For more than three hundred years, the historic Hudson River Valley has been a destination for travelers both domestic and abroad. Originally settled by Dutch traders in the late 1600’s, it has long been known as one of the most beautiful of the areas settled by early European colonists. The federal government has even declared the area a National Heritage Area in honor of the cultural and historic significance of the region. Little wonder it is considered one of the top spots to vacation in the USA today!

The best way to celebrate the rich history of the region is to visit one of the live re-enactments. In Hudson Valley there are no shortage of re-enactments… in fact if you stay long enough you may begin to believe you’ve traveled through a time warp! Actors portraying sailors, soldiers, and common folk, all dressed in period clothing, will take you on guided tours and tell you all about life in the period during which they “lived”. See what it was like to live on one of many 17th-century farms, or experience the thrill of battle at the Stony Point Battlefield or New Windsor Cantonment as the Revolution is re-lived and re-fought on a daily basis! These locations offer you the chance to learn all about battle as it was fought in the 1800’s, with authentic muskets, artillery, and cooking.

For a more modern (but still historic) look at warfare, visit the USS Slater, the last remaining US Navy Destroyer Escort ship still afloat. Your guide will happily show you the inner workings of an authentic WWII ship, rebuilt and restored down to the last exquisite detail.

For families with children, the Bailiwick Ranch and Discovery Zoo has many fun attractions for kids and adults alike, including trail-rides, paint-ball, a zoo, and equestrian training. Or, become an honorary Pole for the day at the annual PolishFest in Latham, which features arts, crafts, dancing, and many children’s activities.

If you’re looking for something a little more medieval, check out the New York Renaissance Faire. This historic festival features over 125 costumed performers and musicians, plus hundreds of auxiliary craftspeople, all working together to create a unique and memorable experience. Take the kids to see jousting and swordplay, or get into costume and engage in some swordplay yourself if you’re up to it. And of course, in the spirit of the age it is only natural to enjoy some ale at the local tavern at the end of a long day.

If you wish to skip the jousting and get straight to the ale, a much better venue for you might be the annual Bear Mountain Oktoberfest, which has been described as “lots of beer, lots of food, and lots of ‘oompa-oompa’”! Of course, German Polka might not be quite to your taste, so to cleanse the musical palate you may wish to review one of the many venues offering live music, from the casual to the classic.

As you can see, the historic Hudson River Valley really does have something for everyone, making it beyond a doubt one of the top spots to vacation in the USA!