NESTLED IN THE HUDSON RIVER VALLEY

Pleasant Valley, in scenic Dutchess County, is in the state's Mid-Hudson Region of the Hudson River Valley only 90 minutes from New York City.

Dutchess County was named after England's future Queen Mary, not after the Dutch, who relinquished their claims to the area in 1683. During the Revolutionary War, the village of Fishkill served as an encampment for General George Washington's troops and, briefly, as the capital of New York State.
Throughout the 19th century, industry boomed with labor provided by continued immigration from Europe. Late in the century, the railroads brought Dutchess County within easy reach of wealthy New Yorkers who built their weekend and seasonal retreats here.

The town of Pleasant Valley was formed in 1821.
Nearby colleges and universities include Vassar College, Culinary Institute of America, Marist College, Dutchess Community College, Suny College at New Paltz, the United States Military Academy and Western Connecticut State University.
Hospitals and medical centers near Pleasant Valley include Hudson River Psychiatric Center, St. Francis Hospital and Vassar Brothers Hospital.
Dutchess County offers a variety of recreational venues. Among these are Taconic-Hereford State Forest, Innisfree Garden and James Baird State Park. Bowdoin Park. Wilcox Park in the north central part of the county, features Quiet Cove Riverfront Park. Harlem Valley Rail Trail, Dutchess Rail Trail and Dutchess Stadium, home of Hudson Valley Renegades as well as many other community events. A wide variety of activities are conducted at these facilities: swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, camping, miniature golf, baseball and more. Additional programs and activities include the operation of a nature center and nature trails, a history center and special seasonal programs.
Harlem Valley is a prime spot for recreation of every kind. Visitors interested in the outdoors have a multitude of activities to choose from, ranging from hikes up the beautiful Appalachian Trail or down the Harlem Valley Rail Trail to skiing, fishing, boating and horseback riding. Other places to check out include the Alander Mountain/South Taconic Trail, which connects with the Appalachian Trail as well as the Alander and Brace mountains. The Appalachian Trail passes through the Harlem Valley on the way to Connecticut. Other recreational attractions include Taconic State Park, Brace Harlem Valley Rail Trail, Pawling Nature Reserve, Stissing Lake and Mountain, Thompson Pond Nature Preserve, the Wassaic State Forest and others. Golfing facilities include Dutcher Golf Course, Harlem Valley Golf Course, Silo Ridge Country Club and Thomas Carvel Golf Course.