As a Hudsonian, when someone recently pronounced to me that the city was “cooling,” I was a little insulted. Sure, Hudson has been on the map for many years now, and its potential was fully recognized after the city exodus during the Covid boom—but today, it’s only continuing to heat up.
Hudson was originally established in 1662 by Dutch settlers, before being sold in 1783 to a pod of whalers from Nantucket—and it was the latter who laid the foundations of the city you see today, building the famous two-story brick or clapboard structures that line Warren Street. After becoming a shipping hub in the late 18th century, it quickly became a destination for crafts (a tradition that continues to this day); then, during the 1900s, Hudson descended into an era of vice as gambling and prostitution boomed. The town began to fade from its former glories, only being revived in recent decades by artists, makers, restauranteurs, and shopkeepers—and now, an influx of creative city folk looking for greener pastures and a more peaceful lifestyle.
Of course, Hudson’s popularity also lies in its accessibility from New York City on the Amtrak. It’s the busiest stop on its route—and, in this local’s humble opinion, the best. Hudson is accessible as a walking-only escape, but the Hudson we locals live and breathe requires a car. (Preferably a vintage one.) So this guide assumes access to a car and covers the immediate town of Hudson and everything within a 30-minute drive radius. It also focuses on all that’s recently opened (or opening) up in the area so you won’t see any old favorites here—but you can be sure to read about those here.
Where to Stay
There’s plenty of development taking place around the area: Soho House’s Grasmere House will open in Rhinebeck in 2025, and a 20,000-square-foot spa from Six Senses is in the works. There are also two hotel developments underway in Hudson itself. For now, these newcomers are giving good competition to Hudson stalwarts The Maker and Rivertown Lodge—if you’ve got your classic car in tow.
This is owned by the same group as Rivertown Lodge, so you can expect good hospitality, great food, chic interiors, and accessible prices. Offering a mix of log cabins and hotel rooms, it’s the perfect starting point for your Hudson Valley exploration.
The Henson is situated slightly further afield, near Windham—an up-and-coming area in the valley. The décor is a more elevated offering for the Catskills and its stylish cocktail bar attracts a sophisticated crowd of city slickers.
Photo: Courtesy of Piaule
