Red Hook’s first settlers were the New Amsterdam Dutch colonists, who, in 1636, named it Roode Hoek. The name is derived from the city’s red clay soil, while “hoek” means point or corner, in Dutch. Today, the city boasts its position as the only part of New York City that has a complete frontal view of the Statue of Liberty. The statue faces France, the country who donated it as a gift, in 1886, to commemorate both countries’ alliance during the American Revolution.
If you’re looking for other things to check out while in Red Hook, here is our list of 10 things to do here.
1. Visit a Presidential library
In the United States, there are only 14 presidential libraries administered by the Office of Presidential Libraries, as part of the National Archives and Records Administration. Red Hook has one of them – the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Roosevelt was a strong believer in an open government and the library was his idea of making documents and artefacts from his terms in office, available for public access.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
Address: 4079 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538, USA
Website: Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum
2. Get inspired in Poet’s Walk Park
Whether you’re in search of inspiration, pondering the meaning of life or just looking for a romantic place to take a relaxing stroll, Poet’s Walk Park is the perfect place. This 120-acre (48.6-hectare) park has almost 2 miles (1.61 km) of trails, which meander through meadows, woods, rustic pavilions and spectacular river views, a truly idyllic setting that is Insta-worthy, at every turn.
Poet’s Walk Park
Address: 776 River Rd, Red Hook, NY 12571, USA
Website: Poet’s Walk Park
3. Attend world class performances
Designed by Frank Gehry, the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College houses programs for art performances. Committing to providing budding artists with a platform to create, perform, learn and experience, the centre has two theatres and four rehearsal studios for recitals, music and dance performances. Visitors in search of an evening of opera, music, theatre or dance, should make this a can’t-miss place on their itinerary.
Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 60 Manor Ave, Annandale-On-Hudson, NY 12504, USA
4. Visit a National Historic Landmark
Also at Bard College, is Montgomery Place, an early 19th-century estate that has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Lawns, woodlands and gardens sit against the backdrop of the Catskill Mountains, while overlooking the Hudson River. Among the families that used to live in this 380-acre (153.8-hectare) estate were the prominent Livingston family, whose descendants include past presidents George HW Bush, George W Bush and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Montgomery Place
Address: 26 Gardener Way, Red Hook, NY 12571, USA
Website: Montgomery Place
5. Pick your own fruits and vegetables
Even if you’re not an organic food fanatic, it is still a pretty cool experience to pick your own fruit and veggies, instead of getting them from your local grocer. Greig Farm allows visitors to do just that, with fruit like strawberries, blueberries and apples, that are ripe for the picking. The farm even has a Fresh Fruit Membership program, for regulars. Check out their site for picking schedules, to see available crops for each month.
Greig Farm
Address: 227 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook, NY 12571, USA
Website: Greig Farm
6. See Brooklyn’s planned streetcars
For a period of time, these streetcars (or electric trolleys), operated throughout the city. Their service stopped in 1956, but there have been efforts since 1989 to revive them. It remains to be seen what will come of these efforts, which continue today, but visitors who want a peek into the past can head to the Red Hook waterfront.
7. If you’re an aviation enthusiast…
You absolutely cannot leave the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome off your itinerary. Started by Cole Palen in 1958, the aerodrome has a mission of preserving, restoring and flying aircraft from the different ages of aviation. There are more than 60 vintage aircraft here, all of which are still in operation. These include a restored 1909 Bleriot XI, which is the second oldest airworthy plane in the world.
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
Address: 9 Norton Rd, Red Hook, NY 12571, USA
Website: Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
8. Spend a family day at Red Hook Recreation Park
If you’re looking for a lazy family day, with a few optional activities thrown in, be sure to check out Red Hook Recreation Park. There is an Olympic-sized pool, basketball court, baseball pitch and a hockey pitch, with other fitness facilities available, including an onsite recreation centre, with equipment for cardio, weights and exercise classes.
Red Hook Recreation Park
Address: Red Hook, NY 12571, USA
Website: Red Hook Recreation Park
9. Make a reservation at Flatiron Steakhouse
If there is one restaurant you must try when in Red Hook, Flatiron Steakhouse is it. Owners, Craig Stafford and Jessica Stingo, are committed to supporting local farms as much as possible. Ingredients like vegetables, ground beef and lamb are sourced from local farms, while the other items on the menu, such as bread and dessert, are made in-house. The American-style restaurant and bar also get their beer from local breweries and bring in small production wines and liquors from within the area.
Flatiron Steakhouse
Address: 7488 South Broadway, Red Hook, N.Y. 12571, USA
Website: Flatiron Steakhouse
10. Go for a wine tasting
On the subject of local wines, Red Hook is home to a few wineries, like Tousey Winery, which has been lauded by publications like Wine Enthusiast and the New York Cork Report. The winery succeeds with their mean pinot noir, which boasts notes of strawberries and black cherries. Visitors can try this, among Tousey’s other varieties, in their Tasting Room. They also host small parties and offer private vineyard tours.
Tousey Winery
Address: 1774 U.S. 9, Germantown, NY 12526, USA
Website: Tousey Winery
Hooked on Red Hook
It may not have the tall, towering skyscrapers often seen on the silver screen, but Red Hook can more than hold its own, giving visitors here plenty to do. Also, it arguably has the best view of New York City’s most famous tourist landmark. Make this your next destination and it may yet become your preferred NYC hood.