Hudson Gay Pride, Columbia County, NY

The small, riverfront city of Hudson (population 7,500) has become one of the most popular locales in New York's Hudson River Valley among gays and lesbians—both weekenders and full-time residents. A workaday city that experienced a sharp decline in the '60s and '70s, Hudson has experienced a renaissance in the past 15 years and is now home to a number of hip eateries, lively bars, noteworthy coffeehouses, and funky shops. Each June, the city hosts a Hudson Gay Pride celebration.

Events that make up Hudson, New York Gay Pride included Sunset and Moonlight Boat Cruises in the evening; a Hudson Gay Pride Parade along Warren Street on a Saturday afternoon, a Pride Festival that same afternoon at Waterfront Park (Broad and Ferry Sts.), followed by a Cabaret and Dance Party; and the Hudson Pride Tea Dance the next day.

Additionally, local gay bars, as well as gay-friendly restaurants, hotels, and shops, will attract plenty of LGBT folks throughout Pride weekend. A helpful resource for learning more about the gay scene (as well as gay-friendly businesses) in the region is BigGayHudsonValley.com. Also, take a look at the visitor site produced by the region's Columbia Country Tourism office for general travel advice.

Note also that Gay Pride events take place father south a bit earlier, including New Paltz/Hudson Valley Gay Pride in early June, and Big Gay Hudson Pride Preview Weekend in Poughkeepsie in mid-June.