When the famed The Ranch Malibu recently opened a New York outpost in Sloatsburg, most people would be forgiven for not recognizing the town’s name. Sloatsburg and its Lower Hudson Valley neighbors may not have the same name recognition as towns in the Upper Hudson (or the buzzy nearby Catskills or the Hamptons), but this will soon change. Increasingly, hip city dwellers are flocking to this still somewhat under-the-radar area, which gracefully manages to toe the line between upscale and casual.

The Lower Hudson Valley offers all the sweeping vistas and farms you’d expect further north in the Catskills and Upper Hudson Valley but is less crowded and closer to New York City, making it ideal for a day trip. The area is also dotted with incredible farm-to-table restaurants and unique breweries and wineries along with plenty of state parks for hiking and biking and a plethora of cultural offerings. 

Here’s a look at some of the area’s highlights, which you should visit before word gets out.

Warwick - Orange County

Warwick is a year-round playground for sports enthusiasts. Mount Peter was originally built by Macy’s to showcase winter fashion and is now known as a relaxed, family-friendly ski resort. Head to Wickham Woodlands Park to hike or bike along the paved paths: This 600-acre area was once home to a prison complex and is being repurposed into a recreation and commercial area, which means you’ll still see watch towers and abandoned buildings along the paths. Wickham Woodlands is also home to Drowned Lands Brewery, which offers ales and lagers along with non-alcoholic sparkling hop water in a sleek setting. If you prefer wine or cider, pop by Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery, which claims to be the oldest cidery in New York State and home to the largest distillery on the East Coast. It’s spread across 120 gorgeous acres and features regular live music. For one-of-a-kind shopping, head downtown, where you’ll find gems like Village Bungalow, a cute boutique where you can buy housewares, plants, and baby clothes. Grab a coffee and a slab of cake at Cafe e Dolci, or satisfy a sweet tooth at Bellvale Farms Creamery. 

Where to stay: The Inn at Stony Creek, a lovingly restored 1840s colonial farmhouse with plenty of charm.

Nyack - Rockland County

This artsy village nestled along the Hudson River is home to the Edward Hopper House & Museum Study Center, the birthplace and boyhood home of the realist painter: The views of the Hudson River from his bedroom inspired several of his paintings. Catch a performance at the Rockland Center for the Arts or the Elmwood Playhouse. Take a hike in Hook Mountain, or head to Nyack Beach State Park to soak up the sun. Main Street and the surrounding area are packed with shops such as The Editor Shop and Saffron Trading Company, which both feature an eclectic selection of clothing, gifts, and home goods. When it's time for a break, head to Temptations for ice cream (try the toasted coconut or dulce de leche, trust us). At  Karenderya, helmed by a James Beard Awards-finalist chef, enjoy a fresh take on Filipino food (the chicken tosino rice bowl is not to miss!).

Where to stay: The industrial-chic Hotel Nyack, housed in a former factory, has sleek loft-style rooms.

Sloatsburg & Tuxedo - Rockland County

Before The Ranch opened in 2024, Sloatsburg made headlines when 1stDibs founder Michael Bruno began buying up huge swaths of real estate here. Bruno is also behind the luxurious Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club, which has a super stylish lodge and delectable farm-to-table market. Get your heart pumping with a hike in Sterling Forest State Park or Harriman State Park, and reward yourself with a craft beer at Seven Lakes Station, a cute taproom, bistro, and beer garden that has 14 local and specialty taps on rotation, as well award-winning burgers and other delicious dishes. Neighboring Tuxedo Park (which, yes, inspired the name of the fancy dinner jacket!), hosts the annual New York Renaissance Faire and is home to Dottie Audrey’s Bakery a must for a hearty breakfast like the sausage gravy baguette.

Where to stay: The Ranch for an upscale, wellness-focused retreat or the aforementioned uber-chic Valley Rock Inn & Mountain Club.

Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow - Westchester County

These neighboring towns may be synonymous with Halloween thanks to the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze and Headless Horsemen-related activities but are worth a visit any time of year. Architecture and history buffs will love exploring the Gothic Revival Lyndhurst Mansion and Kykuit, the Rockefeller family’s opulent 40-room estate. Sunnyside, Washington Irving’s former cottage, is on a much smaller scale and offers insight into the author and his inspirations for legendary characters such as Headless Horseman to Rip Van Winkle. Further north is Rockefeller State Park Preserve which has 45 miles of carriage roads winding through the forest. Browse the shops and cafés of Tarrytown’s Main Street, including Transom Bookshop and The Swan’s House for unique housewares. The area is also home to a few Michelin-recommended restaurants including Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Mint Premium Foods.

Where to stay: Tarrytown’s Castle Hotel & Spa offers an old-world-inspired pampering experience in a castle overlooking the Hudson River.