Having a car in New York City is a luxury and not particularly common. Therefore, I’ve created this travel guide to share a fun way to experience the Hudson Valley without one!
Just two hours north of Manhattan you’ll find the trendy town of Hudson. The town is built around the lively Warren Street, lined with antique stores, trendy shops, hotels, breweries, and restaurants. The town exudes a Brooklyn-type vibe from its renovated historical buildings spruced with a modern flare.
Traveling To Hudson:
Getting here from NYC is super easy and convenient!
Train: Amtrak
You can book tickets at the station or in advance. Hop on at Penn Station (now known as Moynihan Train Hall for booking purposes) and end in Hudson.
Length of Time: 2 hours
Where To Stay
I recommend staying within walking distance to Warren Street. The town is quite small and mostly accessible from Hudson Train Station. Here are some of my favorite hotels:
Contemporary hotel located two minutes walking from Hudson Train Station and five minutes walking to Warren Street. Affordable, great gym, and clean rooms.
Retro-styled rooms located directly on Warren Street in a restored movie theater. Contains a popular restaurant and bar amongst locals.
Sophisticated, bohemian-embellished hotel nine minutes walking from the Hudson Train Station. Amenities include an outdoor pool and popular cocktail bar
Where To Eat & Drink
For such a small town, you’ll be surprised at the available options. Much of the food is farm-to-table and focused on fresh, authentic ingredients. In fact, Hudson Valley is considered one of the birthplaces of the farm-to-table movement. Just be aware that many restaurants and stores close on Mondays and Tuesdays.’
Best Coffee Shops:
Moto Coffee Machine, REV Coffee & Tea, WYLDE Hudson, Supernatural Coffee + Bakery
Talbott & Arding:
For my charcuterie board and cheese enthusiasts, Talbott and Arding Cheese & Provisions is a must. Here, you’ll find an extensive array of artisanal cheeses as well as salads, sandwiches, coffee, pastries, and meats & crackers to decorate your board.
Feast and Floret
Feast and Floret is a farm-to-table, Tuscan inspired Italian restaurant with an in-house florist. Share small plates of your favorite pasta or meat dishes in a cozy environment decorated with a wood-burning fireplace and the aroma of fresh bloom.
Lil’ Debs Oasis
Lil’ Deb’s Oasis is a funky restaurant loved by locals serving pan-Latin food & craft beer in a retro-style space. The whole fried fish is amongst one of their most popular dishes.
Rivertown Lodge Tavern
Rivertown Lodge Tavern offers an intimate dining experience with creative plates and cocktails. It’s one of my favorite spots in Hudson for a romantic date night.
The Maker Lounge
Serving craft cocktails, wines, local beers and savory dishes, grab a seat at the sophisticated and elegantly embellished room at The Maker Lounge.
Kitty’s Cafe and Market
Kitty’s Cafe and Market is one of the first buildings that catches your eye as you exit the the train station. They’re known for selling all-day reliable breakfast sandwiches, treats, coffee, local produce and pantry staples. Kitty’s officially opened in June 2022 and gives off an old-school diner vibe while serving high-quality seasonal dishes.
Hudson Brewing Co.
Hudson Brewing Co is a dog-friendly indoor/outdoor brewery offering tap and seasonal beer, craft cocktails and wine. It’s a chill spot to relax post-hike and throw a few darts with friends.
What To Do
1. Schedule a massage.
If you are in need of some relaxation, choose between a yoga class or massage at BODHI Spa | Yoga | Shop located on Warren Street. I had a fantastic experience with a knowledgable massage therapist who focused on the tension in my neck and shoulders. Highly recommend!
2. Go hiking.
Go for a stroll along Henry Hudson Riverfront Park to scope spectacular views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains.
For more outdoor time, take a ten minute Uber to Olana Historic Site; a historic house built by Frederic Edwin Church, a major figure in the Hudson River School of painting. You can choose between two relatively easy hikes: Olana Historic State Trial, a 1.2 mile walk averaging around 30 minutes or Olana Historic Site Loop, a 4 mile walk averaging an hour and forty minutes.
3. Shop! Shop! Shop!
Stop by The Quiet Botanist, a botanical apothecary and dried flower shop selling skincare products, health and beauty products, perfumes, and candles.
Go Antiquing: With plenty of spots to choose from including The Warehouse, The Gilded Owl, Antigo, Regan & Smith Antiques, FINCH Hudson, you’ll find yourself busy for hours sifting through treasures and collector’s items.
Go book-hunting: Spotty Dog Books & Ale is an independent bookstore located in an old firehouse serving local ale and small bites.
Interested in visiting more of the Catskills? Read all about it here!
