Hidden In New York's Scenic Hudson Valley Is A Cultural Town With Diverse Food For A Cozy Escape

The picturesque Hudson Valley is lined with historic villages and towns. With the scenic Catskill Mountains on the horizon and the river flowing south toward the city, the area has a peaceful air despite being so close to New York City. From FDR's home in Hyde Park to walkable riverfront towns like Cold Spring, the region is a draw due to its natural beauty, historical interest, arts, culture, and great food.

Rhinebeck, which lies a little more than 110 miles north of New York City and nearly 60 miles south of Albany, is one of those exceptional little towns that visitors love exploring. Some of the village and the entire riverfront hamlet of Rhinecliff are part of the Hudson River Historic District. It's the largest such area in the Lower 48, covering 34.6 square miles with 1,869 structures that are considered "significant" to the area by Hudson River Heritage.

The village is one of those beautiful, walkable towns you dream of spending a weekend checking out. There are countless dining options, boutique shops, and classy, historic inns lining a compact area around the intersection of Market Street and U.S. Highway 9, which was known as the King's Highway before the American Revolution. Best of all, it's easy to get to, thanks to its great location and convenient Amtrak service.

Like many towns in the Hudson Valley, historic Rhinebeck has a storied past. The area was settled around 1686 by Dutch colonists who came across the Hudson from Kingston, New York's first capital. Henry Beekman helped 35 German Palatine families set up homes here in the early 1700s, and the community continued to grow from there. During the 19^th century, Rhinebeck became known as the violet capital of the world because the flowers that were grown in the area were exported all over the world.

Wandering the well-preserved and beautifully maintained downtown area along Market Street is a feast for the senses, and food is one thing you won't have to search long for. The compact village has dozens of options, ranging from fine dining to pub grub, with international choices like Indian, Thai, and Italian. Top picks include Terrapin, LePetit Bistro, and Pizzeria Posto.

For a taste of the town's history, you'll want to stop at the Beekman Arms, the nation's oldest continuously operating inn. Its Colonial Tap Room has an ambiance suitable to the area's history, with a list of former patrons that includes George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, among many others. It's said that the feud that led to the famous duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton started in this very spot!

Perhaps one of the best things about Rhinebeck is its location. It's far enough from NYC to be considered an escape, but not so far as to require extensive travel. Amtrak trains can get you to Rhinecliff from Penn Station in under two hours, with tickets starting at about $30 each way. That's slightly quicker than driving the same route. If you're flying into town, it might be wise to consider Albany's airport over others since the drive will be quicker and the roads less congested.

There are plenty of places to lay your head in Rhinebeck, too. The Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn has the historic vibe nailed, while Mirbeau Inn & Spa and the Baker House Bed & Breakfast are TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award winners. There are several other B&Bs in historic homes around the village, and the Rhinebeck Motel has eight boutique rooms for rent just north of town.

The best time to roam the Hudson Valley is generally considered to be in the fall, when autumn foliage peaks and the summer crowds begin to wind down. Consider visiting one of the town's festivals, including the Sheep and Wool Festival in October, the Sinterklaas Festival in December, or the other lovely holiday markets and light displays in the area. Complete your Valley tour with a stop in Saugerties, one of America's coolest small towns, only about half an hour north of Rhinebeck.