a great spot for a day trip or weekend get-away. Located in the Hudson Valley's Dutchess County, it's an easy train ride from New York City.

ARTSY BEACON 
Dia:Beacon

Dia: Beacon (photo: Laura Asaibene)

3 Beekman St, Beacon, NY; Tel: 845 440 0100; www.diaart.org
In a beautifully-renovated, 1920's factory building, the Dia Art Foundation’s minimalist art collection, from the 1960's to the present, takes center stage in wide-open galleries with huge, beautiful windows and skylights. On display are works by such renowned modern artists as Dan Flavin, Richard Serra, and Louise Bourgeois. There are changing exhibitions, gallery talks, and other special events (also a café).

Kunsthalle Beacon (KuBe)

Isaac Aden, KuBe

211 Fishkill Ave; https://bit.ly/2Mr0dxi (Open: Thurs-Sun, 12pm-7pm & 2nd Saturday) - The galerist Ethan Cohen has turned a huge, former high school into a wonderful space to promote art and culture with galleries and studio spaces for local and international artists. There are also occasional lectures, performances, and film screenings.

Second Saturday (https://bit.ly/2MpCkX4) - Each month on the 2nd Saturday, art galleries and shops stay open until 9pm. There are gallery openings, artist receptions, tastings, and other special events. Beacon Open Studios (July) - Check out all the local talent.

DINE & EXPLORE
Any day of the week, stroll along Main Street to check out the selection of really nice cafés, shops, and galleries. 

Homespun

 

Dining: Try some of Ethan Cohen's favorites: Kitchen Sink Take Out (www.kitchensinkny.com) - Creative gourmet food; Meyer's Old Dutch (184 Main St; www.meyersoldedutch.com) - Sophisticated comfort food; also the café at Dia; Isamu (240 Main St; isamubeaconny.com) - Great Japanese & Chinese food. Or, just pop into Scarborough Fare for some gourmet specialties.

Shopping: Next, stroll leisurely along Main Street to browse in quaint stores selling items by Hudson Valley artists such as paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, etc. Then, check out the antiques and vintage shops such as Blackbird Attic, Dickinson's Antiques & Vintage:Beacon.

Farmer's Market

Weekend Extras: Beacon gets even livelier on weekends with a Sunday Farmer's Market (223 Main St) and a Flea Market (April-Nov; behind the post office in the Henry St parking lot).
Festivals: Strawberry Festival (June), Corn Festival (Aug), & Pumpkin Festival (Oct).
Music: Towne Crier Cafe (379 Main St; townecrier.com) - Renowned for presenting American roots, jazz, and world music, plus great food. Quinn's (330 Main St; https://bit.ly/2LdkReL) - Live music & good Japanese food.

ART WITH A SPLASH OF NATURE
The late-great, legendary folk singer, activist, and Beacon resident Pete Seeger, led the charge to clean up the polluted waters of the Hudson River. Here are some ways to enjoy the results. The pier and these riverfront parks are right by Beacon's Metro-North train station: 

Clearwater sloop (photo:Anthony Pepitone)

Clearwater (https://bit.ly/1LQFeZY; April thru October) - Go for a sail on the renowned Clearwater sloop.
Scenic Hudson's Long Dock Park (https://bit.ly/2hnZIkc) - Go kayaking, paddleboarding, or rent a bike in this lovely spot.
Pete & Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park - Dare to take a dip in the Hudson (River Pool) or just play volleyball or tennis.

Bannerman’s Castle
Bannerman's Island; Tel: 800/979-3370; www.bannermancastle.org
While in Beacon, explore a picturesque island in the Hudson River. In 1901, Frank Bannerman, a zany Scottish-American munitions dealer, built a quasi-castle and residence for his family on Pollepel Island. Today, thanks to the Bannerman Castle Trust, you can check out the ruins. Pack a picnic and enjoy great views of the Hudson as well as the 20-minute ferry ride there & back. On some Sundays, there's also music. (Reservations required for all tours & special events. The ferry dock for Bannerman's Island is a 5-minute walk from the Beacon train station.) 

Bannerman's (photo: JCarnegie)

Stay: There are a handful of lovely inns and boutique hotels such as The Roundhouse at Beacon Falls (2 East Main St; www.roundhousebeacon.com) - An historic property overlooking a waterfall, plus a nice restaurant with patio dining.
Getting Around: The Beacon Free Loop (Mon-Sat, 6am-9pm) - Free rides from the Beacon train station to popular cultural sites such as Dia:Beacon, Main St., and the Mt Beacon trailhead.
Getting There: Drive or train from New York (Grand Central), take Metro-North (Hudson line) train to Beacon, about an hour and a half. (The museum, ferry dock, riverside parks & Main St. are all in easy walking distance of the train station.)

While there, be sure to check out the way-cool, yet funkier town of Newburgh, right across the river.