hudson, new york

the brooklyn’s favorite weekend trip

If summer weekends are meant to be spent in the Hamptons for Manhattanites, Brooklyn goes up into the Hudson Valley. And while there is plenty to do in the lower valley, there’s something special about going all the way up to the town of Hudson. Where you realize you are way closer to Albany than the city, and where you could easily day trip to Canada. Where you can finally breathe out and slow down, even if just for a couple days, while you cosplay as a small town girl, written and directed by Wes Anderson.

Hudson is everything in our Brooklyn imagination and more. Flourishing nature, a quaint main street filled with shops, farm to table food often helmed by emigrants from the city, mansions perched on hills overlooking the river and valley. Hiking trails and farm stands and boutique hotels complete the moodboard. It’s a beautiful escape any season but particularly lovely in the summer, when you can really romanticize a more rural life.

Two hours on the Amtrak, which, on any summer weekend, is filled with cityfolk venturing north, Hudson is an easy stop. Manageable without a car, especially if only for a weekend. There’s enough to do in town to fill a couple days, and plenty more within a 20 minute driving distance.

the itinerary

The formula is simple. Take a morning train up, get in around lunchtime. Go straight to Cafe Mutton for lunch. Get settled in. Spend the afternoon popping in and out of the shops and galleries on Warren Street. Pre-dinner walk along the Riverfront Park. Casual dinner at Kitty’s. The next morning, queue up for coffee at Hudson Roastery. Then pop into Talbott & Arding to pick up some picnic essentials. Go on a hike, maybe stop by a farm stand. Do a picnic lunch at Olana, perhaps a tour, or at least a hike around to enjoy the panoramic views. Get back for dinner at Lil Deb’s Oasis. The final morning starts at Mel’s and load up on pastries for breakfast. Maybe buy an extra one for the ride home. Do some more shopping, maybe pop into The Antique Warehouse if you’re feeling really ambitious. Grab a fun drink and snack at Kitty’s while you wait for the train. Or something along those lines.

coffee and snacks

Talbott & Arding: the perfect grocery and deli to pick up lunch, dinner, and plenty of snacks
Mel The Bakery: worth traveling for alone, everything is delicious, plus they have an adjacent shop

Culture Cream: my go to first stop in the city, their flavors are always so good
Wylde: the best cafe for working, lounging, etc; and just a few minutes walk from the train station
Moto: part motorcycle shop, part really cool cafe
Hudson Roastery: the coffee that powers the town
Verdigris Tea: the nostalgic shop that feels like a small town anchor, plus they do carry an impressive selection of tea by the ounce

food

Kitty’s: a perfect little restaurant and cafe and bodega and wine shop, all right across the street from the train station; pop into the cafe for breakfast, grab some train snacks, and definitely come for dinner some time
Cafe Mutton: come for the crepes, stay for everything else, this is the perfect
Saint Florian: french-ish food that feels fancy enough, but in a casual atmosphere
Little Rico: a latin-ish cafe with great sandwiches and juices
Lil Deb’s Oasis: perhaps the most fun spot to dine in town
Half Moon: pizza and beer in what feels like a friendly backyard, what more could you want?

DrinkS

Hudson Brewing Company: for when you need a break from all that antique shopping
BackBar: where to hang out like a local

things to do

Go on a hike (or a walk in the park). There’s High Falls just a short drive away, and Olana house with some trails with beautiful views of the valley. Not to mention the many many hikes across the river in the Catskills
Immerse in art. There are many little galleries dotting Warren Street. Or venture out to The Campus, an outdoor sculpture garden.
Visit a farm. Or at least a farm stand. Eger Bros is close by, as well as MX Morningstar Farm. And on Saturdays, there’s the farmers market in town.

shopping

Warren Street is full of cute shops and boutiques, some clothes, some homeware, lots of shoppy shops.
If you love books and records, be sure to stop by The Spotty Dog (a bookstore which also has a built in bar), John Doe Record and Books (which has delightfully chaotic merch and much to dig through), and Old books (I mean, it’s all in the name)

Where Hudson really excels is in the antiques. Furniture shop, for real or aspirationally.
The Antique Warehouse is the pinnacle of antique shopping, with much square footage to wander.

So yeah, the best weekends in Brooklyn might actually be in Hudson.