The Lonny Guide to Hudson (& Beyond!)
Written by Melissa Davis | Photographed by Mendy Waits (Except Where Noted)
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Publicist and Hudson Valley resident, Melissa Davis, takes us on a tour of her favorite spots in and near Hudson, NY, as well as a few not-to-miss day trip destinations further beyond.
Melissa Davis owns and runs PR agency Ruby Press, is the author of an award-winning travel book, and is a former fashion editor. She frequents Wm. Farmer and Sons, and recommends checking out their happy hour, as they not only make incredible cocktails, but they also serve oysters for a buck a piece.
Hudson has been called "The New Brooklyn" more than once, and it's true that the photogenic, history-rich town has become a mecca for those seeking what's new and next. The former whaling town - only 2.3 square miles in size! - is known for its stately historic homes, proliferation of antique dealers, art scene, and NYC-quality shops and restaurants.
As a local resident - and a very enthusiastic one, at that - I'm regularly asked for a list of the must-visits in Hudson and the surrounding area. And while this list contains many of my favorites, it is by no means comprehensive.
Hudson is an easy two-hour train ride from New York City, but if you're driving, the neighboring towns of Chatham, Kinderhook, and Ghent are a 20-minute drive from Hudson, and well worth a visit. And I suggest giving yourself a little extra time while visiting to take in the beautiful landscape and wide array of architectural styles you’ll find in the Hudson Valley. The pace is a little slower here, which is one of the things that makes it so alluring.
But before you hit the road, be sure to check the websites for any of these spots you’re eyeing, as many have limited operating hours.
Shop
The Antique Warehouse
99 South 3rd Street, Hudson
The Antique Warehouse is a 40,000 square-foot antique shop within a 300,000 sq ft warehouse, that also houses a brewery, workspaces, and other antique dealers. Expect to spend hours here, and you’ll find everything from a taxidermy giraffe to the quintessential antique portrait. A trip to the Antique Warehouse is always a mood-booster, and I can’t begin to count how many treasures I have found here over the years.
Clove & Creek
613 Warren Street, Hudson
Scott Neild and Michael Cook opened their Kingston shop in 2016, and I was so thrilled when they came to Hudson in 2020. The vast emporium sells the most charming housewares (think Riess enamelware and Heather Taylor linens), pantry items, bath and body products, gifts, home decor, and even a small selection of men’s and women’s apparel from hard-to-find European brands like Le Mont Saint Michel.
Photo by Emma Tuccillo.
OK Pantry
2 Hudson Street, Kinderhook
This beautifully curated little shop packs it in- toys and treats for the little ones, “penny” candy, beautiful paper goods and candles, pantry items, art supplies, and even a small bar with hot drinks and small bites.
Les Indiennes
444 Warren Street, Hudson
I have been a fan of Mary Mulcahy’s sophisticated Indian block printed textiles and home goods for over 25 years, and when I saw that she had a shop here in Hudson, I almost lost it. Shop this elegant shop for bed linens, pillows, curtains, table linens, apparel, and more.
The Social Type
238 Warren Street, Hudson
This upbeat little shop has a fantastic selection of paper goods- cards for every occasion, blank books, stylish gift wrap and tissue paper, and great gifts. I’m someone who likes to have a stack of cards on hand for any occasion, so this shop is my happy place.
Hort & Pott
Freehold, NY
This botanically driven concept shop is a maximalist’s dream. Lush and moody, founders/owners Todd Carr and Carter Harrington have created a rotating seasonal wonderland that always leaves me speechless. But it’s not just an installation- it’s shopable! Expect to find exotic plants, timeless concrete vessels and decorative items, vintage finds, candles, garden tools, and more.
Alder & Co
222 Main Street, Germantown
Germantown has so much charm, and Alder & Co is right in the heart of it. The shop sells understated women’s apparel of the most beautiful quality, delicate jewelry, and the softest scarves, but also tableware, candles, soaps, and perfume, from brands like Saipua, Astier de Villatte, and Santa Maria Novella.
