A Weekend in…Hudson
Our favorite businesses in our favorite towns.
Hudson, named for the river, sits on land that was originally inhabited by the Mahican people. They knew the river as Mahicannituck and their name translates to “the people of the waters that are never still.” After years of war, disease, and displacement, the Mahican were replaced by the Dutch and then the British, and forced to settle in Eastern Wisconsin. In 1783 the town of Hudson was founded as a planned community by two Quaker brothers. They were looking for a safe harbor for their whaling business that would be protected from any future British incursions. The town was laid out on a grid and immediately became notorious for its saloons and brothels. When the whaling business died down, Hudson morphed into an industrial powerhouse, producing iron, cement, and bricks as well as fire trucks and iron stoves. When those industries started slowing down down in the later part of the 20th century, Hudson took an economic downturn and many of its historic buildings fell into disrepair. However, over the past two decades Hudson has experienced a slow renaissance and become a vibrant, diverse cultural mecca that attracts transplants from New York City and elsewhere, antique dealers, artists, remote workers, and the self-employed. Today it is one of the fastest growing communities in the Hudson Valley and is home to some of our favorite restaurants, galleries, and hotels. We put together a few itineraries based on our favorite days we’ve spent on Warren St. and beyond. Take a look and use the map to have your best weekend a Hudson, a place a few of us at UD are proud to call home.
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Stay at The Maker. Order room service and enjoy pastries in bed or head down to the cafe for morning java. Swing by the farmer’s market (open Saturdays 9 -1 pm). If that’s not happening or you haven’t yet had your fill of fresh local produce, a trip to the Hawthorne Valley Farm Store is well worth it. You can say hello to the cows, load up on organic greens, and grab a probiotic smoothie while you learn about the farm, the school and other initiatives. For lunch, we suggest you purchase a “porter bowl” lunch box at Valley Variety then fill it with delicious prepared foods from Talbott & Arding. Sit at the Hudson riverfront or cross over to Athens and picnic there. The Caboose, across from the Amtrak, is not yet open as of this writing but is coming soon.. We can’t wait to check out its native culinary garden! For those who love to plan ahead, organize a private dinner event in Valley Variety’s chef’s kitchen. Otherwise, head to the Food Studio for dinner. Ask to sit outside in the heated courtyard. Order “the secret garden” with your appetizers while you wait for your pho and dream about that affogato that awaits you at Bar Bene, where you can sip fireside in their speakeasy-esqe courtyard. Or, if you’re on a health kick, opt for Culture Cream, which offers scoops of uniquely flavored cold sweet stuff that is decidedly NOT ice cream.
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Stay at Rivertown Lodge. Start the day right with caffeine, collectibles and culture at Wylde. Take a morning walk through Art Omi, which is especially striking this time of year then hit up the galleries. There are many. We are fond of the Carrie Hadad Gallery, Pamela Salisbury Gallery, and Like Minded Objects. Though not a gallery per se Source Adage deserves a visit. Each fragrance, drawing inspiration from the natural world, will transport you in the same way a work of art can. For dinner, do it right at Lawrence Park then see if you can catch a performance at Hudson Hall.
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Stay at Wm. Farmer and Sons. Rise early and swing by Little Rico for a cold-pressed juice like the “Fall Zinger” or a cacao turmeric latte to rev you up for your morning hike at Olana. Bring binoculars for those not so rare bald eagle sightings. If you cycle or ski, be sure to nerd out at Steiner’s. They are knowledgeable and eager to talk shop. If you’re brave enough, go ahead and get in a little swimming at Oakdale Beach. Paddleboard yoga class with Hudson Paddles has closed for the season, but check out Sadhana for some pre-dinner zen. Or skip the yoga and instead get a Thai yoga massage with Amnat or an energetic tarot/reiki healing session with Sera at Bodhi Spa. Both are gifted healers and will leave you feeling rejuvenated in time for dinner at Cafe Mutton for delicious local fare.
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Stay at the Amelia Hudson where you’ll be able to enjoy a complimentary breakfast, leaving you more time to enjoy the charm of this Queen Anne and peruse the wide selection of books in the library. Be sure to enquire about their Saturday literary series – they invite emerging and established writers for small events open to the public. First on the list is a trip to the public library where you can learn more about the history of Hudson and the area. Dine in the garden at Kitty’s then cozy up at the Verdigris Tea House for chocolate and tea. If you’re a fan of the graphic novel, be sure to stop by Pure Folly. You’ll need the whole afternoon for The Spotty Dog Books & Ale. Good thing you can take down a pint or two while you consider how to make more room in your suitcase so you can purchase more books. For dinner, settle in for a nice pairing at Feast & Floret.
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Stay at The Wick, which is around the corner from the largest antique mall in town. A day in Hudson is not complete without a visit to The Antique Warehouse. It’s huge. Really, it goes on and on. You will need a hearty breakfast to get through this one, so keep it simple, pick up the breakfast burrito at Cafe Nolita, and fortify yourself for the day ahead. Shop till you drop. You’re going to have to lift things up and move things over to find deals. When you’re tired of the hunt, stop for lunch (if it’s Friday or Saturday) at Oak Pizzeria. Once you’ve polished off that bottle of red, you can wander up Warren, away from the river. This is where most of the antique stores are. See what moves you. We like Lodestone, Regan & Smith, and Magic Hill. Be sure to check out Proprietors, a curated collection of handmade and vintage garments, and/or Five and Diamond. The obvious choice for dinner is Lil Deb’s Oasis, where you can model your lime green polyester bell bottoms. You may or may not stand out against the colorful scene. Enjoy!
