Hudson lives up to the ultimate weekend escape
It’s been a full year since The WeekEnder launched. Together, we’ve explored the East Coast, from beaches to small towns, mountains to valleys, and even some staycations in New York City. But there’s something about the Hudson Valley that keeps us coming back. The farms, the breweries, the hikes, the farm-to-table food, the antiques — we love it all. Especially in the fall, when the weather turns crisp and the leaves start to change.
For this weekend’s escape, we’re headed to the epicenter of cool in the Hudson Valley: its namesake town of Hudson, New York. This is where you’ll meet people like Shannon Wu, who has been coming to the area since 2009 and has watched Hudson turn from a secret getaway for in-the-know New Yorkers into a serious travel destination with a sophisticated approach to food and the arts. “Hudson has such an amazing design scene and attracts writers, artists, and fashion designers,” says Shannon, who transformed a Queen Anne-style mansion into the sleek new Amelia hotel. “And it’s also a welcoming and diverse community surrounded by gorgeous nature.”
Indeed, Hudson’s mix of cultures and offerings is precisely what makes it so appealing. “One of the reasons I moved here and opened a business was because of the deep sense of community,” says Carla Perez-Gallardo, cofounder of Lil’ Deb’s Oasis, a restaurant where 69 cents from each item ordered goes to a different racial justice cause each week.
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The town also has a rich past that Carla and other locals are working hard to preserve. “We want to make sure that new businesses don’t blindly trample on the town’s history,” says Carla. That’s also the mission for Jim Vasilow, whose grandfather opened Vasilow’s Confectionery in 1923. The store fell victim to the advent of stripmalls that killed Hudson’s downtown, but Jim held onto the family recipes and eventually reopened the historic candy shop, carefully preserving a sweet slice of Hudson’s past. “It was hard to watch as the city rolled up the sidewalks back in the day,” says Jim. “But it’s amazing to see how it’s being rebuilt in an even better way now.”
-Laura Begley Bloom, New York's Senior WeekEnder Writer
Editor’s Note: Your safety is our primary concern. We encourage you only to travel when it’s safe to do so. While we’ve vetted businesses featured here to ensure they are adhering to the state’s current COVID requirements, the situation is fluid. If you’re not comfortable traveling, save this guide for a later date, as all these activities will be just as amazing in the future as they are today.
For more info on travel within New York, visit the state’s official COVID-19 information page.
Where to stay
Hudson’s hotel scene is booming, and wherever you stay in town, you’ll be sleeping in style. Here’s our hit list.
For Instagrammers: The Maker Hotel
From the founders of global beauty brand Fresh comes this 11-room hotel that celebrates the work of local craftspeople and global artisans. In addition to multiple restaurants, there’s a circus-themed gym, a library, and a fragrance room where guests can sample various perfumes, including Hudson, a scent that benefits local youth and families in need.
For sweethearts: The Amelia Hotel
This adults-only inn features modern furnishings in a 19th century setting with soaring ceilings and a swimming pool surrounded by roses, hydrangeas, and bluebells.
For foodies: Wm. Farmer and Sons
Several rustic-modern lodging options make up this unique hospitality concept, from the family-friendly Annex Suites to the homey Merchant House. The highlight is the main building, which houses a farm-to-table restaurant and craft-cocktail bar.
For history buffs: The Hudson Whaler
A surprising fact: Hudson was one of the most important whaling towns in the U.S. until the 1840s and this hotel pays homage to that history with a nautical theme and period details.
For art lovers: Hudson Milliner
A pair of artists run this charming guest house, which — as you might expect — is decorated with their artwork and unique details like a rare vintage copper bathtub.
For a cheapish sleep: The Nest Hotel
Don’t expect a front desk or a concierge at this five-room hotel. What you can expect: a warm stay with all the conveniences of home.
Where to eat
Farm-to-table helped put Hudson on the foodie map, but there’s so much more to this city’s culinary scene. Follow this guide and you’ll be eating very well.
Best breakfasts
Start the day with Uncle Barry’s Gourmet Waffles, a delicious mix of decadently all-natural ingredients: organic flours, pure vanilla extract, unsweetened coconut, and walnuts.
