With its mix of historic sites, farms, walkable villages and cultural events, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Hudson Valley. Just 100 miles north of Manhattan, the historic region is a peaceful escape known for its art, local culinary offerings and opportunities for outdoor adventure. With summer in full swing, there’s plenty of time to take in some unique activities amid inspiring landscapes.
Opus 40, Saugerties, New York
Take a stroll around Opus 40, a remarkable sculpture park, museum and cultural destination located in Ulster County, just outside of central Saugerties in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley. Created by sculptor and quarryman Harvey Fite, it comprises a sprawling series of dry-stone ramps, pedestals and platforms covering 6.5 acres of a bluestone quarry. For more than 40 years, Opus 40 has showcased the harmony between art and nature in the Hudson Valley. The artistic venue’s unique features include 16 feet of subterranean pathways and a nine-ton monolith at the summit. Visitors are free to traverse the three stories up to the top, then take in the incredible view of Overlook Mountain at the peak. The Quarrying Museum, Fite Gallery and several hiking trails, also on the grounds, offer all-day entertainment. $10 adults, $7 seniors, $3 children 6-12, free for kids under 6. Visit www.opus40.org or call 845-681-9352.
Harney & Sons Factory, Millerton, New York
Nestled into the rolling hills of northeastern Dutchess County, Millerton is a charming historic village bordered by the Taconic Mountains to the east and the foothills of the Hudson to the west. Founded in 1851, Millerton still reflects its origins as a 19th century railroad hub for rural New York, but it also offers a cosmopolitan downtown with antique shops, art galleries and destination-worthy restaurants. For prospective Hudson Valley day trippers, Millerton also is home to the 90,000-square-foot Harney & Sons tea factory, where dozens of fine teas are packaged and distributed around the country. Visitors interested in the behind-the-scenes work at the factory can get a tour of the whole process, with stops at tasting, sacheting, brewing and more. Harney & Sons is family owned and managed, with three generations of Harneys preserving the family tradition of fine tea and top ingredients. Call 518-789-2121 or visit www.harney.com.
Maverick Concert Hall, Woodstock, New York
For enchanting concerts in a woodland setting, Maverick Concerts is the oldest, continuous summer chamber music festival in America, celebrating over a century of world-class music in the woods. Maverick Concerts celebrates its 104th festival season this year by showcasing the diversity of classical, jazz and contemporary works with debuts and returns of Maverick favorites. Sunday chamber music concerts performed by renowned soloists and ensembles are the mainstay of the festival, which runs to September. The popular Young Mavericks Festival, designed to introduce students to the wonder and power of various musical genres, is free for ages 16 and under. For more info, visit maverickconcerts.org or call 845-679-8217.
Olana Summer Market, Hudson, New York
This year’s Olana Summer Market will return Aug. 24-25 to the Olana Historic Site, the magnificent 250-acre estate of Frederic Church, the 19th-century Hudson River School artist. The popular event will feature more than 30 vendors of local arts, crafts and food as well as live music. The home, designed with Moorish and Persian architectural touches, is a cultural and educational hub surrounded by thousands of trees, a lake, meadows, carriage roads and spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley. A shuttle service will transport visitors throughout the grounds. Bring good walking shoes and water. The market will take place rain or shine. Suggested donation is $5 per person. All ages are welcome. For ticketing and information, call 518-751-0344 or go to www.olana.org.
Love Apple Farm, Ghent, New York
Established in 1969, Love Apple Farm has been part of the agricultural community in New York’s Hudson Valley for 50 years. The working farm, which grows blackberries, blueberries, cherries, gooseberries, peaches, plums, raspberries and strawberries, sits on 80 scenic acres and is famous for its Pick-Your-Own orchards. Open year-round, the 4,500-square-foot modern day farm stand offers a farm-to-table experience. The market sells locally grown and regional fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses and specialty items. The cafe and bakery are popular for their blend of American and Mexican cuisine and fresh daily apple cider donuts, biscuits, pies and cakes. Visitors also can enjoy a petting zoo and playground, free of charge, as well as the Love Apple Art Space, which features art exhibitions from modern living artists. With sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains and even the Berkshires, Love Apple Farm is worth a visit. For more information, call 518-828-5048 or go to www.loveapplefarm.com.