Spend A Day in Historic Columbia County NY
This Hudson Valley Hotspot Is Just 30 Minutes from Albany
Historic Columbia County is the perfect spot for a day-trip with the whole family, with outdoor adventure, fine arts and artisan shopping. Located just thirty minutes outside of Albany, Columbia County is an excellent destination for any time of the year!
A Historical Hotspot
The area offers numerous historic sites that look deep into the nineteenth century and beyond. Take a self-guided walking tour through the Hudson River Valley, or let the Columbia County Historical Society guide you! You’ll find a Shaker Museum and Library, as well as the retirement home of Martin Van Buren, the 8th president of the United States, all within the area.
Farm to Table Living
The Hudson Valley is filled with agricultural producers. Farm stands and markets sell fresh wares, such as pick-your-own-corn and custom made flower bouquets. For a structured tour, let Farm to Table Tours take you through the popular, rich spots around the area. Hear from farmers, taste products, and explore the history of the farmland in the valley.
Get Outdoors
Whether it’s hiking, fishing, boating, walking or exploring the parks, this region has it all. In Austerlitz, you’ll find Beebe Hill State Forest, where 2,018 acres are used for wildlife protection, timber production and recreation. There are several other parks and hiking trails that the area offers, such as Empire State Trail, Harrier Hill Park Public Conservation Area, and Lake Taghkanic State Park, where you can kayak, swim, bike, camp and more!
For a unique experience, check out Hudson on Horseback in Hudson, NY, and take a tour of the local trails. The area is known for its wildlife, agriculture, hiking trails and scenic landscape, so you’ll want to explore as much as you can!
Boutique Shopping
Hudson and the surrounding towns are filled with unique shops. From jewelry and vintage clothing to handmade accessories, the Hudson area is the right place for special gifts. At Flying Monkey Totes, you’ll find hand-painted bags, leather products and more. Clothing. Looking for something a little more offbeat? Check out Fluff Alpaca, where you’ll find sustainable, cruelty-free clothes made from alpaca fur. Five and Diamond Vintage is also just around the corner, with unique pieces for both men and women. Other popular spots for women’s contemporary clothing include Red Mannequin in Chatham and White Rice in Hudson. The shopping possibilities never end!
Antiques and Art
The area is full of art galleries, artisan shops, antiques and museums; the Hudson Antiques & Art Dealers Association represents over 40 businesses in the city alone. Step into contemporary art at the 510 Warren Street Gallery in downtown Hudson or travel north to Ghent and explore the indoor and outdoor exhibitions at Art Omi.
For an extraordinary experience, check out the Hudson River Skywalk, where art meets outdoor adventure. The skywalk crosses the Hudson River and provides stunning views of the Catskill Mountains as it connects the homes and studios of local artists.
Dining
Dining in Columbia County means fine restaurants with a friendly, comfortable atmosphere–perfect for getting out of the city for a family getaway. Many restaurants feature locally grown produce from one of the many country markets and farms, such as ‘Cue 2 Go. They smoke their own meats and utilize fresh, local ingredients for the perfect backyard barbeque and dining experience.
If you’re looking for a romantic spot for date night, check out the authentic Italian food at Ca’Mea Restaurant or the homemade tortillas at Casa Latina, in Hudson. There are numerous pizza joints, bagel cafes, artisan cheese shops, delis and wine bars in the Hudson area, so make sure to add some to your list!
Visit Today
Columbia County has many lodging options such as B&Bs, country estates and mountain resorts. Check out ColumbiaTourism.org to make your own itinerary today!