One of the great pleasures of visiting the Hudson Valley is food, from food production (see our Hudson Valley Bounty page) to great restaurants in every price category and every nationality.

At the center of the food experience that awaits you here in the Valley is the Culinary Institute of America. This venerable school, located in Hyde Park, has trained thousands of chefs, many of whom have started restaurants in the region. Visitors willing to make advance reservations can enjoy sampling the work of students at the CIA at a choice of three restaurants on the campus.

Historically, the Hudson Valley has been known as the “breadbasket” of New York City. Wheat was at one time am important farm product, stone ground in grist mills such as the one still operational at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow. Farms in the region also shipped milk to New York on what are now strictly commuter railroads and moved fresh fruits and vegetables to market by boat.

With today’s emphasis on fresh, locally-grown ingredients, many restaurants are incorporating local produce into their menus. They can choose from regional fois gras, cheeses, breads, meats, vegetables and fruits of every description. Some chefs are even growing their own foods, including Harvest-on-Hudson in Hastings, Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, and Valley at The Garrison.

The gourmand will be pleasantly surprised by the innovation and creativity of Hudson Valley chefs. True destination restaurants abound and their staffs look forward to welcoming you. We name a few truly fine establishments in each of our geographic regions, but there are surely many more waiting for you to discover them.

Foodies Be-Aware! You've long known that the Hudson Valley is a great place to eat, and eat well. Now hear this — many of the restaurants you've loved and more you haven't gotten to yet are being organized by The Valley Table magazine into the Annual Hudson Valley Restaurant Week. You'll be able to drop in for a multi-course lunch or dinner at greatly reduced prices! Try a different eaterie every night, if you like, without feeling guilty about it. You'll be eating well and paying less. For more info, go to: www.HudsonValleyRestaurantWeek.com.