Next time an empty weekend pops up on the calendar, consider taking a trip upstate for a few days. Just an hour or two up the New York State Thruway can open up a whole new world away from the madness of the city. There are several small towns that are popular amongst city dwellers, including New Paltz and Woodstock, each of which provides fresh air, main streets lined with mom-and-pop shops, farm-to-table dining, and scenic views. Add another town to your upstate itinerary: Hudson, NY is the ultimate upstate getaway for anyone who still wants a more city-like feel during their trip.
Hudson is sometimes referred to as the “Brooklyn of upstate,” because it is filled with high-end antique shops, thrift stores, family-owned businesses, music, and art. It’s impossible to actually do everything in Hudson in just a single weekend, but we’ve gathered a guide to help get the most out of the town as possible. Read on for the perfect weekend itinerary while in Hudson, NY.
Where to Stay
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When traveling with a larger group or just looking for a more homey feel, there are countless Airbnb options in Hudson. The homes are large, often historic, have outdoor space, and are highly rated by previous guests.
For other homey options, check out the B&Bs in town. The Amelia is located in the heart of Hudson and has a fun mix of historic and modern vibes complete with a large pool in the backyard available for guests. The Queen-Anne-style former residence has eight beautiful private rooms and access to shared amenities.
The Hudson Mariner is an old Captain’s home, originally built in 1810, and has a nautical theme done with class and luxury in mind. There are 16 private rooms available, most with direct access to the porch or backyard. Located right on Warren Street, the B&B allows guests easy access to shopping and dining in town.
If looking for hotel options, The Wick, Hudson, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is a boutique property that boasts elegance and style with a contemporary design near the Hudson River. The Maker Hotel has a secret cocktail bar and is housed in three historical buildings — the website describes it as “a curated sanctuary with an eclectic fusion of design from nineteenth-century Industrial Design, La Belle Époque, Art Deco, and Mid-Century periods.”
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Things to Do
There’s no shortage of things to do while visiting Hudson. First and foremost, shopping is an absolute must. The town is filled with unique mom-and-pop shops, mostly located on Warren Street, which stretches for an entire mile across town. We recommend spending an afternoon walking up and down Warren Street and stepping into any store that catches your eye.
There are boutique fashion stores, thrift and vintage stores, record shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and bookstores lining the main strip. FINCH has antiques, vintage furniture, and high-end clothes available. Five + Diamond sells vintage clothing from the 1920s through the 1980s. John Doe Records + Books has been in the community for over two decades and prides itself on having niche and obscure records and cassettes. The Batterby House Shop has tons of fun trinkets and home goods to pick through. There are also CBD and Delta 9 gummies for sale. If looking for a variety, we recommend The Warehouse at Hudson — a 50+ vendor open market that sells vintage, repurposed, and new items.
Stop into Spotty Dog Books + Ale for a bookstore with a bar inside — or is it a bar with a bookstore inside? The team serves up local beer and wine for patrons to sip on while shopping for their next reads. It’s the kind of place to easily kill an hour — or three.
Poured Candle Bar is another bar combination scenario — but this time guests can pour drinks and pour candles at the same time. The Poured staff takes guests through the process of designing and making custom candles, including picking out original scents, mixing oils, pouring wax, and inserting the chosen wick. After giving the candle a name, Poured prints out custom labels including the date the candle was made. This is the perfect rainy afternoon activity, or girl’s trip event before hitting the town for dinner and drinks. The best part — each candle is completely one of a kind, the perfect souvenir from the trip.
If beer is the move for the afternoon, check out Hudson Brewing Company, which is the first brewery in Hudson to open since Prohibition. Other options include Union Street Brewing Co., Upper Depot Brewing Co., and Return Brewing (which is temporarily closed due to it being outdoors).
While walking around, make sure to take in the historic homes that line the streets, on Warren Street and beyond. Most of the homes are Victorian-style design, but renovated with modern amenities, giving them a truly luxurious feel. For a detailed list of the historic buildings in town, check out storyofhudson.com.
If history is of interest, make sure to trek off the beaten path of Warren Street and make your way to Olana State Historic Site. Olana was home to famous painter Frederic Church, and is now a historic site and museum in Hudson. Church was part of the Hudson River School of American Painters, a mid-19th-century group of artists who painted romanticized landscapes of the Hudson River Valley and the surrounding area. Tours of the property show off some of upstate New York’s best views, and the walls of the mansion are covered in Church’s artworks.
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Places to Eat
Before starting the day with a shopping spree, stop by Supernatural Coffee for a coffee and a pastry to fuel up. The spot is light and airy, and a strong cold brew is on the menu. We recommend one of the signature lattes and a blueberry scone, if available. Visitors can also stop by Hudson Roastery, a coffee and wine bar that serves up organic coffee drinks, freshly-baked croissants + pastries, sparkling botanical teas, cheese + charcuterie boards, and a selection of red and white wines, among other items.
There is no shortage of great lunch spots in town. Grazin’ is located in a classic American diner building, and serves up farm-to-table food — particularly known for the burgers. The welcoming staff brings that small-town feel to the experience.
Cafe Mutton is a walk-in-only restaurant with great brunch vibes, including plates like crepes with maple syrup or a country pâté sandwich.
Ever went to a speakeasy but instead of a cocktail, ordered a Miso-Butter Garlic Noodles? BackBar is a Malaysian restaurant located behind an antique shop on Warren Street. This is also a great spot to check out later in the evening when looking for a cool spot to grab a drink, as there is a full bar on location.
When dinner finally rolls around, enjoy a more upscale evening at Swoon KitchenBar. The menus change daily, and the waitstaff is extremely well-informed about the cooking process and will explain each dish in detail. If available, don’t skip the homemade pastas. If drinking a cocktail, the Health Margarita is particularly refreshing on a warm evening.
Another option for lunch or dinner is Feast + Floret, an Italian restaurant that has antipasti + salads, vegetable dishes, meat, fish, pasta, desserts, drinks, and a wine menu. If wine bars are the vibe of the night, try Bar Bene or The Maker.
No matter how a weekend is spent in Hudson — whether it’s filled with activities or just resting while surrounded by nature — it’s sure to be a weekend well spent. The town provides the perfect amount of that upstate vibe, while still being a vibrant, walkable community.
