Columbia County New York Real Estate

Where horseback riding, farmer’s markets, scenic flights, hot-air ballooning, zip-lining, towering overlooks, acres of meadows and colorful wildflowers, rushing rivers, babbling brooks, sun-kissed mountains, and the delicious aromas of latest farm-to-table delicacies are served… Welcome to Columbia County. 

Take the short trek north on Amtrak or the Parkway and reward yourself with some good old-fashioned rural therapy.

Take a leisurely walking tour of the many villages and hamlets rich in history and architecture, specialty shops, and gourmet markets. 

Join in summer festivals abundant with organic produce, handcrafted goods, live music, family-friendly games, and an undeniably unrestrained joie de vivre.

Recharge your battery brunching al fresco among new friends - truly al fresco, not street-side savoring car emissions and straining to be heard.

Rent a kayak, motorboat or pontoon and rejuvenate yourself on any of the County’s beautiful lakes and sandy beaches, including Copake, Kinderhook, Queechy or Lake Taghkanic.

If biking’s your preference, exhilarate your senses cruising some of the most scenic routes between the Catskills and the Berkshires. 

Explore High Falls Conservation Area with the County’s highest waterfall at 150'. There's also Rheinstrom Hill Audubon Sanctuary, Harlem Valley Rail Trail, or Taconic State Park.

The extensive hiking and biking trails, Bash Bish Falls, Lake Taghkanic among others take your breath away for more reasons than exercise.

Sharpen your game with a private lesson at the Old Chatham Tennis Club. If golf's got your heart, raise your BPMs on the meticulous fairways of Winding Brook, The Greens at Copake Country Club, or Undermountain Golf Course, or Columbia Golf & Country Club.

So what’s there to do that doesn’t put a little sweat on your brow?

Columbia County has more than forty art venues and galleries. Awaken the cultural you by visiting any of the many artistic venues available throughout the County. From critically acclaimed professional theaters offering off-Broadway musicals and plays, to live stages supporting some of the country’s new and legendary musicians, art galleries, as well as remarkable indoor and outdoor art exhibitions and workshops. 

Some renowned County centers include Omi International Arts Center, Hudson Opera House Center for the Arts, Mac-Haydn Theatre, PS21 of Chatham, Stageworks Hudson, Taconic Sculpture Park & Gallery, and Time and Space Limited.

The port city of Hudson is the only Amtrak stop in the County, and where you can also book a sightseeing and dinner cruise via Hudson Cruises Inc. at Waterfront Park.

The Hudson Walking Tour offers a fascinating portrait of the city, from its founding in 1784, to its fascinating architecture and cultural diversity. Its main thoroughfare, Warren Street, features one retail mile of over fifty antiques stores, thirty gourmet cafes and restaurants, and exquisite shops sure to delight even the most discriminating tastes.

Thrill the sommelier in you by visiting some of Hudson Valley's exceptional wineries and breweries. The Chatham Brewery, for example, ferments the finest local hops and malts in the British tradition, and serves many fine dining establishments throughout Columbia County. Harvest Spirits is the first distillery in New York able to offer tastings and retail sales directly from its operation. Hillrock Estate Distillery in Ancram is one of the few field-to-glass whiskey producers in the world.

The Hudson Chatham Winery offers award winning wines, including gold medals from the New York State Fair, Hudson Valley Wine and Grape Association, and the New York Food and Wine Classic. Tousey Winery of Germantown offers a Cabernet Franc that’s been very well received by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Farm to Glass Tours supports local agriculture by providing educational tours based on the bounty of Columbia County farms. You can schedule a tour of leading county wineries on their website.

When Summer winds down, and always over Labor Day weekend, visit the Columbia County Fair in Chatham Village. The Fair's birthplace was actually the county courthouse in Hudson NY begun by the Columbia County Agricultural Society in 1840. Opening day features an energizing Demolition Derby sure to excite your whole family.

Check the Fair's schedule online but other events include a tractor pull, firefighter parade, 4-H exhibits, impressive livestock displays, baking competitions including "Cupcake Wars" for bakers of all ages. No amusement park would be complete without a towering Ferris Wheel, glass houses, exhilarating motorized rides for all ages, coin-game machines and simple games teasing your mental focus, and rewarded with a favorite stuffed animal or toy. Peruse the kiosks of vibrant cotton candy, hot popping kettle corn, and other sinfully yummy treats from fresh baked pizza, burgers, calzones, foot-long hot dogs, sausage grinders stacked with grilled onions and peppers, and more. Bring your camera and get ready for some childhood fun!