New York’s Hudson Valley has long been a go-to getaway destination for local New Yorkers but as many remained closer to home this past year, it’s been picking up steam as a destination for those all along the East Coast. Thanks to its charming main street, swoon-worthy hotels and array of delectable restaurants, there are so many reasons to visit this Upstate New York city. Here, I’ve rounded up the ultimate travel guide to Hudson new York so you’ll know exactly what to do on your next trip.
How to Get to Hudson:
Hudson is a great weekend destination for New Yorkers (or just about anyone, honestly) because it’s accessible both by car and by train. Roughly a two and a half hour drive from New York city, you can easily rent a car (I personally prefer CarRentals or Expedia) for on average of $70 per day (though rental car prices are much higher right now). This gives you a bit more flexibility to explore the area.
On the other hand, you can also easily book the Amtrak train from New York’s Moynihan Train Hall for roughly $31 each way and use Uber or Lyft to get to some of the local activities just outside the city.
Either way you get there, there are a number of things to do, see and notable restaurants to visit in the area so you’ll have no shortage of activities on your to-do list.
Where to Stay in Hudson:
Rivertown Lodge
(~$275 per night): I had the opportunity to stay at the Rivertown Lodge in 2016 and to this day, I stand by my decree that it’s the best hotel in Hudson. Located right on Hudson’s main drag of Warren Street, the Rivertown Lodge is an independently-owned 27-room hotel, which also just happens to be home to one of Hudson’s best restaurants; Rivertown Tavern. What I love most about this spot is the cozy design, which very much embodies everything that is Upstate New York to me.
Other Options include: The Maker Hotel, The Wick, Wm. Farmer and Sons.
What to Do in Hudson:
Browse the antique shops and art galleries on Warren Street.
There are so many unique shops that line Hudson’s main strip. You could really spend all day going from one place to the next. A few of my favorites are: Clove & Creek, Modern on the Hudson, Nikki Chasin, Magic Hill & 2 NOTE.
Wander through the Art Omi outdoor art exhibition space.
Located just under a 15-minute drive from Hudson, Art Omi is a 120-acre sculpture and architecture park and gallery lined with avant-garde sculptures. If you’re familiar with the Storm King Art Center, this is a similar experience and well worth the trip if you’re staying in Hudson.
Search for antique treasures at the Antique Warehouse Hudson NY.
Roughly a 15-minute walk from the center of town, the Antique Warehouse is a 40,000 square foot space showcasing unique, antique goods from a number of different dealers. What makes this place so interesting is that it’s lined with hundreds of privately owned small shops all with their own unique offerings. While they all mainly focus on antique furniture and small goods, each shop has its own style so you could spend hours roaming through it. If you’re in the market for a unique piece, you’re sure to find it here.
Visit Hudson Brewing Co. for a pint.
Conveniently located just a short walk from the Antique Warehouse, the Hudson Brewing is a farm-style brewery serving up some great craft brews.
Hike the High Falls Conservation Area.
Home to the tallest waterfall in Columbia County, the High Falls Conservation Area offers several wooded hiking trails easily completed by most hiking levels. Roughly a 15-minute drive from the heart of Hudson, it’s the closest hiking trail to town. If you’re looking to take a break from the small town life to get some fresh air, this is just the spot.
Where to Eat & Drink in Hudson:
BackBar
Located in the rear of an antique shop on Warren Street, Back Bar serves up some great cocktails and tasty Malaysian plates.
Rivertown Tavern
Situated in the Rivertown Lodge, the Tavern is the coziest spot to enjoy a drink but also equally delivers on its menu options. This was by far one of our favorite meals while in Hudson.
Feast & Floret
An Italian restaurant located just off of Hudson’s Warren Street, Feast & Floret is one of the more upscale dining establishments in the area and is well worth a visit. Featuring flavorful dishes with locally sourced ingredients, this is a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike, so I highly recommend making a reservation. My Top Menu Picks: Paccheri & Chicken Milanese with wild arugula.
Cooper’s Daughter Spirits
Just a short 10-minute drive from Hudson’s Warren Street, Cooper’s Daughter Spirits is a woman-owned and family operated distillery serving cocktails, local beer, wine and cider in their Cocktail Garden. I love discovering local distilleries and wineries, and luckily this ended up being the perfect spot to sip on cocktails and enjoy the afternoon.
Talbot & Arding
This spot serves up gourmet prepared foods and specialty cheeses, making it the perfect place to stock up before heading out on a hike or preparing for a picnic.
Breadfolks Bakery
The go-to weekend morning spot, Breadfolks is the ideal breakfast situation with their array of artisan bread and pastries.
There are so many more things to do and see in Hudson and every year new restaurants, hotels and bars pop up around the city. Keep checking my Ultimate Travel Guide to Hudson New York for new additions as they start to line Hudson’s streets!
Hi Alex! Wonderful information – was curious what time of year these pictures were taken? We are looking to do a girls trip at the end of October and will definitely be putting lots of your recommendations on our list 🙂
That’s so great to hear! These were actually taken in January so I don’t think you’ll need as many layers as I’m wearing 🙂 Hope you have the best time!