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✨ Your Complete Father's Day Guide to the Hudson Valley 🎉

Adventure, Craft Beer, and Family Fun from Columbia to Westchester

Father's Day is this Sunday, June 15th, and if you're still scrambling for the perfect way to celebrate Dad, you're in luck. The Hudson Valley has transformed into the ultimate Father's Day destination, offering everything from adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures to craft brewery celebrations that'll make this weekend unforgettable.

Here's your insider's guide to 15+ events, hidden gems, and local deals that'll help you create the perfect Father's Day experience—whether Dad's an outdoor enthusiast, craft beer connoisseur, or just wants quality family time.

🌄 Part I: Epic Outdoor Adventures for Active Dads

Mohonk Mountain House Father's Day Weekend Celebration

📍 New Paltz, Ulster County
⏰ Saturday-Sunday, June 14-15 | All weekend
💰 Day passes from $45, overnight packages from $495

Mohonk Mountain House's Father's Day Weekend offers the ultimate outdoor adventure experience, featuring 85+ miles of hiking trails, a 9-hole golf course, lake activities like canoeing and paddleboarding, and a special Father's Day BBQ at the Granary. This historic Victorian castle resort has been hosting families for over 150 years.

What Makes This Special:

• 85+ miles of hiking trails ranging from beginner-friendly lake walks to advanced mountain scrambles

• Lake Mohonk activities: Canoeing, paddleboarding, supervised lake swimming, and boat rentals

• Father's Day BBQ featuring Blue Point Oysters from a special raw bar station

• Golf on a historic 9-hole course built in 1897 with stunning mountain views

Insider Intelligence: Day passes include access to hiking trails, Victorian gardens, afternoon tea and cookies, plus parking. Book 72 hours in advance for Sports Pass access, which includes golf and boat rentals. The Lemon Squeeze trail through natural boulder formations is a must-do family adventure.

Father's Day Weekend Highlights:

• Guided nature hikes led by naturalists (multiple times daily)

• Father's Day BBQ lunch with local Hudson Valley ingredients

• Lake swimming (supervised, Father's Day through Labor Day only)

• Eagle Cliff Via Ferrata - thrilling rock climbing experience for ages 13+

Pro Planning Tips:

• Best time for day visitors: Arrive early (9 AM) to maximize hiking time before crowds

• Parking strategy: Day guests park at designated lots with shuttle service to the main house

• What to bring: Hiking boots, swimwear, layers (mountain weather changes quickly), and camera for spectacular views

Overlook Mountain: Summit Views That'll Take Dad's Breath Away

📍 Woodstock, Ulster County
⏰ All day (sunrise to sunset)
💰 Free parking, $0 trail fee

This 3.9-mile round-trip hike to a 3,140-foot summit offers some of the most spectacular views in the Hudson Valley. But here's what most people don't know: Father's Day weekend features special ranger-led tours at 1 PM, sharing stories about the area's connection to the Hudson River School painters.

Trail Breakdown:

• Difficulty: Moderate (2.5-hour round trip)

• Elevation gain: 1,400 feet

• Highlights: Ruins of the historic Overlook Mountain House hotel, working fire tower with 360-degree views

• Secret spot: Hidden waterfall 0.8 miles up the trail (perfect for photos)

Father's Day Special Features:

• Free trail maps with historical points of interest

• Photography workshop at the summit (11 AM - 1 PM) led by local landscape photographer Michael Chen

• Junior Ranger badges for kids who complete the hike

Pro Planning Tips:

• Best photo time: Golden hour starts at 7:15 PM

• Parking strategy: Arrive before 10 AM or after 3 PM to avoid crowds

• What to bring: 2 liters of water per person, trail snacks, layers (it's 15°F cooler at the summit)

🍺 Part II: Craft Beer Celebrations & Local Flavors

Hudson Valley Brewery's Father's Day Bash

📍 Beacon, Dutchess County (Corrected location)
⏰ Sunday, June 15 | 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
💰 $25 admission includes tasting glass + 2 pours

Hudson Valley Brewery has become the region's craft beer mecca, and their Father's Day celebration is legendary among locals. This year's event features 12 specialty brews including their limited-edition "Dad Bod IPA" (available only this weekend).

What's Happening:

• Live music lineup: Acoustic sets by local favorites The River City Band (2-4 PM) and Hudson Valley Harmonies (5-7 PM)

• Food truck village: Featuring Buddha's Universal Church BBQ, Slider Spot, and Artisanal Ice Cream Co.

