The Hudson River Valley—rich in history, art and architecture, farms and towns - brings many people to its environs—to visit, but also to live. Insiders' Guide® to the Hudson River Valley is your comprehensive source and guide to the magnificent area of New York State north of New York City. The author's knowledge of the area gives you access to tips and facts essential to your experience. The publication of the first edition of this guide coincides with the 2009 Quadcentennial Celebration marking the voyages of the Hudson River and Lake Champlain.

Located midway up the legendary Hudson River, Kingston has its own storied past. In the Stockade National Historic District in uptown Kingston where the city was founded in 1658, many of the sturdy limestone houses built by the early European settlers still stand. Downtown Kingston offers a view of the thriving maritime village that mushroomed on the waterfront in the 19th century when the Delaware and Hudson Canal opened there in 1828. The storefronts, homes, and churches of the Rondout National Historic District are the legacy of the immigrants and entrepreneurs who poured in hoping to ride the tide of prosperity promised by the canal. Midtown reflects the pride of the new city of Kingston after the two villages united in 1872 and a civic center and robust industrial district grew on former grazing fields.

The Hudson Valley is a breath of fresh air: explore historic estates, hike wild mountain terrain, and bask in small-town charm with Moon Hudson Valley & the Catskills Strategic, flexible itineraries, from day trips from New York City to week-long road trips, designed for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, art-lovers, foodies, and more Must-see highlights and unique experiences: Cycle along rolling hills and quiet country roads, hike to rushing waterfalls, hit the slopes in the winter, or discover the best spots to see the striking fall foliage. Take a tour of Washington Irving's romantic home, admire the historic Rockefeller Estate, go antiquing in Cold Spring Village, or stroll through Sleepy Hollow. Take a cooking class at the Culinary Institute of America, browse for produce at a local farmers market, sip your way along a Hudson Valley wine trail, or savor innovative cuisine at a farm-to-table restaurant The best hikes in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills, with detailed maps, mileage and difficulty ratings Honest advice from Catskills native Nikki Goth Itoi on when to go, where to eat, and where to stay, from full-service resorts and historic inns to secluded cabins and campsites Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Thorough background on the culture, weather, wildlife, and history, plus tips on getting there and getting around by car and public transportation With Moon Hudson Valley & the Catskills' practical tips, myriad activities, and local know-how, you can plan your trip your way. Exploring more of the Northeast? Check out Moon New England. Headed to the Big Apple? Try Moon New York City or Moon New York Walks.

David Howard, a lecturer in Human Geography at the University of Edinburgh, provides a guide to the history and culture of the city of Kingston, Jamaica. He has lived and worked in the Caribbean.