Photo by Melissa Davis.
The Shop
557 Warren Street, Hudson
What happens when three antique dealers with incredible taste share a space? They create a destination that draws interior designers and design lovers from NYC and beyond. The Shop not only sells incredible antique and vintage rugs, but also a covetable selection of furniture, decor, and lighting. (And tip: if you love Mary Maguire like I do, make sure to stop in. They represent the collectible artist and always have a nice selection of her work.)
Kinderhook Farmer's Market
Village Square, Kinderhook
Blend in with the locals at the Kinderhook Farmer’s market, as this is a place where people come to pick up fresh flowers from Damsel Garden, produce from Roxbury Farm, or a bottle or two from Left Bank Ciders- and chat with their neighbors and friends. Open Saturday mornings, May through October.
Red Chair
606 Warren Street, Hudson
One of my all-time favorite shops, Red Chair sells gorgeous French, Swedish, and Belgian antiques, and owner Jocie Sinauer’s eye is spectacular. You’ll find stacks of 19th century French glassware, ironstone, mismatched silver, French bed linens, antique bread boards, and French marble bistro tables. Jocie sources regularly in Europe, and refreshes her inventory often.
2 Note
8 Hudson Street, Kinderhook
Charismatic owners Darcy Doniger and Carolyn Mix are musicians and alchemists- creating the most alluring fragrances, skincare, body care, and home scents. Their natural compositions are exquisite and made thoughtfully in small batches. Stop and in they will personally guide you in finding your signature scent.
The Quiet Botanist
445 Warren Street, Hudson
Perhaps the most Instagrammed shop in Hudson, proprietor (and former NYC creative director) Rebecca O’Donnell has created a world that I think we’d all like to get lost in. She is known for her exquisite dried flower arrangements, and just recently launched a collection of botanical chocolate bars that are as delicious as they are beautiful. The shop is housed in a former doctor’s office from the late 1800s, with all of the glorious architectural details in place. And if you plan ahead, you can sign up for one of their workshops in the back of the space, which was formerly the operating theater.
Photo by Clark Hodgkin.
Minna
421 Warren Street, Hudson
Minna founder Sara Berks moved her business from Brooklyn to Warren Street in 2016, where the shop is a local institution. Selling a wide array of ethically made homewares created by master artisans in Central and South America, from rugs and other textiles to tabletop and baskets, the shop has a soft, soothing palette that I can’t resist.
Hillsdale General Store
2642 NY-23, Hillsdale
I love that this general store in the historic hamlet of Hillsdale was a general store back when it opened in 1855. Today, its two floors are expertly merchandised and stocked with children’s retro-style games, picnic baskets, antique transferware, cake plates, books, vintage barware, and so much more. Make sure to stop by their kitchen shop across the street and grab a bite next door at Cook & Larder.
Photo by Art Gray
Pidgin
7811 Route 81, Oak Hill
You’ll find a quiet kind of beauty at Pidgin, a shop curated by a poet, whose talents clearly extend beyond the written word. The shop shelves are lined with antique art and objects sourced from around the globe, striped Tensira bedding, stunning photography books, and monastic apparel. Equally as special is the building it’s in- an 1870 Italianate storefront on the National Register of Historic Places that used to be home to the local general store. Don’t miss this one.
Westerlind
419 Warren Street, Hudson
Outdoor apparel has never looked this chic, and their merchandise is tailor-made for the casual upstate lifestyle. I’m obsessed with their signature unisex rip-stop jumpsuit (which they offer year-round, in a variety of colors) and they always have the most luxe shearling slippers, European wool layering pieces, classic Levi’s, and perfectly cut jackets.
Finch
427 Warren Street, Hudson
Shop owners Andrew Arrick and Michael Hofemann are darlings of the Hudson retail scene, and it’s no surprise why. Their two-story 6,000 square-foot store feels like a handsome department store, and boasts a wide selection of vintage furniture, as well as men’s and women’s apparel, bedding, and a perfectly curated selection of coffee table books and candles.