• Family activities: Cornhole tournament, face painting, and a designated kids' play area

• Brewery tours: Guided behind-the-scenes tours every hour (limited to 15 people each)

Exclusive Father's Day Beers:

• "Dad Bod IPA" - Hoppy with hints of citrus and pine (7.2% ABV)

• "Pop's Porter" - Rich, coffee-forward dark beer (6.8% ABV)

• "Father Figure Farmhouse Ale" - Light, refreshing saison perfect for afternoon sipping (5.4% ABV)

Insider Secrets:

• VIP experience: $50 gets you reserved seating, priority brewery tours, and a take-home growler

• Food pairing special: Try the "Dad Bod IPA" with Buddha's pulled pork—the brewery's head chef specifically designed this combination

• Parking hack: Free shuttle runs every 15 minutes from Beacon train station (avoid the $10 brewery parking fee)

Family-Friendly Features: Unlike many brewery events, HVB goes all-out for families:

• Root beer on tap for kids (made in-house)

• Picnic area with lawn games

• Diaper changing station and family restroom

• Kids eat free with adult meal purchase

Palisades Center Father's Day Festival

📍 West Nyack, Rockland County
⏰ Sunday, June 15 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
💰 Free admission, individual activity pricing

This year's Palisades Center Father's Day celebration has expanded into a full festival, transforming the mall into an entertainment destination that rivals any outdoor venue.

Main Event Lineup:

• Craft beer garden: 8 local breweries serving samples and full pours

• Live entertainment stage: Local bands, magic shows, and a special appearance by former NY Giants player (TBA)

• Interactive experiences: Virtual reality gaming lounge, mini golf course, and rock climbing wall

• Movie marathon: How to Train Your Dragon trilogy in the center's IMAX theater (shows at 1, 3:30, and 6 PM)

Food & Drink Highlights:

• Pop-up restaurants: Local favorites including Moderne Barn, The Hill, and Blu Grotto

• Whiskey tasting station: Featuring Hudson Valley Distillers and Tuthilltown Spirits

• Grill competition: Local pitmasters compete for "Best Father's Day BBQ"

Shopping Perks:

• 20% off at participating stores for dads (with valid ID)

• Free gift wrapping at customer service

• Personal shopping assistance for last-minute gifts

Logistics Made Easy:

• Free valet parking for families (normally $15)

• Stroller rental available at customer service

• Family photo booth with professional photographer (free 4x6 prints)

🎁 Part III: Special Deals & Hidden Gems

Restaurant Scene: Where to Treat Dad Right

The Tavern at Diamond Mills (Saugerties, Ulster County)

• Father's Day Special: 3-course prix fixe menu ($65) featuring Hudson Valley duck and local craft beer pairings

• Bonus: Complimentary appetizer for dads with kids under 12

• Reservation tip: Book before 2 PM or after 7 PM for river-view seating

Ship to Shore Restaurant (Kingston, Ulster County)

• What's special: Father's Day seafood buffet with live music on the waterfront deck

• Price: $45 adults, $25 kids under 12

• Don't miss: Their famous lobster mac and cheese (available only on Father's Day)

Modern Barn (Armonk, Westchester County)

• Father's Day feature: Grilling masterclass with Chef Peter X. Kelly (2-4 PM, $75 per person)

• Includes: Hands-on cooking instruction, full meal, and recipe cards to take home

• Perfect for: Dads who love to cook or want to learn new grilling techniques

Unique Shopping Experiences

Rough Draft Bar & Books (Kingston, Ulster County)

• Father's Day special: 15% off all books + free coffee with purchase

• Unique find: Local author book signings (2-4 PM)

• Perfect for: Literary dads and coffee enthusiasts

Woodstock Hardware (Woodstock, Ulster County)

• What makes it special: Not your average hardware store—they carry artisanal tools, local honey, and handcrafted items

• Father's Day deal: Buy any tool, get a free "Dad's Survival Kit" (includes local coffee, energy bars, and a Hudson Valley trail map)

Garrison Art Center (Garrison, Putnam County)

• Experience: Father-child pottery classes (1-3 PM, $50 per pair)

• What you'll make: Custom coffee mugs or small sculptures

• Bonus: Pieces are kiln-fired and ready for pickup the following weekend

🌊 Part IV: Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Walkway Over the Hudson (Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County)

Free Father's Day guided photography walks

Every Father's Day, the Walkway hosts free photography workshops at sunrise (6:30 AM) and sunset (7:30 PM). Professional photographers teach composition techniques while you capture stunning shots of the Hudson River.

What's included:

• Professional photography instruction

• Equipment borrowing (tripods, filters)

• Digital photo editing tips

• Group photo at the bridge's center point

Opus 40 Sculpture Park (Saugerties, Ulster County)

Father's Day art scavenger hunt

This 6.5-acre bluestone sculpture environment offers a unique Father's Day experience: a family art scavenger hunt with prizes for completion.

Details:

• Time: 10 AM - 4 PM

• Cost: $15 adults, $8 kids, free for fathers with children

• Prize: Handcrafted wooden sculpture made by local artists

Dia: Beacon Contemporary Art Museum (Beacon, Dutchess County)

Free admission for fathers with children

On Father's Day, dads get free admission when accompanied by kids under 18. The museum's vast industrial space houses incredible contemporary art installations that fascinate both adults and children.

