What to do in the Hudson Valley: where to stay, eat and drink

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Home to a diverse group of artists, chefs and outdoor enthusiasts, the Hudson Valley, located about two hours north of New York City, provides the perfect backdrop for a quick weekend getaway. And unlike more distant destinations, a recharge trip here (even with a few indulgences) can come with a low carbon footprint. The Hudson Valley train line from Grand Central in Manhattan is a great sustainable option for non-drivers, although I had access to Volvo’s new XC40 electric car, which made traveling up north even easier. ‘State. I just jumped in, told Google “take me to the Hudson Valley”, and voila, I was on my way. As well as feeling like you’re doing something good for the planet (you are), charging stations are becoming more and more available – keep scrolling for more about where I charged in my destination, the town of Hudson – which makes electric driving a convenient way to plan a road trip without gasoline. Whichever way you choose to get to this bucolic paradise, here’s what to do once you get there.

hudson travel guide

The author in his ecological Airbnb (it comes with an EV charging station!)

(Image credit: Sara Holzman)

Where to stay:

If you’re traveling by EV, the Hudson Valley is a well-equipped destination. Downtown Hudson has access to public charging spaces, which means you can stay at any of the chic new centrally located hotels like The Amélia hotel, The manufacturer, Where Rivertown Lodge, and park and refuel overnight. (I drove about 120 miles to get there, but the car has a range of 260 miles.) For those who prefer to have their own private access to charging, the wick (also in Hudson) has charging hubs for guests only. Alternatively, a few Airbnb also offer electric charging options to recharge you for the adventure.

hudson travel guide

The Rive Gauche cider tasting room

(Image credit: Left bank cider)

What to do:

Filled with hiking trails and waterfalls, there is no shortage of nature to explore on foot, by bike or by car. If you’re not that keen on the outdoors, stay in town, where there is a wide range of local stores to visit, from furniture to vintage stores to specialty food vendors:

  • A feast for the eyes, The quiet botanist has an exquisite array of wild and dried flowers, alongside terracotta pottery and other vessels. You can also book a facial date at the newly opened spa which incorporates organic plants.
  • For books and beers visit The Spotty Dog Books & Ale and choose one of our favorites bed.
  • New York-based designer Nikki chasin The eponymous boutique has a large selection of clothing it designs in-house, as well as vintage selections that will be hard to find elsewhere.
  • Kitty Market and Talbott and Arding offer a great selection of snacks and prepared foods, local meats and cheeses, plus cooking utensils to create your own seasonal platters.

If you find yourself in the village of Catskill, spend an afternoon at the taproom in Left Bank Ciders, founded by two locals who were inspired to mend the mounds of discarded apples they encountered while working for the composting program at the neighborhood farmer’s market.

hudson travel guide

(Image credit: The Creator)

Where to eat and drink:

The Hudson Valley’s dining scene is unmatched, with an increasing number of skilled chefs flocking to the area after stints at Michelin-starred restaurants across the world. On Warren Street in Hudson, you’ll want to pop into bakers, a local hot spot for everyone’s favorite in the event of a pandemic: sourdough. Right next to it you can check Culture Cream colorful storefront serving kefir and kombucha ice cream. For a retro dinner, head to Kitty’s Market and Cafe and order the chicken noodle soup or the chicken plate.

For dinner, book at Feast & Fleuron, serving Italian cuisine with a sustainable ethic. Order the squid ink pasta, Milanese chicken and grilled flatbread with ricotta, farmhouse honey and pesto. You will also want to hang a table from The Perche for French cuisine. Everything is made from scratch, while products from the adjoining bakery are baked in their wood-fired oven. Order the clams on nettle toast and the Pepper Steak with fries.

For an aperitif or after dinner, meet at the lounge at The manufacturer, located inside a 19th century leather-clad shed, lit by candlelight and warmed by a hand-carved fireplace. Spend the evening sipping local wines, craft beers, and bespoke cocktails before heading home with the batteries fully charged.

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