Shannon Wu is a big fan of this Warren Street bakery that makes everything from sourdough bread to dulce de leche praline cruffins. But get there early: “Everything is sold out by 11 a.m.,” says Shannon.
Lunchtime
Pack a picnic at this prepared food store opened by a cheesemonger and a chef who worked with Alice Waters at Chez Panisse.
Global flavors
You’ll find tropical comfort food at this restaurant that serves a mix of Caribbean, Creole, and Cajun cuisines and gives back at the same time.
Maria Romero, an alum of Lil’ Deb’s Oasis, runs this authentic Latin American restaurant known for its enchiladas.
“Paulette Clarke’s Caribbean café serves jerk chicken and beef patties and is an institution here,” says Carla Perez-Gallardo of Lil’ Deb’s Oasis.
Date night
New York restaurateur Zak Pelaccio (founding member of Brooklyn’s Fatty Crab) opened this restaurant hidden behind an antiques shop and serving Malaysian-inspired dishes.
“My go-to spot for modern farm-to-table cuisine,” says Shannon. The fan favorite: the crisp shoestring fries. (Just don’t ask for ketchup — it’s not allowed.)
Sweets
A historic candy store with recipes dating back to 1923. The candy to order is the almond butter crunch, which is like a Heath bar dipped in chocolate and covered in almonds.
Now here’s a dessert concept that erases all guilt: healthy ice cream that is full of probiotics and good for the gut.
Drinks
A natural wine bar with a menu of locally sourced, vegetable-focused small plates.
This local brew pub that started in its owner’s garage is now a top destination for craft beer fanatics.
What to do
“Hudson is a town that packs it all in,” says Carla Perez-Gallardo. “People sometimes worry that there won’t be a lot to do out in the country, but that’s not the case here. There’s tons of culture and something for everyone.”
Outdoors
The Hudson Valley has an environmental awareness that stretches back to the 1800s, when artists and activists realized the need to preserve this area’s natural beauty. Lucky for visitors today, that sense of respect for the outdoors continues today.
Just outside town is this pedestrian walkway that stretches across the river, offering eye-popping views of the Hudson Valley and the Catskill mountains.
Set in the river near Hudson is this Second Empire-style brick lighthouse from the 1870s. There are limited tours of the actual structure, but you can also view it from the Henry Hudson Waterfront Park.
This Hudson River-obsessed outfitter can set you up with kayaks and canoes (the perfect way to see the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse), paddleboards to explore the riverfront, or an SUP yoga session, if you’re feeling flexible.
This new rail trail is accessed in several parts of the city. “The sky’s the limit for where you can go — this biking trail will take you all the way to Albany,” says Jim Vasilow of Vasilow’s Confectionery.
Culture
The cultural roots run deep in these parts, thanks to the Hudson River School painters who brought worldwide attention back in the 1800s — and the hits never stopped. From a classic beauty to a modern-day museum, here’s where to get your cultural fix.
Set aside time to explore Hudson River School painter Frederic E. Church’s dazzling former home and studio, which was built in 1872. You can tour the house, see art exhibits, and stroll round the 250-acre estate. “I love to come here to take walks, and it’s particularly great at sunset, when you can watch the sun dip over the river and the Catskills,” says Shannon.
This reclaimed 19th century factory showcases cutting-edge music, art, and film.
Another rich arts hub is Hudson Hall, which hosts cultural performances in New York State’s oldest surviving theater — a place that has been visited by everyone from Susan B. Anthony to Teddy Roosevelt.
Kids and grownups alike love this museum devoted to firefighting history. (There’s also a fun store.)
Shopping
When you see Shannon Wu’s Amelia Hotel, you’ll know she has an eye for beautiful things. Her top tip? “Head to Warren Street — it goes on forever and is lined with so many different kinds of shops.” We asked her to give us three of her favorite spots in town.
The name says it all — it’s the OG of antiques in Hudson. “This is where I’ve sourced a lot of pieces over the years,” says Shannon.
“It’s a little store with a lot of vintage products from Europe, like hand-embroidered French linen hand towels that will last forever,” says Shannon.
“This patisserie makes the most gorgeous wedding cakes, plus really good pastries,” says Shannon.
Weekend plans. Shared.
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