Communities

The many communities that make up Columbia, Greene and Northern Dutchess counties vary in size and each offer their own unique character, but share common upstate New York charms – friendly neighbors, open spaces, quiet roads free of the traffic and congestion of large cities. One can find privacy and seclusion or get involved in the many and varied arts, history, cultural and outdoor activities.

If fresh air, peace and quiet, and welcoming neighbors are what you seek, you’ll find them in Upstate New York.

Columbia County

Columbia County can be as relaxing or stimulating as one desires. There is culture, history, recreation, antiques and unique boutiques, farm markets and u-pick orchards; bike trails and even a zip line adventure park. For art lovers, galleries, studios and an open air sculpture garden showcasing artists’ works from around the world. The architectural masterpiece, Olana, the home of Hudson River School artist, Frederic Church, and the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site anchor Columbia County’s many heritage sites. Miles of country roads take you through expansive breathtaking vistas where one can leave the city behind and embrace the countryside either by car or bike. Along the way, stop and visit one of the many tasting rooms on the Scenic Sips Craft Beverage Tour. Year round theater performances, concerts and seasonal summer stock musicals and dance offer entertainment for all ages.

Dutchess County

Dutchess County is 800 square miles of natural scenic beauty, historic and cultural landmarks, and outdoor recreation. You can stroll the Walkway Over the Hudson. Tour and taste along the Dutchess Wine Trail. Explore the homes of FDR and Vanderbilt. Explore estate gardens and hike their trails. Taste new creations at The Culinary Institute of America. Fill the pantry at farm markets. Enjoy the shopping without the dropping. Cruise the Hudson River. Discover art from masters, traditional and modern.

Not only can you step back in time, you can choose which time: Colonial and Quaker days, the Gilded Age, or the 20th century. Explore five historic Great Estates, including Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Home, and the FDR Presidential Library and Museum, with two floors of updated, interactive exhibits. Our museums tell unique stories, including the history of WWI and barnstorming era airplanes. Tour Dia: Beacon, and stay for Beacon’s Second Saturday, a city-wide celebration of the arts. Vassar’s Loeb Art Center invites you to stroll its galleries free of charge. The Richard B. Fisher Center at Bard College. Shop for treasures in village antique shops or specialty shops. Plenty of family fun awaits at SplashDown Beach and the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum. Get closer to nature at Sprout Creek Farm and the Trevor Zoo.

Greene County

Just two hours north of New York City, the Great Northern Catskills offer family-friendly activities in the mountains and beyond. Experience the beauty of the Catskills 600 feet above the ground, going 50 miles an hour, tethered to a zipline on the fastest, longest, highest zipline canopy tour in North America.

For centuries, the Catskill Mountains’ and the Hudson River’s raw natural beauty have beguiled creative spirits in search of inspiration. From Thomas Cole, the British expat known as the “Father of American Art,” to the performers beginning to make a name for themselves, the Catskills offer an arts and culture scene that is at once familiar, and entirely new.

The Great Northern Catskills is home to two of New York States greatest of all time ski resorts: Hunter Mountain and Windham Mountain.

Hunter, recently named one of Outside Magazine’s Best Ski Towns in North America, offers 100% snowmaking on the mountain, making for incredible conditions all winter long. Don’t miss a trip on one of the only winter zipline experiences around!

At Windham Mountain, the northeast’s premier alpine lifestyle welcomes skiers and riders of all abilities and ages to get outside and enjoy the snow. Bring the whole family and enjoy the Adventure Park, where ice skating, pint-sized snowmobiling, and snowtubing make for the perfect après ski scene.

Sleepy Hollow Lake in Athens NY offers an easy-going yet active lifestyle in a natural setting of beautiful lakefront and off-lake homes and home sites, with a multitude of recreational opportunities on the water, on shore, and throughout the surrounding Hudson Valley.