The Hudson Valley Travel Guide
September 6th, 2024
We’re all about making bucket lists and finding the fun, and there’s no better place to do it than in a new, must-see location. Our latest destination? Hudson Valley, NY. Less than 3 hours from the city, this historic town makes for a much-needed weekend escape from your everyday hustle and bustle, full of farm country scenery and loads of charm. Read on for our roundup of chic stays, delicious eats, local shops, and, of course, a curated packing list.
Take a Hike
Our favorite trails are Huckleberry Point and the Hudson River Skywalk, a six-mile out-and-back walkway which connects two national historic landmarks (Thomas Cole Site and Frederic Church’s Olana). Stop along Rip Van Winkle Bridge to capture the most picturesque views.
Shop on Warren Street
Spend a day shopping the iconic mile-long Warren Street. You’ll find antiques, vintage treasures, works of art, design inspiration, books, fashion, and more.
Visit Storm King Art Center
Named for nearby Storm King Mountain, this open-air museum in New Windsor is a popular destination for locals and visitors and has possibly the largest collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the US.
Visit Callisto Farms
Not only a beautiful farm (where we shot our newest Lifestyle Guide!), but also a place where you can have a delicious dinner, host your own event, or even have a private dining experience. We also love any of the surrounding farm-to-table restaurants.
Getting There
There are so many towns that make up Hudson Valley, so we recommend having a car. Our favorite towns are Hudson, Woodstock, and Kingston, for shopping and antiquing and the best up-and-coming, farm-to-table restaurants.
The Hudson Valley Look
Cozy and layered with a country-chic vibe. A little bit eclectic, with pops of color and bohemian prints.
Where to Stay
The Maker Hotel (Hudson)
Located in downtown Hudson and inspired by the comfort and intimacy of fragrance, The Maker Hotel has a bohemian, eclectic flair. Stay in one of their 11 rooms and don’t miss the in-house fragrance library to find your new favorite scent!
Rivertown Lodge (Hudson)
Located right in the center of town in a former movie theater, Rivertown Lodge offers a true home-away-from-home feel. Enjoy a game of ping-pong in the outdoor space or find a relaxing spot in the open-plan lobby for people watching.
Hotel Kinsley (Kingston)
A former bank converted into a boutique hotel, this Kingston stay is nestled between the foothills of the Catskill Mountains and the banks of the Hudson River. Spread across four historic buildings, each has its own decor and charm, making this the ideal retreat for design lovers. Don’t miss their restaurant!
Wildflower Farms (Gardiner)
Expansive, peaceful, and amidst tree canopies and wildflower fields, this Auberge resort has everything you need from its indoor-outdoor feel, spa, pool, cuisine, and miles of hiking trails.
Villa at Saugerties (Saugerties)
This is truly a hidden gem. It only has four rooms and is run by a husband and wife team who truly doesn't miss any detail.
AirBnB
Rent a house for an authentic experience!
Where to Eat
Breakfast
Hudson Roastery (Hudson)
A small batch roastery and cafe, pop in here for a quick breakfast before heading around town. End your day of exploring here for a bottle of locally crafted wine and a sweet treat!
Rought Draft Bar & Books (Kingston)
Part bookstore, part coffee and cafe, and even a bar at night.
Village Coffee & Goods (Kingston)
A specialty coffee shop and bakery in Kingston, grab homemade morning pastries or pantry provisions here.
Olsen and Company (Saugerties)
This one-stop shop has everything you need for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try a croissant before getting your day started, and come back after a hike for a fresh sandwich and sides for lunch.
Lunch
BackBar (Hudson)
Vegan and gluten-free friendly, this Southeast Asian spot is one everyone in your party will love, offering something for any taste bud. Order a plate of crab rangoon served with a side of sweet Thai chili sauce for a real treat.
Restaurant Kinsley (Kingston)
Attached to the Hotel Kinsley, the atmosphere here is modern and cool, and the food is even better. Trust us, it’s worth going even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
Blue Hill at Stone Barns (Tarrytown)
A novelty experience, Blue Hill at Stone Barns offers a “menu-less” dining excursion, allowing you to have a multi-flavor feast. Add on the optional walking tour to end your evening with an up-close and personal view of the working farm property. We love this spot for a dressy dinner, too.
Black Eyed Suzie's (Kingston)
A casual and healthy spot that always delivers.
Drinks & Dinner
The Klocke Estate (Hudson)
For the traveler who loves an adventure, The Klocke Estate is a must. A soil-to-glass Brandy distillery, farm, and culinary estate, these expert makers of apple and grape Brandy have crafted the best experience for you. Plus, there’s a full wine and spirit selection.
Tinker Taco (Woodstock)
Count us in for a tacos and a great margarita, whether a classic or the special Sunset Lemon. If you stay for dinner, the tacos are delicious with freshly made tortillas, and there are vegan and vegetarian options.
Gaskins (Germantown)
Gaskins is a must for a group dinner, so grab your friends and head over for a classic American feast. With vegan-friendly options and an ever changing daily menu, this is bound to be a fan favorite from your trip.
Good Night (Woodstock)
Located in Woodstock and the sister establishment to Silvia, Good Night offers a comforting and romantic ambiance, plus a modern twist on Pan-Asian cuisine classics that you’ll crave again and again. Make sure to grab a reservation for date night or settle at a large table with all of your friends!
Silvia (Woodstock)
The sister establishment of Good Night, Silvia brings locally sourced ingredients directly to your plate for the most authentic farm to table treat. Focused on bringing people together, Silvia is both a great family-friendly and date night option.
Feast and Floret (Hudson)
Locally sourced ingredients, an extensive wine menu, and fresh bouquets of flowers - Feast and Floret has it all. As a fun date night addition, pick up some petals from the flower cart and create your own bouquet before leaving.
Where to Shop
Ida's Eye (Hudson)
Run by a mother-daughter duo that’s been in the upstate NY area for more than 50 years, Ida’s Eye’s scours the globe to find the most treasured antiques, from furniture to lighting. Also available on Etsy!
The Antique Warehouse (Hudson)
The Antique Warehouse is a 40,000-square- foot shopping experience like no other, full of epic proportions, scope, and style. Whether they’re sourcing pieces of an old barn attic or reconstructing the whole barn itself, founders Paul and John leave nothing overlooked.
FINCH (Hudson)
The FINCH philosophy? “Style is the union of good pieces,” which is why you’ll find an expertly curated collection of vintage and modern goods for your home.
Regan and Smith (Hudson)
Owners Kurt Smith and Kevin Regan both had their own antiques stores in Rhode Island, before falling in love with Hudson and opening a shop together on Warren Street. Regan and Smith is a go-to source for twentieth-century furniture, lighting, and great garden furniture and sculpture.