Photo courtesy of Finch.
Florent
253 ½ Warren Street, Hudson
When you step into this magical little shop, you enter the world of Mary Ahern, an artist and chemist who formulates luxurious fragrances and skincare products, made with biodynamic, wild-harvested, and organic plants. She has developed a patent-pending natural preservation method that makes her transformative formulations truly cutting-edge.
Regan & Smith
601 Warren Street, Hudson
I love the large-scale pieces you can regularly find in this antique shop, and with the 14-foot ceilings, the sky’s almost the limit. Owners Kurt Smith and Kevin Regan admit to having eclectic tastes, but somehow I always love it all. They sell through the inventory pretty quickly, so each time I visit, I find lots of new pieces.
Batterby House
608 Warren Street, Hudson
The antique hotel silver and shining antique copper pots in the window may draw you in, but it’s their vast selection of pantry items, candles, housewares, and other gifts that will keep you coming back on a regular basis. On my last visit, I discovered Indian spices in the most gorgeous hot-pink little tins.
A.Therien
3026 Co Rd 23B, Cairo
Curator Stephen Ellwood has created a shop that feels like a gallery. The former rare book dealer has an incredible eye for antiques, and the shop features a striking selection of books, ephemera, furniture, and objects. Make sure to give shop dog Hamish a belly rub while you’re there.
Photo by Stephen Ellwood.
Maple Lawn
3705 Main Street, Stone Ridge
Antiques dealer Ron Sharkey opens up the barn and garden shed on his picturesque property each weekend for shoppers like me who love his style. He always seems to have a few beautiful old farm tables, an ample selection of antique ironstone, an array of charming mismatched chairs, stools, mirrors, baskets, and garden decor. One of my faves!
Photo by Melissa Davis
Eat/Drink
Bartlett House
2258 NY-66, Ghent
I always take out-of-town friends to Bartlett House, a charming cafe/bakery brought to you by the same folks who own The Maker. Situated at the now-defunct train tracks in the town of Ghent, the former 1870 railroad hotel offers the best pastries and donuts, as well as light breakfast and lunch fare. My son is obsessed with the cinnamon twist and my husband always goes for the ham and cheese pastry. On weekends, they sell their homemade English muffins by the bag, which I can’t resist. And their jams have a following all their own.
Feast & Floret
13 S. 3rd Street, Hudson
Imagine a rustic restaurant with a crackling fire, fresh flowers for sale, and a host that greets you like you’re an old friend. One of my favorite Hudson restaurants, this spot is super special, their Italian menu is always en pointe, and it’s especially cozy in the winter months.
Photo courtesy of Feast & Floret.
Cooper's Daughter Spirits
284 NY-23, Claverack
Cooper’s Daughter is a woman-owned distillery based in the former carriage house of the historic Jacob R. Van Rensselaer property in Claverack. Play a game of cornhole while enjoying cocktails in their garden with friends and nibble on food from a rotating list of the area’s best food trucks and vendors. And pick up a bottle of their Black Currant Liqueur while you’re there.
Unquiet and Ravish Liquors
47 South River Street, Coxsackie
Magazine veteran Sarah Gray Miller has created a destination like no other in the charming riverfront town of Coxsackie (pronounced COOK-sockie). Housed in an old fire station, her shop fills the space where the fire engine would have stood, but back behind, in what was once the town jail, is a tiny speakeasy that seats just a few lucky guests. (There is also an outdoor seating area.) Sarah Gray is a Southerner by way of NYC, and she has this way of making you feel like an old friend.
