This past weekend, Boyfriend Jeff and I headed upstate. We dropped off our fat tabby cat, Peeps, with Jeff’s parents on Long Island, packed our bags and drove about two hours north to New York’s Hudson Valley. Hudson Valley is a popular getaway for most New Yorkers seeking a quick break from the city without the airfare. During the fall, Hudson Valley comes alive with autumnal colors, pumpkin patches, apple picking and spooky-themed festivities. Over two days, Jeff and I made our way from the charming town of Beacon to the forest trails of Bear Mountain to the Halloween town of Spooky Hollow. It may have been a quick getaway sans stamped passports, but it was a beautiful trip nonetheless. Here’s a look at our couples’ getaway to Hudson Valley!
Jeff and I went hiking in Bear Mountain State Park where the forest looked as if it was splashed with hues of gold, red, green and orange paint. There are numerous trails to hike around the park. Some people start at Bear Mountain Inn, while others just park their cars on the side of the road (free parking!) and hike into the woods where they inevitably find a trail. Hike up to get an awesome view of the Hudson River, surrounding mountains and Bear Mountain Bridge.
Up in Beacon, Jeff and I stayed at the beautiful Roundhouse Hotel, which overlooks these stellar waterfalls. The waterfalls light up at night and can be seen perfectly from The Roundhouse restaurant, which serves a stellar menu of farm-to-table cuisine featuring ingredients from Hudson Valley. Stay at Beacon and then explore the Main Street - home to art galleries and cute shops.
Taking a moment to give a quick kiss to my favorite person and best travel companion.
A short drive from New York City is the spooky town of Sleepy Hollow. Sleepy Hollow was made famous by the tale of the legendary Headless Horseman, written by Washington Irving. The village is now a premiere Halloween destination.
Sleepy Hollow goes BIG for Halloween with haunted houses, Halloween block parties, lantern-lit cemetery tours and reenactments of the Headless Horseman. Word to the wise, book your Halloween activities in advance! Tickets can only be purchased online (and will sell out). If you’re thinking of just showing up and buying tickets, think again!
While Hudson Valley is surrounded by beautiful forests, we were surprised to stumble across the Constitution marsh - a prime spot for bird watching. The marsh starts with a short hike from the parking lot, through the woods and down the marsh where an elevated dock cuts through the marshland itself. I found the marsh to be very beautiful and calm - surrounded by blue mountains and still water.
Have you been to Hudson Valley? Share your comments and questions below!
Looks like such a wonderful place! And pretty cool with Sleepy Hollow, I hadn’t realized that was where it was.. I think I recognize the bridge from the movie 😛
Cheers,
Maria @ http://momentumtravels.com