8 Best Sights in Hudson Valley, New York

Devoted to teaching the public about ecology, the Carey Institute lets you explore the walking trails and roadways where you'll find fields, upland forests, and wetlands. Stroll through a fern glen and discover diverse habitats—or relax in Adirondack chairs and take in the sounds of the creek. The center also offers free lectures on ecology and birding and one-day courses about everything from Hudson Valley landscapes to rock-garden basics.

A Hudson Valley wine pioneer, the now well-established winery produces a collection of reds and whites. The winery was built in 1977 by novelist Bill Wetmore, who recently passed the torch to his daughter Joanie Yahn.

Seyval blanc is the specialty of this family-run operation housed in an 1800s converted barn. The owner, when he's around and about, conducts tours himself, displaying wit, style, and a passion for wines and winemaking.

A unique contribution to garden design in America, Innisfree is based on Chinese-garden design and draws inspiration from ages-old Chinese paintings. The term cup garden is used to describe the concept; it refers to the way spaces frame, or "cup," features, such as striking rock formations or small pools. Cliffs, low hills, waterfalls, streams, and picnic spots surround the 40-acre lake at the center of the garden. A path takes you through Innisfree.

At this 130-acre winery and vineyard you may savor a chardonnay or cabernet franc against a backdrop of spectacular views. An upstairs loft is open on weekends and offers seasonal art exhibits with regional artists and a selection of the vineyard's reds and whites.

Wallabies, chinchillas, emus, otters, parrots, snakes, and lemurs are among the more than 100 exotic and indigenous small mammals and birds that reside at this zoo on the grounds of the Millbrook School. Students, along with full-time and consulting staff, run the zoo and care for the animals as part of their curriculum at the college-preparatory school; their enthusiasm for their charges is infectious.

The late owner, philanthropist Chauncey Stillman, envisioned his property as a grand European estate and fully realized his dream. The Georgian-style brick mansion surveys formal gardens inspired by the Italian Renaissance, complete with resident peacocks, fountains, a sculpture garden, and a dramatic view of the Catskills. The house has an important collection of paintings assembled by the owner. The stable block houses the carriage museum and a collection of coaching memorabilia.

The artist owners of this European-inspired castle have spent 45 years building their multi-towered stone pile using 85% recycled materials, including carved doors from a French chalet, salvaged stones, and old tools which are incorporated into the wrought-iron fence. It also has a small B&B with three antique-filled guest rooms, and three additional bedrooms across the street at the Tudor cottage. Be sure to check out the miniature Stonehenge with panoramic views of the Catskills and the Millbrook Winery vineyard.