Hotties in Hudson: Upstate NY Trip
Four girlfriends, lots of wine, and a cozy getaway to upstate New York—the perfect addition to your fall bucket list. Last fall, I visited Hudson, NY for a heartfelt weekend filled with great food, new sights, and calm vibes. Stretching north from New York City along the Hudson River, the region is known for its historic towns, mountain views, art, farms, and vibrant food and wine scene. I don’t travel within the U.S. nearly as often as I travel abroad, but this trip reminded me that you don’t have to go far to have a good time.
Hudson valley
Location: A region of New York stretching along the Hudson River from just north of NYC.
Getting there: About 1–3 hours from NYC, depending on your destination. A car makes exploring easier.
Known for: Historic towns, mountain views, hiking, apple orchards, wineries, and farm-to-table dining.
Popular stops: Hudson (where I stayed!), Beacon, Kingston, Rhinebeck, and New Paltz.
Art and culture: Highlights include Dia Beacon, Storm King Art Center, galleries, and historic estates.
Fall favorites: Leaf peeping, apple picking, cider tastings, and cozy weekend stays.
stay
This beautiful 1780s barn home we stayed in had 4 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, gorgeous grounds, spacious living space, fire pit outside—that we didn’t know how to use—and was so beautifully decorated. It was a bit chilly at times, and the space heaters came in handy.
Hotel recommendations: here
Apartment recommendations: here
Restaurants
To say we ate GOOD is an understatement! Fresh ingredients, classic dishes, bold flavors & damn good cocktails.
Clay at Wildflower Farms for brunch/lunch
Feast and Floret for dinner: atmospheric Italian food, cocktails, flowers, and a pretty setting that feels special without being overly formal
Le Peche for brunch: French bakery and café with croissants, pastries, omelets, tartines, and a courtyard
Lil’ Deb’s Oasis for colorful, creative, tropical-inspired food
BackBar for cocktails and casual nightlife
Cafe Mutton: who doesn’t love at cafe
Swoon Kitchenbar: sophisticated farm-to-table dinner
Via Cassia: house-made pasta and Northern Italian food.
The Maker Restaurant: most stylish and romantic setting.
Hudson Diner:elevated diner classics.
The Maker Lounge: set inside a glamorous converted carriage house, day or night.
Klocke Estate: a beautiful brandy distillery, with an amazing restaurant.
Milea Estate: best traditional vineyard and wine tasting
Blu Pointe for river views, seafood, and cocktails.
Things to Do
Warren Street is Hudson’s main corridor for fashion, vintage furniture, art galleries, antiques, and home decor. Honestly, a little overpriced for me, but I wasn’t made at window shopping
Stroll around Promenade Hill Park for Hudson River and Catskill Mountain views
Drive approximately 15–20 minutes to Art Omi in Ghent. The sculpture and architecture park combines contemporary art with walking trails and is free to visit
Olana State Historic Site, the Persian-inspired home and landscape designed by Hudson River School painter Frederic Church
Bodhi Holistic Spa, because who doesn’t love a spa day?!
Storm King, the Hudson Valley’s standout outdoor sculpture park. It’s currently open Wednesday–Monday, with advance tickets recommended
Home wine tasting with nuggets & caviar was a great activity to do. We chose 1 wine each, 2 whites and 2 reds, from all over the world.
This Airbnb had the cutest nooks.
Although I'm here with the girls, a trip to Hudson Valley is honestly perfect for everyone—couples, families, siblings, etc. For a long weekend, Hudson, NY makes an ideal home base: spend the day browsing Warren Street’s boutiques, galleries, and antique shops, then head out to nearby Olana, Art Omi, and Klocke Estate. It’s a trip with plenty to explore and room to slow down! Comment below if you’ve been to Hudson Valley or plan to go.