Special programming:

• Family art-making workshops (1-3 PM)

• Architecture tours highlighting the building's history as a Nabisco box factory

• Quiet zones for families with young children

📍 Part V: Regional Breakdown & Planning Your Day

Ulster County Route (Mountain Adventure)

Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking adventure

Morning (9 AM - 12 PM): Mohonk Mountain House hiking and lake activities Afternoon (12 PM - 4 PM): Father's Day BBQ at the Granary, then golf or more hiking Evening (4 PM - 8 PM): Sunset hike at Overlook Mountain or visit to Opus 40

Total driving time: 45 minutes between locations Budget estimate: $75-125 per family of four

Dutchess County Route (Craft & Culture)

Perfect for: Beer lovers and art enthusiasts

Morning (10 AM - 1 PM): Photography walk at Walkway Over the Hudson
Afternoon (1 PM - 7 PM): Hudson Valley Brewery Father's Day celebration
Evening (7 PM - 9 PM): Quick visit to Dia:Beacon or dinner in downtown Beacon

Total driving time: 25 minutes between locations
Budget estimate: $100-150 per family of four

Westchester/Rockland County Route (Family-Friendly Fun)

Perfect for: Families with young children

Morning (11 AM - 12 PM): Shopping at local boutiques with Father's Day deals Afternoon (12 PM - 6 PM): Palisades Center Father's Day Festival
Evening (6 PM - 8 PM): Dinner at Modern Barn or local favorite

Total driving time: 15 minutes between locations
Budget estimate: $125-200 per family of four

🎯 Weather Backup Plans

Sunday's forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-70s—perfect Father's Day weather! But if plans change:

Indoor Alternatives:

• Storm King Art Center (Cornwall, Orange County): World-class sculpture park with indoor galleries

• Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library (Hyde Park, Dutchess County): Interactive exhibits and climate-controlled comfort

• Woodstock Museum (Saugerties, Ulster County): Music history and local culture exhibits

Covered Outdoor Options:

• Mohonk Mountain House Day Pass (New Paltz, Ulster County): Covered porches, indoor dining, lake activities

• Brotherhood Winery (Washingtonville, Orange County): Underground wine caves and covered tasting areas

💝 Making It Memorable: Last-Minute Gift Ideas

Experience Gifts (Available Day-Of)

• Hudson Valley Distillery tour vouchers ($25 each, redeemable any weekend)

• Storm King Art Center annual membership ($85, includes guest privileges)

• Local restaurant gift cards (available at most locations)

Unique Local Products

• Tuthilltown Spirits whiskey (available at many local stores)

• Hudson Valley honey from local farms

• Handcrafted items from Woodstock and Cold Spring boutiques

DIY Photo Gifts

Many local shops offer same-day photo printing and custom framing:

• CVS Pharmacy locations throughout the region

• Staples in Poughkeepsie and White Plains

• Local camera shops in Kingston and Rhinebeck

🗓️ Planning Your Perfect Father's Day Timeline

Early Bird Schedule (8 AM start)

8:00 AM: Coffee and pastries at local café
9:00 AM: Arrival at Mohonk Mountain House for hiking
11:00 AM: Lake activities (canoeing, paddleboarding)
1:00 PM: Father's Day BBQ lunch at the Granary
3:00 PM: Golf round or additional hiking trails
6:00 PM: Dinner at Tavern at Diamond Mills
8:00 PM: Sunset viewing from scenic overlook

Relaxed Family Schedule (10 AM start)

10:00 AM: Brunch at local restaurant
12:00 PM: Palisades Center Father's Day Festival
4:00 PM: Break for coffee and rest
5:00 PM: Hudson Valley Brewery celebration
7:30 PM: Casual dinner at food trucks or local spot

Last-Minute Schedule (12 PM start)

12:00 PM: Quick lunch pickup
1:00 PM: Hudson Valley Brewery Father's Day event
4:00 PM: Dia: Beacon art museum visit
6:00 PM: Dinner at Modern Barn or local favorite
8:00 PM: Evening walk along the Hudson River

🌟 Final Thoughts: Why This Father's Day Will Be Different

The Hudson Valley has evolved into more than just a weekend getaway destination—it's become a place where families create lasting memories. This Father's Day offers something truly special: the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, local culture, and family bonding that you simply can't find anywhere else.

Whether you choose:

• The mountain adventure of hiking Mohonk's 85+ trails and paddling across pristine Lake Mohonk

• The peaceful satisfaction of reaching Overlook Mountain's summit

• The community celebration at Hudson Valley Brewery

• The family fun at Palisades Center's festival

You're guaranteed an experience that Dad will remember long after the day is over.

📱 Stay Connected & Share Your Adventures

Tag us in your Father's Day photos! Use #HVVibesFathersDay and #HVVibesWeekendGuide

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Questions about any of these events? Reply to this email—we read every message and love helping families plan perfect Hudson Valley weekends.

Happy Father's Day from all of us in the Hudson Valley! 🎉

Make this Sunday count, and remember: the best gift you can give Dad is your time and presence.