The Catskills and Hudson Valley are fantastic destinations for anyone looking to escape the city and experience a blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and small-town charm. This region is famous for its rolling mountains, lush forests, and scenic river views—perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking, or simply soaking up the outdoors. In autumn, the foliage is truly spectacular, painting the landscape in vibrant colors. Throughout the area, you’ll discover a unique mix of history and creativity, with beautifully preserved architecture, art galleries, boutique shops, and a thriving farm-to-table dining scene featuring fresh local produce and artisanal goods. Weekend markets, cozy cafés, and a welcoming community vibe are found in every corner. The region is rich in culture, with attractions like Olana, Clermont State Historic Site, and regular art shows, music events, and seasonal festivals. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or a foodie experience, the Catskills and Hudson Valley deliver it all—making any of these charming towns a perfect home base for exploring this special corner of New York.
Accord is a tranquil hamlet that captures the essence of the rural Hudson Valley, where open farmland meets the dramatic backdrop of the Shawangunk Mountains. This area is beloved by those looking for a true escape: winding country roads lead to historic stone houses, organic farm stands, and hidden artist studios. What makes Accord especially unique is its proximity to both Minnewaska State Park and Mohonk Preserve, offering some of the region’s best hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The local community is tight-knit and creative, with a growing number of small-batch cideries, farm-to-table pop-ups, and seasonal events that celebrate the land’s agricultural heritage. Accord is a place where you can spend the morning exploring wildflower-studded trails or swimming in crystal-clear lakes, then unwind at a rustic café or enjoy a sunset picnic on a quiet hillside. It’s a haven for those who crave authenticity, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life.
Things to See & Do:
• Things to Do:
- Visit Arrowood Farms for craft beer, cider, and live music events.
- Pick your own fruit or enjoy family fun at Kelder’s Farm.
- Hike or bike the Ashokan Rail Trail for scenic views.
- Explore Saunderskill Farms’ historic market and bakery.
- Go antiquing or browse local art studios.
- Take a day trip to Minnewaska State Park or Mohonk Preserve for hiking, swimming, and rock climbing.
- Attend a race at Accord Speedway.
• Things to See:
- The scenic farmland and historic barns along country roads
- Arrowood Farms’ rustic brewery and event space
- Saunderskill Farms’ 300-year-old farm market
- Kelder’s Farm’s quirky giant garden gnome and sunflower fields
- Views of the Shawangunk Ridge from local trails
- The Ashokan Rail Trail’s panoramic vistas
- Historic stone houses in the Accord area
- Nearby Minnewaska State Park’s cliffs and waterfalls
• Golf Courses: Copake Country Club (Copake Lake), Catskill Golf Club (Catskill), Red Hook Golf Club (Red Hook), Rip Van Winkle Country Club (Palenville)
• Museums: Marbletown Historic District (nearby, local history), D&H Canal Historical Society Museum (High Falls, nearby), Century House Historical Society (Rosendale, nearby)
• Local Markets: Saunderskill Farms Market, Kelder’s Farm Market, High Falls Farmers Market (nearby), Stone Ridge Orchard Farm Stand (nearby)
• Local Restaurants & Shopping
- Restaurants: Westwind Orchard & Cidery, Arrowood Farms, Stone Ridge Tavern (Stone Ridge, nearby), Butterfield at Hasbrouck House (Stone Ridge, nearby), Lekker 209 (Stone Ridge, nearby), The Roost (Stone Ridge, nearby), Asia Restaurant (Stone Ridge, nearby)
- Shops: Saunderskill Farms Market, Kelder’s Farm Market Shop, Accord Market, Stone Ridge Orchard Farm Store (Stone Ridge, nearby), High Falls Food Co-op (High Falls, nearby), The Green Cottage (High Falls, nearby), Inquiring Minds Bookstore (Stone Ridge, nearby)
Annual Festivals & Events:
• Accord Harvest Festival
• Kelder’s Farm Sunflower Festival
• Saunderskill Farms Apple Festival
• Ashokan Center Winter Hoot & Summer Hoot (Olivebridge, nearby)
• Stone Ridge Library Fair (Stone Ridge, nearby)
• High Falls Fair Day (High Falls, nearby)
• Rosendale Street Festival (Rosendale, nearby)
• Marbletown Multi-Arts Summer Events (Stone Ridge, nearby)
• Field + Supply Fall MRKT (Kingston, nearby)
• Woodstock Film Festival (Woodstock, nearby)