Hudson, NY makes for an ideal first stop on any Upstate journey — in fact, it was ours. More than a decade ago, a coworker returned from a weekend away with stories of a quiet town dotted with charming B&Bs, standout antique shops, farmland, and fields of wildflowers. Not long after, we set out on our own inaugural Upstate trip — a visit that sparked many returns and eventually inspired Escape Brooklyn.

Fast forward ten years, and Hudson is anything but sleepy. Now known as the “downtown of Upstate,” this vibrant hub is home to around 200 independent businesses — from boutiques and antique dealers to galleries, restaurants, and bars — most lining the storied stretch of Warren Street.

Architecturally, Hudson is a visual treat. With nearly 300 historic buildings restored across two square miles, the town offers one of the richest and most varied architectural landscapes in New York State. Its Wes Anderson-esque charm draws artists, aesthetes, and visitors alike.

The secret’s out: according to the New York Times, Hudson’s population grew faster than any other metropolitan area in 2020. This influx has brought new energy and a wave of creative entrepreneurs, ensuring fresh businesses will continue to shape the town’s evolving character.

Hudson’s accessibility only adds to its appeal. For those avoiding cars, Amtrak makes for a straightforward trip from NYC, while the town itself is notably walkable and bike-friendly. Driving from the city? The roughly 120-mile route unfolds over about two and a half hours, passing scenic overlooks, farm stands, and iconic diners — all part of the lure that’s drawn city dwellers seeking an escape for years.

Read on for our guide to Hudson, NY.

Bring a picnic and watch sunset at the riverfront park in Hudson, NY, overlooking the Athens lighthouse. Photo: Erin Lindsey/Escape Brooklyn.

Hudson, NY sits at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, offering easy access to skiing, fishing, and hiking, while also anchoring the vibrant Hudson Valley with its mix of boutiques, restaurants, and breweries. This blend of outdoor adventure and curated urban charm means there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time here.

If you’re opting for a trip to Hudson over other Upstate locations, chances are you’re into arts & culture over a purely “outdoorsy” trip. With that in mind, spend a day meandering around town, checking out the small businesses on and around Warren Street. Some EB favorites are Flowerkraut, a floral studio and sauerkraut shop; Clove & Creek, a beautifully curated home/apparel/gift shop; Red Chair, an antique shop with a focus on French items; Paula Grief, handmade ceramics; Quiet Botanist, a botanical apothecary and dry flower shop; and Jon Doe Records, a unique vinyl shop.

When perusing Warren St., visitors will likely be overwhelmed by the sea of super-curated, but pricey antique shops. But if you’re in the market and willing to dig a little, much better deals can be found at Coxsackie Antique Center, about 25 minutes up the road. (On the way, stop at the very cute Black Horse Farms for snacks and farm goodies.) Alternatively, the massive (we’re talking 40,000 square feet massive) Antique Warehouse is also a great spot to spend a few hours searching for treasures. Last, for a souvenir you’ll never forget, stop into Hudson River Tattoo for great traditional-style work.

Just across the Hudson River, the small towns of Athens and Catskill are also worth checking out. In summer, take advantage of the weekend evening ferry rides that shuttle between Hudson and Athens, where you can have dinner on the waterfront at bar/restaurant The Stewart House. A ten-minute drive south will take you into Catskill, which is also seeing huge growth thanks to migrations from Hudson and NYC; grab lunch and a juice at Cafe Joust, have a hard cider at Left Bank Ciders, and stay late into the evening to enjoy Korean food and a show at The Avalon.

Stissing Mountain fire tower in peak autumn. Photo: Denny Brownell.

During warmer months (or if you’re into icy, frozen waterfalls in winter) check out the High Falls Conservation Area, where a short 1.5 mile trail leads to an overlook of a dramatic waterfall. More challenging but 100% worth the effort is the Stissing Mountain trail, where a 1.8 mile climb takes you to a mountaintop firetower with stunning 360º views of the Catskills/Hudson Valley region. A quick drive of less than 45 minutes takes you deeper into the Catskills, where Tannersville, Windham, and Hunter each offer solid hiking and skiing options. When the day winds down, head to Culture Cream, an ice cream shop known for its rich, satisfying treats—perfect for refueling after a long hike.

