Beyond Fire Island: Top 5 Gay Hudson Valley Destinations for 2022

While the Hudson Valley may not be a nationally recognized LGBTQ tourist destination like Fire Island or Provincetown, the Hudson Valley has a lot to offer to the LGBTQ community.  Whether you’re in the Hudson Valley for a weekend or for a decade, you’ll find that there’s something for everyone here.  With high quality farm to table restaurants and wineries, as well as world-class hiking, boating, or thrift shopping, the Hudson Valley is a great escape from the noisy city lifestyle.

Here are the Top 5 Places to visit in 2022

1.- Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

The Walkway Over the Hudson spans the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie and Highland, connecting Dutchess County and Ulster County.  Completed in 1889, this former railroad bridge formed part of the Maybrook Railroad Line of the New Haven Railroad.  It was taken out of service in 1974, after its as damaged by a fire.

Today, the Walkway over the Hudson is the world’s second-longest pedestrian footbridge, spanning 6,768 feet (1.28 miles) long.  The Park is open from 7:00am to dusk.  There are restrooms at both ends of the Walkway, and you’ll be able to find parking on both sides.  Pets are permitted, but always bring bigs to clean up after your pet!

2.- Warren Street in Hudson, NY

Two hours north of Manhattan, and a mile long, Warren Street in Hudson, NY is home to many antique stores, art centers, coffee shops, farm to table restaurants, and bars.  Visitors can also take in 19th century row houses, as well as Victorians and Federal homes.

A popular destination for artists, writers, and movie stars, Hudson has been dubbed Brooklyn North and The Un-Hamptons!  Easily reachable by car, or just hop on the Amtrak from Penn Station.

3.- Main Street in Beacon

Home to Dia:Beacon,  Beacon, NY is best known for its contemporary art.  Only 60 miles north of New York City, Beacon is right on the Hudson River, and you can get there by Metro North!

Top attractions in Beacon include its many art galleries, Bannerman Castle, Mount Beacon Park, lots of restaurant options, and Local Farmers Market.  After the sun sets, have a drink in one of Beacon’s numerous gay-friendly bars.

4.- Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz

Just 90-minutes north of NYC, fresh air and Mother Nature aren’t the only thing you’ll appreciate when you visit the Mohonk Mountain!  Get up early and hike Mohonk Mountain.  Six states can be seen from the very top of Sky Top Tower on a clear day — New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

You can also take a stroll around Lake Minnewaska, or close your eyes and take a deep breath as you relax, listening to the sounds of Awosting Falls. While pets are not welcome to stay at the hotel, the mountain trails are dog-friendly.  Just book a stay at one of New Paltz’s numerous dog-friendly Airbnb’s. Staying at an Airbnb in town will also save you a lot of money!

5.- Hudson Valley Wineries

The Hudson Valley is the perfect destination for wine lovers, as its home to numerous wineries.  According to HudsonValleyTrips.com, the top three wineries in the Hudson Valley are Brotherhood Winery, Benmarl Winery, and Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery.  There are many wineries in Dutchess County as well.

Rather than driving around, hire one of the local limousine companies to be your private chauffeur for the day.  After a day of sampling wines, you’ll be glad you’re not driving!  The limo drivers are local experts, and they can help you plan your own personal winery tour of the Hudson Valley.