New York's Effortlessly Charming College Town Is Full Of Art, Gorgeous Architecture, And Natural Beauty

When singing about New York City, the legendary Frank Sinatra exclaimed, "I want to be a part of it," and it's not hard to see why. With streets hiding a historic food district for a classic dinner, majestic old buildings, and iconic spots from beloved movies, the Big Apple is a dream destination for many. But once you've had your fill of the bright lights, head out into the landscape of New York State and explore the many hidden gems. Follow the banks of the Hudson River up north and you'll come across the peaceful streets of Annandale-on-Hudson, a historic town as delightful as its name. Forming a bulk of the campus of Bard College, this Hudson Valley hamlet is infused with a spellbinding, old-world charm amidst the serene beauty of countryside landscapes.

Rolling hills, grassy meadows, and forested slopes opening out to panoramic vistas of the Catskill Mountains form the backdrop of Bard College's enchanting campus, offering a tranquil oasis from the hubbub of the big city. As a matter of fact, the college has played an active part in preserving the local topography and has been recognized for its vast arboretum of trees, plants, and magnificent gardens to explore. Avid adventurers can spend the day splashing at Zabriskie's Waterfall on the edge of town, while the vast tidal swamps of Tivoli Bays to the north offer ample opportunities for canoeing in the waterways, hiking through the woodlands, and soaking up the Catskill Mountains scenery.

Meanwhile, anyone touring the Bard College campus will be mesmerized by the Collegiate Gothic architecture, lending a fairytale atmosphere to the town. Catch a riveting orchestral performance at the Fisher Center, the college's world-class theater, or explore the art galleries and museums on campus. There's excitement to suit all tastes in Annandale-on-Hudson.

Just under a two-hour drive from Manhattan, escaping to Annandale-on-Hudson is an easy day trip. If you're visiting for a dose of local culture, your first stop should be the Hessel Museum of Art. Part of Bard College's campus, the museum features regularly rotating exhibits along with permanent collections of paintings, sculptures, and photography amassed over the past 60 years. Permanent installations of larger-than-life sculptures surround the museum grounds, and the exhibits are free to enter, making it a "must-see cultural stop," according to a previous visitor on Google.

Next, head to the Fisher Center at Bard, if not to attend a theatrical performance, then simply to admire the stunning example of postmodern architecture. Designed by renowned Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, the magnificent performing arts center is a shiny, undulating metallic structure resembling sheets of paper fluttering in the wind. Hosting more than 200 events each year, there will no doubt be a lineup to catch your eye. Past events have included chamber music recitals of classical legends like Mozart and Dvořák, student-choreographed senior dance performances, and riveting stage plays.

Just beyond the main campus is the Bard College Montgomery Place Historic Estate, a spectacular country house set against sprawling gardens backed by mountain vistas. As the estate is now owned by Bard College, special events like symposiums and performances are occasionally held in the grounds. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Federal-style manor was built in the early 1800s by Janet Livingston Montgomery, the wife of a Revolutionary War general. Later redesigned in the Classical Revival style, the estate features a rounded entrance portico with intricate stucco trim. Comprised of a farmhouse, orchards, and smaller outbuildings, the grounds are open to explore from dawn until dusk, with occasional mansion tours.

With such incredible natural landscapes all around, the temptation to explore will be impossible to resist. Take the woodland hike to reach Zabriskie's Waterfall, still within the campus of Bard College, for magnificent scenery of tumbling cascades flanked by rocky pools and lush vegetation. Splash in the water and lounge on the boulders amidst the frothy falls, or continue hiking until you reach the Hudson River marshlands, watching out for birds overhead.

A short way south of the waterfall is Poets' Walk Park, a tranquil, landscaped meadow stretching across roughly 120 acres. Though it may appear to be a naturally existing park, during the 1850s, the owners of two nearby estates deliberately landscaped the meadowland to resemble a sequence of outdoor rooms outlined by stone walls and shady trees. Offering fantastic views of the Catskill Mountains, among the many footsteps that have trodden the parkland include those of famed author Washington Irving, who was supposedly seized by the inspiration to pen his classic tale, "Rip Van Winkle", after taking a stroll through the landscape. Explore the park at your own pace, bring your furry friends on a leash, and find a bench to admire the peaceful countryside.

Enthusiastic explorers should head across the Hudson River to the Falling Waters Preserve, a scenic stretch of rolling meadowland fringed by tranquil forests zigzagged with leisurely walking paths. Jagged rock ledges line the riverbank, the Catskill Mountains rise dramatically in the distance, and you might be lucky to spot ducks bathing in the streams. Whether you're looking for stimulating culture or a nature escape, Annandale-on-Hudson should be on everyone's itinerary. And for more small-town adventures, drive just a few minutes north to the village of Tivoli, one of the most beautiful and overlooked towns in New York.