HUDSON, NY: NYC WEEKEND GETAWAY GUIDE

Hey everyone,

Let's be honest for a second: winter is often a very uninspiring season. It's cold, dark, and (due to the state of the union) there are few ways to escape it. However, there is ALWAYS an upside, a mindset that I try to live daily. So, although most of us in the NYC area can't go far, we can stay local, and there is SO much to do in the state of NY alone. Even places we would never think to go to if travel allowed us to go further.

In the middle of January I was in a place of realizing the next long weekend was Memorial Day weekend and work was already picking up to its post-holiday pace. Also, I realized the last mini getaway I took was in September so I was itching for a change of scenery. Switching up your location is SO important and it's something I recommend everyone do when in an uninspired state. Even if you stay at a resort 20 minutes away from you, just getting away and changing scenery to reset the mind is crucial for mental health.

However, unlike many in this area, winter sports aren't exactly appealing to me. So, I was looking for a getaway spot more along the lines of cute and relaxing. Although, sitting in a ski lodge with a glass of wine does sound like a great time. After doing some research and looking at AirBNBs I came across this town with SO much to do and the cutest places to stay, it was called Hudson, NY.

Hudson from northern NJ was a 1 hour 45 minute drive. About 2 hours from the city. We drove but there was also an Amtrak station in the center of town making it super convenient for those coming from NYC.

*If you're looking to jump straight to the guide, scroll down

Friday Night

We arrived to Hudson on Friday night, picked up sourdough pizza at Baba Louie's (takeout only during Covid), and headed to our AirBNB that was about 15 minutes from the center of town. If you are vegan (or even if you're not) the Vegetazione Bravo pizza was amazing. As most vegans know, it is SO HARD to find vegan pizza that isn't just salad on dough and Baba Louie's did NOT disappoint. The Insalata Allegra was also a very tasty salad. Matt (my boyfriend) ordered chicken wings and a regular cheese pie which he was very pleased with as well. 10/10 recommend Baba Louie's.

The AirBNB we rented was amazing from the second we walked in. Our host left us fresh local bread and jam which was beyond delicious. We had our own private front porch with spectacular views of the mountains. The ambience and serenity of it alone was exactly what you want in a little country getaway spot.

Saturday

Matt and I are early risers (something I never thought I'd say 5 years ago about myself). Hudson is a great town for a beautiful sunrise and to enjoy a hot cup of tea on the front porch on a chilly day. Coffee shops in town typically don't open until 8 am and restaurants until 10 am so enjoy a slow easy morning in the fresh air if you're up early.

We went to Supernatural for coffee. I ordered an oat milk latte (something I'll indulge in here and there, for those who know I try to avoid coffee) and Matt got a cold brew. Both delicious. The vegan Morning Glory muffin was also the perfect morning treat. We also got the gift of a parking ticket (whoops) so be sure to feed the meters when in town!

Next, we took an adventure to Churchtown Dairy. The shop is off a little country road and the drive itself was gorgeous and full of history. I had this on the itinerary for Matt since they sell their own FRESH milk. I don't eat dairy but if you're going to, supporting local farms instead of corporate farms is a must when you can! I was pleasantly surprised to find they have so much more, like fresh teas made on the farm and hydrosol sprays (what essential oils are made from before they remove the oils). I bought one to spray on my face mask before I put it on and have noticed a considerable difference in my mask-ne ! The associate helping us out in the shop was also the kindest woman, S/O to her. I 10/10 recommend taking a visit here.

Around 11 AM we headed to The Maker café for lunch. I ordered the Garibaldi to switch it up from my typical brunch choice of a mimosa, a delicious and different alternative. I had the Chickpea Smash sandwich (pictured above), Matt ordered a Roast Beef sandwich. We both were extremely pleased with our choices. On the side, we split salt & vinegar chips that we SWEAR were so good they had to be homemade (but don't tell us if they were not 😉 ). After lunch we had a 1:30 reservation at Poured Candle Bar (a great last minute choice we decided to d0). Poured is a short 10 minute walk up the main street from The Maker. From the second we walked in the door I knew this was going to be one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. We were guided through a candle making process that was so relaxing I would go again in a heartbeat (plus, the addition of a glass of Reisling while going about the process was a great touch). I created a candle with the base scent of merlot that is so rich in scent I can smell it without even burning it. Ladies, bring your man along and they will very much surprise you! Matt created a candle that Sweater Weather has nothing on. The boutique was filled (and by filled, I mean 25% filled #covidsmart) with couples and groups all having the best time. The energy in this place alone was enough to make me want to stay for hours.

After a busy afternoon of candle concocting we retreated back to the AirBNB to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. We headed out later in the afternoon to pick up our finished candles (they have to settle for about 2 hours) and head to Hudson Brewing Co. Now, I'm not a beer drinker, but I am always down to try local drafts (because when in Rome). I chose what ended up being a delicious almost sour candy tasting beer that I thoroughly enjoyed (the Proprietors Pale Ale for those that visit). The brewery got VERY busy around 5 pm and due to Covid there is limited seating so if you want to make this a stop be sure to go on the earlier side. Finally, we ended the night at 225 Warren Bar & Grill. A little American fare to top off a day of great eating, drinking, and site seeing. A little local spot with great staff. I ordered the Garden Burger which hit the spot but the best part was the pomegranate frozen margarita I had here (yes, in 23 degrees they serve frozen margaritas, you can't beat that!)

