Seniors Enjoy Columbia County, NY

Hudson is located along the west border of Columbia County, New York with a population of around 7,000. Senior visitors find that Hudson overflows with history. The city is named after the adjacent Hudson River and ultimately after the explorer Henry Hudson.

Hudson is said to be a lively urban gem set in the jewel-like natural environment of Columbia County.  “The city is a minor miracle and beautifully preserved with its 300 historic buildings representing every architectural style of the last three centuries, yet buzzing with all the ingredients of a much larger city.”

With its diverse and creative locals, world class retail and dining, and an exciting art and music scene, senior visitors discover it to be an America of the past, present and future.  Antique lovers enjoy strolling and browsing among the 51 stores and 10 miles of historic streets.

Seniors Enjoy One Of  The “Coolest Small Towns”

Hudson was the first chartered city in the United States and settled by the Dutch in the mid-17th century and at that time called Claverack Landing. Budget Travel labels Hudson “One of the coolest small towns in the U.S.A.”

Hudson has been called “one of the richest dictionaries of architectural history in New York state” and “a treasure house of architectural styles.” From 18th-century Federal buildings to 20th-century Arts and Crafts houses most of Hudson remains miraculously unscathed by urban renewal efforts that other communities have had to deal with.

Among the plethora of treasures is the Hudson Opera House that was constructed as Hudson’s city hall in 1855. Senior visitors also find the Columbia County Courthouse, and the Hudson Area Association Library, a structure once considered “the most handsome building in Hudson.”

Seniors Find Olana State Historic Site

Seniors, start with a visit to the FASNY Museum of Firefighting. Take The Farm to Glass Wine Tour and enjoy some of New York’s finest. Plan to enjoy a theater presentation at one of Hudson’s four theaters or take a Hudson Cruise.

I would not want to miss a visit to the Olana State Historic Site with its Persian Style mansion and environs. Olana was the home and estate of 19th century Hudson River School artist Frederic Edwin Church.

This 250 acre New York State Historic Site and National Historic Landmark  offers spectacular views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains and is one of the most popular cultural tourism destinations in the Hudson Valley.

Seniors, set your GPS for upstate New York and plan to spend some quality time in “one cool small town”.  -jeb