Ensconced by the beauty of the Berkshires and the Catskills, Columbia County is home to rolling farmland and a thriving arts, cultural, and restaurant scene, nourished by easily accessible train and highway routes and the energy of its dynamic county seat in Hudson.
Roe Jan Brewing
32 Anthony Street, Hillsdale | (518) 303-8080
Roejanbrewing.com
This beautifully restored historic building is a must-visit, where every detail invites guests to unwind and connect. Enjoy exceptional craft beers that balance tradition and innovation, and savor hearty pub fare made with love in the open kitchen. And don’t miss the weekend lineup of live regional music—the perfect soundtrack to any evening. Whether gathering with friends or family, guests are sure to feel part of something special. Roe Jan Brewing is where craft and community connect! Check out the menu and calendar of events at Roejanbrewing.com. Reservations are accepted for parties of six or more. Call (518) 303-8080 to reserve.
Woodlife Farm Market
36 Old Route 20, New Lebanon | (518) 938-1209
Woodlifefarmmarket.com
Located in New Lebanon, Woodlife Farm Market is a vibrant year-round stop for farm-fresh food, local provisions, and family-friendly events. Enjoy sandwiches, salads, and comfort food from the Woodlife Kitchen, plus local beer and spirits. Shop seasonal produce, baked goods, and pantry staples, then unwind outdoors with views of open fields, tranquil ponds, and scenic trails. With live music, BBQs, and community gatherings throughout the year, Woodlife is the perfect place to eat, shop, explore, and connect. Now booking private events and offering custom catering, Woodlife brings fresh flavor and warm hospitality to every occasion.
Bill Arning Exhibitions / Hudson Valley
17 Broad Street, Kinderhook
Billarning.com
Gallerist Bill Arning is known for curating early exhibitions of celebrated artists like Marilyn Minter, Glenn Ligon, Cady Noland, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Gary Simmons, Mary Weatherford, and John Currin. Today, BAE’s exhibition program extends the curatorial values of his first exhibitions in 1984 at White Columns, prioritizing the interweaving of work that challenges convention with a respect for the profound positive effects that result from visual pleasure. Actively mixing artists based in the Hudson Valley with sympathetic makers from around the world, BAE has become a cherished go-to gallery for those looking for the most stimulating art being made today.
Clarion Concerts in Columbia County
68 years strong in the Hudson Valley! Clarion Concerts has been presenting world-class chamber music in the Hudson Valley for nearly 70 years. The Clarion of today is committed to presenting music performed or composed by artists of color. They also provide local students with access to renowned artists and repertoire that span classical masterworks and bold new works. Join them for traditional, as well as boundary-breaking, performances curated by Artistic Director, Melissa White. Check the website for scheduling and tickets.
Clermont State Historic Site
1 Clermont Avenue, Germantown | (518) 537-4240
Parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/clermont | Friendsofclermont.org
Nestled on the banks of the Hudson River and former home to indigenous communities, enslaved people, Palatines, and generations of the Livingston family, Clermont welcomes visitors with its sweeping vistas and intriguing, often untold stories. With gentle walking trails, panoramic views of the river and mountains, meticulously restored gardens, and tours of the 250-year-old historic mansion, there is something for everyone in this 500-acre park. Connect with nature on a guided Bird Walk or enjoy the sweet scent of autumn with Forest Bathing. Take a journey into the realm of the unknown with Legends by Candlelight Halloween Ghost Encounters. To plan a fall adventure and learn more about upcoming events visit Friendsofclermont.org
FilmColumbia 2025
Crandelltheatre.org/filmcolumbia
Every fall, the acclaimed FilmColumbia festival previews the best of soon-to-be released domestic and international films for 10 days at Chatham’s historic Crandell Theatre. This year’s 25th anniversary festival runs October 17–26 and will feature 50+ expertly curated films and talkbacks with filmmakers and stars. Best of all, FilmColumbia’s opening day will coincide with the official reopening of a newly renovated and restored Crandell. Avatar: Fire and Ash actor Stephen Lang will be honored at the festival’s storied Kick-Off Party during opening weekend. FC2025 tickets go on sale to the general public on October 11. Crandell members receive advance access to discounted tickets.
Old Dutch Inn
8 Broad Street, Kinderhook | (518) 203-3347
Theolddutchinn.com
Experience unparalleled rural refinement at Old Dutch Inn. With nine king and queen guest rooms, all with ensuite baths featuring marble finishes and select rooms with cast iron soaking tubs, Old Dutch Inn defines Upper Hudson Valley luxury lodging. Named Outstanding Small Property of the Year by the NYS Tourism & Hospitality Association.
Home Range Winery
146 Flints Crossing Road, Canaan | (518) 610-6821
Homerangewinery.com
Open May to November, Home Range Winery takes pride in growing and cultivating sustenance from the land, while also maintaining a scenic and quite idyllic homestead. Handmade, small batch quantities, created with enthusiasm and a little bit of fun, lend to wines they are proud to share with friends.
The Nature Institute
20 May Hill Road, Ghent | (518) 672-0116
Natureinstitute.org
Learning new ways of seeing and a deepening experience of nature—that’s what participants can expect from talks, workshops, and trainings dedicated to holistic science in dialogue with nature in the hilly fields and woodlands of Ghent. Check out The Nature Institute’s publications and calendar of events on their website.
This article appears in September 2025.
