Explore Hudson Valley in Retirement

We lived on Long Island for over sixty years.  When we were on a tight budget but still wanted to take the kids on vacation, we came up to Hudson Valley. I love the mountains and immediately considered what it would be like to explore Hudson Valley in retirement. It’s a beautiful area that runs along the Hudson River with a view of the Catskill Mountains in the West.  For many years we kept the thought of retiring to this beautiful area whenever we would take a ride on the Thruway on our way to a resort or continuing on toward the Adirondacks or the Berkshires.  About ten years ago we bought a parcel of land on a man-made lake and the die was cast.  We would not only explore Hudson Valley in retirement, we would make our home there.  We have been very pleased.  Between the beautiful scenery, the great restaurants and the wonderful people, it has been a wonderful location to Enjoy Retired Life which is what this website is all about.

Most people look surprised when we tell them about the great restaurants, but the fact is that there are many top-quality places that are hidden gems.  The Culinary Institute of America has a beautiful campus in Hyde Park and we visit their restaurants quite often.  It is a way for the students to learn and demonstrate their talents not just by cooking but serving and learning about what it takes to be a food professional.  Not surprisingly, many students come here with loft thoughts of big city venues but fall in love with the local area instead.  It’s easy to do.  Consequently, many restaurants have graduates working in the kitchen turning out great food and some are opening their own restaurants.  If you decide to move up to this area and explore Hudson Valley in retirement, you won’t be alone.  There has been a mini explosion of construction in the area reflecting the desirability of this area.  But don’t worry, there’s room for everyone.  It makes for an interesting drive almost everywhere you go with country roads dotted with small homes and then a huge estate that seems to appear out of nowhere.

Explore Hudson Valley in Retirement And Experience A Relaxed Lifestyle

During the 19th century the shoreline of the Hudson River experienced a similar housing boom when families like the Vanderbilts and Roosevelts made their presence known with estates that are still standing today.  The home of Franklin D. Roosevelt is one of my favorite places to go and the Vanderbilt house is “right next door” and both mansions have lovely views of the Hudson River.  The aforementioned CIA is in the same vicinity so a tour of one or both of the homes followed by a lunch or dinner exquisitely prepared by the future chefs can be an excellent way to spend the day.  It might get you to think about retiring to this lovely part of the country.  I think everyone should explore Hudson Valley in retirement.

If outdoor activities are something you’re interested in, then Hudson Valley has exactly what you need.  From boating to skiing, from hiking to swimming, there a trails, rivers and lakes to keep you busy for a lifetime.  Our neighbor is addicted to golf, and he has been very happy with the courses in the area.  While it might be a little crowded on the weekend, the weekdays slow down enough to make it feel like a private course.  There’s no shortage of things to do and new activities to try.  We became boaters after never having owned a boat in our lives.  We are now the proud owners of a twenty-foot pontoon that takes up and down the two-mile lake we live on.  It’s very enjoyable and we go out with friends and family at sunset and enjoy every minute of it.  It became part of our effort to explore Hudson Valley in retirement, and we very much appreciate how fortunate we are.

We live in a community that was created about fifty years ago and the good part about that is that almost everyone is new to the area.  You make friends quickly.  My wife is a part of three or four clubs and people are focused on making the most of their retirement years.  The conversation always seems to turn to food and there are always new restaurants to try.  There are a number of vineyards that are getting very good reputations and, if history is something you’re interested in, there are some great sites to visit and excellent historical societies.  Each town has its own identity and some of the events can attract quite a crowd.  We live in the little village of Athens and there are many cultural activities with the big event being a Victorian Stroll in December.  We’ve been here six years and have enjoyed all phases of our new existence as we explore Hudson Valley in retirement.  You should drop by for a visit.  See new places and explore new things.  It’s time to Enjoy Retired Life!

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