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Why the Hudson Valley is the Ultimate Summer Escape

When the temperature shoots north of 90, Hudson > NYC. (The same equation works below 90, too.)

Travel
Why the Hudson Valley is the Ultimate Summer Escape
Renée Rodenkirchen

Getaway...let’s just agree that that’s the theme of the summer. Get away from work, and get away from responsibilities (aka adulthood). And we do that by getting away from the city. Most weekends, though (for those of us residing in New York, at least), that’s easier said than done. The combination of a friend’s birthday, some rooftop drink deal in Greenpoint, and the typically prohibitive combination of traffic and cost, means that we end up sweating out Saturday and Sunday in the relative discomfort of our walk-ups.

And yet, just a short Metro North train ride away (no traffic, very few dollars) lies the idyll that is the Hudson River Valley. We’ve been once or twice to visit Storm King and Dia Beacon on inspired weekends in the past, but could it be out long sought after weekend escape? When we found out that fine jeweler of our diamond-hoarding dreams, Meredith Kahn, calls Hasting-on-Hudson home, well, we asked for her advice. And what she came back with was a long list of must-experience, must-visit places. Meet you at Grand Central on Friday at 4? We’ll be the ones with the plastic glasses of rosé and a low-key smirk signaling that we’ve finally figured out the whole getaway thing.

 


STAY

“There is a new hotel in Hudson, NY called the Rivertown Lodge. It’s in the heart of where all of the antique shopping is on Warren Street. There’s easy access to everything for a stroll, shopping, eating, etc.”

 

SATURDAY MORNING

“One of my favorite things to do is wake up early on a Saturday morning and go to the farmer’s market in my town, Hastings-on-Hudson. There’s always a crepe stand and an amazing tea stand. There are different musicians performing each week—usually locals. I love to grab a crepe or a breakfast burrito and some tea and shop the assortment of fruit and flowers, while hunting down some inspiration for a nice Saturday night dinner. And of course we never leave without a pickle on a stick!”

 

THE PERFECT LUNCH

“The wood fire pizza is a must at Westwind Orchard for lunch. Lots of NYC weekenders bring their picnic blankets and just hang on the grounds. Kids run around, play bocce, and climb on the old tractor in the field while they eat their fresh made pizza!”

 

ANTIQUING HOT SPOT

“Warren Street in Hudson is the best. I love antiquing and it’s one amazing shop after the other there.”

 

THE BEST LOCAL FINDS

“I live near a home goods store called Maisonette. The owner has a great eye and is constantly bringing in great new items. It is my absolute first go-to shop for a gift or for when I need to add an extra touch to my home. She always has an amazing assortment of colored sheepskin rugs, and I’m addicted to them!

“My husband is really into soccer and we found this amazing soccer shop that carries lots of great athletic wear. I always find myself in there after grabbing tacos at The Taco Project, picking up some Nike FC sweatpants or a new ball for my son.

Irvington Architectural Minerals & Stone has incredible sliced agate tables and amazing tabletop items. It is located in a very charming area in Irvington along the water.”

 

MUST-EAT MEAL (+ EXTRAS)

“A trip to Stone Barns is a MUST. Dinner at Blue Hill or even lunch at the café while exploring the grounds is a beautiful way to connect with nature and understand where our food comes from.

“Stone Barns also has an amazing general store where they sell their jarred items along with some other yummy treats and pottery. They also make an incredible rosemary bug spray that is a MUST HAVE for everyone at the moment.”

SPRING TO FALL ART ESCAPE

Storm King is a fairly tale. Exploring the sculptures and staring out on the lookout points can serve as hours of entertainment. It’s is a great place to go to welcome fall on a crisp October afternoon.

Dia Beacon is my favorite museum in New York. The location is very unique. A great way to do it is with a picnic on the grounds. The space is incredible and they have a lot of long-term view collections that encompass some of my favorites, like Sol LeWitt and Louise Bourgeois.”

 

FOR A DAY TRIP

“The Old Croton Aquaduct Trail is a 22 mile route from the New Croton Dam in northern Westchester County to Yonkers, just north of New York City. Panoramas of the Hudson River are visible, particularly in Yonkers and Hastings. Many historical homes, two nature preserves, and a museum in Ossining highlighting the construction of the Aqueduct are immediate neighbors. The trail passes through 11 communities and is accessible from Metro-North Hudson Line trains and bus services along Route 9. The train ride out of Grand Central on a bright sunny day is a storybook New York experience.”

 

GO APPLE PICKING

“[Stylist] Laura Ferrera of Westwind Orchard has really created a beautiful little haven. It’s hands down the best place to pick apples and berries during the height of the season. There is also a general store that makes you think you need EVERYTHING in it, including their homemade jams made from the fruits on the orchard, handmade ceramic egg holders, and other homemade dry goods.”

Part of the series:

City Guide

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