Cider, farms, and markets — all in one drive. The Hudson Valley’s harvest shines from September through late fall. Build this flexible loop from your car rental at JFK or Newark car hire and taste your way through orchards and farm stands without rushing.
Suggested route
- Walden: Start at a flagship cider house for flights, lawn seating, and orchard views. Family‑friendly grounds make it easy to pair tastings with fresh air.
- Warwick: Continue to a hillside cidery and a classic farm market for lunch or a casual pint. Weekend food trucks and live music are common in season.
- Hopewell Junction: End with pick‑your‑own apples and a farm store stocked with local cheeses and baked goods. Reserve weekend PYO slots during peak harvest.
Timing & etiquette
- Peak apple‑picking runs September–October; weekends are busy — arrive early or visit mid‑week. Leaf‑peeping color often overlaps, so plan for extra photo stops.
- Some orchards are 21+ for tasting rooms. Bring valid ID and a designated driver plan; sparkling ciders and fresh‑pressed juice are great options for non‑drinkers.
- Respect working farms: stay on marked areas, follow pet rules, and pack out your trash.
Markets worth a detour
- Beacon & Cold Spring: Riverfront towns with walkable main streets, weekend farmers markets, and coffee stops between orchard visits.
- Kingston & New Paltz: Find farm‑to‑table lunches, historic districts, and seasonal stands with cider donuts still warm from the fryer.
- Hudson: Vintage shops and a robust Saturday market round out a culture‑and‑produce afternoon.
Driving tips
- Country roads are narrow and curvy; give yourself extra time and watch for deer at dusk.
- Download offline maps — coverage can flicker near ridgelines and valley bottoms.
- Coolers keep cheese and fruit fresh for the ride home; bring napkins and a knife for impromptu picnic spreads.
Make it easy with Hola Car Rentals
Choose cargo‑friendly vehicles for coolers and produce. With Hertz at JFK, Avis at EWR, or Budget at JFK, pick‑up is simple and drop‑off is fast. Hola Car Rentals includes:
- Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up.
- All-Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage.
- Cashback on tolls on select itineraries.
- No additional fees — save up to 60%.
Book now and taste more of the Hudson Valley on a relaxed, scenic drive — your foodie road trip starts the moment you pick up the keys.
More tasty stops
- Rhinebeck & Red Hook: Saturday farmers markets and cozy cafés right off US‑9.
- Stone Ridge & Accord: Farmstead creameries and roadside stands on scenic Route 209.
- Warwick Valley: Farm markets, cream‑top milk, and orchard bakeries on rolling country roads.
Plan like a local
- Check hours the week of your trip — seasonal schedules shift quickly in harvest season.
- Bring small bills for farm stands using honor boxes.
- Designate a driver for tasting days; many cider houses offer NA flights so everyone enjoys the stop.
Sample foodie loop
- Morning: Coffee in Beacon, then head to Walden for your first tasting flight and orchard stroll.
- Midday: Drive quiet backroads to Warwick for lunch at the farm market; grab cider donuts for the ride.
- Afternoon: Continue to Hopewell Junction for pick‑your‑own and a golden‑hour farm walk before returning to the city.
What to bring
- Reusable bags, a small cooler with ice packs, and wet wipes.
- Closed‑toe shoes for orchard rows and uneven ground.
- Patience — harvest weekends are popular; the extra buzz is part of the fun.
