The Hudson River Valley is generally considered to occupy the area south of Albany and north of Sleepy Hollow. The Catskill Mountains form the border on the west, and the Connecticut state line is the eastern edge. As in the other Lonely Planet Road Trip books, the author outlines a couple of itineraries that provide a great introduction to this historic and scenic valley. Williams provides tips for lodging, dining, and attractions throughout the valley, and there are sidebars on just about every page with background information about the local history, culture, and customs of the communities mentioned. One of the sidebars that I found very helpful was a quick summary of the four types of residential architectural styles -- Federal, Greek Revival, Beaux Arts, and Gothic Revival -- that can be seen in the valley. I also found her discussion of the Hudson River School of Landscape Painters enlightening. I look forward to visiting Olana, where Frederic Edwin Church, one of the earliest painters of that movement, once lived. Woodstock, the site of the famous 1969 musical festival, is also in the Hudson Valley, and the author provides plenty of tips for visiting this mecca of rock music.

Not only is Hudson River Valley an excellent guide for visitors from afar, it is a great resource for city-weary Manhattanites seeking a slower pace in the rural towns and villages located only a short distance from New York City. The maps alone make this guide worth keeping on hand.

Other books in this series that we recommend are New England by Kim Grant, Route 66 by Sara Benson, Napa & Sonoma Wine Country by Richard Sterling, and perhaps our favorite in the series, California Highway 1 by Paige R. Penland.

Mark Sedenquist
7/3/05