Bimi's Cheese Shop and Canteen
21 and 19 Main Street, Chatham
The owners are set and lighting designers, so it’s no wonder they have created such a vibe with their cheese shop in the charming village of Chatham. Of course, they sell a great selection of cheese (ask to sample Jake’s Gouda!), but I also stop in regularly for their hard-to-find Italian crackers and their mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwiches. And while you’re at it, make a reservation for their popular new restaurant Bimi’s Canteen right next door. Chef Jesse Curtin is getting some serious accolades for his top-notch seasonal menu, and everyone is talking about the bar downstairs. (Tip: If you’re there in the wintertime, order the fondue. It’s only served seasonally and it's spectacular.)
Photo by Christian Harder.
Talbott & Arding
202 Allen Street, Hudson
This gourmet market is integral to Hudson, and I can’t imagine the town without it. Owners Mona Talbott and Kate Arding have created a food-lovers destination that in addition to pantry items, offers great prepared foods, an incredible cheese counter, and an excellent selection of baked goods. I always buy their homemade marshmallows and if the BLT (made with their delicious focaccia) is in season (late summer/early fall), I never leave without at least one in my basket.
Photo courtesy of Talbott & Arding.
Nine Cakes
748 Warren Street, Hudson
I’m sweets-obsessed, but also very picky about my baked goods, and Nine Cakes is my all-time favorite. Owner/head baker Betsy Thorleifson and her team are known for their wedding and special-occasion cakes (which they regularly deliver up and down the East Coast), but I love that on any given day they have several gorgeous cakes available by the slice, as well as the best French macarons, huge buttery and crispy cookies, elegant tarts, and a revolving menu of incredible sweets. The pretty, light-filled spot also offers a large assortment of party decor, plates, and napkins, which makes it a one-stop party prep destination.
Stissing House
7801 South Main Street, Pine Plains
Stissing House was built in 1782 as a tavern with beds for travelers, but we have Chef Clare de Boer, who took the reins in 2022, to thank for making it what it is today. The open kitchen with its wood-burning oven, candlelit glow, gracious service, and ambling private rooms throughout create so much magic, but the menu is no afterthought. Every evening spent here feels incredibly special and memorable.
Greenhouse Cidery
2309 NY-203, Chatham
Only open in the summer and early fall, this cidery has a huge field with picnic tables as well as covered greenhouses in which to drink and dine. Yummy Kitchen serves up their Asian dishes on site and everything I’ve eaten has been amazing. Greenhouse always offers an array of ciders, as well as other drink options, but I wholeheartedly recommend their cider. This spot is particularly magical at dusk, with the glow of the string lights and fireflies. Bring the kids and well-behaved dogs on leash.
Photo by Melissa Davis.
Morningbird
4 Hudson Street, Kinderhook
My girlfriends and I have regular coffee dates at this pretty little coffee shop in the heart of Kinderhook because the drinks and bites are always perfect (try the mochi donut!) and we always run into a few friends. If going solo, sit at the window and pick up one of the indie magazines, like Fieldfare, from the curated shop shelves to while away the morning.
Photo courtesy of MorningBird.
Kitty's Market
60 S.Front Street, Hudson
This little market just across from the Hudson train station stocks great snacks, drinks, and a handful of pretty fantastic hot food options, like their juicy rotisserie chicken, mouthwatering smashed and fried fingerling potatoes, and “traveling hash browns.” They also have a full-service restaurant right next door.
Gaskins
2 Church Avenue, Germantown
They get ambiance at Gaskins. The soft glow of Gaskins’ dining room feels warm and welcoming, as does the service. The menu changes daily, but typically includes favorites like the grass-fed burger, baked mac-n-cheese, and wood-roasted half chicken. They don’t take reservations for parties under six, so get there early to beat the crowds.
Photo by Melissa Davis.
Stay
William Farmer & Sons
20 S. Front Street, Hudson
If you distilled the essence of Hudson into a hotel and restaurant, it would be William Farmer & Sons. Owners Kirby Farmer and his wife Kristan Keck have created the ultimate Hudson destination with the guesthouse, restaurant, and bar, just down the street from the historic Hudson train station. And while they definitely get ambiance, the food and drink at the restaurant and bar are not an afterthought. It’s a regular go-to for a night out that never disappoints.
