From the incredible cultural venues to the phenomenal local farmers’ markets, the Hudson Valley offers a wide variety of fun and exciting things to do. If you’re new to the area or considering moving to the region, you’ll want to check out these popular attractions this spring:

Top Things to Do This Spring in the Hudson Valley

1. Walkway Over the Hudson – Poughkeepsie, NY

The Walkway Over the Hudson is the world’s longest elevated park that is almost a mile and a half long and spans from Parker Avenue in Poughkeepsie to Ulster County Village of Highland, as well as connecting to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail. You can enjoy walking, running, biking, and roller-blading the concrete walkway that is poised 200 feet above the river.

2. Pride of the Hudson Boat Tour – Newburgh, NY

The Pride of the Hudson is a wonderfully choreographed boat tour that starts at the Newburgh Landing. It will float you gently down the Hudson Highlands while listening to the Captain as he/she provides a historical narrative of the sites along the way. You will see sites such as Mt. Beacon, Bannerman Island, World’s End, West Point, and many more. And what makes this boat tour even better is that you have the option of cruising in the comfort of an air-conditioned or heated main salon that has wall to wall wrap-around windows. Or, if you prefer, you can go up to the open-air topside sundeck or foredeck to relax as you ride the river.

3. Above the Clouds – Middletown, NY

This attraction offers long and short hot air balloon rides over the picturesque Hudson Valley. For over 34 years, Above the Clouds has been giving breathtaking hot air balloon tours starting at Central Park and going as far out as 40 miles. These tours are great for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and even proposals. There is no better way to take in all of the beauty of the Hudson Valley than from one of their hot air balloons!

4. Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market – Troy, NY 

The Troy Waterfront Farmers’ Market has more than 100 local farmers, bakers, fresh food vendors, and a variety of crafts and handmade wares. You can follow the smell of fresh bread and other foods as you work your way around the market. You will also experience the delight of live music as you wander through the market while sampling local produce and other fresh foods.

5. Trevor Zoo – Millbrook, NY 

The Trevor Zoo is a hidden gem located at Millbrook High School. It’s quite an unusual location for a zoo… in fact, it is the only zoo in the United States located at a high school. This amazing 6-acre zoo houses more than 180 exotic and indigenous animals, including red pandas, herons, red wolves, kangaroos, owls, bobcats, and more. The Trevor Zoo also has a tranquil pond and is a unique place you can take the whole family.

6. Catamount Aerial Adventure Park – Hillsdale, NY

Do you like a little adventure? Have you ever tried climbing and zip-lining before? The Catamount Aerial Adventure Park is a 10-acre forest adventure park where you can zipline and float above the treetops. They have more than 50 ziplines, 12 aerial trails (varying in difficulty), and over 180 challenge elements connected by a mix of cable, wood, and rope. If you’ve been looking for something new and exciting to do, check out the Catamount Aerial Adventure Park! 

7. Storm King Art Center – New Windsor, NY

Named after its close proximity to Storm King Mountain, the Storm King Art Center is an open-air museum with one of the largest collections of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the US. This 500-acre art center allows you to discover both large-scale sculptures and site-specific commissions by both local and international artists. You’ll love the incredible art as well as the breathtaking landscape surrounding the area.

This is just a small sampling of the many fun things to do in the Hudson Valley this spring, but there are plenty more. Why not try them all?

Local Events in the Hudson Valley

The fun doesn’t stop with the local attractions! The Hudson Valley area also offers many entertaining events for you and your whole family to enjoy including:

• Dutchess County Fair
• Hudson Valley Wing Fest at Mid-Hudson
• Greater Hudson Valley, NY Annual Author’s Series
• Teatown Hudson River EagleFest
• Saratoga Beer Week and Beer Summit
• Annual Sangria Festival
• Waterford Canal Festival
• Hudson Valley Jazz Festival
• Annual Valentine’s Weekend Wine & Local Cheese Pairing
• Annual Chili Festival
• Woodstock Film Festival

If you’re new to the area or considering a move, we hope this list of local attractions and events helps you to discover all that the Hudson Valley has to offer. We love calling this region home and know that you will too!