Travel Guide: Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks & Upstate New York

With its farm-to-table dining, local wineries, and outdoor adventures, exploring Upstate New York offers a refreshing change of pace from NYC

Upstate New York is a picturesque region filled with natural beauty, charming towns, and rich history. From the rolling landscapes of the Hudson Valley to the pristine lakes of the Adirondacks and Finger Lakes, it offers a tranquil escape from the city’s pace.

Each season has its allure. But, I’ve loved my time exploring winter and autumn seasons.

Beyond its natural splendor, Upstate New York is also known for its artisanal culture, including farm-to-table dining, local wineries, craft breweries, and unique art scenes in towns like Hudson and Saratoga Springs. It’s a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and cultural charm that appeals to locals and visitors alike for those looking to explore outside of Manhattan.

Plus, since my day drive in Vermont was within a days drive from the Adirondacks, I included those experiences as well.

Stay
Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel Saranac, a Curio Collection hotel in Saranac Lake offered a lovely place to stay in the Adirondack region in Upstate New York
The Lake House On Canandaigua The Lake House on Canandaigua resort is a lakeside destination for relaxation in the Finger Lakes region of New York
The Maker Hotel My stay at The Maker Hotel in Hudson, New York solidified its status as one of my favorite independently owned hotels in the US
Experiences
Cross Country Skiing Class at Cascade XC Ski Center Learning how to cross country ski at Cascade Cross Country Ski Center was the perfect adventure for my day in upstate New York
Ice Castles New York After visiting Ice Castles in Utah, visiting Ice Castles New York was an outstanding visual display of the beauty of carved ice and lights as an art form
Kaaterskill Falls State Park Kaaterskill Falls State Park in New York’s Catskill Mountains showcases a stunning view of the two-tiered cascade waterfalls that plunges over 260 feet.
Olana State Historic Site Olana, in Hudson Valley, New York, is a breathtaking estate and National Historic Landmark that was the home of renowned landscape painter Frederic Edwin Church
Watkins Glen State Park Watkins Glen State Park, located in New York's Finger Lakes region, is famous for its stunning gorge, breathtaking waterfalls and lush, scenic trails
Eat
Big Slide Brewery and Public House Big Slide Brewery and Public House was the best beer and burger place I ate at in in Lake Placid in the Adirondack region in upstate New York
Campfire Adirondack Grill + Bar Campfire Adirondack Grill + Bar, the in house restaurant of Hotel Saranac, was a great spot for dinner in Upstate New York
feast & floret Feast & Floret in Hudson, New York, is a charming restaurant celebrated for its Italian-inspired, farm-to-table dishes and cozy, flower-filled ambiance.
Great Hall Bar Having a cocktail at the Great Hall Bar, sitting with my Kindle and talking to locals was a great way to end my full day of adventure in the Adirondacks
Lakeside Coffee Roasters Lakeside Coffee Roasters in Rouses Point was a lovely stop for coffee before heading into Vermont for a road trip adventure
Lawsons Finest Liquids Lawsons Finest Liquids was a lovely brewery stop for a quick sojourn in Waitsfield, Vermont
Locals Only Locals Only in Rochester, New York, is known for its creative drinks and locally sourced, seasonally inspired dishes.
Old Mountain Coffee Company Finishing my stay in the Adirondack and heading to the airport, my last stop was for coffee at Old Mountain Coffee Company
Rose Tavern Rose Tavern at The Lake House on Canandaigua offers a refined dining experience with a menu focused on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
The Maker Lounge The Maker Lounge at The Maker Hotel in Hudson, New York, offers a warm, inviting space to relax and enjoy artisanal cocktails in a unique setting
The Maker Restaurant The Maker Restaurant offers a captivating dining experience, showcasing a thoughtful menu that highlights regional flavors.
The Tap House at Catamount Glass My visit to the now closed Tap House at Catamount Glass was a welcomed stop for lunch during my first visit to Vermont
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