A Hudson Holiday
Antique lovers take note: if an emergency shopping weekend is prescribed, or you simply long for a respite from the hustle of the Big Apple, a quaint town awaits you a train ride away in Hudson, New York. Hudson, whose history stretches back to Pre-Revolutionary War times, is a town where you may think time has stood still yet progressed at the same time. This guide will tell you how to make the most of your memorable weekend here.
Locals catching up along Warren Street in dog-friendly Hudson.
Travel a mere two hours by train from New York City along the picturesque Hudson River and you will arrive in Hudson, New York. This small town oozes homey charm from the many antique galleries that dot Warren Street, to the one-of-a-kind clothing boutiques, to the restaurants that feature James Beard awarding-winning chefs or the best pineapple pizza you ever ate. If that wasn’t enough to get you curious, the choices for lodging, all bed and breakfasts, will keep you coming back time and time again.
“Hudson continues to evolve and thrive. People are settling here because this is where they want to be. Hudson, New York has become a destination—to stay for a few days or a few decades.”
Checking in: Each time I’ve visited Hudson I’ve stayed at different lodgings, however, after staying at the Tiger House on my last trip, I think there is no need to look further. The gracious staff at the local mansion makes you feel welcome from the moment you step through the door. The dining room below is where you will wake up to a spread of platters of crisp bacon, bowls of berries, homemade sweet breads, field greens in a simple salad, eggs on request and juices and coffee. The sun filters in from the patio through the stained glass windows and lingering over breakfast is a new pastime.
Pick a room… We chose the White Room on the ground floor of the mansion. Beside, crisp linens, a sitting area and a modernized bathroom, other features include trimmings of stained glass windows, gas fireplace with a marble mantel, and the focal point, a 19th century beautifully carved, black walnut, four-poster bed.
There’s a little eclectic vibe going on at the Tiger House. This peacock welcomes visitors to relax in the library and page through the numerous Hudson history books.
Antique shopping is a serious past time for visitors to Hudson. At the train depot you will see passengers loaded down with treasures to take back to the city. Most businesses will ship your precious finds and, if you live out of state, you don’t pay tax.
Hudson is an antiquing mecca
Red Chair on Warren has vintage and antique finds from around the world
Locally sourced hand dyed pillows, throws and scarves line the shelves. Apothecary items also come from Hudson Valley makers.
After along day of shopping you are going to need fortification. I suggest treating yourself to a culinary adventure. Hudson boasts Fish and Game, restaurant of James Beard Award Winning Chef Zak Pelaccio. As you walk through the door, the smokey aroma emanating from the wood burning oven lets you know you are in a special place. Turn left and you are in the stunning bar with library shelving and a moving ladder. Turn right and you see the oven and later realize that is where your wood oven baked focaccia, with whipped goat-milk ricotta and preserved chilies came from.
Who wouldn’t feel comfortable here? All senses are heightened in this beautiful bar at Fish and Game.
The dinner menu offers fish, game and vegetarian options paired with perfectly suited sides. I had a local baked hake but others in my party tried the oven-roasted, aged duck for two with sweet potatoes and pickled Napa cabbage. We shared the pumpkin tortelli, with brown butter and hazelnut with ricotta salata with pepitas.
Local Hake
A favorite at Fish and Game comes right out of the oven
The best darn barbeque chicken pineapple pizza you ever ate. It’s a combination of BBQ sauce, chicken, red onions, fresh mozzarella, smoked gouda, oregano and parmesan. We had a beer in the bar waiting for our order and then took the pizza on the train out of town.
One last glass raised to Hudson for letting us soak up the charm for the weekend.