Hudson, NY

Forget everything you think you know about small upstate towns. Hudson, a mere two-hour train ride from New York City, is a world unto itself—a place where 19th-century architecture houses 21st-century creativity, and where multi-generational families mingle with artists, weekenders, and creative transplants. With its richly restored historic buildings, walkable Warren Street lined with independent businesses, and accessibility via Amtrak, Hudson has become what locals proudly call the "downtown of Upstate". Here's how to experience the very best of this vibrant town and its surrounding areas.

Food & Drink.

Start your day at Hudson Roastery, where organic coffee and legendary lobster rolls have made this European-style café a community hub. For breakfast, don't miss Kitty's for their standout breakfast sandwiches and hash browns, or grab provisions at Talbott & Arding, a cheese and specialty foods shop known for its pastries and sandwiches. For lunch, Lil Deb's Oasis serves vibrant tropical comfort food in a cash-only; and, for a modern twist on classic diner fare, visit Hudson Diner, where the owners of Brooklyn's The Meat Hook and Mel the Diner serve quality ingredients in a nostalgic setting.

Dinner options abound, from the Italian-inspired dishes and floral beauty of Feast & Floret to the farm-to-table excellence of Swoon Kitchenbar, which features daily specials and a wonderful Wednesday Prix Fixe. For more adventurous palates, Backbar serves Southeast Asian small plates and cocktails in a relaxed backyard setting. The elegant Maker Restaurant at The Maker Hotel offers belle epoque decor and European-inspired cuisine in a sophisticated setting, while their café serves excellent coffee and pastries throughout the day. Wm. Farmer & Sons offers seasonal American cuisine in a rustic-chic setting that has become a cornerstone of Hudson's dining scene, while their cozy barroom serves expertly crafted cocktails in an inviting atmosphere. Or, try creative comfort food at Café Mutton, known for its anti-trend, old-world inspired cooking with a meat-heavy, seasonal menu.

As evening falls, sip masterfully crafted cocktails at The Hereafter, Hudson's sophisticated answer to a big-city cocktail bar, or enjoy local brews at Hudson Brewing Company, the town's first brewery since prohibition. For a dive bar experience with live music, don't miss The Half Moon, known for its pizza, shows, and popular happy hour.

Shopping.

Hudson's shopping scene is a major draw, with Warren Street offering an impressive concentration of independent boutiques and antique dealers. Begin at FINCH, a concept store that has evolved into a full lifestyle emporium with mid-century furniture and contemporary fashion. Just around the corner, The Modern Exchange offers a curated selection of vintage European and American furniture.

Other notable stops include Flowerkraut, a unique floral studio and plant shop; Clove & Creek, a beautifully curated home and apparel store; and Red Chair, an antique shop specializing in 17th-19th century French, Belgian and Swedish antiques. Book lovers should not miss Spotty Dog Books & Ale, a unique combination bookstore and bar housed in a former firehouse.

Need more things for the home? Les Indiennes specializes in textiles and wallpaper. Don't miss White Whale Limited for antique Americana and silver, Valley Variety for modern Scandinavian-style furniture, or The Quiet Botanist, a dried flower and soap atelier. Wylde provides thoughtfully curated apparel and lifestyle products in a beautifully designed space that includes a café. This is just a small sample of shops in Hudson and you really need to just walk down Warren Street to discover so much more favorites!

Everything else.

Beyond its shops and restaurants, Hudson offers rich cultural experiences. Visit the Olana State Historic Site, the Persian-inspired estate of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church, for stunning river views and scenic trails. Art enthusiasts will love Art Omi in Ghent, a 120-acre sculpture park with constantly changing installations.

Outdoor activities abound, from hiking at High Falls Conservation Area, where a short trail leads to a dramatic waterfall, as well as many other spots to enjoy nature and the outdoors including the Taconic trails and the nearby Berkshires.

The surrounding Claverack area offers its own exceptional destinations, including Cooper's Daughter Spirits for small-batch craft liquors, Traditions Linens for luxury bedding and home textiles, Philip Orchards for seasonal fruit picking and farm-fresh produce, Klocke Estate for estate-grown brandy and fine dining with mountain views, the Won Dharma Center for holistic wellness workshops and treatments, and the Philmont Cooperative for locally-sourced groceries and community-focused provisions.

Hudson proves that the best getaways are those that offer both world-class sophistication and genuine, small-town charm, creating a perfect balance that keeps visitors returning again and again.

Stone Ridge, NY