The Hudson Valley is a region of great contrasts. It’s a place where people live a lifestyle that’s decidedly “off the grid,” yet the bright lights of New York City are only a short drive or train ride away. This juxtaposition of the urban and rural has helped to define the region’s cultural landscape. Small homesteads and farms settled by Dutch and German immigrants intermingle with elaborate estates built by land-grant patentees, capitalists and American aristocracy, creating an architecturally distinctive, complex and fascinating region.
The valley is also famous for its food, and this is where the area really excels. Many New York City chefs—like Anthony Bourdain, Grant Achatz and Cat Cora—have opened restaurants here, where they can source local ingredients in a more relaxed environment and cook at their own pace. The prevalence of local farmers’ markets and artisan shops mean that the people in the valley take buying local and organic seriously. So much so that you may get a look of death and a healthy twenty minute lecture from your friends if they notice you’ve got anything but the finest in your fridge.
For a weekend escape within a two hour car or train ride of Manhattan, the hudson valley is hard to beat. There are hiking trails that range from beginner-friendly to near-vertical scrambles, Gilded Age mansions packed with rich history, contemporary art destinations and miles of pastoral farmland. In recent years, the region’s profile has skyrocketed as pandemic-weary New Yorkers flocked upstate in droves, causing property prices to shoot through the roof—but also fueling cultural initiatives, a brewpub boom and diversified dining options.
While the region’s history is rich, its future is equally exciting. Many young families are relocating to the region, drawn by its bucolic beauty and booming agriculture biz, and the town of Hudson in particular is enjoying an upswing in popularity. The revitalization has brought new, upscale boutique hotels, an eclectic collection of independent shops and a slew of hot culinary talent.
There are few towns that can claim to be as eclectic and diverse as Hudson, which is why it’s such a pleasure to visit. Wander Warren Street for your fill of antique wares that have made the city a destination for status-obsessed weekenders, and head to Cafe Mutton for the kind of breakfast and lunch you can’t find in Manhattan (except in places that charge three times as much). It’s the type of place where the people make you feel at home not because they’re trying to sell you something, but because they just want to chat. And they’ll tell you about the best bike rides, the best hikes and even their favorite haunts for a delicious breakfast sandwich or country pate. In a city where most people keep their heads down and mind their own business, this is a breath of fresh air.