The locale
Just south of Albany, a 4.75-hour drive east on I-90.
The scoop
Now home to 6,700 people, Hudson was once the country’s 24th largest city. Formerly a whaling port that became notorious for gambling and prostitution until the 1950s, it’s been reinventing itself as an antiques Mecca, with 70-some shops, ranging from the dig-around-for-a-deal Devil in the Woods to the eclectic and fun Magic Hill. Downtown’s hub, Warren Street, is block after block of high-end stores, galleries, restaurants and bakeries. Foodies, plan to eat your way through an extended stay. Options are plentiful and mouthwatering. Expect New York City prices since many places are a second or third location for Big Apple businesses.
Where to stay
Wm. Farmer & Sons Boarding & Barroom, 20 S. Front St., close to the Hudson River) — Not the cookie-cutter accommodations available at chain motels; the rooms and suites are surprisingly eclectic, and the restaurant is far more than the word “barroom” suggests. Into craft cocktails? Hudson resident Gabby Saulsbery says this is the best place to get one.
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The St. Charles, 16-18 Park Place — An old but convenient hotel on the south edge of Warren Street’s commercial area. The small park in front, with benches and a fountain, adds charm; multiple reviews tout the friendliness and cleanliness.
Places to eat
Radio Mexican, 537 Warren St. — This colorful (inside and out) Mexican restaurant doesn’t disappoint. The flautas con crema (veggie-stuffed tortillas, fried crisp and drizzled with cream) is a tasty entrée, and the flan (named best in nation) is exceptionally smooth.
Patisserie Lenox, 506 Warren St. — One of several Warren Street bakeries, its room-length display case is filled with everything from handmade French macarons to fruit tarts to rich,
buttery brioche.
Grazin, 717 Warren St. — A favorite among locavores, this diner has to be on your to-do list for flavorful grass-fed burgers, a homemade veggie burger or even a liverwurst sandwich.
Things to do
Not to be missed: Olana State Historic Site, 5720 Route G — Hudson teems with architecture to admire, but the home of Hudson River School artist Frederic Church is unparalleled. The colorful Persian design against the river setting needs to be seen in person to be fully appreciated.
If you have time: Visit the Museum of Firefighting, take a Hudson River Cruise, or plan ahead to tour the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse or see a show at the Hudson Opera House Center for the Arts.
Spots to shop
The Spotty Dog Books and Ale, 440 Warren St. — Stop here and remind yourself why Amazon can’t compare to the totally sensuous experience of browsing books in person.
Greenwich Letterpress, 421 Warren St. — Check out the variety: Cawffee Flavahed Shuguh (it really is!), booze bags, pocket fortunes, Luke’s Diner keychain, magic fire sticks, stationery and much, much more.
Savor the Taste Gourmet Tasting Room, 527 Warren St. — The aroma gets you first. Then the infinite flavors. “Ohhh, if I lived here, I’d definitely be coming here a lot,” said Buffalo resident Heather Hodson, who visited on a recent spring afternoon. First, but not last, in her bag: blueberry limoncello oil.
