Experiences Guide: Wander Hudson Valley

If you’re looking to explore the local towns of Woodstock and Kingston in the Hudson Valley when staying at Wander Hudson Valley, then you're in the right place! Here are a few places to check out.

Hudson River Sightseeing Cruise

Photo by Hudson River Cruises

• Distance from Wander Hudson Valley: 13 miles 

• Location: 1 E Strand St, Kingston, NY 12401

• Website: https://www.viator.com/tours/The-Catskills/Hudson-River-Sightseeing-Cruise/d50779-38166P1?pid=P00072130&uid=U00224743&mcid=58086

Do you want to take a Greyhound on the Hudson River line? If you're in a New York state of mind, you can simply embark on a river cruise along Hudson River.

This 2-hour trip starts and ends in Kingston. Throughout the trip, you'll find stunning views of the Catskill Mountains, vineyards, villages, and historic lighthouses. You'll learn about the area's history and culture with the help of a local guide.

While outside food and beverages aren't allowed, you can purchase light meals and snacks on board. Service dogs are allowed.

Walkway Over the Hudson + Winery Tour

Photo by Active Lifestyle Tours

• Distance from Wander Hudson Valley: 31 miles 

• Location: Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, 61 Parker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

• Website: https://www.viator.com/tours/The-Catskills/Hudson-Valley-Winery-Tour-with-the-Walkway-Over-the-Hudson-Single-Day-Tour/d50779-153425P4?pid=P00072130&uid=U00224743&mcid=58086

This experience starts with a self-guided tour along the famous Walkway Over the Hudson. You have the option to go on a self-guided walking tour or upgrade to bikes with an additional cost.

At the end of your tour, you'll meet your guide at designated points where they'll transport you to two different wineries where you can indulge in a glass or two—perfect for bachelorette parties and special occasions!

Just take note that the experience starts and ends in Poughkeepsie, which is almost an hour drive away from the house.

Hudson River Maritime Museum

Photo courtesy of Hudson River Maritime Museum

• Distance from Wander Hudson Valley: 13 miles 

• Location: 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY 12401

• Hours: 11 AM-5 PM (Thursday-Sunday)

• Phone: (845) 338-0071

• Website: https://www.hrmm.org/ 

This waterfront museum has rotating exhibits and a fleet of small boats, including an 1898 steam tugboat. The center also offers sailing, rowing, and woodworking classes, guest lectures, and solar boat tours, updated regularly on their website.

A Day Away Kayak Rentals

Photo courtesy of A Day Away Kayak Rentals

• Distance from Wander Hudson Valley: 14 miles

• Location: 1000 NY-213, Kingston, NY 12401

• Hours: 9AM-6PM daily 

• Phone: (845) 750-6538

• Website: https://adayawaykayakrentals.com/ 

This canoe and kayak rental service already comes with life jackets, whistles, and complementary tutorial at request for all participants. If you're coming with a group, we recommend hiring their tandem kayaks or canoes good for 3 to 5 people.

Matthewis Persen House Museum & Cultural Heritage Center

Photo courtesy of Ulster County Clerk

• Distance from Wander Hudson Valley: 11 miles 

• Location: 74 John St, Kingston, NY 12401

• Hours: 9AM-4PM (Tuesday-Friday); 9AM-3PM (Saturday) 

• Phone: (845) 340-3040

• Website: https://clerk.ulstercountyny.gov/archives/persen-house 

This house has witnessed many important moments in Ulster County's history. It was burned at least twice, saw wars and a revolution, which was also home to doctors, tailors, grocers, druggists and innkeepers. As you walk through the house, you walk through time. Be sure to submit a request online before visiting.

Opus 40

Photo courtesy of Opus 40.org

• Distance from Wander Hudson Valley: 13 miles 

• Location: 356 George Sickle Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477

• Hours: 10:30AM to 5PM (Friday-Sunday)

• Phone: (845) 246-3400

• Website: https://opus40.org/ 

This 6.5-arce stone-sculpture park is located in an abandoned quarry featuring trails and a museum of vintage tools. It features Mayan and Aztec stonework surrounded by nature’s woods and grasslands. General admission is $11, be sure to book in advance.

Elena Zang Gallery

Photo courtesy of Elena Zang Gallery

• Distance from Wander Hudson Valley: 15 miles 

• Location: 3671 NY-212, Bearsville, NY 12409

• Hours: 11PM-5PM daily 

• Phone: (845) 679-5432

• Website: http://elenazang.com/

The gallery is located in a beautiful garden setting just 4 miles west of the Woodstock village green, showing contemporary fine art, sculpture, and ceramics of regional and international artists.

Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD)

Photo courtesy of kagyu.org

• Distance from Wander Hudson Valley: 14 miles 

• Location: 335 Meads Mountain Rd, Woodstock, NY 12498

• Hours: 9AM -8PM daily

• Phone: (845) 679- 5906

• Website: https://kagyu.org/

Located in the northern Catskill Mountains above Woodstock, New York, KTD is the North American seat of the head of the 900-year-old Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. They offer traditional Buddhist teachings and contemporary programs alike by lineage masters.

Saturday evening teachings by Khenpo Ugyen are open to the public. Visitors may enter the Main Shrine for personal practice from 1PM to 5PM daily. You may also visit the KTD Bookstore for Buddhist books, statues, jewelry, and more.

Whether it be a winery tour or a cruise around the Hudson River, Hudson Valley is teeming with adventure! Text your Wander Concierge to help plan the best vacation you've ever experienced!