Winter in Dutchess County: A Festive Hudson Valley Getaway Just 90 Minutes from NYC

Dutchess County is a vibrant, sophisticated vacation destination at the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, only 90 minutes north of New York City and less than four hours from Boston and Philadelphia. There is so much to do, see and taste here year-round, and winter is a particularly charming time to visit! 

Come during the holidays and see our historic sites and Gilded Age mansions all festively decorated for the season. It’s sure to make your spirit soar! Start 2026 on the right foot — or the left foot, if you prefer — at one of our First-Day Hikes on New Year’s Day. Stroll along the Hudson River on the grounds of Staatsburgh State Historic Site and immerse yourself in scenic tranquility or walk across the river on the Walkway Over the Hudson and admire the beauty of the landscape from 212 feet up.

Taste the wholesomeness and purity of our farmland in our world-renowned farm-to-table cuisine. Dutchess is proud to be the home of The Culinary Institute of America — featured on the new Netflix series “Next Gen Chef” — where famous chefs like Anthony Bourdain, Charlie Palmer and Anne Burrell sharpened their skills. Take a tour of the CIA, enroll in their cooking workshops and bootcamps, and dine at their student-led restaurants right on campus in Hyde Park.

Plus, if you’re planning a getaway this winter, be sure to take advantage of discounted hotel stays during Dutchess County Hotel Week. Participating hotels and inns will be offering rooms for $99 per night between Jan. 25 and Feb. 8, 2026. Booking opens Dec. 1. Stay tuned for details! 

Sometimes called “New York City’s Backyard,” Dutchess is easy to get to by car, train or plane — but oh-so-hard to leave!

Photo: The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.