Too Crowded There? Try Here.
Too Crowded There? Try Here.
Less popular but equally great spots in the Hudson Valley this October
I've noticed that the entire world seems to flock to where I live (a couple of towns south of Sleepy Hollow, in Irvington). My social media feed is inundated with kids sitting on giant pumpkins, headless horsemen, and smiling faces holding bushels of apples. While I love fall and am a big fan of these activities and festivities myself, sometimes you want to explore the area without the crowds. Sometimes, I want to get in some good leaf-peeping. Sometimes, you actually just want to eat a crisp apple. Here are some of my top alternatives for the next couple of weeks:
Hike Here: Storm King Mountain
Not There: Bull Hill and Breakneck Ridge
Bull Hill and Breakneck Ridge are two of the most popular hikes in the lower Hudson Valley, and for good reason. They're both within 90 minutes of NYC and offer great views and challenging loops. However, they're especially crowded on beautiful fall days.
My Alternative: Head to Storm King Mountain, directly across the Hudson. The almost 4-mile loop has scrambles, elevation, and stunning river views. We could actually see people trekking the Breakneck trail from here! There are several options for shorter and longer treks.
Lunch Here: Beacon
Not There: Cold Spring
After a hike, instead of battling for parking on the hill and a table in Cold Spring, head to Beacon. Why Beacon? Many more lunch options and plenty of parking. There are so many great food options that you can pick based on what you are in the mood for. Often, after a hike with another couple, Phil and I split up because I love Kitchen + Coffee for the cauliflower bowl with roasted butter beans and dates or the most colorful salad ever topped with a pickled egg. But Phil likes something heartier at the newly-opened Moreish in The Hudson Valley Food Hall. Yes, he eats a complete English breakfast, including blood sausage or a beer and hot dog at Pillow & Oats. There are tons more delicious options.
Don't miss dessert: Not just one, but there are two donut shops in Beacon. Peaceful Provisions for beautiful, fluffy vegan donuts that aren’t just for vegans (seriously, you'd never know). Glazed Over Donuts, where you can choose your own adventure – so many flavors, frostings, toppings, and sauces. These donuts are small, so you can experiment without feeling too indulgent. If donuts aren’t your thing, then pick up a Handmade Palatas (aka popsicles) at Zora Dora’s. Produced in small batches every day by a Culinary Institute of America graduate, the flavors rotate depending on what’s in season. You might find pineapple chile lime with sea salt or what they call “Muddy Hudson Coffee Pop” – coffee, chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, and OMG.
Farm Here: All for One, One for All Farm
Not There: Popular Festival Farms
October seems like one big farm festival in the Hudson Valley, with great options like Pierson’s Farm and Harvest Moon. While I love these festivals, they are big and can get overwhelming on October weekends.
My Alternative? All for One, One for All (AOOA Farm) is a hidden gem in Goshen. This non-profit farm and education center, established by a mother-daughter duo in 2021, packs in a lot for a small farm. Their farm stand has an impressive selection of fresh produce, eggs, honey, and tea. AOOA's farm-to-table lunch menu does not disappoint with its very fresh sandwiches and salads. The distillery is a local hotspot for artisanal liqueurs and spirits, with a Friday happy hour! AOOA also hosts a bunch of workshops and events, including tours, chocolate making, felt crafting, and the seasonal Pumpkin Palooza! The pre-order rotisserie chicken is a go-to option, perfect for eating at one of the picnic tables or taking away. Visit All for One, One for All for more details.
Shop Here: Four Farmers' Markets where the locals shop
Not There: TaSH (Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow Farmers Market)
TaSH is one of the best farmers’ markets around, but October's Sleepy Hollow activities can make Saturday shopping quite challenging so I like these four alternatives, all run by Morning Glory Markets:
Hastings or Bronxville (if staying south)
Chappaqua (if heading north)
Irvington (on Sundays)
At all four markets, I can find some of my favorite vendors like SunSprout Farms (for produce) R & M Farm (for meat and eggs) and Bien Cuit (for bread) While these markets can also be crowded on beautiful sunny days, at least you won't have to battle against the Headless Horseman!
Skip There: The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze
Go Here: Alternate Halloween-themed Tours
The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze is definitely a must-see at least once, but getting tickets can be nearly impossible unless you plan well in advance. The following are some options that may still have tickets available closer to the date. These tours are a good mix of history with a Halloween vibe. And if you miss these October events, many offer special tours that extend into the Holiday season.
Lyndhurst After Dark, Tarrytown
Tour the Lyndhurst Mansion by candlelight while performers share stories of Victorian mourning practices and customs. It's a very cool, immersive experience.Sunnyside: Washington Irving's Legacy, Irvington
Check out Washington Irving's house and estate as you learn about the origins of characters like the Headless Horseman and Rip Van Winkle.Armour-Stiner Octagon House: Myths and Mysteries, Irvington
It's a regular house tour but with an added seasonal bonus. You’ll learn about the myths surrounding the Octagon House, the unusual lives of past residents, unexplained events, and eerie experiences reported by visitors.
And a few more things on my radar for this month…..
Katonah Art Museum - Jonathan Becker: Lost Time.
Photographer Jonathan Becker's career spans from the 1970’s in Paris to the present. He’s considered a leading visual storyteller of our time. I don’t know much about him, but the docent-led Friday tours are always super informative, interactive, and inspirational!
Forge Project - I am excited about this new initiative based in Taghkanic. Led by Candice Hopkins, a member of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, the project aims to reframe our understanding of the Hudson Valley's history and its Indigenous peoples' relationship to the land.
Opus 40 - An artistic environment created by artist Harvey Fite, Opus 40 is a 63-acre artistic environment in Saugerties. I visited years ago in the peak of summer, but I'm really excited to check it out this time of year. The surrounding meadows and forests should be stunning with fall foliage.
Instagram class with me! - Back by popular demand! Lindsey Jeanne Taylor and I are hosting a series of Social Media workshops at Hudco in Dobbs Ferry for three consecutive Wednesdays in October. Visit Hudco for more information and the links to sign up. Hope to see you there!
Instagram 101 - October 16
Intro to Instagram for brand and business promotion
Building Content - October 23
Building a social media strategy that works for you
Creating Reels - October 30
Tools, tips, + tricks to making reels using Instagram and 3rd party apps
The Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse - Finally open for tours!
Scenic Hudson Riverwalk, home to the Tarrytown lighthouse, is one of my favorite spots to walk along the river. The lighthouse was closed for many years for a major restoration. It's now open for free tours! October's booked, but check Westchester Parks for November dates. Limited tickets - worth a look!
Walktoberfest Farmers & Makers Market - Over 190 producers – farms, distilleries, breweries, wineries, restaurants, artists, artisans, and more on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail. My plan is to park in Poughkeepsie and walk over the bridge from the west side. October 25-26. Visit Walkway Over The Hudson for more info.
Share your fall foliage plans in the comments below!
Great list, Robin, thank you!