GUIDES

Hudson, NY

By
Coolstuff Team
September 13, 2024

As the leaves begin to turn, we always start to think about making our way upstate - something about the landscape (or maybe the apples) draws us North. Hudson is one of the coolest towns along the river - full of great restaurants, independent shops, and accessible by train! Only 2 hours away from the city with an Amtrak right in town, Huson is completely walkable and the perfect destination for a no-car weekend getaway. We’ve rounded it all up for you along with the BEST place to stay in town. 

STAY

Long Story Short

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Hudson that feels like home away from home, this is it. LSS, a 3-story 1855 home on Warren Street & just two blocks from the Hudson River, is the coolest breath of fresh air the Upstate hospitality scene has been waiting for — an unexpected mix of both the wild and the familiar. An elevated stay, an escape from it all, while having Hudson's incredibly vibrant food, antique, boutique, architecture, design, and nature scene just outside the front door. We loved how the private home felt like having an entire boutique hotel all to ourselves - every detail has been meticulously considered and every corner tells a story.

When you arrive, beautiful sips and snacks are waiting for you, with a treasure or two at each bedside. For a slow first morning, provisions are on hand so you can stay in your pjs as late as you want (we did). You can also add on fun extras like an in-home massage, private yoga, sound baths, private chefs and provision shopping. We had a private chef come by one evening during our stay and we had the most delicious garden party meal!

The perfect space for large groups or a big family gathering, the house sleeps 10-12 guests and has a lovely private back garden all to yourself.

PS - LSS is also a great space for film/photo/product brand shoots!

EAT

Dinner at Home with Poppy Plate

With both indoor and outdoor dining spaces at LSS, there’s lots of room for a big ‘ole dinner party with your guests. To make things easier (+ more delicious), you can book a private chef like Chef Sophie of Poppy Plate, where you can enjoy a home cooked meal in the cozy space of the home without all of the prep and cooking. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner in the LSS backyard. Poppy Plate made simmered beans, pea shoot & zucchini risotto, sungold & sweet corn salad, and to top it all off a fantastic bavette steak. To top it all off? hand-written menus!!!

Kitty’s

This is a coolstuff go-to for everything from a table in the dining room for a dinner full of chicken, veggie dishes and perfect bread, to a casual back garden breakfast sammie to-go. Don’t forget to load up on Kitty’s merch and snacks for the train ride back…from across from the Amtrak station. 

Via Cassia

On night one of a trip, sometimes it’s nice to stay local for dinner (and by that we mean only walking 2 blocks), and for a LSS stay - Via Cassia is it. Come for the cozy & well designed interiors, and stay for a plate of pasta and perfect negronis. 

feast & floret

Another favorite Italian spot in town…feast & floret encourages long dinners nestled up to their fireplace, with all of your favorite Italian classics on the table.

Le Perche

Every town needs a good brunch spot, and Le Perche is the place to be in Hudson. We love their wood fired baked goods and farm-fresh morning egg dishes. 

Mel The Bakery

If the name of this bakery is familiar, that may be because Mel’s original location was in Chinatown, right on the triangle of Canal & Division. The new, much larger space in Hudson also has a lot more offerings, and if you’re stopping by, do NOT miss out on the sandwiches which change daily.

DRINK

Back Bar

We love stopping here along our shopping route on Warren Street when we’re feeling a little parched. Pop in for a frozen drink plus bites like karaage and dumplings and sit a while on their casual & cool outdoor picnic tables. 

WYLDE

Head over to WYLDE for a strong iced latte and a loungey cafe interior. The airy space is super inspiring and a great spot to chat with friends over day-time bevvys. Make sure to check out their mini shop connected to the cafe for amazing clothing and accessory finds.  

The Hereafter

When in need of a delish, complex & adventurous craft cocktail…The Hereafter is your place. These drinks are meant for you to linger over, maybe with a bite or two like their marinated olives and platter of mussels.

