17 Creative Classes & Workshops to Try in the Hudson Valley

Looking for hands-on experiences in the Hudson Valley? From artisanal crafts to culinary adventures, this region is full of creative workshops that make perfect weekend plans or gift ideas. Whether you’re mastering pasta, pottery, perfume, or wine, here are 17 must-try classes and workshops across the Hudson Valley.


1. Wine Tasting Workshops at Peck’s Wine & Spirits (Warwick, NY)

Sip, learn, and savor regional and global wines at wine tastings often led by Amanda Marsh of AM Solutions. Peck’s “Upstairs Education Series” pairs guided regional tastings with educational insights — ideal for both beginners and wine lovers.

2. Pasta Making & Cooking Classes at Flours Pasta & Bakeshop (Haverstraw, NY)

Flours Pasta & Bakeshop offers pasta-making and cooking classes for adults, teens, and kids, making it one of the most versatile culinary experiences in the region. Whether you’re rolling fresh pasta from scratch or learning new kitchen skills, these classes are equal parts educational and fun.

3. Custom Perfume Making with Harbinger Perfume

Create a scent that’s uniquely yours with Harbinger Perfume’s custom fragrance workshops. You’ll learn about notes, blends, and scent profiles while crafting a perfume that reflects your personality—an unforgettable sensory experience and keepsake.

4. Weaving Workshops with Courtney Salerno (@madeby_cjk)

Dive into fiber art with weaving workshops led by Courtney Salerno. These sessions are perfect for beginners and creatives looking to unplug, work with their hands, and leave with a beautiful, handmade piece.

5. Candle Making at Mundane (Cold Spring, NY)

Hosted at the thoughtfully curated shop Mundane, these candle-making workshops combine creativity with mindfulness. You’ll design your own candle using beautiful vessels and scents, at their custom scent bar with 50+ options, making it a cozy and calming Cold Spring experience.

6. Needle Felting with Jenny Torino

Needle felting classes with local textile artist Jenny Torino are playful, creative, and surprisingly therapeutic. Learn how to sculpt wool into charming designs while enjoying a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.

7. Pressed Flower Art at Witch Hazel (Beacon, NY)

Create delicate, frame-worthy pressed flower art with Jill at Witch Hazel in Beacon. This workshop blends nature and creativity, making it a perfect activity for spring and summer—and a beautiful way to bring florals indoors year-round.

8. Flower Arranging at Hudson Wildflower Co. (Milton, NY)

Learn the art of floral design with Hudson Wildflower Co., in Milton, NY known for their seasonal, locally inspired arrangements. These workshops focus on natural beauty, sustainability, and creative expression.

9. Paper Flower Workshops with Poy at Summer Space Studio

These paper flower workshops are a unique twist on floral design. Hosted at Summer Space Studio, you’ll learn how to craft stunning blooms that last forever—perfect for creatives, event lovers, or anyone looking for something different.





10. Pottery Classes at The Newburgh Pottery(Newburgh, NY)

The Newburgh Pottery offers hands-on ceramic classes in a vibrant, community-centered studio. Whether you’re new to pottery or looking to refine your skills, these classes are both grounding and creatively fulfilling.



11. Pottery Classes with Serina at Nature’s Impact

Serina’s pottery classes at Nature’s Impact emphasize intentional creativity and connection to nature. Expect a slower-paced, mindful approach to working with clay in a welcoming environment.

12. Cooking Classes at The Culinary Institute of America (Hyde Park, NY)

Cook like a pro at one of the world’s top culinary schools. For a world-class culinary experience, the CIA in Hyde Park offers recreational cooking classes taught by expert chefs. From technique-focused sessions to themed menus, these classes are ideal for serious food lovers.

13. Cooking Classes at WatergrassHill B&B(New Paltz, NY)

Hosted in a cozy, intimate setting, Watergrass Hill B&B’s cooking classes feel like learning in a friend’s kitchen—if that friend happens to be an incredible cook. These experiences are warm, personal, and deeply Hudson Valley–inspired.

14. Sourdough Classes with The Focaccia Florist at Wildflower Farms, Auberge Collection

Held at the stunning Wildflower Farms, Auberge Collection, in Gardiner, NY these sourdough classes combine luxury, nature, and culinary artistry. Learn fermentation basics while enjoying one of the most beautiful settings in the Hudson Valley.

15. Kintsugi Workshops with HV Kintsugi

Kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold—teaches both technique and philosophy. HV Kintsugi workshops focus on embracing imperfections and creating beauty through repair, making this a deeply meaningful experience.

16. Charcuterie Classes with Boards by Kae

Build beautiful boards like a pro. Learn how to build a show-stopping charcuterie board with Kaela, Founder of Boards by Kae. These classes teach styling, pairing, and presentation tips you can use for hosting, holidays, and everyday entertaining. Great for hosts, foodies, a girls night out, and party planners.

17. Cookie Decorating Classes with Lady Whisk A Lot

Enjoy hands-on cookie decorating workshops while learning professional icing techniques, piping skills, and seasonal designs. Whether it’s a seasonal theme like Halloween or Valentine’s Day, Snowman and Santa you can expect each class to be fun and beautifully delicious.


Why Take a Class in the Hudson Valley?

These workshops aren’t just about learning a skill—they’re about slowing down, supporting local businesses, and creating meaningful experiences. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a girls’ day out, or intentional solo time, the Hudson Valley offers endless opportunities to connect, create, and be inspired.

