We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. There are a ton of things to do in the Hudson Valley each month. Even in the face of the coronavirus, there exist dozens upon dozens of ways to experience the best of what the region has to offer. While they might not be traditional per se (virtual Valentine’s Day dances, anyone?), they are engaging, entertaining, and 100-percent #flattenthecurve-approved.
To help scout out the best events in the Valley, we reached out to local tourism directors from Albany to Westchester for their top picks for things to do. Check out their selections, then get planning!
Discover Albany President and CEO Jill Delaney shares her top recommendations for the month.
Online, Albany Symphony
February 13, 7:30 p.m.
Looking for an evening of romantic music? The Albany Symphony has converted its 2020-2021 season into a virtual concert series. With social distancing protocols in place, the themed concerts are performed by Albany Symphony musicians and conducted by Music Director David Alan Miller on Capital Region stages.
Nine Pin Cider Works, Albany
Thursdays and Sundays throughout February
For unique winter gatherings in the Hudson Valley, Nine Pin Cider hosts private campfire hangouts for small groups of friends and family. Private campfires reservations are $150 to $300 per group, depending on size. Every booking includes amazing local ciders, delicious sourdough pizzas, and a pre-built campfire to enjoy for two hours.
Online, Historic Albany Foundation
February 2 & 9, 6 p.m.
Curling up with an engaging book is the perfect winter activity. Join other readers online in the Hudson Valley with Historic Albany Foundation’s virtual book club series. The next selection is The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal About Identity, Race, Wealth and Power by Deirdre Mask. This book was chosen for its relevancy to current issues regarding politics and race.
Read up on Columbia County Tourism’s highlights for things to do in the Hudson Valley this month.
Catamount Mountain Resort, Hillsdale
All month long
The newest addition to one of the Hudson Valley’s premier ski destinations are cozy cabanas available for rent. Catamount features eight lifts, 42 trails, a snowboarding terrain park, and lots more for lovers of the winter sports scene. It’s also home to one of the steepest trails in the Northeast, a double black diamond trail aptly named Catapult. If that isn’t enough for adrenaline junkies, last year the resort added the 5,523-foot-long Catamount Zip Tour, the longest zipline in the U.S.
Take a peek at Dutchess Tourism, Inc.’s top picks for things to do in Dutchess County this month.
Online, Fisher Center
February 7 & 21
The first performance will be “Schoenberg & Bach” by TŌN music director Leon Botstein. Also on the program are works for string orchestra by Venezuelan composer Teresa Carreño and Polish composer Witold Lutosławski. Later in the month, tune into “NEW & CLASSIC WORKS FOR STRINGS,” which features the world premiere of a new piece by composer Sarah Hennies. Any movie fans adore Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead’s score to There Will Be Blood? Catch the iconic piece “Popcorn Superhet Receiver” as well.
Online, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc.
February 3
The Hudson River never ceases to amaze. In honor of the third edition of The Hudson: An Illustrated Guide to the Living River, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Inc. hosts a virtual celebration. Dr. Dave Strayeri illuminates in the webinar “A Few Thoughts About Science and the Future of the Hudson River.” Tune in if the region’s greatest natural resource interests and amazes you.
Online, The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck
February 12 – 21
Does the Valentine’s Day season have you gushing for romance? The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck presents a live-streamed show that will make your heart swoon. The story illustrates a relationship coming full circle, told through old love letters from famous novelists and poets alongside modern interactions in text messages, emails, voicemails, and more. Though communication is always changing, the language of love remains the same.
Look no further for the coolest attractions and activities in Greene County during the month.
Restaurants throughout Greene County
All month long
Hungry for the best eats in the Catskills? Greene County Tourism and the Greene County Chamber of Commerce have curated a list of restaurants to make for the ultimate takeout dining guide. Family packages and special deals from the county’s most iconic restaurants will satisfy any mid-winter cravings. Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company slings pizza specials all month and family meals three times a week. Try the finest combos from The Cask and Rasher, Gracie’s Luncheonette, and many more.
Check out Orange County Tourism Director Amanda Dana’s selections for the best things to do this month.
The Stagecoach Inn, Goshen
February 4, 6 p.m.
Celebrate Galentine’s Day at The Stagecoach Inn in Goshen this year. The Hudson Valley restaurant’s three-course, pre-fixe menu comes with a complimentary glass of champagne (or a $5 cocktail, if you’re feeling more adventurous). Delicious entrée options include burrata bolognese, a short rib kimchi bowl, cashew salmon, and a hearty chicken pot pie.
City Winery, Montgomery
February 5, 5:30 p.m.
Celebrating the romantic day of love a bit early? Take your beloved out to a four-course vegetarian dinner at City Winery. Each course will be expertly paired with incredible pours from the Hudson Valley winery. The intimate gallery is the perfect setting for an evening spent tasting local wines and food from executive chef Tony Moustakas.
Astoria Hudson, Montgomery
February 12, 6:30 p.m.
