Just a mere hour away from the bustle of New York City lies the tranquility of the Hudson River Valley, full of history, natural beauty, charming hamlets, soaring mansions, foodie finds and iconic sites to explore. With Stewart International Airport now launching flights from Europe on Norwegian Airlines, this may soon be the next trending tourist spot. 

The Hudson Valley offers plenty of lodging options for the discriminating traveler. Only 30 minutes north of Manhattan, The Castle Hotel and Spa in Tarrytown boasts over 100 years of history and harkens back to America’s Gilded Age. 

At the Roundhouse Restaurant, Chef Terrance Brennan, former restaurateur of the Michelin-starred, Picholine in Manhattan, has passionately embraced whole farm cookery with most ingredients coming from a 10-mile radius. With his own foragers and farmers eager to supply his needs, Chef Terrance boasts that “the ingredients dictate the menu, not the season. What comes into the back door of the kitchen is served to diners just hours later.”

But make no mistake, each of Chef Terrance Brennan’s dishes is a creative, refined work of art, with depth of flavor and sophisticated nuances that excite the palate. The Tasting Menus are a culinary tour de force.

located at Bear Mountain Inn, Restaurant 1915 is a foodie find worth a trek up the mountain. Its scenic location and lodge décor hint nothing of the creative cuisine found within. Executive Chef Alex Ghee and his staff are committed to sourcing locally produced ingredients and delivering plate after plate of generously portioned, delicious dishes.

At Restaurant 1915, even the detailed descriptions do not prepare you for the finesse of the finished products. And, finish we did, every morsel, in anticipation of what might come next.

Dine at Equus, the award-winning gourmet restaurant that is part of the Castle Hotel and Spa on the Hudson River. This atmospheric space—replete with old world wood panels—opens to a floor to ceiling windowed garden room that overlooks the Hudson River and its nightly sunsets. Could the food possibly be as good as this awe-inspiring setting? The answer is yes. It’s great!

Chef de Cuisine Keith Suarino and his Sous Chef Victoria Osborn use seasonal produce to ramp up classic continental and American favorites–making the expected classics pop with nuance and creative ingredient combinations. The Black Truffle Risotto—redolent with mushrooms, parmesan and black peppercorns–was memorable. “The Cod” was moist and flaky with a delicate, crispy crust surrounded by basil foam.

No trip to the Hudson River Valley would be complete without a visit to the CIA, The Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park. This Harvard of the Culinary World has trained the top chefs of our country since its inception after WW11. Its prestige and stature on the world stage of cuisine has risen to meteoric heights in recent decades.

At the CIA treat yourself to a gourmet meal at its student-run Bocuse restaurant, not only a great value, but a fine dining experience. The elegant ambience and wall of wines competes with the open kitchen for attention, as you watch the drama and excitement of food preparation and service unfold.

Bocuse’s menu reveals a nod to French classics and technique with a modern twist on ingredients and preparation. Although each item was well executed, some standouts included: “Endive Au Gratin and Toulouse Sausage With Parsley Root, Ham Maxim and Raclette Foam;” “Softshell Crabs with Potato Terrine, Charred Romaine, Green Papaya, Sweet and Sour Chili.” And can not over look the “Tableside Ice Cream and Classic Treat Preparation.” The wine pairings were expertly selected by our server, Joey, who seemed to have a knack for complementing each dish with just the right French varietal.

Sightseeing options for every interest abound in the region. The Storm King Art Center is a world class outdoor sculpture garden boasting over 100 major works with Calder, Noguchi, and Maya Lin among the many internationally reputed artists on display. The 67 acres of manicured grounds are perfect for strolling or viewing from the tram tours. The Café in the outdoor pavilion offers freshly made locally sourced soups, sandwiches and salads that are perfect to enjoy as you overlook the sprawling grounds and monumental sculptures.

West Point is a popular stop with informative hourly tours offering a glimpse into the elite military establishment’s educational campus and training grounds.