All Articles Hudson lives up to the ultimate weekend escape

Hudson lives up to the ultimate weekend escape

Olana State Historic Site
Tuna salad from Le Perche
Artwork in Carrie Haddad Gallery
Aerial view of Hudson River Valley
Laura Begley Bloom
By Laura Begley BloomAug 30, 2021 6 minutes read

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.”

Left: Shannon Wu; Middle: Carla Perez-Gallardo; Right: Jim Vasilow
Shannon Wu (L), Carla Perez-Gallardo (C), Jim Vasilow (R)

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

Midcentury-modern living space at The Amelia
The Amelia

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.

Left: Dark library with leather couch at The Maker Hotel; Right: Bedroom at Hudson Milliner with patchwork couch and empty frames on the walls
The Maker Hotel (L), Hudson Milliner (R)

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

Chicken, rice, and salad dishes on tropical tablecloth at Lil’ Deb’s Oasis
Lil’ Deb’s Oasis

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

The Cascades

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.

Breadfolks

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

Meat and vegetable sandwich from Talbott & Arding
Talbott & Arding

Talbott & Arding

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

Steak tacos from Casa Latina Pupusas y Mas
Casa Latina Pupusas y Mas

Lil’ Deb’s Oasis

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.

Casa Latina Pupusas y Mas

Maria Romero, an alum of Lil’ Deb’s Oasis, runs this authentic Latin American restaurant known for its enchiladas.

West Indies Natural Food and Grocery

“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

Left: Wooden tables and chairs at Backbar; Right: Salad from Swoon Kitchenbar
Backbar (L), Swoon Kitchenbar (R)

Backbar

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.

Swoon Kitchenbar

“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

Hand scooping ice cream into cup at Culture Cream
Culture Cream

Vasilow’s Confectionery

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.

Culture Cream

Now here’s a dessert concept that erases all guilt: healthy ice cream that is full of probiotics and good for the gut.

Drinks

Left: Glasses of red wine at Sonder Hudson; Right: Beer flights at Hudson Brewing Co.
Sonder Hudson (L), Hudson Brewing Co. (R)

Sonder Hudson

A natural wine bar with a menu of locally sourced, vegetable-focused small plates.

Hudson Brewing Co.

This local brew pub that started in its owner’s garage is now a top destination for craft beer fanatics.

What to do

People kayaking on the Hudson River
Hudson Paddle

“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

Left: Chairs along Hudson River Skywalk overlooking river; Right: Boat next to Hudson Athens Lighthouse
Hudson River Skywalk (L), Hudson Athens Lighthouse (R)

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.

Hudson River Skywalk

Just outside town is this pedestrian walkway that stretches across the river, offering eye-popping views of the Hudson Valley and the Catskill mountains.

Hudson-Athens Lighthouse

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.

Hudson Paddles

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.

Albany-Hudson Electric Trail

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

Left: Chair-filled interior of Basilica Hudson; Exterior of Olana State Historic Site
Basilica Hudson (L), Olana State Historic Site (R)

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.

Olana State Historic Site

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.

Basilica Hudson

This reclaimed 19th century factory showcases cutting-edge music, art, and film.

Hudson Hall

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.

FASNY Museum of Firefighting

Kids and grownups alike love this museum devoted to firefighting history. (There’s also a fun store.)

Shopping

Chic tableware at The Red Chair
The Red Chair

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 Antique Warehouse

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.

The Red Chair

“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.

Nine Cakes

“This patisserie makes the most gorgeous wedding cakes, plus really good pastries,” says Shannon.

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Laura Begley Bloom
Laura Begley Bloom is a travel expert and content strategist who writes for a wide range of magazines and websites and appears regularly on television outlets ranging from the Weather Channel to CNN. Journalism is part of Laura's heritage. Her great great grandfather was a Civil War correspondent for the Chicago Tribune. You can learn more about Laura on laurabegleybloom.com.