Growing up in the Hudson Valley is a blessing that most people take for granted. I was one of those people who thought that life in my small town wasn't good enough and constantly complained that there was nothing to do. I wished I lived in a big city for so many years of my life, without stopping to realize all the amazing aspects that make the Hudson Valley such an incredible place to live in. However, now that I've gone off to college, I've come to realize how lucky I was to have grown up within the Hudson Valley.
For one thing, most towns in the Hudson Valley are close to the city, but not TOO close. So we're close enough to enjoy a day trip city, but not have to deal with the overcrowded hustle and bustle of city life. We also don't have to deal with the pricy living costs of living in Manhattan, Brooklyn or various other parts of New York City.
Living in the Hudson Valley also means that you're surrounded by some absolutely AMAZING hiking spots. Mohonk in New Paltz, Overlook in Woodstock, Stissing in Pine Plains; even the smaller ones like Ferncliff Forest in Rhinebeck have incredible views of the valley. You literally can't go wrong when picking a place to hike, and when you're done you can enjoy a meal from one of the local restaurants.
Another lucky thing about living in the Hudson Valley is that most of the towns within it are rather small. This means most of the restaurants are locally owned and outnumber chain restaurants that you constantly see in bigger cities. Everyone has their favorite restaurant, ice cream shop or cafe.
The Hudson Valley is also prominently know for having all four seasons in full swing throughout the year. In the fall the Hudson Valley seems to turn into a gorgeous pastel landscape painting as the leaves turn different colors. You can pick apples, carve pumpkins, go for hayrides or take a nice hike through the colorful woods. Then in the winter, the Hudson river freezes over and locals take out their ice boats. People stay out on the ice all day watching boats race and sometimes getting rides from friendly owners. Another amazing thing about winter in the Hudson Valley is SNOW DAYS. Every kid in the winter is hopeful to wake up to three feet of snow on the ground. Then the Hudson Valley in the spring turns into a luscious green landscape as magnolia trees and flowers begin to bloom everywhere. Local farmers markets open again and you can go picking for almost every type of berry imaginable. Then when Summer comes, the Hudson Valley is filled with places to swim, cliff jump, sunbath, hike, kayak, or just hang out outside.
The Hudson Valley is also mostly filled with medium to smaller towns which means you get to know the people in it pretty well. I know that living in a small town absolutely meant I was closer with my home friends than a lot of people I go to college with. Two of my best friends lived on my street and were a two minute drive away at most.
Living in the Hudson Valley is such a privilege and that is one of the reasons why it is becoming such a popular destination for city dwellers that have grown tired of hectic city life.
