7. Hyde Park
Referred to as “a gilded age getaway with a friendly vibe” by The New York Times, Hyde Park is a can’t-miss spot in the Hudson Valley. Originally created as a way for wealthy city dwellers to escape from the city, Hyde Park is still much of that today. For those looking to step back in time and make some historical stops, former president Franklin D. Roosevelt once lived in Hyde Park, and his library and house are now a museum open to the public. The Vanderbilt Mansion is another great option as a chance to explore the ornate architectural beauty of the aristocratic home, and tickets are only $10.
Hyde Park also has a comfy drive-in to complete its classic American feel, as well as the Eveready Diner or the classier American Bounty Restaurant. For those interested in taking a drive to explore more nearby historical American culture, thirty minutes away in New Paltz is the Historic Huguenot Street, where visitors can uncover 300 years of American history.