Sunday

Unfortunately, the snow storm predicted for Sunday night came to us early Sunday morning so our time in Hudson was cut short. I was hoping to visit another one of the many breakfast and coffee spots on our list but their store opening times of 8 am did not align with our departure time of 7:30 to beat the snow! Another one of the many reasons I will be returning to Hudson in the future. Hudson also has some great hiking spots and nature walks which would make it a fabulous spot for a spring or fall trip!

*indicates places that we visited during our stay

Places to Stay

AirBNBs for a true rural and relaxing experience (e-mail or DM me on IG if you want to know where I stayed)
- Click HERE for up to $65 off your first booking!
The Maker Hotel: we ate lunch here but the vibe was so old-school elegant that I would definitely stay here in the future as well. It is centered smack in the middle of downtown. Perfect if you're coming in by train/ won't have a car to travel with.
Rivertown Lodge: We walked by this hotel and noted how unique it was. Also centered downtown, this would be another great place to stay.

Coffee Shops

*Supernatural: Great coffee. their oat milk latte was delicious as well as their vegan morning glory muffin.
REV: A really cool coffee and smoothie spot we passed on our journey through downtown.
Verdigris Tea & Chocolate Bar: I was hoping to make it here for their extensive hot chocolate menu (that can be made vegan as well). A must for next time!

Places to Eat

VEGANS: there are endless options for vegan dishes in Hudson. A SUPER vegan friendly town! Rest assured, there are endless options for non-vegans alike.

Breakfast/Lunch

* The Maker: A MUST go-to location for brunch. The cutest 1920s vibes with excellent service. Make sure you arrive early or be prepared to walk around town as you wait since seating is limited.
Kitty's Market: This spot was on many of the blogs and reviews I read about Hudson! Great options for a quick bite.
The Cascades: A top voted sandwich spot that was all the rave when we walked by.
Le Gamin Country: A lovely French spot located in the center of town, perfect if you are craving a crepe.

Dinner

*Baba Louie's: AMAZING sourdough pizza with a delicious vegan option (the Vegetazione Bravo). The Insalata Allegra was also very flavorful. Takeout only during Covid.
Oak Pizzeria Napoletana: Our other pizza option we were debating on for Friday night. Very highly rated by locals and was quite popular (and smelt amazing) both days we were in town.
Hudson Food Studio: Didn't have the chance to stop here but REALLY wanted to. Super highly rated Asian fusion menu with locally sourced ingredients. A must for when we return.
*225 Warren Bar & Grill: Great little spot for American fare. I had the veggie burger and a FAB pomegranate frozen margarita.
WM Farmer & Sons: Farm to table elevated dining. The ambiance alone is something to go here for.
American Glory: Another spot we wish we had time for! They feature a housemade veggie burger as well as many BBQ options.
BackBar: Multiple veggie options and many delicious sounding cocktail options. Loved the look of the restaurant while walking by.

Breweries

*Hudson Brewing Co.: A great choice for beer and non-beer drinkers alike. Hudson Brewing Co. was a great brewery experience (coming from someone who typically does not enjoy beer). They also offer non-beer drinks. They have a heated tent for those who prefer outdoor boozing and a food truck on-site. The staff here were terrific as well. Try the Proprietors Pale Ale if you go!
Subversive: A really cute outdoor setup with beer, wine, & kombucha.
Chatham Brewing: A local brewery with rave reviews!

MUST Do Activities

*Poured Candle Bar: Wine AND custom candle making?! This is a non-negotiable MUST while in Hudson. Poured is just 3 months old and you will have the most unique and best experience of your trip. You are able to completely customize a candle choosing from over 50 scents, even choosing what you want to name it. It's like science but fun. PLUS all drinks are local and all snacks are both solely vegan and local. I had the chance to meet majority of the lovely staff and cannot rave enough about the experience Poured offers, as well as the fantastic service.
*Churchtown Dairy: If you're coming to the countryside looking for country-esque things like fresh dairy then Churchtown Dairy is your spot. Fresh milk, tea, coffee, CBD, and hydrosols are some of the few things you will find in the adorable farm shop.
*The Quiet Botanist: A unique and flawlessly gorgeous botanical shop where you'll find dried florals, teas, incense, and all other healing items you wish to take home with you.

Other Important Things to Know

In the time we went, places start really getting busy around 11 am so be sure to beat the rush if there is a breakfast spot you really want to try.
(little detail but important) Bring QUARTERS if you're driving to the center of town everyday. Street parking is the only thing in the center of town with the exception of a few municipal lots (free to park in on Saturdays and Sunday). Unbenounced to us, meters only take quarters and they are VERY on top of monitoring parking.
There is an Amtrak station close to downtown if you are traveling via train

Overall Review

Hudson, NY was the perfect town just far enough away but not too much of a drive to escape for the weekend. The downtown is absolutely everything you could dream of. The mix of hip new restaurants and the countryside once you go off of the main strip makes it "the best of both worlds". Perfect for a girls' weekend, romantic getaway, or even a family trip. I will absolutely return.

xo.