Curator’s statement
Hudson is one of those rare places that feels old-fashioned and modern at the same time while being surrounded by nature. It’s charming 19th-century restored buildings, colorful design, chill vibe, and artsy shops feel both unique and timeless. Here you’ll find design shops, art galleries, cozy cafés, and vintage clothing and furniture collections along with cozy restaurants. Just steps away from the Hudson River, you can enjoy views of the Catskills mountains and the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley. Just miles away there are incredible hiking trails, lakes, and farms to explore.
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Where to stay in Hudson, New York
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Things to do in Hudson, New York
Stunning Olana State Historic Site
Have fresh baked goods and coffee at Mel, the bakery off Warren Street where you can buy the freshest olive oil sunflower-seeded loaf, cinnamon rolls, ham and cheese croissants, and pistachio almond twice-baked pastries.
Have brunch at La Perche Bakery & Bar, a French-inspired bakery, known for their scrumptious breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
Stroll Warren Street and shop for home décor, vintage clothing, and handmade jewelry.
Drive to nearby Olana State Historic Park and view the stunning grounds, home, and art studio of Frederick Church.
Drive over the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, which connects the Hudson and Catskills, stop at one of the farm stores just a few miles away, and bring home fresh produce and baked goods.
Places to eat & drink in Hudson, New York
Cocktails at the Makker Hotel lounge
The Makker Hotel Lounge: Intimate lounge for eats and craft cocktails housed in a 19th century candle-lit carriage house.
Feast & Floret: Cozy and upscale Tuscan gem with fresh, inventive pastas and meat dishes in a brick-encased space surrounded by fireplaces and stunning flower arrangements. They sell beautiful dried and fresh flower arrangements from their own farm.
Cafe Mutton: Intimate, eccentric, inventive restaurant with a menu that changes weekly. Specialties include things like beer-steamed mussels, fettuccine with chicken liver sauce and fried green garlic, pan fried halibut, and double-cut lamb rip chop with anchovy butter and celery salad.
Wm Farmer & Son: Cozy bar restaurant with options such as grass-fed beef tartare and chicken franchise, roasted beets with rose petals and the best burger with butter-braised onions and tomato relish.
Culture Cream: Live probiotic ice creams and sorbets made from kombucha and kefir, and inventive flavors like miso ice cream and blueberry thyme sorbet.
Need to know
Hudson is a fabulous place to visit during any season, but autumn is the most magical time in my opinion. My husband and I plan a weekend trip there every fall during the peak foliage season. This helps to blend the small-town charm of this hamlet with the natural beauty of the autumn season. The town sits right beside the Hudson River, with the rolling hills of the Catskills across the river. The entire landscape turns golden, crimson, and amber against the crisp blue sky.
Local farms, cideries, and vineyards nearby host tastings, fall markets, and special harvest dinners. Watching the sunset from the waterfront park or from Olana’s overlook is just incredible. The tree lined streets and restored antique storefronts feel inviting and cozy, and the cafes and restaurants are warm and inviting. It’s the perfect fall getaway for great food, hiking, shopping, relaxing, and enjoying the crisp fall air.
Travel Advisor
Hayley Ludwig
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Hudson River Valley page.