Aperitivo Hour at Home

While there are plenty of places to enjoy a drink in Hudson, sometimes there is nothing better than staying in. If you’re at Long Story Short, we recommend aperitivo at home – snag some snacks and goodies (along with a bottle of wine from nearby Grapefruit Wines) and get set up in either the star-filled backyard or in the living room with its extremely cozy couch.

SHOP

Nikki Chasin

Local designer Nikki Chasin creates some of the most fun and special garments – truly clothes made for play! When you’re in town, you absolutely have to stop by her Hudson shop to try on some of Nikki’s clothes and shop a curated selection of accessories from other brands Nikki admires. 

River Shoppe

This is one of our favorite new shops on the main drag in Hudson, right down the block from LSS, River is a beacon of light with friendly staff and feminine objects for the home and to wear.

Flowerkraut

This design-focused florist at the eastern edge of Warren street is a great place to shop for inspiration. They’re always ahead of the curve and also stock a great selection of cards, candles, and gifts! 

Farm Shoppe

It’s hard to think of a place that would be more fun for food lovers than Farm Shoppe. This gem stocks a selection of produce and pantry products from Forts Ferry Farm which operates the farm shoppe. They also have a great selection of snacks and pantry favorites as well as antiques and vintage glassware.

The Antique Warehouse

Every upstate trip requires a few hours spent in an antique mall. The Antique Warehouse in Hudson is FULL of vintage treasures room and after room. Be warned - stick with your friends, because you’ll lose service…and all concepts of where you are in this giant shop!

Made x Hudson

We love this shop for discovering new local designers all based in NY. Their products range from handmade kimonos to knitted sweaters - all with a focus on sustainable fashion.

Red Chair on Warren

The Red Chair on Warren is a one-of-a-kind antique shop. Yes, it’s certainly on the pricey side of things, but there are pieces here that you genuinely will not find anywhere else – largely from France, Belgium, and Sweden. Owner Jocie Sinauer has been running the place since 1997 and still hand selects every single piece that will hit the floors of the showroom.

NINA Z

What started in 2008 as a clog brand by the Swede, Nina Ziefvert, has grown into a wonderful shop on Warren street stocking jewelry, vintage clothing, small batch pieces from local designers and of course, their namesake footwear. 

Meridian

This shop carries an edited collection of contemporary menswear, and often straddles the line between high fashion and technical apparel. In addition to clothing and accessories, Meridian also carries a great selection of hard to find fragrances and incense.

Clove & Creek

Clove & Creek is a store where you could find a present for just about anyone you know: from retro French soap holder to an original print, this gift shop is far from tacky or over-filled. Each item is clearly hand selected and changes often enough that the store feels fresh. 

Talbott & Arding

Hudson’s go-to for fresh meats and cheeses, crackers galore, fresh bread and just about everything you need for a perfect picnic. They’re also serving up brekkie and lunch sammies and meals to go each day.

Grapefruit Wines

This is THE spot for natty wine in Hudson. Whether you’re looking for a chilled red, a funky orange or a crispy sparkling bottle…the staff will help you find the best of the best (although you truly cannot go wrong with their selection!)

SEE/DO

Promenade Hill Park Picnic

When in Hudon…picnic by the Hudson River! Pack up a few goodies from Talbott & Arding, Kittys or bites stocked in your fridge at LSS, and head to Promenade Hill Park for a lovely view of the river and the most iconic sailboats passing by.

Hudson Ferry Sunset Boat Cruise

If gazing over at the river isn’t enough, book a Sunset Boat Cruise with Hudson Ferry to get a first hand look from the water. There are also themed boat rides and some that focus on the amazing Hudson-Athens Lighthouse!

Cut your Own Flowers at Holmquest Farm

During early Spring, Summer & Fall months, head 10 minutes out of downtown to Holmquest Farms for their Cut Your Own Flowers deal! Grab a basket, some shears and collect your favorite stems in their field of flowers (only $8 for 13 stems!). Once you’re back at LSS, get inspired and put together different arrangements to place around the house.

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