Want to really wow with your flower bouquet this year? Head to Astoria Hudson for an amazing floral class hosted by Vicki Weed of Deja Vu Floral Designs, and design your own arrangement. Snacks and drinks sweeten the pot, along with a 15-percent discount on shopping the night of the class. Sign up online to plan out the perfect display of affection for your loved one.
Emporium Square Artisan Market, Middletown
February 13-14, 10 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Finding the right gift that says “I love you” can take some time. Spend it at the Emporium Square Artisan Market and discover unique and meaningful goods. A wide variety of merchants showcase their hand-crafted products, which range from skincare goods and CBD oil to candles, wallets, and much more. And what would Valentine’s Day be without sweets? Bakeries and chocolates shops will be presenting their tastiest treats as well.
Read up on Putnam County Tourism Director Tracey L. Walsh’s picks for things to do this month.
Boscobel House and Gardens, Garrison
February 6, 9 a.m.
The Hudson Valley is full of incredible wildlife, but few compare to the glorious bald eagle. Bundle up at Boscobel’s Belvedere overlooking the Hudson River, Constitution Marsh, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point as bald eagles begin migrating south, using the Hudson River as a stopping point on their journey. Birding experts will help visitors spot these majestic creatures. Check out Teatown’s website for additional online programming throughout the month.
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, Carmel
All month long
Part of the 16,000-acre Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, the Winter Park provides groomed, mapped trails for skiers and snowshoers of all abilities. Visitors will also find a nifty sledding hill plus food and beverages at this all-in-one Hudson Valley park. Be sure to bring your own skis, snowboards, and tubes, as this year, due to COVID-19, Fahnestock will not offer rentals.
Maybrook Trailway, Brewster
All month long
Part of the magnificent Empire State Trail, the Maybrook Trailway is an amazing local destination for winter hikes and bike riding alike. The trail occupies the former Beacon Line of the Metro-North and is the newest part of the Putnam County Bike Path (the 23 miles from Brewster to Hopewell Junction). Most of the trail is flat, making this an approachable and accessible outing for every Hudson Valleyite.
Throughout Putnam County
All month long
Want to enjoy a beautiful sunset for Valentine’s Day? The Hudson River offers a dazzling array of colors, as do the beautiful lakes and reservoirs throughout Putnam County. Some local favorites include Lake Gleneida and the Westbranch Reservoir by the Carver Bridge in the Hamlet of Carmel, Lake Mahopac, and Lake Carmel. NY DEP land permits are free, so be sure to download the free access permit if you are on those lands.
Read up on Ulster County Tourism’s event highlights for February.
Online, Kingston
All month long
Black History Month Kingston is in its fourth year, with more than 30 events to commemorate the month. On Saturday, February 6, there will be a virtual kick-off event including art exhibits, performances, spoken word, dance, and more. Programming in the weeks to come include dances, art exhibits, business mixers, a Valentine’s Day comedy show, a guided Sojourner Truth car ride, and so much more.
Online, The Ashokan Center
February 13-14
The Ashokan Center is proving that you don’t have to leave your house to enjoy live music and dancing. Jay Ungar and Molly Mason lead a virtual Ashokan Music and Dance Camp with music from their highly-regarded album, The Lovers’ Waltz. Take intensive and accessible classes on fiddle, guitar, and piano, and join in on jam sessions where you can dance, play, or just listen to incredible music. Waltz, swing, and tango all feature prominently during the Valentine’s Day concert.
Frost Valley YMCA, Claryville
February 12-15
Make the most of winter in the Hudson Valley by getting out and about during the extended Presidents’ Day weekend. Frost Valley opens its grounds for cross-country skiing, ice skating, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. Also onsite, the climbing gym, archery range, and arts and crafts programs provide even more family fun.
Ashokan Center, Olivebridge
February 20-21
When it comes to winter festivities, it doesn’t get much better than the hot chocolate hoopla at the Ashokan Center. Now in its fourth year, the sweet shindig invites Hudson Valleyites to sample hot cocoa in flavors like banana, coconut, coffee, peppermint, raspberry, and spice. A fully-outdoor event, it offers attendees the chance to enjoy self-guided nature hikes, live music, and lunch. Get tickets in advance online.
Discover the hottest happenings according to Westchester County Tourism this month.
Hudson River Museum, Yonkers
All month long
Witness a grand journey from Calexico, California to the Hudson Valley at the Hudson River Museum. Former New York Times photographer Librado “Lee” Romero documents his travels and internal transformation from childhood on the West Coast to adulthood on the East Coast. The selection of eight acrylic paintings and two watercolors evokes a sense of magical realism and speaks to the relationship between art and photography, as well as between self and environment.
Throughout Westchester
All month long
Westchester has numerous natural destinations for fun winter activities like snowshoeing. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation is the county’s largest park at over 4,000 acres, and has miles of scenic woodland trails. The Teatown Lake Reservation offers another thousand acres of paths to explore, including parts of the gorgeous Hudson Highlands.
Sleep in an architecturally significant B&B, or book a room at a nationally known hotel. Casual travelers as well as visitors looking for luxury will find a wide range of properties to consider. There are lodging options for everyone – Try our user-friendly lodging search below and come stay with us in Orange County, NY.
