Looking for a wonderful day trip from Long Island or NYC?
Look no further than the Hudson Valley which extends 150 miles above the tip of Manhattan.
A View of the Mid-Hudson Bridge on our stroll.
Designated as a National Heritage Area, the Hudson Valley has it all — natural beauty, which inspired the artists of the Hudson River School of Painters, history, culture, and a burgeoning food and farmer’s market scene. And it’s the oldest wine-producing area in the country — which brought my husband and I here to explore.
So join us for a visit to Benmarl Vineyard, the oldest vineyard in America, capped off with a stroll on the “Walkway Over the Hudson.”
Benmarl Winery…
Benmarl Vineyards 
is beautifully set in the lush green hills of Marlboro, New York. Located about 2 hours North of New York City and overlooking the historic Hudson River Valley, this 37 acre estate lays claim to the oldest vineyard in America. The winery also holds New York Farm Winery license no.1.
What A View! 
Wine & A VIew!
As with many places these days, a reservation was necessary for a tasting. Opting for a less crowded visit, a lunch time “tasting” reservation on a Monday was perfect. Food can be purchased here as well (cash only) but is no longer necessary since that restriction has since been dropped by New York State.
A tasting included 5 wines of your choice. Talking with our servers, we learned some interesting information. Benmarl gets some of its grapes from our home — Long Island! And, do you like Riesling, like yours truly? Well, the Hudson Valley, Long Island and Germany are the only places that produce this white wine.
A glass of wine and a view? It really can’t get much better than this!
For more details, visit their site by clicking here: https://benmarl.com/
After our tasting and exploration of the property, we headed over to the “Walkway Over the Hudson,” a short 20 minute car ride. We were somewhat familiar with this area since we visited Poughkeepsie on our visit to Hyde Park (Franklin Roosevelt’s Estate) and the Culinary Institute of America for a great meal. Click here to read all about this day trip: https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?page_id=4616
“Walkway Over the Hudson”…
is a key gateway along the Empire Trail.
Standing 212 feel tall and 1.28 miles long, it is the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. Walkers, runners, bicyclists and leashed dogs are allowed on the walkway. There are two access points to the bridge –one in downtown Poughkeepsie and one in Highland. Entrance to the park is free, but there is a charge for parking, unless you have the New York Empire Pass.
In addition to breathtaking views, events organized by Friends of the Walkway can enjoyed as well. From family friendly fare to Walktoberfest food and drink, there is surely something for everyone here. Just click here for complete dates and details. http://walkway.org/events.
So if you’re looking for a little “wine” and a casual stroll, look no further than this perfect day trip to the Hudson Valley.