If you’re looking for more Hudson Valley experiences, food, travel, and community-centered inspiration, this list is just the beginning.

Discover Ochs Orchard: The Best U-Pick Fruit Experience in Orange County, NY This Summer

If you're searching for a delightful summer activity in Orange County, NY, look no further than Ochs Orchard in Warwick, NY. This family-owned farm offers a charming pick-your-own experience that combines fresh air, scenic views, and the joy of harvesting your own fruit.

🍓 A Bounty of Summer Fruits

Ochs Orchard's pick-your-own season kicks off in June with strawberries and continues through the summer with a variety of fruits:

  • Strawberries: Early June

  • Cherries: June to early July

  • Raspberries: June to October

  • Blueberries: June to July

  • Blackberries: July to August

  • Peaches: July to September

Later in the season, from August to November, visitors can pick apples, tomatoes, vegetables, and pumpkins.

🌿 More Than Just Fruit Picking

Beyond fruit picking, Ochs Orchard offers a variety of attractions:

  • Farm Market: Open year-round, featuring fresh produce, specialty nut butters, local honey, jams, jellies, baking supplies, fresh-made apple cider and apple sauce, and more.

  • Homemade Ice Cream: Available from May to November during store hours, made with fruits from the farm.

  • Petting Zoo: Free and open daily, home to goats, donkeys, and peacocks.

🧺 Planning Your Visit

  • Location: 4 Ochs Lane, Warwick, NY 10990

  • Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

  • Entry Fee: $5 per person (over five years old); children under five enter free.

  • Season Passes: $15 per person, includes a basket and allows entry for summer picking through Labor Day. (You will be paying for the fruit, prices vary per pound.)

  • Parking: Always free.

  • Payment: Cash or card (note: card transactions incur a 4% processing fee).

  • Tips:

    • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hilly terrain.

    • Bring your own beverages to stay hydrated; water is also available for purchase.

    • Summer months get HOT, bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses.

    • Picnics are welcome, but please take your trash with you.

    • Porta-potty next to the entrance of the U-Pick field.

    • Dogs are not allowed in the picking areas.

  • Stay Updated: Picking schedules change daily; check Ochs Orchard's Facebook page or call (845) 986-1591 before your visit.

Whether you're looking to fill your basket with fresh fruits, enjoy homemade ice cream, or spend a day outdoors with family and kids, Ochs Orchard offers a memorable summer experience in the heart of Orange County, NY.

Bucket List Cooking Experience at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY

Looking for unforgettable cooking classes in the Hudson Valley? Discover what it’s like to take a hands-on culinary course at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY—including tips, class info, and what to expect.

Why the Culinary Institute of America Has Always Been on My Bucket List

For years, I dreamed of cooking at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York. As someone who has taken dozens of cooking classes—from Sur La Table workshops to pasta making in Italy and jam preserving in Brooklyn—this felt like the ultimate foodie milestone.

I’ve cooked everything from macarons and croissants to tamales, steak, and festive desserts like Bûche de Noël, but stepping into the CIA kitchen was an experience on an entirely different level.

My Experience: "Spain and the World Table" at CIA Hyde Park

I chose a single-day class called “Spain and the World Table,” taught by the amazing Chef Eric Sauber. His energy and positive attitude made the experience approachable, even as we tackled more complex techniques.

We began the class with a deep dive into knife skills—spending nearly an hour just learning to properly cut onions and garlic. Then we broke into teams of four, and each group was assigned four Spanish-inspired dishes to prepare.

We cooked nonstop for three hours, collaborating in a fast-paced, professional-style kitchen. Then we sat down to enjoy our hard-earned feast. It honestly felt like I was part of a culinary competition—but in the best way possible.

What Sets CIA Cooking Classes Apart

While I’ve participated in many cooking classes over the years, this one stood out for its intensity, structure, and teamwork. It felt like a true behind-the-scenes experience in a professional kitchen.

That said, I would have loved a bit more instruction or cultural background on the regional flavors of Spain. A brief overview of traditional dishes or culinary history would have elevated it even more. I'd even loved to have planned a bit better and done this with a friend because relying on strangers was challenging!

Still, the hands-on learning, expert instruction, and teamwork made this a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

CIA Boot Camps, One-Day Classes & What You Need to Know

The CIA in Hyde Park offers a variety of culinary learning opportunities, including:

  • CIA Boot Camps (multi-day immersive programs)

  • Single-Day Cooking Classes

  • Beverage & Wine Classes

All are led by experienced CIA chef-instructors and held in state-of-the-art teaching kitchens.

💰 Cost: My one-day class was $250
📅 Booking Tip: I had to reserve my spot 5 months in advance—these classes fill up quickly!

What to Explore After Your Class at CIA

After class, I took time to explore the beautiful CIA campus and bookstore. I highly recommend checking out:

  • Student-run restaurants on campus (highly rated and open to the public)

  • Campus tours, offered on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.—just $15, with proceeds going directly to student scholarships

Final Thoughts: Is the CIA Cooking Experience Worth It?

Absolutely. If you're a passionate home cook, food enthusiast, or just looking for a unique weekend experience in the Hudson Valley, cooking at the Culinary Institute of America is a must. It’s immersive, inspiring, and yes—100% bucket list-worthy.