Updated September 2023
After spending a blissful long weekend exploring Hudson, New York, I wanted to share my guide for visiting. All of the best places to eat, where to stay from Airbnbs to hotels, and the things you have to do in Hudson.
This was my first trip to upstate New York and the Hudson Valley after many years of having it on my list. It was everything and more that I expected — truly a wonderful spot to go in the fall. I could imagine that all seasons there provide something special, the beauty of having a true four seasons. In the fall, Hudson felt like a postcard, with vibrant foliage and cozy spots to hang out. It was everything I dreamed of for a fall road trip from the city.
Hudson is a charming city along the Hudson River, full of antique shops and incredible dining. Its proximity to the Catskills and other outdoor preserves makes it a great jumping-off point for exploring the region. So if you’re planning on doing a road trip out of New York City, I recommend grabbing a car and making Hudson your first stop.
Here’s a look at the ultimate weekend guide to Hudson, NY.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Airbnbs in Hudson:
Hotels
- The Amelia, for the best romantic stay
- The Wick, for the best-elevated stay
- Wm. Farmer and Sons, for the best design-for-dollar stay
Airbnbs
- This Old Hudson by Zio & Sons (Where I Stayed), for the best overall stay
- 3 Bedroom Designer Home with Hot Tub, for the best cozy stay
- 2 Bedroom Romantic Warren St Penthouse, for the best couples’ stay
- 2 Bedroom Bright Townhouse, for the best chic stay
Travel Tips
- Rent a Car — The best way to explore Hudson is by driving yourself. We use Booking.com for our rental cars in New York, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Book your car with Booking.com here.
- Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs (5% off!) for all international travel.
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
For more, hotel recommendations check out my full guide to the best hotels in Hudson!
The Weekend Guide to Hudson, NY
What To Know Before Hudson, New York
Time of Year to Visit Hudson, New York
With strong seasons, Hudson makes for an exciting time to visit year-round. Whether you pop in during the fall foliage or even do a winter trip, there is a lot to enjoy from season to season. We personally went in the fall to experience the fall foliage and take advantage of cozy restaurants and cafes.
Amount of Time in Hudson, New York
I recommend a minimum of two nights to enjoy the town of Hudson itself. If you’re planning on visiting the surrounding valley or Catskills, you could stay as a home base for 4-5 nights.
How To Get To Hudson, NY
From Manhattan
There are a few ways to get to Hudson from the city. My recommendation is to rent a car if you want to make a road trip to it. There is so much to see in the Hudson Valley and experience nearby. Your other option if you want to forego the car, is to take the train. You catch it at Grand Central Station and it is the Metro-North Railroad, taking around 2 hours with one switch. Once you arrive in Hudson, you can easily walk the main street from the train station. Just consider choosing a well-located accommodation if you forego a car.
Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in New York, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
Where To Stay in Hudson, New York
This Old Hudson Airbnbs by Zio & Sons (Where I Stayed)
Not one, but two Airbnbs available by the lovely by Zio & Sons are available for rent in Hudson. We had the opportunity to stay at the Farmhouse which is fitted with three bedrooms and one bathroom. It is such a cozy space, the home is lovingly designed and feels inviting. The Airbnb is well located in the center of Hudson, NY so you can easily explore the main Warren Street where all the restaurants and shops are. I would highly suggest booking either the Farmhouse or Maison in advance as it is a popular Airbnb listing.
Other Great Hudson Airbnbs
- 3 Bedroom Designer Home with Hot Tub, for the best cozy stay
- 2 Bedroom Romantic Warren St Penthouse, for the best couples’ stay
- 2 Bedroom Bright Townhouse, for the best chic stay
Wm. Farmer and Sons
15 chic, mid-century modern rooms are available at Wm. Farmer and Sons. It’s an intimate stay and at the hotel is a restaurant and cocktail bar. I love that they also have very family-friendly and pet-friendly rooms available to book. Book the best rates here.
The Amelia
The Amelia is a 19th Century Queen Anne-Style house that has recently opened in the heart of Hudson. It’s well located and guests will enjoy a quiet stay as it only has 8 rooms. Book the best rates here.