Photo by Susan Baker.
Old Dutch Inn
8 Broad Street, Kinderhook
Kinderhook is the most alluring village, and when you stay at the Old Dutch Inn, you’re right in the heart of it all. And while the building may have been built in 1820, the recent renovation brought modern luxuries to the spacious rooms, like rainfall showerheads and soaking tubs.
Stay here and the popular Knitting Mill complex is right at your doorstep, which includes Morningbird coffee shop, OK Pantry, 2 Note, the Kinderhook Bottle Shop, The Aviary restaurant, Village Yoga, September Gallery, and the Shaker Museum Pop-up. Tip: Relax with a cheese plate and pint at Saisonnier, just a few doors down.
Rivertown Lodge
731 Warren Street, Hudson
This former 1928 movie theater (and then a motel) was brought into the 21st century by NYC design firm Workstead, and is a stylish Warren Street spot for an overnight stay, dinner, or drinks. Borrow a bike and tour the beautiful historic homes on Union and Allen Streets, or just chill with one of their frozen negronis. And the service at the lodge is top-notch.
The Maker
302 Warren Street, Hudson
This luxe hotel gets lots of press, and rightfully so. The space transports you to another era, and every detail is just perfect. But if the price tag is too much for an overnight stay, have dinner in the gorgeous Maker Restaurant (try one of the house-made pastas), or breakfast in the charming Maker Cafe (and try the cherry cornmeal scone) and feel transported to Paris. Their lounge/bar is a sexy spot with incredible cocktails, but it fills up quickly, so I suggest getting there early.
Visit
Olana
5720 NY-9G, Hudson
Frederic Edwin Church was the most successful artist of the Hudson River School painters, but many consider his home atop a hill, overlooking the Hudson River, to be his finest achievement. I have visited his historic home and grounds many times and I never tire of it. The lush landscape he designed surrounding the house is open/free to the public, and the home, filled with his treasures from traveling overseas is exquisite and inspiring. Olana’s docents are incredibly knowledgeable and will share interesting stories about the grounds and every space on the two floors of the home. For art and interior design lovers, this is a don’t-miss.
Photo courtesy of Olana.
Crandell Theatre
48 Main Street, Chatham
This 1926 single-screen movie theater is a gem in the village of Chatham. They play first-run blockbusters, indie films, and even boast a nationally recognized film festival- FilmColumbia- each October.
Photo by Melissa Davis.
Luykas Van Alen House & Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse
2589 NY-9H, Kinderhook
Located just steps from each other, these are two of Columbia County’s historic gems. Built in 1737, the Van Alen house is considered one of the best examples of a historically intact Dutch Colonial house. After I tour the house, I always swing over to the charming Ichabod Crane Schoolhouse, a circa-1850 single-room schoolhouse. Hours vary throughout the year, so be sure to check before going.
James Vanderpoel House
16 Broad Street, Kinderhook
The Vanderpoel House (also referred to as the House of History) is an elegant historic home built in 1819-1820, and is now owned by the Columbia County Historical Society. Inside, you’ll find paintings with local significance and decorative arts from their permanent collection. And I buy all of my local history-focused books in their gift shop.
Art Omi
1405 County Route 22, Ghent
This 120-acre sculpture/architecture park is a glorious way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. It’s open every day of the year and free of charge, so bring the leashed pooches and let the kids run free.
Photo by Alon Koppel
LevenBetts,Zoid,2018.
Samascott Orchards
5 Sunset Avenue, Kinderhook
Samascott Orchards and Farm is my favorite place to pick my own apples, berries, and veggies, and when I go, I always rent one of the red-and-white stripe fringed surreys to pedal around the farm in style. Their farm shop a few miles down the road is a great year-round farm market, and if you’re there in the fall, try a cider donut and get lost in their enormous corn maze.
Photo by Melissa Davis.