For those less hike-inclined, farm and museum visits are also great ways to spend the day outside. Every Sunday, nearby Kinderhook Farm has free farm tours, where the farmers will walk you through sheep and cow pastures; check out the shop and stock up on provisions while you’re there, too. Other nearby essentials include Art Omi, a sprawling 120-acre sculpture park where expansive grounds and striking installations invite leisurely exploration. Just a short drive away, Olana – the historic home of Hudson River Valley painter Frederic Church – offers scenic trails that unfold into stunning vistas of the Hudson River.

Wm. Farmer & Sons in Hudson, NY. Photo: Erin Lindsey/Escape Brooklyn.

Most hotels don’t include breakfast in Hudson; instead, explore all the options in and around town. Within easy range of the Amelia, check out Kitty’s for casual-but-delicious fare (think breakfast sandwiches and hash browns) or Talbott & Arding for baked goods, sandwiches, pastries and other provisions. Further uptown, Cafe Mutton serves up beautiful dishes like its roasted mushroom scramble or scrapple & eggs. For more of a sit-down, boozy brunch vibe, Rivertown Lodge and the Maker Hotel are both solid options. (Of note: all these breakfast recommendations are interchangeable with lunch.)

For lunch, our favorite spot is Lil Deb’s Oasis, who serves tropical comfort food in a tiki-themed bar. Dinner is equally memorable—just be sure to bring cash for this popular, cash-only spot. Burger lovers and diner enthusiasts will enjoy Grazin’, a farm-to-table burger spot, and the first restaurant in the world to serve up 100% animal-welfare approved burgers.

Our favorite dinner in town is Wm. Farmer & Sons, whose ambiance and food are both top-notch. We had the same meal twice here: shaved brussel sprouts, wild mushrooms over a pastry, potato gnocchi, and a roasted fennel & kabocha squash gratin. Another go-to is Swoon Kitchenbar, offering up farm-to-table fare with daily specials including Meatless Mondays and Burger Thursdays. More adventurous eaters should try the Vietnamese cuisine at Food Studio, or the new Malaysian menu created by chef Zak Pellacio of Fatty Crabs, at Backbar. (Backbar is also one of our favorite bars in Hudson; more on that below.) Last, for a memorable meal, check out Feast & Floret, serving beautiful Italian fare in a space that has a floral shop in the middle of the dining room.

Half Moon in Hudson, NY. Photo: Erin Lindsey/Escape Brooklyn.

Hudson’s bar scene has broadened significantly, offering something for every mood—from laid-back dives to stylish cocktail lounges and lively dance spots. At the casual end, The Half Moon stands as the local favorite, known for its regular live music, jukebox, pool table, and arguably the best happy hour in town. Further up Warren Street, Spotty Dog offers a distinctive blend of bookstore and bar, where cozy couches and well-curated shelves invite relaxed sipping and quiet reading. For a more refined evening, the Maker Hotel’s Lounge delivers an intimate, decadent setting—ideal for marking special occasions.

Unwind poolside at the Amelia, which is surrounded by lush gardens. Photo: Lawrence Braun.

Hudson has an abundance of boutique hotels, Airbnbs, and restored B&Bs — and given that it’s one of the most popular towns for New Yorkers to escape, there’s no shortage of good options. Over the years, we’ve stayed at several standouts that each capture a different side of town life.

• The Maker Hotel anchors the center of Warren Street with a cinematic mix of Art Deco, mid-century, and bohemian influences. Beyond its luxurious rooms, guests can enjoy its elegant lounge, café, and restaurant — each designed with signature attention to detail. It’s one of the most indulgent stays in town, ideal for design enthusiasts or a special occasion.
• Rivertown Lodge, a converted 1920s movie theater, offers a lighter, more communal atmosphere. Its Nordic-inspired interiors, in-house restaurant, and open-lobby bar make it a favorite for creative travelers seeking something approachable yet impeccably designed.
• Wm. Farmer & Sons blends lodging, dining, and cocktail culture under one roof, offering warm, lived-in interiors and an excellent restaurant and bar on the ground floor. It’s a longtime local favorite, walkable to the riverfront.
• The Amelia, tucked on a quiet street a few blocks from Warren, is one of Hudson’s newer boutique hotels. Housed in a Queen Anne-style residence, its eight rooms are light-filled and elegant, with a garden pool for summer and a library fireplace for winter. Its residential setting makes it feel like a serene in-town retreat.

For more options, browse the Hudson Valley collection in the Escape Club app to explore our favorite stays – from cozy cabins to boutique hotels.