The Maker Hotel
The newest boutique hotel to open in Hudson, The Maker Hotel is home to a cafe, restaurant, and lounge in addition to their beautiful 11 guest rooms. It is an elevated stay, with rich details and belle epoque decor. Plus, it’s one of the only hotels in Hudson that has a swimming pool. Book the best rates here.
Where To Eat in Hudson, New York
The Maker Cafe
Inside the Maker Hotel, the Maker Cafe was our spot for both breakfast and lunch. They have a lovely pastry bar and coffee bar for the morning. At lunchtime, I really enjoyed their fried chicken sandwich. We came in here another time as well for coffee one morning.
Feast & Floret
Feast and Floret was one of our favorite meals for both the ambiance and food. Order the pasta of the day as it is so good and be sure to grab a bouquet from the bouquet bar on your way out. While the patio is really cozy in the fall, being inside was wonderful as the design is so stunning.
The Restaurant at Wm. Farmer and Sons
Located inside the hotel, The Restuarant at Wm. Farmer and Sons has a wonderful, upscale menu. It may be worth making reservations in advance on the weekend. It is a very relaxing location to eat lunch and you’re not far from the train station so you can walk to hear.
WYLDE Hudson
A cute cafe and shop that is a good spot to pop in for coffee. They have a little bit of everything and would make for a good spot to work from for the day.
Supernatural Coffee + Bakery
Supernatural is the spot for coffee in town. I’d recommend it here first for your caffeine needs. It’s the spot to start your time exploring Warren Street.
MOTO Coffee/Machine
MOTO was our favorite coffee in town. We stopped in here multiple times. It’s set inside a motorcycle shop and a good place to hang out and enjoy an espresso.
Lil’ Deb’s Oasis
Such a fun spot to eat dinner! It is loud and bright, and a lot going on so be prepared to be very stimulated. However, the food is delicious, a great mix of Pan-Latin food. We loved everything for dinner here, especially the empanadas.
Kitty’s Market & Cafe
We went to Kitty’s twice just for the breakfast sandwich, they are SO good. Their coffee was also wonderful.
Best Things To Do in Hudson, New York
Stock Up on Provisions at Talbott & Arding
If you are in for a long weekend, I recommend popping over to Talbott & Arding to stock up on all the essentials. They have a lovely cheese and charcuterie selection, local veg, bread, and more. It’s super well-curated and if you’re in the mood for a sandwich, grab one here too!
Shop on Warren Street
One of the main draws to visiting Hudson is the never-ending list of antique stores set in historical buildings. Almost every other store on Warren Street is a home decor or antique store. Some of my favorites from the time there were FINCH Hudson and Red Chair on Warren. Spend a good afternoon popping in from one shop to the next as you stroll down Warren Street. If you’re looking for florals, head to the dried flower shop called the Quiet Botanist in town too.
Go Apple Picking at Philip Orchard (Claverack)
A highlight for us was the opportunity to go apple picking, a very seasonal and classic experience in the Hudson Valley. I did a bunch of research and Philip Orchard was only 15 minutes away from Hudson so we went there. The best part of this visit is that you could drive your car into the orchards and park more conveniently. We spent the better half of a day picking out apples to enjoy the rest of our trip.
Spend a Day Hiking the Minnewaska State Park Preserve
One of our days in Hudson was spent driving down to Minnewaska State Park Preserve. It’s a park known for its incredible fall foliage and year-round, family-friendly trails. I would recommend on the weekend arriving early (before 11am) as the lots do get full. You’ll want to bring any food/water that you may need for the time there.
We did the easily accessible trail around Lake Minnewaska and did it casually in jeans and sneakers to give an idea of the difficulty. Afterward, we made our way over to the area of Accord, and had lunch at Arrowood Farms distillery and brewery, though I wish we had gone down the street at Westwind Orchard (their food/cider looked better).
A Few Other Things to Do During Your Visit to Hudson:
- Visit the Omi Sculpture Park
- Stroll the Henry Hudson Riverfront
- Go to the Catskill Mountains
- Visit the Olana State Historic Park
- Beer Tasting at Hudson Brewing Company
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
1 Comment
Next time you are in Hudson New York, check out Hudson Bagels